05/30/2026
🎶 The Union County Board of County Commissioners and the Department of Parks and Recreation invite residents and friends to kick off the summer season at Rhythm & Blues by the Brook. The fun-filled afternoon event returns to Cedar Brook Park in Plainfield on Saturday, May 30th, from 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
“Rhythm and Blues by the Brook is one of our favorite events of the year,” said Union County Commissioner Chairman Joseph C. Bodek. “From fantastic music to food trucks and family, there’s always something for everyone, and our entire County family is looking forward to this celebration of community and culture. We can’t wait to see everyone there!”
This year, Rhythm & Blues by the Brook will be headlined by hip-hop legend Kool Moe Dee. A member of Treacherous Three, one of the original Old School hip-hop crews, as well as a solo performer, he is also recognized as one of the earliest and most skilled battle emcees, evolving the battle rap subgenre. He is ranked #33 on About.com’s 50 Greatest MCs of Our Time (1987-2007), was the winner of the 1991 Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for “Back on the Block” with Quincy Jones, and is the first rapper to receive the NAACP Image Award. In addition, he was nominated for an additional Grammy, an MTV Video Music Award, and two Soul Train Awards. Kool Moe Dee is also the author of “There’s a God on the Mic” (2003), and has appeared in films such as “Beat Street,” “Panther,” “The New Guy,” Takeshi Kitano’s “Brother” and the Britney Spears movie “Crossroads.”
The festival will also feature Kenny Bobien, the Newark-native “King of Gospel House Music.” From his first hit, “You Are My Friend” (2004) through the present day, Bobien’s voice has been synonymous with house/club anthems by Louie Vega, Dennis Ferrer, DJ Spen, Kerri Chandler and more—and he plays equal parts pastor and performer on stage, spreading the word through his ministry of music.
Further, the legendary radio personality, media voice, and multiplatinum-selling R&B artist Miss Jones will grace the Rhythm and Blues stage. Known for her dynamic presence on PIX11 News and YouTube’s Jonesy in the Morning, listeners recognize her from classics like “Punish Me” with Big Pun, “Sugar Hill” with AZ, “Two Way Street” and more. Her performance will feature Taana Gardner and Fonda Rae.
Nu Men of Soul will also be taking the stage at Rhythm and Blues. Founded in New Jersey in 2004, the four-piece, premier R&B tribute vocal group delivers silky harmonies, smooth choreography and authentic soul sound that’s “just like the record.” Founded by Kareem D. Lewis, they have performed everywhere from New Jersey to the Bahamas, and are looking forward to delivering the golden era of R&B to Union County residents with precision, passion and class.
Finally, our returning Master of Ceremonies for Rhythm and Blues by the Brook will be DJ Bookeem, a local favorite who has made waves throughout the tri-state area. Spinning the best in R&B, funk, house, hip hop, reggae, top 40, and old school, DJ Bookeem has been featured on the Wendy Williams show, on 107.5 WBLS New York, and more—and has graced the Rhythm and Blues stage for years.
The event will feature a full afternoon of activities, including a Health & Wellness Fair, presented by Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Inc. – Eta Omicron Zeta Chapter of Union County and Upper Middlesex County, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. A Kids Zone full of activities will be available for children from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Guests are welcome to explore the food trucks and vendor tents throughout the event, which will have a wide variety of goods available for purchase. Additionally, the popular Car and Motorcycle Show Spectacular, presented by G-Wiz Auto Entertainment, will return for another year of engaging car enthusiasts.
For full schedule details and updates on Rhythm & Blues by the Brook 2026, please visit ucnj.org/randb.
For more information about all events and activities in Union County Parks, please visit the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation at ucnj.org/parks, call 908-527-4900 or email [email protected]. 🎤 ❤ 🎵
