About This Episode
We explore how a century-old religious statue workshop transformed into one of Jersey City's most intimate jazz venues while maintaining its creative spirit. Ted Chubb shares how The Statuary brings world-class musicians and neighbors together in a unique home setting.
Meet Ted Chubb
Ted Chubb is a trumpeter, educator, and co-owner of The Statuary with his wife Rachel. A Jersey City resident for 17 years, Ted teaches at Princeton University and has performed with jazz luminaries across the globe. His passion for making jazz accessible led him to transform their historic Heights home into a venue where audiences and musicians connect without barriers.
Connect with Ted Chubb and The Statuary:
Website Ted:
https://www.tedchubb.com/
Instagram Ted: @tchubb
Facebook The Statuary: https://www.facebook.com/thestatuaryofjc/
Instagram The Statuary: @thestatuaryjc
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXqlI7MnaxAzBxHmFl-BQrw
Email the Statuary: thestatuaryofjerseycity(at)gmail.com
Key Insights
The Jersey Statuary operated as a Catholic statue-making workshop for nearly 80 years before being transformed into a residence in 2005
Ted and Rachel host 10-12 performances annually in their intimate space that seats about 40 people
World-class jazz artists who normally play major venues perform in this living room setting, creating unique connections with audiences
Previous owners Walter and Margot Parks began the tradition of hosting concerts, which Ted and Rachel have expanded
The building still contains original statues and artifacts from its previous life, honoring its creative heritage
Outdoor summer performances in the courtyard often draw in curious passersby who might never otherwise experience live jazz
The Statuary receives support from the Jersey City Arts and Culture Trust Fund
Visual Documentation
Related Resources
Moore's Lounge - Winard Harper's Friday night sessions
Music at the Fountain Series in Lincoln Park - free summer concerts
Daoud-David Williams Cultural Arts Center at the Miller Branch Library
Explore Further
Coming soon on substack - my new article "Crafting Moments: The Statuary’s Creative Legacy" - Subscribe so you do not miss the articles that go along with my podcast interviews.
Coming Up Next
My next guests are Anne Wallace and Kim Correro. We will speak about their work connecting with urban nature through poetry, plants and their podcast, the Wild Story.
Connect with Nat
Website: natkalbach.com
Substack: Nat’s Sidewalk Stories
Instagram: @natkalbach
Email: podcast@natkalbach.com
Music: Our theme music is "How You Amaze Me," composed by Jim Kalbach and performed by Jim Kalbach, Bryan Beninghove, Charlie Siegler, and Pat Van Dyke.
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Nat's Sidewalk Stories explores the intersection of place, community, and storytelling through conversations with practitioners, community leaders, and local changemakers. New episodes release on the 2nd and 4th Thursdays of each month through August, with a break in September before Season 2 begins in October.
