Join us for a radiant morning of Jesus & Jazz, where spirit and song rise together as the extraordinary vocalist MerikaRa—supported by the soulful piano artistry of Yayoi Ikawa on keys, the dynamic rhythms of Maria Kolesnik on drums, and the deep bass foundation of Sue Williams—fills Mount Zion AME Church with music that stirs the soul and lifts the heart.

Under the leadership of Pastor Eyesha Massarable, this gathering of faith, fellowship, and sound becomes a sacred space where music turns into sanctuary and every rhythm opens a new door to praise.

Space is limited, so please let us know if we should expect you via Eventbrite RSVP or by emailing mtzionamemillburn@gmail.com.

Refreshments will be available immediately following the service, provided by Pangea Caterers.

MerikaRa

A radiant and spiritually rooted vocalist, MerikaRa brings a voice shaped by deep cultural expression and artistic storytelling. While widely known for her creative work across performance, visual art, and community-centered expression, she continues to build a growing musical presence that resonates with authenticity and soul. Her performances are marked by emotional clarity, spiritual depth, and a commitment to uplifting audiences through sound.

Yayoi Ikawa — Pianist / Keys

A celebrated Japanese-born jazz pianist, composer, and educator, Yayoi Ikawa has performed internationally across the U.S., Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique. Her trio was featured on Japan’s historic nationwide radio program Session 2008, and she has released acclaimed recordings including Angel Eyes and Color of Dreams. Ikawa is known for her cross-cultural musical dialogues through The Bridge Project, and her work has been presented at major venues and festivals worldwide.

Maria Kolesnik — Drums

An emerging drummer on the New York jazz scene, Maria Kolesnik is quickly gaining recognition for her dynamic touch and stylistic versatility across jazz and Latin traditions. A student of the renowned William Paterson University Jazz Program, she is part of a lineage that includes mentorship from leading jazz artists. She has performed with her own ensembles, including the Maria Kolesnik Quintet for the New Brunswick Jazz Project, and is steadily building a reputation as one of the rising young drummers to watch.

Sue Williams — Bass

A powerhouse acoustic and electric bassist, Sue Williams has performed on some of the world’s most iconic stages — including the White House — and toured across Japan, China, Canada, Mexico, and Europe. Her extraordinary credits include performing with legends such as Eric Clapton, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Vanessa Williams, Ben E. King, Cab Calloway’s Swing Orchestra, Richard Hell & The Voidoids, and many more. She has also played in the pit orchestras of major Broadway productions, including Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Little Shop of Horrors, Prince of Broadway, SpongeBob, and Smokey Joe’s Café. Williams holds a Master of Science in Music Technology and is a respected educator and music technology specialist.

Rev. Eyesha Marable

Rev. Eyesha K. Marable, MFA, is an ordained Itinerant Elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church and the Pastor of Mt. Zion AME Church in Millburn, NJ. A visionary arts‑in‑ministry leader, she serves as the Assistant Vice President of Community Engagement at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC), where she founded the acclaimed NJPAC Faith‑Based Initiative and the award‑winning NJPAC Youth Gospel Choir, a nationally recognized ensemble that has performed with gospel greats and appeared on major stages across the country.

A celebrated choreographer, liturgical dance pioneer, and cultural strategist, Rev. Marable is the founder of the Worship Arts Restoration Center (WARC) and the long‑standing YAYA Dance Ensemble, which has ministered throughout the U.S. and internationally. Her work has been honored by civic, artistic, and faith institutions for its impact on youth development, community uplift, and the integration of sacred arts into worship.

Known for her powerful preaching, creative vision, and unwavering commitment to spiritual formation, Rev. Marable continues to inspire congregations, artists, and communities through a ministry rooted in faith, culture, and the transformative power of the arts.

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Event Free Open to All Please register and Let us know you are coming to join us..

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 ​Jesus and Jazz: Where Spirit Meets Sound

The Creative Arts Ensemble is the collaborative leadership team shaping the sound, spirit, and creative direction of Mt. Zion AME Church’s live music worship experience — Communion & Choirs on 1st Sundays, Blues & Blessings on 2nd Sundays, Praise & Poetry on 3rd Sundays, and Jesus & Jazz on 4th Sundays — all as part of our growing arts ministry. Led by Rev. Eyesha Marable, Minister of Music Philip Bingham, and Artistic Curator Gregory Burrus, the Ensemble guides the creative heartbeat of our worship community.