Miriam Dalaei Fodera
Bringing The Nomad Jazz Festival To Life
As The NoMad Alliance finalizes preparations for the first annual NoMad Jazz Festival, slated for August 9-10, there are no shortage of opportunities for business owners, community members, residents, and visitors to get involved. NOMAD Magazine recently sat down with Miriam Dalaei Fodera, director of the NoMad Jazz Festival, for a conversation on all things jazz. From the legacy of Madison Square Park as a venue for neighborhood events to the exciting plans for the festival, Fodera shared insights on what to expect later this summer.
NM: Miriam, congratulations on launching the inaugural NoMad Jazz Festival and bringing it to life. What inspired you to take on this monumental project?
MIRIAM DALAEI FODERA: Thank you! It’s been an incredible journey. I’ve always believed in the power of public programming to create meaningful connections, and when The NoMad Alliance approached me about bringing a jazz festival to life in NoMad and Madison Square Park, I was immediately drawn to the idea. It felt like a natural extension of my experience and passion for activating spaces. The opportunity to create something that celebrates the vibrancy of this neighborhood while providing a platform for world-class jazz was something I simply couldn’t pass up.
NM: You have deep roots in public programming, particularly in Madison Square Park. Tell us about your journey.
MDF: I moved to New York City from Houston in 2010 for love and was fortunate to start working at Madison Square Park Conservancy as a teaching artist. Initially, I thought it would be a short-term summer job, which serendipitously turned into a 10-year career leading public programs in beautiful Madison Square Park. As the director of public programs, I had the privilege of developing free, engaging art, horticulture, and music programs, including a performing arts festival that attracted over 10,000 attendees.
It was during this time that I first met Leslie Spira Lopez, founder of The NoMad Alliance, who was a board member and strong supporter of the music program in the park. My work has always centered around creating inclusive, vibrant experiences for the public, so it feels like a full-circle moment to be back working with the park and The NoMad Alliance on this festival.
NM: The festival is planned for August 9-10, 2025. What can attendees expect?
MDF: The NoMad Jazz Festival is a free outdoor festival celebrating jazz, community, and culture in the heart of NoMad, Madison Square Park. We’re curating a lineup of world-class musicians for the mainstage, and will be promoting a wide variety of music experiences throughout the NoMad neighborhood during Festival Week. I encourage all NoMad establishments to connect with me to learn more about ways to get involved and participate in the NoMad Jazz Festival. We want this to be a community driven event and there’s a seat at the table for everyone to participate. One of the aspects I’m particularly excited about is incorporating family-friendly programming, something that is a nod to my early career. We’re planning a family concert, live storytelling, activations, and lawn games — making it a festival that welcomes people of all ages.
NM: What does this festival mean for NoMad as a neighborhood?
MDF: NoMad has always been a dynamic and evolving neighborhood. It’s a hub of culture, business, and creativity, and The NoMad Alliance has done an incredible job fostering a sustainable community. This festival is another step toward making NoMad a destination for arts and culture. It’s also an opportunity for local businesses to participate, whether through sponsorship, hosting performances, or offering in-kind contributions. The festival is designed to drive foot traffic, boost visibility, and create an annual tradition that people look forward to.
NM: You only started working on the festival in February 2025. How have you approached such a significant task in a short time?
MDF: It’s definitely been an intense few months, but I thrive in fast-paced environments. I’ve leaned heavily on my background in strategic partnerships, community engagement, and event planning. The NoMad Alliance has been incredibly supportive, allowing me the creative freedom to make this festival fun, engaging, and meaningful. We’re building something with a strong foundation so that it can become a beloved annual event.
NM: How can people get involved or support the festival?
MDF: There are so many ways to get involved. If you’re a NoMad business or supporter of The NoMad Alliance, please reach out to me at [email protected] to learn more about ways to get involved through sponsorship or to host a Festival Week activation. Residents and jazz lovers can support by spreading the word, attending the festival, and engaging with us on social media. Anyone interested can find more information at NoMadJazzFestival.com.
NM: Outside of work, you’re a mother of two young daughters. How do you balance it all?
MDF: I like to say I’m ‘happily busy.’ My daughters are seven and two, and they bring so much joy to my life. I love adding splashes of joy to all of my projects, and I think that philosophy carries over into how I parent and work. It’s all about being present in the moment, whether I’m planning a festival or playing with my kids.
NM: What excites you most about the future of the NoMad Jazz Festival?
MDF: The potential! Bringing the inaugural NoMad Jazz Festival to life is just the beginning. I see this festival growing into an iconic annual event that continues to highlight NoMad as a cultural hotspot. I hope that it not only introduces new audiences to jazz but also strengthens the sense of community in this neighborhood. The vision is strong, and with the support of The NoMad Alliance and the amazing businesses and people in this area, I know we’re creating something special.