Step into an unforgettable evening of jazz brilliance as Rutgers IJS and Gregory Burrus Productions bring another powerhouse project to Clements Place. Join us for a night where artistry, soul, and improvisation meet in the heart of Newark’s historic jazz home.

Experience the dynamic chemistry of pianist Gil Scott Chapman and vocalist Nikita White, a duo known for blending elegance, fire, and deep musical storytelling. They’re joined by the always‑in‑the‑pocket Jarrett Walser on drums and the masterfully grounded Charlie Himel on bass, creating a quartet that moves effortlessly from lush ballads to high‑energy swing and modern grooves.

This special performance is a perfect midweek escape into world‑class musicianship curated by Gregory Burrus Productions in partnership with the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies.

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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Jarret Walsh — Drums

Jarrett Walser is a dynamic and deeply musical drummer whose sound is rooted in the rich traditions of jazz while pushing boldly into contemporary expression. A Newark‑area standout, Walser is known for his crisp touch, commanding swing, and the kind of intuitive sensitivity that elevates every ensemble he joins. His playing blends technical precision with soulful spontaneity, making him a first‑call drummer for vocalists, instrumentalists, and bandleaders across the region.

Whether driving a hard‑grooving quartet, shaping the contours of a ballad, or opening the music with modern rhythmic ideas, Walser brings clarity, taste, and an unmistakable rhythmic voice. His work continues to resonate in clubs, festivals, and creative spaces throughout New Jersey and New York, where he is celebrated for both his versatility and his unwavering commitment to the music.

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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.