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 (Whitney Jackson) brings a voice shaped by deep cultural expression, artistic storytelling, and a growing presence across New Jersey’s vibrant music scene. She has performed at major community festivals including Maplewoodstock (twice), South Orange Downtown After Sundown, and the 24 Hours of Music Jamboree, sharing her gift with audiences drawn to her warmth, clarity, and soul.

Her creative reach continues to expand, most recently appearing in Rooted In Us… A Jazz Corner Juke, starring Ms. Celli Pitt (& Friends!) — where MerikaRa’s artistry stood out with its emotional honesty and spiritual resonance.

Known for her work across performance, visual art, and community-centered expression, she brings a voice that is both earthy and elevating, marked by emotional clarity, spiritual depth, and a commitment to uplifting every room she enters. Whether offering a tender hymn, a jazz-infused meditation, or a soaring improvisation, MerikaRa sings with purpose — turning sound into sanctuary and presence into praise.

Yayoi Ikawa — Pianist / Keys

A deeply expressive and internationally respected pianist, composer, and educator, Yayoi Ikawa brings a musical voice shaped by global experience, cultural fluency, and a profound commitment to artistic humanity. Born in Tokyo and raised musically in New York, she began playing piano at age three and grew into a versatile artist whose work spans jazz, gospel, R&B, soul, classical, and world music.

A graduate of The New School, where she received the prestigious Henry and Gill Block Scholarship, Ikawa quickly became immersed in New York’s diverse music scene. Her early career included serving as faculty at the International Jazz and Dance Academy in Slovenia alongside her mentor, the legendary Reggie Workman, in 2003 and 2004.

Her discography reflects both technical mastery and emotional depth. She recorded the straight‑ahead trio album “Angel Eyes” on Nippon Crown in 2004, followed by her self‑produced project “Color of Dreams” in 2005, showcasing her original compositions and imaginative harmonic language.

Ikawa’s music has been featured on major platforms, including the nationwide Japanese radio program Session 2008 and the international jazz station jjazz.net. Her compositions often honor her cultural roots, weaving Japanese folk melodies into contemporary jazz forms — as heard in pieces like “Motherland” and “Folk Song.” She has also used her music to respond to global events, dedicating works such as “Peace Requiem” and “Dear Asia” to moments of international tragedy and remembrance.

Her performance career spans the U.S., Italy, Japan, Costa Rica, Guadeloupe, and Martinique, Cuba and in 2008 she launched The Bridge Project, a cross‑cultural musical dialogue initiative that reflects her belief in music as a tool for connection, healing, and understanding.

Today, Yayoi Ikawa stands as a powerful creative force — a pianist of sensitivity and fire, a composer of vision, and an educator dedicated to lifting humanity through sound. Her presence at Jesus & Jazz

Maria Kolesnik — Drums

An emerging drummer on the New York jazz scene, Maria Kolesnik is quickly gaining recognition for her dynamic touch, rhythmic sensitivity, and stylistic versatility across jazz, Latin, and contemporary improvisational traditions. A graduate of the renowned William Paterson University Jazz Program, she is part of a lineage shaped by mentorship from some of the region’s leading jazz artists and educators.

Maria has begun carving out a strong performance presence across New Jersey and New York. She has led her own ensembles — including the Maria Kolesnik Quintet for the New Brunswick Jazz Project — and has appeared in a variety of small‑group and collaborative settings that highlight her adaptability and musical maturity. Her work spans straight‑ahead swing, modern jazz, Afro‑Latin grooves, and creative music, making her a sought‑after young drummer for both established bandleaders and emerging artists.

In addition to her bandleading appearances, Maria has performed at campus showcases, regional jazz venues, community festivals, and collaborative student‑faculty concerts connected to William Paterson’s deep jazz network. Her growing résumé reflects a drummer steadily building momentum, known for her crisp time feel, responsive interplay, and an intuitive sense of ensemble flow.

With each performance, Maria continues to establish herself as one of the rising young drummers to watch, bringing energy, curiosity, and a forward‑looking musical voice to every bandstand she steps onto.

Sue Williams — Bass

A powerhouse on both acoustic and electric bass, Sue Williams stands among the most versatile and accomplished bassists of her generation. Her career has taken her to some of the world’s most iconic stages — including the White House, major international concert halls, and festivals across Japan, China, Canada, Mexico, and Europe — where she has captivated audiences with her deep groove, impeccable time, and commanding musical presence.

Williams’ extraordinary range as a performer is reflected in the legendary artists she has worked with. Her credits span rock, soul, jazz, and pop royalty, including Eric Clapton, Jon Bon Jovi, Sheryl Crow, Vanessa Williams, Ben E. King, Cab Calloway’s Swing Orchestra, and Richard Hell & The Voidoids. Whether anchoring a blues band, driving a jazz ensemble, or shaping the sound of a pop icon, she brings a signature blend of precision, warmth, and musical intelligence.

Her mastery extends to the Broadway stage, where she has performed in the pit orchestras of major productions such as Ain’t Too Proud, Beautiful, Little Shop of Horrors, Prince of Broadway, SpongeBob SquarePants, and Smokey Joe’s Café. These credits place her among the elite musicians trusted to deliver eight shows a week at the highest professional level.

Beyond performance, Williams is a dedicated educator and music technology specialist. She holds a Master of Science in Music Technology, and her teaching reflects the same clarity, rigor, and creativity that define her playing. She is widely respected for her ability to bridge traditional musicianship with modern tools, inspiring the next generation of artists to think expansively about sound.

With a career that spans continents, genres, and iconic collaborations, Sue Williams brings a depth of experience and musical authority that elevates every ensemble she joins — making her presence at Jesus & Jazz a true gift to the ministry and the audience.

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 – VP Barry Harris Institute of Jazz, and Jazz Curator Gregory Burrus Founder Gregory Burrus Productions , the Ensemble guides the creative heartbeat of our worship community.

With Tina Fabrique Broadway and the iconic Reading Rainbow and Wayne Winborne Rutgers IJS and NEA Jazz Master Dorthaan Kirk and friends

Click to Learn More: Jesus & Jazz: A Journey of Faith, Culture, and Community (Feb 2024 – Present)