Priscilla Baskerville

On May 22nd Tony Award winner Lillias White was presented the second annual Darrell Henline Award by the American Songbook Association. 

This year, that recipient is the Tony Award winner Lillias White, who will be honored on May 22nd in a glitzy gala filled with show business greats.

Tony Award winner Lillias White has been chosen by the American Songbook Association to receive the second annual Darrell Henline Award during a star-studded gala to occur at Chelsea Table + Stage on May 22nd at 7 pm

Composer, arranger, and conductor, David Berger, is recognized internationally as a leading authority on the music of Duke Ellington and the Swing Era. Conductor and arranger for the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra from its inception in 1988 through 1994, Berger has transcribed more than 750 full scores of classic recordings, including more than 500 works by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn. Several of these transcriptions in addition to a number of original arrangements are featured in last season's Broadway hit, After Midnight.

At the Apollo Theater in Harlem, the arrival of the holiday season is marked by 'Holidays at the Apollo,' which this year includes 'Ellington at Christmas,' a two-act offering of Ellington's 'Nutcracker Suite' and portions of his 'Sacred Music Concerts.' We're re-gifted these Ellington holiday classics in an enjoyable, if not completely flawless performance by Ellington expert David Berger and his Jazz Orchestra, featuring students from the Dance Theater of Harlem School and the Arts High School Advanced Choir of Newark, as well as solos by baritone Norm Lewis, sopranos Lizz Wright and Priscilla Baskerville, and tap virtuoso Jason Samuels Smith.

Glover has been a personal idol of mine as a tap dancer since I was a young girl and fast picking up the art. This, however, was my first opportunity to see him live, and he did not disappoint. Glover tapped along to the band, his feet became a musical instrument of their own- the best musical instrument in the band, in my opinion. His feet created music with a perfectly timed flap, stomp, toe dig, or cramp roll. His infamous speed held true and created a fun, high-energy performance that took the show to the next level.

NJPAC will welcome Newark's own virtuosic tap dancer Savion Glover for a special holiday presentation featuring the music of Duke Ellington today, December 8 at 4 pm in Prudential Hall. Glover, who holds the unofficial title of Newark's tap master, will be joined by singers Lizz Wright and Priscilla Baskerville, the David Berger Jazz Orchestra, and Dance Theater of Harlem students. Adding to this magical afternoon -- 48 students from the Arts High Advanced Choir will perform David Berger's arrangement of Ellington's 'Sing Out'.

NJPAC will welcome Newark's own virtuosic tap dancer Savion Glover for a special holiday presentation featuring the music of Duke Ellington on Sunday, December 8 at 4 pm in Prudential Hall. Glover, who holds the unofficial title of Newark's tap master, will be joined by singers Lizz Wright and Priscilla Baskerville, the David Berger Jazz Orchestra, and Dance Theater of Harlem students. Adding to this magical afternoon -- 48 students from the Arts High Advanced Choir will perform David Berger's arrangement of Ellington's "Sing Out".

Five talented musicians are joining forces to present "Ride the Chariot," an evening of African American songs including such favorites such as "Swing Low, Sweet Chariot," "Steal Away," "A City Called Heaven," "Ain't Got Time to Die," among others. Performing are Rashard Allen, baritone; Jessica Gondwe, soprano; Naomi Christine Leapheart, contralto; Christyan Seay, tenor and Maria Thompson Corley, pianist.