We all arrived at the Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC) to experience an unforgettable night of R&B, soul, neo soul, and jazz with sensational star Will Downing. Once again SmoothJazzNJ produced a stellar Valentines Day event as long lines were avoided as much as possible with ticket takers scanning customers in as they arrived outside the door which made for fast smooth entry. Folks were seated fairly quickly and the show kicked off on time.

Will Downing A Valentines Day Affair

The star Will Downing has over 30 years in the industry and 22 studio albums under his belt. Downing has captured hearts all over the world and is known for his incredible and engaging talent which have made him a consistent force in the R&B scene. He always comes to exceed expectations and tonight this audience of over 900 was all set to enjoy a special Valentine’s Day tribute to love, family, and friends. Folks were prepared to be blown away.

An Engaging, Loving Performance

Will appeared on stage with a six piece band that came to play accompanied by a mesmerizing female vocalist Philadelphia’s own Carol Riddick.  Together they set out to capture all the lovers in the audience and that they did. From the moment they took the stage, they had the audience hooked. He serenaded the crowd with hits including “Love On You,” “A Million Ways,” “I Try.” and “Nothing Has Ever Felt Like This.”

The crowd couldn’t help but groove, dance, and sing along to the heartfelt love ballads performed by Will the “Prince of Sophisticated Soul” and his talented band. Don’t just take my word for it – here’s what I captured from some fans during this remarkable performance.

“What a show!👏🏽 Great performance by Will Downing @ UCPAC! He “Wooed” the crowd with All of his old time Favorites and some from his New Release. Fans had a great time singing along and hugging up to his Valentine’s Day tribute. Thanks again Smooth Jazz New Jersey🎶 Teresa W. 

“Great show to kick off the Valentine’s Day season. It felt like being in a room with 1,000 of your closest friends. Everything was amazing that night. The band, his connection to the audience and the vocals were all outstanding!!!” Todd and Lynette

“I attended the Will Downing concert at UCPAC Saturday night. What A Phenomenal Show! 👏🏽👏🏽The audience sang, danced and had a great time. Will Downing and his band put on an awesome performance. Thank you Smooth Jazz New Jersey 🎶” Donna W

It definitely was a great show that Will Downing fans truly enjoyed and the night ended on a high note and they wished there was an encore.

Get ready for the next big thing! 

Following incredible Smooth Jazz NJ performances by Oleta Adams, Maysa, and now Will Downing, you might be curious about what’s in store. Well, wonder no more because producer Rich Engel has the answer. “We are thrilled to bring the Smooth Jazz NJ audience another unforgettable show on April 12th. Come join us for an incredible night of R&B royalty with 5-time Grammy winner Lalah Hathaway! You don’t want to miss out on our next one-of-a-kind event. Learn more at SmoothJazzNJ.com.

About the Writer

Roxanne and I very much enjoyed the show. We are both big Will Downing fans. It is a wonderful thing to get such awesome talent close to home right here in New Jersey and not have to travel to New York. You My Brother Gregory Burrus are greatly appreciated, admired and loved by myself and so many others for all that you do in keeping the arts, the Great jazz and all the venues that you’re a part of bringing into this area. Much love and gratitude respect to you My Brother! Lawrence M and Roxanne A.

 A note:  The writer Gregory Burrus is a renowned producer of live music events across the Northern New Jersey / New York area. With over 26 years of SOMA living, he has produced, curated, captured and documented countless community events through his writing, photography and videography. https://gregoryburrusproductions.com/