'Feel the Love' - R&B Night in Roselle Features Valarie Adams & the Dimension Band
Patricia Chen · Union County Life
On July 16, Valarie Adams and the Dimension Band took the stage at City Hall's parking lot in Roselle, launching an R&B Night series hosted by Mayor Donald Shaw and the Roselle Borough Council. The event, held Thursday evenings throughout the summer, invites residents to gather outdoors for live music, open mic performances, and community connection.
The evening began with an open mic where neighbors could sing covers, recite poetry, or perform stand up comedy. Attendees received white flags bearing the logo "Werk that Mic" as encouragement to take the stage.
Union County Life is covering this Roselle arts and community event. Valarie Adams explained the vision behind her series: "I've been doing this for several years and what I notice is that when we come into the community, there are people that are neighbors and they don't know each other. So this brings them all together. They get to sing, they learn dances and they get to know each other."
Residents settled into folding chairs as the concert began. Long time resident Nancy Bolden has attended outdoor concerts like R&B Night for years. "The weather is beautiful, the music is fine and the company is fine," Bolden said.
Jesse Witherspoon, a longtime fan of Valarie, came to listen and relax. "I enjoy it. It's relaxing," he said.
Alisha Braswell summed up R&B Nights in one word: community. "I like the friendships and the people gathering together. It's a nice evening to be out," Braswell said.
Adams and her bandmates performed "Until You Come Back to Me" by Aretha Franklin. Adams closes each concert with a gospel song and offers a prayer for the community. "I love music. I love that I get to do that for a living and get to know these different communities as well," Adams reflected. "With this world being the way it is, that's what I want to give others – love."
R&B Nights continue every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 210 Chestnut Street in Roselle. Find more Roselle events, arts coverage, and community news on Union County Life.
FAQ
Q: What is R&B Night in Roselle?
A: R&B Night is a Thursday evening concert series hosted by Mayor Donald Shaw and the Roselle Borough Council at City Hall's parking lot. Valarie Adams and the Dimension Band perform live R&B music, and the event features an open mic where residents can sing covers, recite poetry, or perform stand up comedy.
Q: When and where is R&B Night held?
A: R&B Night is held every Thursday at 6:30 p.m. at 210 Chestnut Street in Roselle (City Hall parking lot). The series runs throughout the summer.
Q: What does Valarie Adams do at the end of each concert?
A: Valarie Adams closes each concert with a gospel song and offers a prayer for the community. She performs in her own community events to build connection and bring neighbors together.
Q: How can residents participate in the open mic?
A: Residents can sign up to sing covers, recite poetry, or perform stand up comedy during the open mic portion of each Thursday evening. Attendees receive white flags bearing the "Werk that Mic" logo as encouragement to participate.
Q: Is there a cost to attend R&B Night?
A: No, R&B Night is free and open to the community. Residents can bring folding chairs and settle in for an evening of music and fellowship.
Q: What songs has Valarie Adams performed?
A: At the July 16 kickoff, Valarie Adams performed "Until You Come Back to Me" by Aretha Franklin. Her setlist includes classic R&B and gospel selections, with each concert closing with a gospel song.
