Experience a Black History Month performance shaped by four extraordinary artists: Gil Scott Chapman’s expressive piano storytelling, Steve Johns’ masterful swing, Charlie Himel’s deep, grounding bass lines, and Nikita White’s soul‑rich vocals. Together, they bring a vibrant, jazz‑driven celebration to the 1978 Arts Center, presented by Maplewood Arts & Culture and Gregory Burrus Productions.

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Gil Scott Chapman — Piano

Gil Scott Chapman is a jazz pianist who began his classical music studies at the age of 7. He is a graduate of the Interlochen Arts Academy and earned his B.F.A. and M.M. from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor).

Gil has studied under jazz greats such as Geri Allen and Benny Green. He has performed in concerts and festivals around the world; notably at Carnegie Hall; Kennedy Center; Monterey Jazz Festival; Montreux Jazz Festival; and Detroit Jazz Festival.

Recently Gil has toured extensively with the Glenn Miller Orchestra across the U.S., Canada & Japan. Each year during the summer Gil is in residency at the Grand Hotel in Mackinac Island, MI–where he plays nightly with the Grand Hotel Orchestra and a host of other amazing artists.

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Nikita White — Vocals

Nikita White is a powerhouse vocalist whose warm tone, soaring range, and soul‑rooted delivery captivate audiences instantly. Steeped in gospel, jazz, and contemporary soul, she brings emotional depth and radiant presence to every performance. White’s artistry bridges tradition and modern expression, making her a standout voice in both worship, blues and jazz‑driven settings.

Nikita White has shared the stage with celebrated gospel and jazz artists, lending her powerful voice to collaborations with choir directors, jazz bandleaders, and soul‑driven ensembles throughout the tri‑state area. She has performed at notable venues including NJPAC, The Apollo Theater’s community stages, Rutgers IJS Clements, and major church arts ministries known for spotlighting emerging vocal talent. Her blend of gospel roots and jazz phrasing has made her a featured vocalist in concerts, festivals, and special cultural programs.

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Steve Johns — Drums

Steve Johns is a master drummer celebrated for his impeccable swing, deep groove, and decades of work alongside jazz greats. His versatility spans straight‑ahead jazz, modern improvisation, and soulful accompaniment, always delivered with precision and fire. Johns’ seasoned musicianship and commanding rhythmic presence make him one of the most respected drummers on today’s scene.

Steve Johns has performed with an extraordinary roster of jazz legends, including Sonny Fortune, Randy Brecker, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, Gary Burton, and Benny Carter. His career has taken him to some of the world’s most respected stages, such as Carnegie Hall, The Kennedy Center, Birdland, The Village Vanguard, and international festivals across Europe and Asia. Johns’ reputation as a deeply swinging, highly versatile drummer has made him a first‑call musician for both iconic bandleaders and contemporary innovators.

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Charlie Himel — Bass

Bassist Charlie Himel grew up in a musical family in Falls Church, VA. His grandfather was a choir director at NMSU, and his parents met in New Mexico competing against one another in a Battle of the Bands. (If you’re curious, his dad’s band won, but his mother maintains that the call-in voting was rigged against her.)

Since moving to Brooklyn, NY in 2014, Charlie has had the humbling opportunity to work with jazz luminaries such as Alex Graham, Carol Morgan, Greg Ruggiero, Vinny Valentino, Michael Kanan, Steve Ash, Pete Malinverni, Peter Mihelich, Rudy Petschauer, Keith Balla, and Aaron Seeber.

He has held residencies and toured with bands such as the Glenn Miller Orchestra, Grand Hotel Orchestra, The James Hunter Six, Nefesh Mountain Band, and Wild Magnolia.

Charlie now resides in Englewood, NJ, and maintains a full-time schedule as an in-demand bassist in the Tri-State area, regionally and abroad.

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Maplewood Arts & Culture’s 1978 Arts Center

Maplewood Arts & Culture’s 1978 Arts Center is a vibrant community hub dedicated to showcasing local creativity, live performance, and cultural programming. Housed in the heart of Maplewood Springfield Ave, the 1978 Arts Center hosts exhibitions, concerts, workshops, and special events that highlight the town’s rich artistic spirit and commitment to accessible, community‑driven arts experiences.

This Black History Month performance is proudly produced by Gregory Burrus Productions in partnership with Maplewood Arts & Culture, celebrating the brilliance of today’s artists while honoring the legacy that shaped America’s musical soul. By bringing exceptional musicians to the 1978 Arts Center, this collaboration uplifts Black artistry, amplifies community voices, and creates a space where jazz, culture, and history come alive through powerful live performance.