Marion Meadows Brings His Signature Sound Back to Rahway for a Double-Header Jazz Showcase

New Jersey’s jazz calendar gets an early spring highlight as acclaimed saxophonist and visual artist Marion Meadows returns to UCPAC’s Hamilton Stage in Rahway for two performances on Saturday, April 4, at 5 PM and 8 PM. His last appearance drew a packed house, and this year’s encore promises an even more vibrant blend of smooth jazz, artistry, and community energy. For fans exploring the Garden State’s thriving live music scene, this event is one of the season’s standout cultural experiences.

Marion Meadows has long been a fixture in the world of contemporary jazz, known for the warmth of his tone, the elegance of his phrasing, and the unmistakable visual style that mirrors his sound. His path started early—he was nine when he first picked up the clarinet, diving into classical studies before discovering the tenor and soprano saxophones in high school. That shift from clarinet to sax marked the beginning of a lifelong creative evolution.

In college, Meadows’ musical world widened considerably. He bounced between disco groups, R&B acts, jazz ensembles, and whatever stage would let him explore, absorb, and refine. He often jokes that although he technically earned a degree, his real education came from club gigs across the Northeast. That on-the-ground experience turned him into one of the most sought-after young sidemen of his era, eventually leading him to share the stage or studio with legendary performers including Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing, Bob Baldwin, Chuck Loeb, and John Lee. Those collaborations helped shape Meadows’ approach to melody: smooth yet adventurous, soulful yet technically rich.

His solo career took off in 1990, and since then Meadows has built an impressive discography that spans intimate ballads, groove-forward jazz, and lush soundscapes that blend world rhythms with contemporary production. Albums like For Lovers Only and Keep It Right There established him as a leading voice in modern smooth jazz. His newest project, Soul Traveler, the first chapter in his Soul Trilogy on Shanachie Records, continues his exploration of texture, storytelling, and emotional depth. Meadows is one of the rare artists who brings the same expressive flair to his canvas as he does to his horn, making his concerts feel more like immersive artistic events than traditional performances.

Guests arriving early to the Hamilton Stage will be greeted by a pre-show experience that sets the mood long before the first note. The WBGO Piano Lounge opens an hour before showtime, offering cocktails, an art display of Meadows’ own visual creations, and live piano music by the remarkable Leonieke Scheuble, performing on a Fazioli piano. Her presence adds an intimate, classic jazz atmosphere to the lobby, giving the night a sense of elegance and discovery. Meadows’ artwork will also be available for viewing and purchase, a rare opportunity for fans to bring home a piece of his creative world.

Marion Meadows’ return to Rahway is more than a concert—it’s a celebration of New Jersey’s commitment to live performance, community artistry, and the enduring appeal of jazz in all its modern forms. This double-show evening promises a dynamic mix of deep grooves, soulful ballads, and visual storytelling that reflects Meadows’ unmistakable artistic voice. For jazz lovers, longtime fans, or anyone eager to explore one of the state’s most fascinating musical talents, this is a night not to miss.

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