Award-Winning Lineup Released for the 2025 Morris Museum Back Deck

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Press contact: Marcus Romero

E: mromero@morrismuseum.org - T: 973.971.3728

Award-Winning Lineup for the 2025 Season of the Back Deck Outdoor Concert Series

(Morristown, NJ, March 2025)— Entering its sixth year, the popular Back Deck concert series
returns with a robust season of performances featuring a lively mix of outstanding talents 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 that The
New York Times said made it “Joyous to be in Jersey.” Tickets go on sale April 14 (for museum
members) and April 22 (general public).

“We are thrilled to welcome this international array of performers to our unexpectedly elegant,
outdoor setting,” said Thomas J. Loughman the Morris Museum’s President & CEO. “Gregory Burrus
brings a wealth of experience and musical knowledge to this eclectic series, and we are
delighted to have his steady hand guiding the season.”

Highlights performing this year include:

Bria Skonberg is a singer, trumpeter, songwriter, arranger, and bandleader who is described by The Wall Street Journal as one of the "most versatile and imposing musicians of her generation

Lynette Sheard (West Orange, NJ) a versatile vocalist, actor, producer and director brings her legendary sound to a special 1920’s “Gatsby-style” elegant tailgates performance. Come dressed and ready for a roaring good time.

Cuarteto Latinoamericano (Mexico) a renowned string quartet from Mexico performs for the first time with the Morris Museum as part of their 2025 US tour

Jazz superstar and Short Hills native Evan Sherman returns with another big band experience sure to sell out once again. he has played in bands with Ron Carter, Jimmy Heath, Branford Marsalis, Cyrus Chestnut and many more.

John Lee is a Grammy Award-winning bassist, record producer, and audio engineer based in South Orange, NJ. Highly regarded as the longtime Dizzie Gillespie bassist and has worked with numerous iconic artists, including Aretha Franklin, Sonny Rollins, McCoy Tyner, and Roy Hargrove.

GRAMMY-Award nominated Black Oak Ensemble returns again from Chicago, IL also reached the top of the Billboard Classical chart and was nominated for a 2023 International Chamber Music Award.

The Alaya Project (Oakland, CA) joins the series for the first time with their innovative style of Indian classical music and contemporary jazz and funk

Morris Museum Back Deck

Since launching in July 2020, The Back Deck has presented over 75 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.

Back Deck 2025 Schedule*

Balourdet Quartet June 14
Amani presents The Beatles and Music of All Seasons June 27

John Lee & Friends: July 3
Frisson Winds: July 10
The Fumos: July 12
Bria Skonberg July 17
Lynette Sheard Live!: July 24

Richard Baratta: August 2
Cuarteto Latinoamericano: August 7
The Alaya Project: August 8
Evan Sherman & Friends: August 14
Tesla Quartet: August 23

Mike Davis & The New Wonders: September 4
Black Oak Ensemble: September 11

*Subject to change ~more to be announced~

For tickets and information:

morrismuseum.org/outdoor-concerts

Back Deck Visitor Information and Guidelines

Attendees should plan to bring their own chairs and are welcome to bring refreshments. Tickets
are $63 for an 8’x8’ block that accommodates up to two patrons or $33 for a block that
accommodates one. There is a $3 handling fee per block included in the price. Concerts begin at
7:30 PM. Patrons are welcome to arrive as early as 6:30 PM to enjoy their picnics. In the event
of inclement weather, outdoor performances will be held in the Museum’s Bickford Theatre,
general admission.

For assistance and to make purchases by phone, call the box office at 973 971-3706.

About the Morris Museum

The Morris Museum—founded in 1913 and located on 8.5 acres in Morris Township, New
Jersey since the mid-1960s—draws visitors from across the region to its dynamic and acclaimed
art exhibitions program and performing arts events. Its 45,000+ object collection of art and
material culture from around the world joins the art of our time in displays throughout the
Museum’s purpose-built spaces and within the historic Twin Oaks mansion, designed by McKim,
Mead & White.

About Back Deck Producer Gregory Burrus

Gregory Burrus is a passionate Live Music Events Producer known for creating unforgettable
musical experiences at public and private events. With a focus on local talent, he has curated an
impressive lineup of festivals and music series in Northern New Jersey and New York. Gregory
also produces events for the Rutgers Institute of Jazz Studies which is home to the largest jazz
library in the world. He curates and produces numerous community and live music events for
the largest performing arts center in New Jersey, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center
(NJPAC), connecting communities through the power of music. Gregory Burrus' dedication to
enriching souls through live music shines through in every event he produces, sharing his love
for the art form with audiences and musicians alike. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com