originally published: 01/01/2026
(RAHWAY, NJ) -- New Jersey resident and former Angela Bofill Manager Rich Engel is teaming up with old friend and fellow Jersey resident Will Downing this Valentine's Day (Saturday, February 14, 2026), with a love fest not to be forgotten at the Union County Performing Arts Center in Rahway.
Will Downing’s cover of Angela Bofill’s “I Try” in 1991 was his first commercial success and solidified his national recognition that continues to this day with the release in November of “Luscious” his 29th studio offering in his 38-year career. “Luscious”, a six-song collection of both originals and tasty remakes, is Will Downing at his romantic best.
With a career that spans over 38 years and 28 albums, Will Downing is one of the most versatile and loved voices of our time. Known as the Prince of Sophisticated Soul, he brings his repertoire of love on Valentines Day for the second time with producers Rich Engel and Bill Zafiros of Smooth Jazz New Jersey, at the historic 1300 seat Union County Performing Arts Center that opened in 1928 presenting Vaudeville shows. Since that time the venue has morphed into a line array sound system that offers shows of all genres in a historic setting equipped with a fully restored 500 pipe Wurlitzer organ.
Tickets range from $37-$116 and are available for purchase online. Union County Performing Arts Center is located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, New Jersey.
With too few venues in New Jersey offering live nationally recognized Smooth Jazz and R&B artists, the creation of Smooth Jazz New Jersey now exists. The mission is to bring live nationally recognized contemporary Jazz and R&B music to venues in New Jersey.
Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization offering comedy, concerts, and more at two venues: UCPAC’s historic Main Stage and UCPAC’s modern Hamilton Stage. Located in Rahway, New Jersey, and built in 1928, it is listed on the State and National Register of Historic Places. UCPAC is the perfect setting for an evening of great entertainment.
COLUMNS
BlowUpRadio.com's New & Notable NJ Music 3/9/26
Lazlo, founder of BlowUpRadio.com (an online radio station based around New Jersey artists), shines a light on some of the many new releases from NJ based musicians each week with this column. This week Lazlo takes a look at new releases by The Cucumbers; Dr. Void; best dressed ghost; Laree H. Cisco; DDA; Mourning Coffee, aevina; and Psychtooth. Plus a look back at "Don't You Move" by The Mighty Alrighty.
