A Uniondale harpist who blends classical, jazz, soul and funk influences into her music will be taking center stage at the prestigious Newport Jazz Festival in Rhode Island this weekend.

Brandee Younger started playing the instrument when she was a student at Turtle Hook Middle School in Hempstead.

Younger started lessons after hearing her father's colleague play. As her musical training progressed, instead of solemnly plucking classical music by Beethoven or Brahms, Younger wanted to play the soulful music she heard on the radio.

Inspired by the work jazz harpists Alice Coltrane and Dorothy Ashby, Younger's concert harp music embraces everything from classical and jazz to funk and hip-hop.

Younger's new album titled "Something Different" will be released Aug. 13.