Seed Artists

Seed Artists is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization headquartered in Montclair, New Jersey. Founded in Brooklyn by renowned drummer, composer and educator Pheeroan akLaff in 2005, Seed used creative music to bridge gaps between generations and cultures, promote community involvement and expand musical education among schoolchildren. In its first few years, Mr. akLaff produced musical performances in nursing homes, hospices and community gardens; mentored middle-school music students; mentored a high-school chorus and directed its performance at a retirement home; and sponsored a workshop at a women’s shelter in Brooklyn. It was a true grassroots, DIY project. Intimate performances, hands-on teaching, and heartfelt interactions between children and their elders. Pheeroan-Reggie1In 2010, Mr. akLaff and his wife, Seed co-founder Luz Marina Bueno, moved to Montclair. Between the acclimation, his touring and recording, and a weekly teaching gig at Wesleyan University, Seed was initially dormant. But Montclair is a cultural hub and home to a uniquely large number of the finest creative musicians. Unfortunately, also a place of great disparity in wealth. A chance meeting at a yard sale with Board member Chris Napierala led to conversations about these issues, and eventually plans to revitalize Seed. flier-kampo_aThe 50th anniversary of the death of Eric Dolphy became a rallying point among like-minded community members, who reformed the Board. With a major Dolphy celebration and the launch of the Freedom of Sound series as its coming-out party, Seed is planting new roots. This is the first step, a significant one, towards a major contribution to the arts, arts education, and a more engaged community.