Grammy-Nominated Funk Collective Brings Free Concert

Grammy-nominated funk collective Lettuce will bring their eclectic blend of funk, hip-hop, rock, and jazz to NJPAC’s Chambers Plaza on June 29, 2025, as part of the North 2 Shore Festival’s free outdoor summer concert series. The celebrated instrumental ensemble, known for their high-energy performances and genre-blending approach, will headline an evening of music that includes opening acts Sed Marsh and Gail Campbell.

This free performance represents the festival’s commitment to accessible cultural programming while showcasing one of contemporary music’s most dynamic live acts in an outdoor setting that transforms NJPAC’s plaza into a vibrant community gathering space for music lovers of all ages.

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Funk Veterans Blend Multiple Musical Traditions

Since forming at Boston’s Berklee College of Music in the early 1990s, Lettuce has established themselves as one of funk music’s most innovative and technically proficient ensembles. Their sound draws from multiple musical traditions including classic funk, hip-hop, psychedelia, and jazz improvisation to create a distinctive musical identity that honors these influences while pushing creative boundaries.

“What makes Lettuce so compelling is their seamless integration of diverse musical elements,” said festival music director Thomas Klein. “They respect these traditions deeply but aren’t constrained by purism—they understand the common thread running through funk, hip-hop, jazz, and rock is this commitment to groove and musical conversation, which they execute at the highest level.”

According to North 2 Shore Festival organizers, audiences can expect a “chill mix of funk, hip hop, rock, psychedelia, jazz, soul and go-go” that creates an atmosphere of “good times and great vibes” throughout their performance. This eclectic approach has earned the band a Grammy nomination and reputation as one of instrumental music’s most compelling live acts.

Outdoor Plaza Creates Festive Atmosphere

NJPAC’s Chambers Plaza, located at 1 Center Street adjacent to the performing arts center’s main building, transforms into a vibrant outdoor venue for the Horizon Sounds of the City concert series. The open-air setting creates a festive, communal atmosphere where audiences can dance freely while enjoying high-caliber musical performances in a relaxed environment.

“The plaza performances create this beautiful intersection between serious artistic presentation and community celebration,” explained Sarah Thompson, programming director. “For a band like Lettuce whose music naturally inspires movement, the outdoor setting allows audiences to respond physically to the music without the constraints of traditional seated venues.”

The plaza configuration accommodates both casual listeners who may stand near the back or sides and more dedicated fans who can position themselves closer to the stage. Local food vendors around the perimeter provide refreshments throughout the evening, enhancing the festival atmosphere while supporting Newark-based businesses.

Free Programming Creates Accessible Cultural Experience

As part of NJPAC’s free Horizon Sounds of the City concert series, the Lettuce performance exemplifies the North 2 Shore Festival’s commitment to providing high-quality artistic experiences accessible to all community members regardless of economic means. This approach recognizes music’s power to unite diverse audiences while removing financial barriers that might otherwise limit participation.

“The free outdoor concerts represent the heart of our community engagement mission,” noted NJPAC President John Schreiber. “By bringing world-class artists like Lettuce to Chambers Plaza with no admission charge, we’re creating cultural experiences that truly reflect and serve the entire community rather than just those who can afford traditional ticket prices.”

According to New Jersey Stage, this commitment to accessible programming forms a central pillar of the festival’s mission, with free events throughout Newark creating multiple entry points for community members to engage with diverse artistic expressions. These free performances complement the festival’s ticketed events to create comprehensive cultural programming across different venues and price points.

Opening Acts Showcase Local Talent

The evening’s musical lineup begins with performances by Sed Marsh and Gail Campbell, providing exposure for these talented artists while creating a comprehensive musical experience for attendees. These opening acts represent the festival’s commitment to showcasing emerging talent alongside established headliners, creating valuable professional opportunities while introducing audiences to new voices.

“The opening performers add tremendous value to the experience for both artists and audiences,” said Maria Sanchez, festival director. “Emerging artists gain exposure to new audiences in a supportive environment, while concertgoers discover fresh musical voices they might not encounter otherwise.”

This structured approach to programming creates natural musical progression throughout the evening while highlighting connections between established and emerging artists within related genres. According to The Jersey Shore Girl, this commitment to artist development through strategic performance opportunities distinguishes the North 2 Shore Festival’s curatorial approach.

Instrumental Virtuosity Drives Dynamic Performance

At the core of Lettuce’s appeal is the extraordinary instrumental prowess of its members, all of whom bring virtuosic command of their instruments to create complex musical interactions while maintaining accessible grooves. Their performances feature both tightly arranged ensemble sections and expansive improvisational passages that showcase individual musical voices.

“These musicians represent some of the finest instrumentalists in contemporary funk,” noted Klein. “What makes their virtuosity so compelling is how it’s always in service to the collective sound rather than mere technical display. They understand that groove and musical conversation matter more than individual spotlights.”

This balance between technical excellence and groove-centered composition has distinguished Lettuce throughout their career, allowing them to appeal simultaneously to serious musicians appreciating their instrumental sophistication and casual listeners responding to their infectious rhythms and energy.

Event Details and Additional Information

The Lettuce performance at Chambers Plaza begins at 5:00 PM on Sunday, June 29, with opening acts Sed Marsh and Gail Campbell. The event is free and open to the public with no tickets required, though early arrival is recommended for those wanting prime viewing positions near the stage.

Attendees are welcome to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating on the plaza. Food and beverages will be available for purchase from local vendors surrounding the performance area. The plaza’s downtown Newark location makes it accessible via multiple public transportation options, with parking available in nearby garages for those traveling by car.

Additional information about this and other North 2 Shore Festival events can be found on the festival’s official website, which includes comprehensive details about performances across all three host cities during the two-week celebration.

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