Students from Cole Manor Elementary School joined MCCC students and community members to enjoy a conversation with 16-year-old jazz pianist Joey Alexander on Friday afternoon, Oct. 4, in MCCC’s Science Center Theater.

The three-time Grammy nominated musician spoke about his budding career, his practice schedule and his dedication to his passion. Throughout the discussion hosted by MCCC’s Senior Director of Cultural Affairs Brent Woods, Alexander would take a few minutes to play some music, impressing the audience with his talent.

Born in 2003 in Bali, Indonesia, Alexander moved to New York City in 2014, where his career as a jazz musician, composer and bandleader rapidly accelerated. By age 14, he had already recorded two Grammy-nominated albums, My Favorite Things and Countdown. His most recent recording, Eclipse, features Alexander with bassist Reuben Rogers and drummer Eric Harland and guest appearances by saxophonist Joshua Redman. The jazz trio performed at MCCC on Saturday, Oct. 5, at 8 p.m. to a nearly sold-out theater.

MCCC’s Lively Arts Series hosts the free conversations with various artists throughout the year. The next conversation will be hosted by MCCC Dance Professor, Dr. Melinda Copel, and will feature Colin Connor, Carla Maxwell, Ann Vachon and James Peyton of the Limon Dance Company. The conversation will be held on Friday, Oct. 25, at 6 p.m. (prior to the performance at 7:30 p.m.) in MCCC’s Science Center Theater, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell.