Evening worship with contemporary prose, poetry, scripture reading and amazing jazz music in our church lounge this time featuring The Ardie Walser Quartet.
Come and celebrate God as we do a new thing in the spirit of Psalm 150.
Dr. Ardie Walser as singer, pianist and songwriter, was a member of the award winning vocal trio BLACK TIE, two-time winners of the Manhattan Association of Cabarets and Club (MAC) Award for Outstanding Vocal Group and the winners of the Bistro Awards for Outstanding Vocal Group and Best New York Debut. With Black Tie he has shared the stage with the likes of Melba Moore at Carnegie Hall; Sylvia Sims and Ann Hampton Callaway at Town Hall; and Noel Pointer at Avery Fisher Hall; and performed on radio and appeared on a number of TV shows such as The Joan Rivers Show. He has recorded with a wide range of artists from cabaret to pop including – Jazz Composer, Anke Helfrich; Cabaret Artist, Natalie Douglas; Salsa Singer, Michael Stuart; and Salsa Star, Marc Anthony.
Dre Barnes ( Jazz Pianist and Composer) - Born in Philadelphia, Jazz Pianist Dre Barnes began studies in classical piano at an early age. He played in local Rhythm and Blues bands throughout high school and began playing Jazz, sitting in at local jam sessions throughout the area. Barnes attended Rutgers University where studied jazz piano with Kenny Barron who he cites as a major influence.
Furthermore, Barnes has performed with trumpeter Duane Eubanks, trumpeter Phillip Harper, Joel Frahm, and the T.S. Monk Septet, among others. Barnes has also performed with vocalists Mikki Braden , Judy Bady, and actress/vocalist Janet Huber from the popular television sitcom, “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”.
In 2008 Barnes recorded his second album as a leader entitled “Wandering Spirits”, featuring the dynamic bassist Reuben Rogers and the legendary drummer Lewis Nash, showcasing his original compositions and arrangements of jazz standards from the great American songbook.
“Dre Barnes is an impressive dedicated Jazz Pianist and Composer who delivers his choice notes with a firm touch and potent rhythmic heft” Zan Stewart, The Star ledger
“Dre Barnes’ music is the top of the walk quality Jazz piano and as such, he’s part of an august group and a wonderous tradition that’s part of an up and coming new wave of Jazz Pianists” Jazz Improv New York
Barnes has performed with his trio and quartet at some of new York’s finest jazz clubs including Dizzy’s Club Coca Cola, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and the Kitano jazz club.
Ian Kenselaar (bass) has been playing bass for almost 20 years and has dedicated their life to music. Ian plays with various groups, performing music of various genres including jazz, indie rock, and Turkish folk. Ian has been developing their talents as a musician for many years and is excited to perform their first solo set for you today! Outside of music, Ian enjoys biking, cooking, eating, art, and learning new trades. You can stay engaged with Ian’s upcoming gigs on Instagram at their account: @iankenselaar
Jarret Walser (drummer) - What started out as an inquisitive, playful orchestration on pots and pans, at the age of three, grew into a passion. Jarrett’s first love has always been jazz. This allure commenced at the age of 11 when he began studying at NJPAC Wells Fargo Jazz for Teens program. After his studies at NJPAC, he continue to pursue his passion for music at Rutgers University, Mason Gross School of the Arts, where he received his B.A. and M.M. in Jazz Performance.
Jarrett has made a career playing with various artists over a wide variety of genres from jazz, to rock to theater. Some notable artists Jarrett has performed with include Rufus Reid, Chico Freeman and Valery Ponomarev, to name a few.
Jarrett currently leads the Jarrett Walser Pack, a modern jazz quartet playing his original compositions, incorporating a mixture of fusion, R & B, funk and rock.
When not performing, Jarrett is an educator, sharing his love of music and inspiring the next generation of young artists.