Name: Adam Cruz
Where do you live? Bloomfield
When did you move there? 2004
Where did you grow up? I grew up in Paterson until 10 years old and then Dumont through high school.
How do you make a living? OR What is your everyday passion? I manage two part-time careers and I love them both! During most week days, I work from home as a Digital Technology Director for NJSACC, New Jersey’s Afterschool Network. At NJSACC, I’m responsible for their off and online communications, conference designs, online training platforms and more! During free nights and weekends, I operate a small distribution company, releasing dance music from nearly half a dozen record labels, including my own Mixtape Sessions label.
Coffee, tea or … ? Coffee definitely!
What’s your idea of a perfect weekend day? My idea of a perfect weekend includes a lot of laughing, dancing, singing and eating with my love and our three beautiful children.
What’s your favorite local restaurant? Plaza Diner in Bloomfield.
What’s on your nightstand? A touch lamp, a box of tissues and my iPhone or a book, depending on my mood.
What are you listening to? Josh Milan’s new “6969” double album and Louie Vega’s new “NYC Disco” album. Both were exquisitely written and produced!
What are your current indulgences? I like to watch shows after their entire season has been posted. Currently, I’m binge watching The Handmaid’s Tale.
What talent you would most like to have? I’d like to possess the talent for making a sustainable living from original music and other original content like the music business news program I co-host with Montclair resident and music collaborator, Eddie Nicholas. The Freedom Radio Hour broadcasts weekly on Capital Radio 91.6FM The Heartbeat of Sudan in Africa and on the web at: dwildmusicradio.com.
What’s the worst-kept (or best-kept!) secret about Montclair? It’s progressive and welcoming communities and its fantastic restaurants. Crockett’s Fish Fry, Cuban Pete’s, and The Office are just some of my favorite Montclair spots.
What do you hope they say about you at your funeral? I hope they’d say that I made a positive impact that changed the world and helped it to heal.