The Luna Fusion Fest: The Heart and Soul of Rock and Jazz

The Luna Stage presents 'The Luna Fusion Fest, The Heart and Soul of Rock and Jazz'.  This event will take place the last weekend in July and will initiate a new tradition in the Valley Arts District, as Luna Stage opens its doors to electric jazz and big band rock.

Fans of arena rock, bebop, big bands and jam bands are all welcome to join some of New York’s busiest studio musicians, composers, and teachers for two days of futuristic nostalgia.  Afternoon events are free and each evening event is $20 for adults, $15 for students with ID.

The Luna Fusion Fest kicks off Saturday, July 28, 2012 at 3 p.m. with SHORT FUSE- a free children’s workshop with internationally acclaimed percussionist and educator Gregg Bendian (Cecil Taylor, Pat Metheny, Ornette Coleman, William Paterson, Yale).

At 8 p.m., The Mahavishnu Project electrifies the night as Gregg Bendian is joined by guitarist Jesse Gress, keyboardist Neil Alexander, and bassist Doug Lunn.   The Mahavishnu Project reinterprets classic compositions from Jeff Beck, Billy Cobham, John McLaughlin, and Jan Hammer, while seamlessly meshing the beauty of their intricate charts with their own imaginative proficiency.

On Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 3 p.m., The Luna Fusion Fest resumes with SOUNDS LIKE FUN- a free recording and production seminar hosted by freelance audio engineer and sound designer Steve Brown (National Public Radio, WBGO-FM, Institute of Audio Research), who will sample, chop, and remix classic fusion records utilizing the award-winning Pro Tools audio production software.

At 7 p.m., acclaimed alto saxophonist and bandleader Ed Palermo (Tony Bennett, James Brown, Lena Horne, The Tonight Show) will explore the timeless wisdom of Frank Zappa during the debut of his latest ensemble entitled EDDY’S CHEMISTRY SET.  Downbeat Magazine, National Public Radio, and The New Jersey Star Ledger all concur that the West Orange resident’s big band arrangements deliver a fresh perspective on Zappa’s most provocative compositions.  Luna patrons in the intimate 100-seat main stage will be captivated by the acoustic immediacy provided by electric violinist Katie Jacoby, guitarist Bruce McDaniel, saxophonist Cliff Lyons, saxophonist Barbara Cifelli, drummer Ray Marchica, bassist Paul Adamy, keyboardist Paul Kooshian, and pianist Bob Quaranta.

For information on this festival and all other events and programs at Luna Stage, or to purchase tickets, visit the company website: www.lunastage.org.  Luna Stage is located at 555 Valley Road, West Orange, NJ 07052. 973-395-5551. The theatre is handicapped accessible and assisted listening devices are available.