Where there's a Will, there are happy crowds.

The Will Patton Ensemble returns for the fifth time to the Castleton Concerts on the Green series tonight with its colorful Gypsy jazz and Brazilian repertoire.

Mandolinist and all-around string wizard Will Patton started playing piano at the age of 6, turning to guitar at 12 and following with mandolin and bass. He's been leading bands since he was 13, having opened for such greats as Ray Charles, Bonnie Raitt and Van Morrison.

The band brings the mandolin into the context of Gypsy jazz and bebop while retaining the acoustic-ensemble sound more associated with bluegrass, and also plays Brazilian sambas and choros.

Don't forget to bring a nonperishable food item for the "Give-Back Program," in which food donated will benefit a different local agency's food shelf. Organizers are urging attendees to help out families in need during these trying times. Tonight donations go to the Hubbardton food shelf.

The concert is free and open to the public. The rain site has been changed to the tent on the Castleton State College campus. Show time is 7 p.m.

For further information, call 273-2911.

— Staff report