West Windsor Arts will kick off its Summer Music and More series with a free outdoor concert featuring Channel Collective on Saturday, July 12.
The event is open to all ages and will include live music, interactive art activities, and a welcoming picnic-friendly atmosphere. It is set to be held from 5 to 7:30 p.m. at the Nassau Park Pavilion, at 510 Nassau Park Blvd., behind Panera. The series is sponsored by Site Centers, the owner of Nassau Park Pavillion,
The evening begins at 5 p.m. with a performance by Dan Kassel and Friends, featuring guitarist Gregg Merkle.
Kassel, a cellist known for blending classical technique with live-looping, creates genre-bending soundscapes that incorporate jazz, rock, electronica and world music influences.
Merkle brings intricate finger-tapping guitar work and has performed alongside music legends such as Taj Mahal and Johnny Cash.
At 6 p.m., Channel Collective will take the stage. Led by multi-instrumentalist Jon Thompson and drummer Justin Leigh, the jazz ensemble will feature special guests Jason Fraticelli on bass and Glenn McClelland on piano.
Fraticelli has toured with artists including Matisyahu and Melody Gardot, while McClelland is a longtime keyboardist for Ween and Blood, Sweat & Tears.
Guests are encouraged to bring blankets, lawn chairs and picnic meals while enjoying an evening of jazz, community and creative expression.
This performance is the first of three in West Windsor Arts’ free summer concert series.
Channel Collective is an ever-changing lineup of musicians led by multi-instrumentalist, Jon Thompson, and drummer, Justin Leigh.,
