- This event has passed.
Lynette Sheard featuring the Glenn Merrit Quartet in Sunday Gazebo Jazz at Springfield Ave Gazebo, Maplewood NJ
August 3, 2025 @ 3:00 pm – 6:00 pm EDT
August 3rd, the Springfield Avenue Gazebo will come alive with the powerhouse vocals and magnetic presence of Lynette Sheard, a Newark-born jazz vocalist, actress, and mental health advocate whose performances are as soul-stirring as they are unforgettable.
Sheard is known for her five-octave range, perfect pitch, and emotionally resonant delivery that spans jazz, blues, gospel, and soul. Her stage credits include principal roles in Dream Girls, Ragtime, and Avenue Q, and she’s been honored in the Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz. But what truly sets her apart is her ability to connect deeply with audiences, blending music with storytelling and emotional wellness.
At the August 3rd concert, expect a set filled with jazz standards, heartfelt ballads, and empowering moments that reflect her dual artistry and advocacy. Whether she’s belting out “Stormy Monday” or inviting the crowd to scream out their stress, Sheard transforms every performance into a healing celebration of community and self-expression
Sunday Gazebo Jazz Series
Sunday Gazebo Jazz Series
Our beloved annual jazz tradition returns August 3 & August 10!
Join us at 1668 Springfield Ave, Maplewood, NJ for smooth jazz under the gazebo, shaded seating, and good vibes.
🍴 Plus, enjoy delicious eats from a wonderful local food truck!
🪑 Bring a chair, bring a friend, and soak up the sounds of summer.
Presented by Gregory Burrus Productions & Springfield Avenue Partnership with support from FinlayandGage & NJPAC Community Engagement
Artist Info:
Lynette Sheard is a powerhouse performer and advocate whose talents span music, theater, and mental health education.
Here’s what makes her remarkable:
- Vocal Virtuosity: Sheard boasts a five-octave range and perfect pitch, performing jazz, blues, gospel, soul, R&B, and pop. Critics have called her voice “soul-reaching” and “rafter-shaking”.
- Theatrical Force: She’s starred in principal roles in productions like Dream Girls, Smokey Joe’s Café, Ragtime, Aida, and Avenue Q3.
- Mental Health Advocate: As Director of the NJ Mental Health Players, she leads interactive programs that educate communities about emotional wellness. She’s certified in Mental Health First Aid and suicide prevention training.
- Community Connector: Sheard blends art and advocacy, often performing in events that highlight the healing power of music—like the recent Jazz and Joy: Mind Over Music event produced by Gregory Burrus Productions.
- Accolades & Legacy: She’s been featured in The Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz, received national awards for innovation in programming, and was the undefeated West Orange Idol for 15 years.
She’s not just a performer—she’s a movement.
Glenn Merritt, pianist for the Meant To Be Jazz Band, is a seasoned musician whose style blends classical training with soulful jazz improvisation.
Originally from New York City, Glenn began his musical journey as a child and has since cultivated a rich, expressive sound. He studied classical piano and music theory at the Manhattan School of Music and was mentored by the late Morris Nanton of the famed Morris Nanton Trio—a relationship that deeply shaped his lush chord voicings and tasteful phrasing.
Before settling into jazz piano, Glenn played percussion in Willie Sossa’s salsa band and electric bass in various R&B groups, giving him a rhythmic versatility that shines through in his playing. His performances with Meant To Be are marked by swinging standards, elegant improvisation, and a deep connection with his fellow musicians, including Alan Hayes (bass).
Whether he’s interpreting “Autumn Leaves” or navigating the complexities of “Giant Steps,” Glenn brings warmth, precision, and a sense of storytelling to every note.
John DuBose – Saxophone Soul from North Jersey
When the groove demands heart, flair, and fire, John DuBose answers with his sax. A standout in New Jersey’s live music circuit, John’s horn sings with a rich blend of funk, jazz, and R&B, weaving smooth melodies with punchy rhythmic flair.
Whether trading licks in the MPACK Band alongside vocalists like Patricia Walton and Tanaa Dean, or anchoring spontaneous jams that get crowds moving, DuBose brings a seasoned, expressive tone that lights up every stage. He’s not just playing the notes—he’s telling a story, rooted in soul and shaped by community.
Alan Hayes – The Groove Anchor of Meant To Be Jazz Band
With every pluck of the string, Alan Hayes brings the foundation, the flow, and the finesse to Meant To Be Jazz Band. His bass isn’t just background—it’s the heartbeat, guiding melodies and grounding improvisations with a warm, steady pulse that audiences feel in their soul.
A trusted collaborator within New Jersey’s jazz scene, Alan’s style blends traditional swing with modern subtlety. Whether supporting Glenn Merritt’s lyrical piano lines, Pete Omelio’s tight rhythms, or John Higgins’ bright trumpet tones, Alan locks in the band’s dynamic sound with quiet authority and magnetic rhythm.
Scott “Phunky B” Jordan LIVE – August 3rd @ Springfield Avenue Gazebo! Get ready for grooves that grab you by the soul.
On August 3rd, the Springfield Avenue Gazebo welcomes Scott “Phunky B” Jordan, a drummer whose beats are as bold as his mantra: “Music IZ Who I AM, IT’S WHAT I DO.” Known for locking into funk, soul, and jazz rhythms with precision and fire, Scott turns each set into a percussive celebration of self-expression and community pulse.
His style—raw, rhythmic, and joyfully unfiltered—pairs seamlessly with the vocal brilliance of Lynette Sheard, making this double-feature a can’t-miss evening of healing, high-energy music.
Related Events
Discover more from Gregory Burrus Productions
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.