Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout Comes to Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater September 12, 2025, at 7:15 p.m.

WANTAGH, NY – Music lovers on Long Island are in for a soulful treat this fall as Uncle Charlie’s R&B Cookout makes its way to the iconic Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater. The star-studded event, set for Friday, September 12, 2025, at 7:15 p.m., promises to be more than just another summer concert – it’s designed as a full-blown celebration of R&B culture, featuring legendary voices, timeless hits, and a feel-good atmosphere that mirrors a family reunion.

Headlined by R&B pioneer Charlie Wilson, the tour brings together powerhouse performers Babyface, K-Ci Hailey, and El DeBarge, all of whom have shaped the sound of modern R&B and soul. With decades of Grammy-winning music between them, these artists will take the Jones Beach stage to deliver an unforgettable evening of classics and crowd favorites. For fans, it’s a rare opportunity to see four of R&B’s most influential voices sharing one stage, backed by the ocean breeze and stunning setting of Long Island’s most beloved outdoor amphitheater.

Charlie Wilson says, “This tour is unlike anything I’ve done before… my audience isn’t just made up of fans, it really has become a family… The R&B cookout is gonna be one big family reunion for us and our fans.”

The Venue: Jones Beach Theater

Set amid the scenic backdrop of Jones Beach State Park, the Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater is one of Long Island’s iconic open-air amphitheaters. With a capacity of around 15,000, state-of-the-art sound, and ocean breezes, it offers the perfect atmosphere for a soulful summer night. The venue has been delighting concertgoers since its 1952 debut, undergoing multiple renovations – most recently in 2024 – to keep the experience top-notch.

VIP “Cookout” Experience

In select cities, including New York, the tour features a VIP cookout experience – a pre-show gathering that blends gourmet backyard-style dishes, specialty cocktails, and a festive social vibe. The perfect warmup to the main act, this exclusive add-on is available in limited quantities.

At Jones Beach, upgrades such as Citi VIP Club Access are also on offer. VIP guests enjoy private bars, dedicated restrooms, a separate entrance, and panoramic ocean views – all steps away from the action.

Tickets & How to Go

• On Sale Now: Tickets are available through Live Nation, Ticketmaster, and the official tour website.
• Presale Info: Presale began April 15 using the code COOKOUT, with general public tickets open since April 18.
• What to Bring: Get there early to enjoy the ocean breeze and grab concessions, though VIP ticketholders may want to upgrade for comfort amenities.

At a Glance: What to Expect

Why This Concert Matters to Long Island

Jones Beach is Long Island royalty among concert venues – its beachfront setting, storied history, and modern amenities make it the ideal stage for a night where “when the lights go down, we’ll be on the floor, making memories” (a sentiment the Cookout tour fully embodies).

For local fans of smooth vocals, classic groove, and R&B hits that defined generations – this is a once-in-a-summer event. It’s not just a concert; it’s a celebration of togetherness, music, and nostalgia.

Let me know if you’d like parking tips, nearby dining suggestions, or ideas for making it an all-night Long Island experience.

About Charlie Wilson

Charlie Wilson, widely known as “Uncle Charlie,” is one of the most influential voices in R&B and soul. He first rose to fame as the lead singer of The Gap Band, the Oklahoma-based funk group behind classics like “You Dropped a Bomb on Me,” “Outstanding,” and “Burn Rubber on Me.” The band’s success in the late 1970s and 1980s cemented Wilson’s reputation as a powerhouse vocalist with a distinctive, soulful style.

In the decades that followed, Wilson successfully launched a solo career, becoming one of the few artists to seamlessly bridge multiple generations of R&B. His solo hits—including “There Goes My Baby,” “Charlie, Last Name Wilson,” and “You Are”—earned him Grammy nominations, chart-topping success, and collaborations with artists such as Snoop Dogg, Kanye West, and Pharrell Williams.

Beyond his music, Wilson’s story is one of resilience and reinvention. He has overcome personal battles, including struggles with addiction and health issues, and emerged as a celebrated elder statesman of R&B, inspiring both peers and younger artists. Today, with decades of hits behind him, Wilson continues to sell out arenas, headline festivals, and connect deeply with audiences who see him as more than a performer – he’s family.

The Gap Band – You Dropped A Bomb On Me (Official Music Video)