Summer Music and More 2023

The Summer Music and More 2023 free concert series returns to Nassau Park Pavilion!

Join us for three separate events featuring local talent in a variety of genres. At each event you can also participate in free art activities for youth and adults. The Nassau Park Pavilion is located behind Panera Bread at the Nassau Park Shopping Center on Rt. 1. Sponsored by Site Centers. In case of rain, the next day will serve as a raindate.

June 17, 2023 Jazz
4 p.m. Opening Act: Dan Kassel
5 p.m. Headliner: Darla Rich Quartet

raindate Sunday June 18

July 22, 2023 Alternative Soul
4 p.m. Opening Act: Dan Kassel
5 p.m. Headliner: Jakeya Limitless

raindate Sunday July 23

August 19, 2023 Rock Pop
4 p.m. Opening Act: Dan Kassel
5 p.m. The Judy Kang Experience

raindate Sunday August 20

About the Bands

Darla Rich Quartet

Rich and Darla Tarpinian have been playing jazz as part of the central New Jersey music scene since 2000. Rich’s Armenian heritage ensured that he would be exposed to the complex rhythms and catchy melodies of Eastern European music. Growing up just south of the Canadian border, he was introduced to the extensive jazz programming of one of the Montreal radio stations. Rich maintained his interest in jazz as he began studying classical guitar at the Crane School of Music while absorbing the sounds and culture of the local jazz scene. Inspired by many well-known jazz guitarists as well as other instrumentalists, Rich immersed himself in the study of jazz guitar. He has led projects and has written and performed his own music. Rich plays a Gibson ES-165 and is a native of Massena, New York. Darla began studying the electric bass in the mid-late 90’s and few years later the upright bass. She attributes her phrasing and ability to hear chord changes to the harmonies of the gospel quartets of her northern Kentucky childhood. Her twelve years of vocal performance with the Cincinnati May Festival Chorus and Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, working under the direction of internationally known conductors, touring eastern Europe, Italy, Russia and Estonia demanded a discipline that was a useful contrast to the informal music of her past. Upon her move to New Jersey from the Cincinnati, Ohio area, she found herself scaling back to smaller, less formal settings and eventually immersing herself in the complexities and rich harmonies of jazz along. After relocating to the central New Jersey area, she met her husband and musical partner, Rich Tarpinian. Darla plays an Upton Bohemian Hybrid Deluxe Flat Back Double Bass that she lovingly calls “Nettie”, her maternal grandmother’s nickname.

Jakeya Limitless

As an entertainer, songwriter, and vocal coach, Jakeya has over 25 years of successful music experience. Jakeya has blown audiences away time after time with her pristine voice and dynamic stage presence. As a Philadelphia native, Jakeya was always surrounded by music. Today, as an Alternative Soul Indie artist, Jakeya is pushing boundaries and enjoys the freedom in music and performance. She has the ability to connect to any audience, as she presents love, acceptance, and a musical freedom that is limitless. Jakeya has graced audiences from around the world including the United States, several places in Europe; including Italy, Spain, Germany, and Switzerland, just to name a few, and even parts of the Carribean. Jakeya has worked with the likes of Dorinda Clark-Cole, Patti Labelle, Idris Elba, Kim Burrell, Aloe Blacc and Jazmine Sullivan. Jakeya has released her first Ep Project titled “Disco Ball”, which is available on all social streaming sites and networks. Jakeya’s music is a celebration of life, and she wants to encourage others to be just the way they are – Perfect, Whole, and Complete! She quotes: “I hope to empower individuals to know and understand that they are limitless to do, to be, and to achieve anything they want in life.” -Jakeya

The Judy Kang Experience

Judy Kang is a world renown violinist, has toured six continents and was hand picked by Lady Gaga as her solo violinist on Gaga’s Monster Ball Tour. Now she embarks on a new musical creation with cellist Dan Kassel and drummer Jake Valois. Together they make up the Judy Kang Experience playing cutting edge Rock and Pop hits that are personal to Judy in a 60 – 75 minute show. The band features Dan Kassel who is a
versatile cellist who performs extensively throughout the Tri-State area and Philadelphia in a variety of ensembles ranging from classical to electronica, jazz and rock. Dan’s career has taken him around the globe, and he’s as comfortable in a chamber ensemble as he is accompanying a modern dance troupe. Jake Valois is a multi instrumentalist from Rockland County, NY. He started playing drums when he was 9 and developed his chops playing in bands by the time he was 14. He then began playing guitar and bass and started experimenting with recording software and production. Dan has played in a multitude of top cover and popular original bands and brings a big sound to the stage.

Dan Kassel

Emotionally provocative and layered in symphonic warmth, Dan Kassel’s solo cello music brings this classical instrument to new heights. Using an acoustic cello, a Boss RC-50 looping station and minimal effects, Dan bridges the gaps between Klezmer and Irish folk, Indian classical and down-tempo electronic music, levity and suspense. His ability to use technology to loop and layer his instrument into expansive tapestries of sound is impressive, but the element that really stands out is the cello’s deep and moving resonance. His work has been featured by WXPN, NJ.com and other independent blogs, and his piece, “Moonslice,” won accolades in 2014’s International Songwriting Contest. With his third solo album complete, his sound is more rich and nuanced than ever, and he delights in sharing his soulful compositions with those looking for something fresh and meaningful.

For more detailed information check out our news item, 2023 Summer Music and More.

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