(RAHWAY, NJ) -- Smooth Jazz New Jersey and New York present Will Downing at the Union County Performing Arts Center on Saturday, February 10, 2024. With a career that spans over 36 years and 26 albums, Will Downing is one of the most versatile and loved voices of our time. Showtime is 8:00pm.
Known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul, his repertoire consists of signature interpretations of R&B classics like "I Go Crazy", "Wishing On A Star" and "I Try", with original hits "A Million Ways", "Sorry I" and the show-stopping duet with Rachelle Ferrell, "Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This". His distinctive baritone voice has resonated in the hearts of women world-wide and carved a unique niche in the music marketplace.
Tickets range from $50-$85 and are available for purchase online. The Union County Performing Arts Center is located at 1601 Irving Street in Rahway, New Jersey. The concert takes place on the main stage of this fully restored 1930’s gem of a concert Hall. Plenty of parking and restaurants are nearby.
In the realm of jazz, few figures command the stage with the sheer vocal prowess and emotive depth of Will Downing. A luminary in the genre, Downing’s career has unfolded as a testament to the enduring power of soulful expression. Renowned for his rich baritone and an unwavering command of jazz stylings, Downing has seamlessly woven through the musical landscape for decades, leaving an indelible mark on the industry.
With fresh melodies and lush arrangements that satisfy all musical palates, Downing continues to serve his fan base through his own Sophisticated Soul record label and sold out tour dates across the country. His latest release entitled “Pieces" was released on February 10, 2023. He also hosts his weekly radio show The Wind Down which is aired on his website site and over 20 stations around the world in the USA, UK, Japan, and Spain.
After decades of presenting Smooth Jazz in New York either as a Producer for NY based Marquee Concerts, or as a Promoter, the founder of the CD101.9 Smooth Cruise is bringing live “Contemporary Jazz” and R&B to New Jersey. Rich Engel a New Jersey resident has for decades, been involved with Smooth Jazz in NY with a particular concentration on the “Smooth Cruise” a two-hour music sailing on the Hudson River, with a view of the New York City skyline. 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.
