The Luna Stage in West Orange is gearing up for its first-ever Fusion Fest.

The festival features a lineup of electric jazz and big band rock – including a special tribute to the music of avant garde composer Frank Zappa.

Sound designer Steve Brown says the two genres have a controversial relationship.

“Through the years, some have come to believe this is not jazz and at the same time, Frank Zappa always gave credit to jazz for his inspiration.”

Brown hopes the event will bring out some younger audience members who’ll come for the rock… and stay for the jazz.

The Luna Fusion Fest takes place this Saturday and Sunday with children’s workshops and performances by the Mahavishnu Project and Saxophonist Ed Palermo.  For more information about the festival, visit www.LunaStage.org

The music featured in this story is "Peaches en Regalia" by Ed Palermo's Big Band.