Award-winning Lineup For The 2025 Season Of The Back Deck Outdoor Concert Series in Morristown, NJ

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 are now on sale.

“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 brings a wealth of experience and musical knowledge to this eclectic series, and we are delighted to have his steady hand guiding the season.”

Series Highlights

• Lynette Sheard (West Orange, NJ) brings her legendary sound to a special 1920’s “Gatsby-style” performance
• Cuarteto Latinoamericano (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
• John Lee (South Orange, NJ), longtime Dizzie Gillespie bassist, brings his band and his unforgettable sound to the series
• GRAMMY-Award nominated Black Oak Ensemble (Chicago, IL) returns for another season
• 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

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

• Amani: June 27
  
• John Lee & Friends: July 3
• Frisson Winds: July 10
• The Fumos: July 12
• Bria Skonberg: July 17
• Lynette Sheard: 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

Get tickets

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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.