Blush & Beats – a jazz event
February 2 @ 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
$75
Set the tone for romance this February with an afternoon of live jazz, local wine, and creative flair at our Blush & 
Beats fundraiser.
Snow date: Saturday, February 8
Sway to the smooth sounds of a jazz trio featuring accomplished musicians while savoring handpicked wines from Hopewell Valley Vineyards. Whether your heart beats for rosé, red, or white, these selections, carefully curated by wine enthusiast and board president Mikel Cirkus, are sure to delight.
Complement your experience with a cheese platter (fruit and crackers included) and indulge in decadent chocolate samples from Cocoa Beau—an irresistible treat to sweeten your Valentine’s season. Want more to share with your sweetheart? Chocolates will be available for purchase, with a portion of the proceeds supporting West Windsor Arts.
Add a little sparkle to the event by crafting your own wine charm—because every love story deserves a touch of personalization.
Come with your sweetheart or your best buds, and enjoy a curated experience of art, music, and wine in community.
Features of the Event:
🎵 Live Jazz Trio – The soundtrack for a perfect romantic outing.
🍷 Local Wines – Rosé, red, and white selections to suit every taste.
🧀 Cheese Platter – A delicious pairing included with your base ticket.
🍫 Chocolate Tasting & Sales – Sweet indulgence for Valentine’s Day.
✨ Wine Charm Making – Add a personalized touch to your glass.
🎨 Art Rescue Sale – Discover unique art pieces looking for a loving home.
Now through Monday January 27 – enjoy a special price of $75 per person: Includes live music, a cheese platter, chocolate samples – and one free glass of wine! (Jan 28 – Feb 2 ticket price will increase to $85 per person, wine not included.)
Add Wine ($7 per glass): Savor each sip with wine at delightfully accessible prices.
Chocolates: Available for purchase directly from the vendor.
About the Trio
Prepare to be swept away by the soulful, sophisticated sounds of the Justin Lee Jazz Trio, where classic jazz meets contemporary flair. With Justin Lee on bass, Raul Abbad on guitar, and Jonathon Ward on drums, this talented trio breathes fresh life into jazz standards while weaving in vibrant South American influences and modern improvisations. Their performances are a masterclass in versatility — swinging seamlessly from mellow melodies to dynamic, foot-tapping rhythms.
Justin Lee, a distinguished bassist and music educator, brings his Broadway experience and symphonic mastery to the group. Justin received his Master of Music in Bass Performance from Rutgers University and his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from Montclair State University. With 19 years of experience as a public school educator, he also plays with the Chelsea Symphony and The New Jersey Capital Philharmonic. He has performed on Broadway for shows like Caroline or Change and has appeared on Amazon Prime’s Mozart in the Jungle. Justin’s extensive experience in both performance and education infuses the trio with a refined musicality that bridges technical skill with creative expression.
Raul Abbad, hailing from Lima, Peru, is an eclectic guitarist who seamlessly blends traditional South American folkloric music with jazz and rock. He studied guitar under the legendary Peruvian guitarist Raul Garcia Zarate and continued his education in jazz and classical music at Montclair State University. Raul’s unique fusion style draws from Afro-Peruvian, Andean, and Amazonian music, which he interprets with progressive creativity. His work as a composer and producer, including projects like Bajopontino, has led him to perform regularly across the NJ/NY metropolitan area, sharing his rich cultural heritage through music.
Jonathan Ward, an accomplished percussionist, brings over 20 years of expertise to the trio. He has performed for Off-Broadway shows, various NYC theaters, and with esteemed artists William Arnold and Julie Parks. Jonathan is currently the Instrumental Music Director at Glenfield Middle School in Montclair, NJ, and he has performed with a variety of ensembles across multiple genres. His mastery of rhythm and timing adds an extra layer of excitement to the trio’s performance, ensuring every show is an unforgettable mix of energy, expertise, and innovation.
Join us for an afternoon of love, laughter, and unforgettable moments, all while supporting West Windsor Arts. This is your chance to sip, savor, and celebrate in style!
West Windsor Arts is a 501(c)3 nonprofit, EIN # 03-0494648. A portion of your ticket may be tax deductible, to the extent allowed by law.
Social Affair Permit #130340
