Jesus and Jazz feat Nat Adderley Jr Steve Johns Mike Lee and Chris Berger

Event: Jesus and Jazz feat Nat Adderley Jr Steve Johns Mike Lee and Chris Berger

Venue: Mt Zion Ame Church

Date: December 28, 2025 at 11:30 AM (Eastern Time)

Come join us for a soulful experience at Mt Zion Ame Church! Get ready to be mesmerized by the incredible performances of Nat Adderley Jr, Steve Johns, Mike Lee, and Chris Berger. It's going to be a service filled with heavenly music and wonderful vibes. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to enjoy some jazz tunes in a spiritual setting. See you there!

Nat Adderley Jr. — Piano, Composer & Arranger

Nat Adderley Jr. is a renowned pianist, composer, and arranger whose work has shaped the sound of modern American music. Best known as the longtime music director for Luther Vandross, he crafted many of the arrangements that defined Vandross’s iconic sound — from lush ballads to soaring anthems — leaving an indelible mark on R&B, soul, and contemporary jazz.

Born into one of the most celebrated families in jazz, Nat is the son of cornetist Nat Adderley and the nephew of saxophone legend Cannonball Adderley. That lineage is not just historical — it lives in his phrasing, his harmonic sensibility, and his deep respect for melody and groove. His early compositions were recorded by the Adderley Brothers themselves, signaling a prodigious talent destined to carry the family flame forward.

Nat has performed and recorded with a wide spectrum of artists across jazz, soul, and pop — including Luther Vandross, Aretha Franklin, Natalie Cole, Kirk Whalum, Valerie Simpson and the Adderley family legacy — bringing his unmistakable touch to every collaboration.. His playing is marked by warmth, clarity, and emotional intelligence, whether he’s delivering a tender ballad or driving a hard‑swinging groove.

In recent years, Nat has become a beloved presence in sacred and community‑centered music, including his powerful contributions to Jesus & Jazz, where he blends faith, heritage, and artistry with effortless grace. His performances uplift, inspire, and remind audiences of the spiritual roots that run through Black American music.

A master musician with a legacy all his own, Nat Adderley Jr. continues to honor the past while shaping the sound of the present — a true keeper of the flame.

Steve Johns

Steve Johns is a deeply swinging, highly versatile drummer whose career spans more than three decades across the highest levels of jazz performance. Known for his impeccable time, warm groove, and intuitive musicality, he has become a trusted rhythmic anchor for some of the most respected names in the music.

A graduate of the New England Conservatory, Johns quickly established himself on the New York scene, performing and recording with Sonny Fortune, Randy Brecker, Benny Carter, Stanley Turrentine, Jimmy Heath, and a long list of jazz luminaries. His playing reflects a rare balance of power and subtlety — the ability to drive a band with authority while shaping every moment with sensitivity and taste.

Beyond his work as a sideman, Steve is a dedicated educator and mentor, sharing his knowledge with the next generation of musicians through workshops, masterclasses, and university residencies. Whether on festival stages, in intimate clubs, or in the classroom, he brings the same commitment to swing, clarity, and musical honesty.

A drummer of depth, experience, and soul, Steve Johns continues to be a vital force in contemporary jazz — a musician whose presence elevates every ensemble he joins.

Mike Lee - Saxophine

Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, saxophonist Mike Lee has established himself in the New York City/Northern New Jersey area for many years. He balances a thriving performing career with a distinguished teaching resume. He performs regularly in New York City as a member of a wide array of jazz ensembles. His recent associations include The Nat Adderley Jr. Quartet, The Frank Lacy Sextet, The Roy Hargrove Legacy Big Band, Josh Evans Big Band, The Jimmy Heath Orchestra, The Dizzy Gillespie Orchestra, Wallace Roney’s Universe Orchestra, The Oliver Lake Big Band, The Loston Harris Trio, Dave Stryker, and TS Monk. He performs regularly at venues such as The Bluenote, Dizzy’s Club Coca-Cola, Smalls, The Jazz Gallery, Fat Cat, and Bemelman’s Bar at the Carlyle Hotel. Recent tours have taken him up and down the East Coast, to Italy, France, California and Beijing, China.

Mike Lee is Professor of Jazz Saxophone at The John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University. In 2009, Lee helped found and develop Jazz House Kid’s in-house jazz education program. As the instructor of the first class (2009) at the Jazz House and Director of the JHK Summer Workshop (2010-2012) he oversaw the growth of the program from one class to a thriving jazz school. Mike’s private students have also excelled winning national awards from the Grammy Band, Next Generation Jazz Orchestra, Downbeat Magazine, and Young Arts. He has had several students go on to attend The Juilliard School, Berklee College of Music, Manhattan School of Music, William Paterson, Rutgers, Miami University, and Northwestern University. Lee has presented clinics and workshops throughout the country. Mike plays P. Mauriat saxophones and flute and use Vandoren mouthpieces and reeds.

Lee’s musical accomplishments are shared and enjoyed by his musical family. Along with his wife, Violinist Rebecca Harris-Lee, they have raised three active young musicians. Their oldest son, saxophonist Julian, a graduate of The Juilliard School, has a thriving career in and around New York City having performed with ensembles including the Mingus Big Band, Wynton Marsalis Quintet, and the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra. Drummer Matthew Lee, also a recent Juilliard Graduate has performed and recorded extensively with bassist Russel Hall. He has performed with Emmet Cohen on “Live at Emmet’s Place.” Their Daughter, Violinist Jacquie Lee, is making a name for herself in New York City as a student at Manhattan School of Music.

Chris Berger - Bass

Bassist Chris Berger Studied jazz and classical music at Bowling Green State University in Ohio. After college he spent one year touring the world and recording with legendary trumpeter Maynard Ferguson. Since moving to NYC in 1994 he has worked and or recorded with luminaries such as Herb Ellis, James Williams, Jimmy Cobb, Billy Hart, Hubert Laws, Houston Person, Jeff “Tain” Watts,R and Junior Mance. To name a few. Recently Chris has been touring and recording with TS Monk. As well as working with Nat Adderley Jr. In addition he is continuing his studies as a student of master bassist Ron Carter.

Jesus and Jazz: Where Spirit Meets Sound

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Eyesha Marable – A dynamic cultural curator and spiritual leader, Eyesha brings passion, purpose, and prophetic vision to every gathering. Her work bridges gospel truth with artistic excellence, creating spaces where healing and creativity flourish.

Phil Bingham – Renowned pianist, conductor, and arranger, Phil is the musical heartbeat of Jesus and Jazz. His spirit-led compositions and performances transform every sanctuary into a stage for praise, improvisation, and divine inspiration.

Gregory Burrus – The master connector and curator behind Gregory Burrus Productions, Gregory orchestrates this event with joy, precision, and deep community love. His storytelling and artist advocacy ensure that every voice is honored and every moment resonates.

Together, these leaders have crafted an evening where jazz becomes ministry, and every note is a prayer. Join us for Jesus and Jazz—a celebration of legacy, liberation, and the living Word through music.