Jazz impresarios to retire after decades of high notes

Mark Morganelli and Ellen Prior’s paths first crossed when they were in kindergarten, 66 years ago, though they didn’t meet until two decades later. Now, 47 years after Morganelli presented his first concerts under the name Jazz Forum, and 41 years after he married Prior and established Jazz Forum Arts as a nonprofit, the couple will retire from the organization together. 

Morganelli has served as executive and artistic director since the beginning, while Prior has been Jazz Forum Arts’ associate director for 11 years, in addition to decades of assisting with a variety of tasks, from concessions to fundraising, without a title. Their last day will be June 30. Current program director Darrian Douglas, a drummer, will take over as executive director, while current marketing director Clara Winder, a Dobbs Ferry native, will become chief operating officer.