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SUMMARY:Marion Meadows
DESCRIPTION:Marion Meadows Brings His Signature Sound Back to Rahway for a Double-Header Jazz Showcase \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew 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. \n\n\n\nMarion 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. \n\n\n\nIn 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. \n\n\n\nHis 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. \n\n\n\nGuests 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. \n\n\n\nMarion 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. \n\n\n\nIf you’d like\, I can create a companion social media post\, newsletter announcement\, or event preview listing for Explore New Jersey as well.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/marion-meadows/
LOCATION:Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)\, 1601 Irving St.\, Rahway\, NJ\, 07065\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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CREATED:20251022T170554Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251022T170639Z
UID:64775-1775332800-1775345400@explorenewjersey.org
SUMMARY:Yellow Brick Joel The Tribute Concert—Elton John & Billy Joel
DESCRIPTION:Yellow Brick Joel: A Night Celebrating Elton John and Billy Joel\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew Jersey music fans are in for a spectacular evening this spring with Yellow Brick Joel: The Tribute Concert\, a dazzling celebration of two of pop music’s most iconic piano virtuosos\, Elton John and Billy Joel. Scheduled for Saturday\, April 4 at 8 p.m.\, this high-energy show brings the legendary hits of the “Piano Men” to life\, giving audiences a chance to experience their favorite songs in a live\, concert-style setting. \n\n\n\nThe tribute features David Clark embodying Billy Joel\, alongside Bill Connors performing as Elton John. Together\, they deliver a flawless recreation of the artists’ most beloved songs\, capturing both the musical precision and the larger-than-life personalities that have made Joel and John global icons. Fans can expect an unforgettable night filled with chart-topping classics such as “Piano Man\,” “You May Be Right\,” “Rocket Man\,” and “I’m Still Standing.” The show also delves into deeper cuts for dedicated fans\, including “Honky Cat\,” “Funeral For A Friend\,” “Miami 2017\,” and “Captain Jack\,” ensuring a mix of both nostalgia and discovery. \n\n\n\nThe production goes beyond mere imitation\, bringing a theatrical flair to every performance. Clark and Connors\, backed by a talented live band\, recreate the intricate piano arrangements and dynamic stage presence of the originals\, making the energy of a stadium show feel intimate and personal. The visual presentation\, from stage lighting to costume details\, immerses the audience in the world of Elton John’s flamboyance and Billy Joel’s iconic style. \n\n\n\nTickets for Yellow Brick Joel go on sale Friday\, October 24 at 10 a.m.\, with a special presale available for members contributing $500 or more starting Wednesday\, October 22 at 10 a.m. Memberships not only provide early ticket access but also support the venue’s nonprofit mission\, helping to sustain vibrant artistic and educational programming throughout New Jersey. \n\n\n\nThis tribute concert is part of a growing roster of live music events in the state\, showcasing New Jersey’s dedication to bringing world-class entertainment to local audiences. From large-scale productions to intimate performances\, the state continues to cultivate a thriving music scene that honors both legendary performers and emerging talent. \n\n\n\nFor those interested in staying up to date with concerts\, music events\, and live performances across New Jersey\, visit Explore New Jersey Music for schedules\, ticket information\, and the latest news on upcoming shows. This spring\, fans have the chance to experience the magic of Elton John and Billy Joel in a night that promises to hit every note of excitement and nostalgia.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/yellow-brick-joel-the-tribute-concert-2/
LOCATION:New Jersey
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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SUMMARY:Marion Meadows WBGO Presents All That Jazz
DESCRIPTION:Marion Meadows Returns to New Jersey for a Signature Night of Smooth Jazz as WBGO’s “All That Jazz” Series Takes Over Hamilton Stage \n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\nNew 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. \n\n\n\nPresented 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nAt 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. \n\n\n\nMeadows’ 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. \n\n\n\nSince 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. \n\n\n\nWhat 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. \n\n\n\nThis 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. \n\n\n\nThe 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. \n\n\n\nFor 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. \n\n\n\nAs 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. \n\n\n\nIn 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.
URL:https://explorenewjersey.org/event/marion-meadows-wbgo-all-that-jazz/
LOCATION:Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)\, 1601 Irving St.\, Rahway\, NJ\, 07065\, United States
CATEGORIES:Concerts,Music
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