Live music in Union County, NJ

A concert with a Halloween theme brings seasonal music to Rabkin Park in Union, NJ.

Brian McKnight brings an evening of R&B favorites, featuring chart-toppers like Back at One, One Last Cry, Love of My Life, 6 8 12 and more. The acclaimed singer, songwriter and producer is also a nine-instrument musician, and his catalog spans 21 albums, including four consecutive Top 10 releases on Motown. Several of his albums have reached multi-platinum status, contributing to more than 25 million records sold worldwide. His accolades include 17 Grammy nominations along with honors from the American Music Awards, Soul Train Awards, NAACP Image Awards and Blockbuster, plus recognition as Billboard’s Songwriter of the Year. Known for enduring chart success, extensive touring and collaborations across genres, he has worked with artists such as Quincy Jones, Stevie Wonder, Mariah Carey, Justin Timberlake, Jill Scott, Christina Aguilera, Rascal Flatts, Nelly, Vanessa Williams, Willie Nelson, Kenny G, David Foster and Earth, Wind and Fire. Tickets range from $63 to $159 with all-in pricing.

This event at Summit Downtown in Summit, NJ brings together art, cars, and live music for a full day of activity. Monks performs the central set on the primary stage.

At The Coffee Box in Rahway, a relaxed morning social pairs live jazz with coffee and easy conversation. Guests settle in at tables to enjoy a tune or two, then chat between songs. As the cafe gets lively, small groups sometimes step outside to continue conversations along the sidewalk. Friends reconnect, newcomers are welcomed, and the music makes breaking the ice simple. Whether listening indoors or catching up outside, it is a comfortable way to share part of the morning with the community. Admission is free with no RSVP required. Free street parking is available. Food and beverages are purchased individually.

Kara Lindsay and Kevin Massey take the stage in Summit for a 70-minute Broadway performance, accompanied by Musical Director Charity Wicks and an ensemble that brings world-class talent to the community.

Pass the Mic at the DMK Black Box Theater brings together music, poetry, storytelling, and more in a welcoming, high-energy setting. Sign-ups are handled on site by a staff member with a clipboard, and the host curates the flow of the show, so the order may differ from the list. If you are on a tight schedule, let the staff or host know and they will do their best to accommodate. All kinds of artists are welcome, with brief sets that keep the momentum going. Singers and musicians are encouraged to bring sheet music or a chord chart in their key so the band can support them smoothly. Actors, poets, and spoken word artists can indicate whether they need a microphone. Dancers who need music playback should bring their track on a thumb drive and check in with the tech team. The spirit of the night is simple, have fun and support fellow artists. Choose material that highlights who you are and keeps the room buzzing, and remember, no booing or shooing. Admission is $5 per person.