Back Deck Presents Lynette Sheard and Friends

Step into the opulence of the Jazz Age as Lynette Sheard brings her dazzling Gatsby Reimagined show to the Morris Museum’s Back Deck on Thursday, July 24, 2025 at 7:30 PM. This immersive concert transforms the Back Deck into a roaring 1920s soirée, complete with flapper fashion, swinging jazz standards, and original tunes that echo the elegance of Gatsby’s world. Backed by a stellar ensemble—including Yayoi Ikawa on piano, Alex Desrivieres on saxophone, Damon Duewhite on drums, Kim Clarke on bass and Tap Dancer Extraordinaire Jeff Foote—Sheard’s powerhouse vocals and theatrical flair promise a night of music, glamour, and vintage celebration. Guests are invited to dress the part, sip bubbly, and become part of the pre show performance in this unforgettable evening under the stars.

Lynette Sheard

Lynette Sheard is a versatile vocalist, actor, producer, director, and vocal coach. Her live performances have been acknowledged in numerous publications including, The NY Times, Broadway World, and The Star-Ledger, which proclaimed that “Her voice reaches deep into one’s soul and finds a soft spot” She performs Jazz, Blues, R&B, Gospel, Soul, and Pop music. She has performed for sold-out audiences around the tri-state including Deer Head Inn, SOPAC, and NJPAC. Her most recent performance at Birdland Jazz received a standing ovation. Theater credits include principal roles in Dream Girls, Smokey Joe’s Café, Ragtime, Swing, Aida, For Colored Girls, A Raisin in the Sun, and Avenue Q in which Broadway World declared that “she is fabulous with a voice that shakes the rafters” In 2017 she was inducted into the “Encyclopedia of Newark Jazz. Fun Fact, she was the undefeated West Orange Idol for 15 years.

Killer Musicians Joining Lynette on stage:

Yayoi Ikawa – Keys

Yayoi Ikawa is a dynamic jazz pianist, composer, and bandleader whose work bridges cultures, generations, and genres with emotional depth and technical brilliance.

Here are some standout highlights from her career:

🌍 Global Collaborations: Yayoi has performed and recorded with legends like Reggie Workman, Billy Harper, Richard Bona, and Sonny Fortune, and has toured internationally across the U.S., Japan, Italy, Costa Rica, and the Caribbean.

🎶 The Bridge Project: Founded in 2008, this initiative fosters musical dialogue between Tokyo and New York, showcasing her commitment to cross-cultural exchange and experimental jazz.

🎼 Composer & Arranger: She’s received commissions from the Modern Music Society of Tokyo and the Bill T. Jones/Arnie Zane Dance Company, and premiered orchestral works at Lincoln Center’s Film Society.

🎤 Live Performances: Recent appearances include Room 623 in Harlem with Uptown Jazz, where she played alongside Jonathan Toscano and Kenneth Salters in a vibrant, inclusive jazz party setting.

🎓 Academic Excellence: Yayoi holds degrees from The New School University and International Christian University in Tokyo, and studied with jazz luminaries like Geri Allen and Gil Goldstein.

💿 Discography: Her albums like Color of Dreams and Angel Eyes showcase her lyrical style and spiritual approach to jazz, often blending Japanese folk melodies with modern improvisation.

She’s described as “a wonder… with a big intellect, emotional spectrum, and totally unique sound” by Gil Goldstein

Damon Duewhite – Drums

Kim Clarke – Bass

Alex Desriveres – Sax

Jeffery Foote – Tap

Please join us for this dynamic great Gatsby Experience!

https://morrismuseum.org/outdoor-concerts-on-the-back-deck

And and and … join us pre-show for a birthday celebration

CC Minton’s birthday celebration

🎉 You’re Invited: CC Minton’s Gatsby Reimagined Birthday Bash! 🎷 An unforgettable evening of jazz, joy & glamour

Join us in celebrating the fabulous CC Minton with a birthday bash that channels the opulence and rhythm of the Roaring Twenties! Set beneath the summer sunset on the Morris Museum Back Deck, this Gatsby Reimagined soirée is jazz-fueled, flapper-inspired, and filled with love, laughter, and Lynette Sheard.

✨ Featuring 🎤 Vocal powerhouse Lynette Sheard 🎺 Full jazz ensemble with horns, piano, and swing rhythms 🍾 Free bubbly drinks & Gatsby shoutouts 📸 Priority entertainer photo moments 🎭 Flapper fashion & interactive fun

📍 Morris Museum Back Deck 📅 Wednesday, July 24 🕕 VIP Tailgate begins at 6:00 PM | Show at 7:30 PM 📌 6 Normandy Heights Road, Morristown, NJ 🎟️ Dress to impress, bring your spirit, and prepare for a gorgeous night of celebration!

For event details, RSVP and special requests, please contact CC Minton directly.

Grab your ticket and come celebrate with us. Your presence make the experience even better.

The Back Deck Returns!

Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series returns with a robust season of performances featuring big international names and regional superstars in jazz, classical, and genres in-between. Under the direction of Producer Gregory Burrus, the 2025 season promises a dynamic variety of memorable concerts under the stars. Patrons are invited to bring chairs, set up picnics, and enjoy the sunset for this special program.

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 72 performances of critically acclaimed artists, welcomed more than 11,000 patrons, and received critical praise from local and national media. The series has presented established artists and rising stars with several ensembles going on to receive national acclaim. Now an established part of the regional cultural landscape, the Museum’s elevated parking deck has become known for elegant tailgates and world-class music each summer.

Click here for ticket and details Morris Museum Back Deck Concerts