Marion Meadows WBGO Presents All That Jazz

Marion Meadows Returns to New Jersey for a Signature Night of Smooth Jazz as WBGO’s “All That Jazz” Series Takes Over Hamilton Stage

New Jersey’s live music calendar continues to assert itself as one of the most dynamic and culturally rich in the region, and this spring, the spotlight turns to an artist whose sound has defined contemporary smooth jazz for decades. On Saturday, April 4, acclaimed saxophonist Marion Meadows returns to Union County Performing Arts Center’s Hamilton Stage for an evening that blends refined musicianship, visual artistry, and the unmistakable atmosphere of a WBGO-curated experience. With two performances scheduled at 5 PM and 8 PM, this engagement stands as a premier event within the celebrated “All That Jazz” concert series, a collaboration that underscores the enduring strength of New Jersey’s jazz ecosystem.

Presented by WBGO in partnership with UCPAC and Smooth Jazz NJ, “All That Jazz” has become synonymous with elevated programming—carefully curated performances that bring world-class talent into intimate settings where the nuance of live jazz can be fully appreciated. The return of Marion Meadows by popular demand signals not only his lasting appeal but also the appetite among New Jersey audiences for sophisticated, emotionally resonant live music experiences. This is not simply a concert; it is an immersive cultural evening designed to engage audiences from the moment the doors open.

The experience begins well before the first note is played on stage. Guests are invited to arrive early and step into the WBGO Piano Lounge, where the evening unfolds with an elegant prelude of live piano performed by Leonieke Scheuble on a Fazioli instrument known for its rich tonal clarity and expressive depth. The lobby opens one hour prior to each showtime—4 PM and 7 PM respectively—transforming the venue into a gathering space where cocktails, conversation, and curated ambiance set the tone. Complementing the music is a visual dimension: an exhibit of Marion Meadows’ own artwork, offering audiences a rare opportunity to engage with the artist’s creative vision beyond sound. It is a deliberate layering of sensory experiences that reflects WBGO’s commitment to presenting jazz not just as a genre, but as a living, evolving art form.

The evening’s performances will be hosted by Lenny Green, the iconic voice behind “Quiet Storm” on WBLS, whose presence adds another layer of authenticity and connection to the tradition of late-night jazz and R&B radio. His role as host reinforces the lineage of the music being presented—bridging generations of listeners while grounding the event in the cultural legacy that continues to shape contemporary jazz.

At the center of it all is Marion Meadows, an artist whose journey into music began with classical foundations before expanding into the expressive world of jazz. Starting on clarinet at the age of nine, Meadows’ early training instilled a discipline and technical precision that would later inform his distinctive voice on both tenor and soprano saxophone. By the time he reached high school and college, his musical path had broadened significantly, encompassing performances in disco, R&B, and jazz ensembles—each contributing to the stylistic fluidity that defines his sound today.

Meadows’ formative years as a sideman proved instrumental in shaping his artistry. Performing alongside legendary figures such as Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, and Will Downing, among others, he developed a versatility and musical intuition that cannot be taught in classrooms alone. As he has often reflected, those years on stage provided an education far beyond academia—an immersive, real-world apprenticeship that refined both his technical command and his emotional storytelling.

Since launching his solo career in 1990, Marion Meadows has built a catalog that stands as a cornerstone of modern smooth jazz. Albums such as For Lovers Only and Keep It Right There helped define the genre’s evolution through the 1990s and beyond, establishing Meadows as a leading voice capable of balancing accessibility with artistic depth. His latest release, Soul Traveler, marks a new chapter—an ambitious project that begins a broader conceptual trilogy, further expanding his sonic palette while remaining rooted in the melodic sensibility that has made his work so enduring.

What distinguishes Meadows in today’s musical landscape is not only his technical mastery, but his ability to translate personal expression into a universally resonant language. His performances are characterized by warmth, phrasing that feels conversational yet precise, and a tonal clarity that allows each note to carry intention. In an intimate venue like Hamilton Stage, those qualities are magnified, offering audiences a rare proximity to the subtle dynamics that define great jazz performance.

This event also reflects a broader narrative unfolding across the state. Through platforms like Explore New Jersey’s music coverage, it is increasingly clear that New Jersey is not simply a pass-through market for touring acts—it is a destination with its own identity, its own audience, and its own deep-rooted connection to live performance. From historic theaters to modern performance spaces, the state continues to cultivate an environment where artists and audiences meet in meaningful ways, and where genres like jazz are not only preserved but actively reimagined.

The partnership between WBGO and UCPAC exemplifies this momentum. By combining the credibility of one of the nation’s premier jazz radio stations with the accessibility and intimacy of a community-centered venue, the series creates a blueprint for how live music can thrive in a contemporary context. It is about more than booking talent—it is about curating experiences that resonate on multiple levels, from artistic excellence to audience engagement.

For those attending, the evening promises a seamless progression—from the refined atmosphere of the piano lounge to the immersive energy of the main performance. With all-in ticket pricing ranging from $67 to $77, the event positions itself as both accessible and premium, reflecting the quality of the experience without compromising its reach. It is an invitation not only to hear great music, but to be part of a larger cultural moment that continues to define New Jersey’s evolving arts landscape.

As April 4 approaches, the anticipation surrounding Marion Meadows’ return continues to build, fueled by the artist’s enduring reputation and the proven success of the “All That Jazz” series. For longtime fans, it is an opportunity to reconnect with a familiar voice that has shaped the soundtrack of their lives. For new listeners, it is an introduction to an artist whose work embodies the sophistication, soul, and expressive depth that define the very best of contemporary jazz.

In a region where live music is both heritage and forward momentum, this event stands as a clear statement: New Jersey remains a vital stage for artistry at the highest level, and nights like this—where music, visual art, and atmosphere converge—are exactly why audiences continue to show up, listen closely, and come back for more.