On July 29th from 11am to 8pm, Soulsational Festival will be celebrating music and wellness for its 7th year at Veterans Park in Bayville, NJ. This free community event will feature "live music, local health and wellness businesses and practitioners, giveaways, a silent auction, and lots of opportunities to give back and unite the Jersey Shore community." One of the event's performers is saxophone and clarinet player MICHAEL SQUILLACE. Enjoy this interview with Michael, below:

What's your name, where are you from, where are you based now, and what do you do?

I am Michael Squillace, and I'm from Sayreville, NJ. I am a freelance saxophone and clarinet player who is a member of Pepperwine, as well as playing with Jake Tavill & The Indigo Child Blues Band, The Real Jersey Gina, Nick Ryan, Taylor Tote, John DePalma, The Random Hubiak and more. In addition, I frequently do studio work for a range of artists.

What's your background? What would you like people to know about you & your work?

I started playing sax in middle school, then picked up clarinet. Years of classical study with Dr. Paul Caruso followed, and with hard work I was able to frequently be first chair in regions and all state, as well as playing Carnegie Hall at the age of 16. Over the years, I experimented in Jazz Fusion and basically every style under the sun. This led me to start playing with the range of artists and bands I do now. I also teach private lessons on the side and run a large benefit to support cancer fighters called "Jammin for Jaclyn".

How did you hear about Soulsational? What can we expect to see/hear at the festival, and what are you personally most looking forward to?

I heard about Soulsational through Gina Marie and word of mouth from various people in the music community who told me how great it was. At this year’s Soulsational you can expect to hear some awesome original music from some local cats that won’t disappoint. I open the show with my previously mentioned original band Pepperwine and continue through the day playing with Soulstock and Jo Marie and the Company. I’m also excited about checking out the yoga and Reiki classes.

How can people connect with you online? Do you have a website? Are you on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Bandcamp, Soundcloud, etc.?

People can connect with me mainly on Facebook (www.facebook.com/SaxSkillz), but can also check out my website at www.michael-saxskillz-squillace.weebly as well as my Instagram (@michael_squillace) or Twitter (@msquillace90). I also have a Soundcloud at https://soundcloud.com/michael_squillace_saxskillz.