We are excited to announce that the 7th annual Atlantic City Jazz Fest will be returning to The Hard Rock Hotel and Casino’s Sound Waves Theater and the Balcony bar with 2 nights of your favorite Smooth Jazz Artist Friday September 11th and Saturday September 12th in the intimate Sound Waves Theater and a Smooth Jazz Brunch on Sunday September 13th at 11am.
Stay tuned for artist announcements!!
Please visit our new website: https://theatlanticcityjazzfest.com/
Dear Sponsor,
We are delighted to invite you to partner with us for the Seventh Annual Atlantic City Jazz Fest, returning to the prestigious Hard Rock Hotel & Casino – Sound Waves Theater from Friday, September 11th through Sunday, September 13th, 2026. Each year, the Atlantic City Jazz Fest delivers an unforgetable weekend of world-class Smooth Jazz entertainment. Our 2026 lineup will once again feature a legendary headliner per show and a dynamic roster of special guest artists, ensuring an extraordinary experience for music lovers from across the region.
This event represents an exceptional sponsorship opportunity—featuring six distinctive levels, from the Title Sponsorship ($30,000) to the Patron Sponsorship ($2,500), the new weekend format allows for more visible opportunities. Each level offers unique benefits, including:
•Prominent brand exposure and recognition throughout the festival venue
•VIP access and artist meet & greets
•Logo placement on digital and print marketing materials
•Inclusion in our media promotions and event announcements
With an audience of over 3,000 diverse atendees, the Atlantic City Jazz Fest continues to grow as one of the premier Smooth Jazz experiences on the East Coast. Our mission extends beyond entertainment— we are deeply commited to community engagement and arts education. Through our ongoing partnership with the Music Programs of Atlantic City Public Schools, we proudly provide students with opportunities to learn directly from professional musicians through interactive workshops and performances. Your sponsorship not only supports a world-class event—it helps inspire and cultivate the next generation of musical talent.
For a detailed overview of sponsorship levels and benefits, please review the atached Sponsorship Proposal or visit our website at www.theatlanticcityjazzfest.com. If you have any questions or would like to confirm your sponsorship, please contact me directly at 609-501-8404 or via email at ebethea479@gmail.com.
Your partnership will play a vital role in advancing our mission and ensuring the continued success of the Atlantic City Jazz Fest—an unforgetable celebration of music, culture, and community.
Warm regards,
Edward Bethea
Sponsorship Director
Atlantic City Jazz Fest
Gerald Albright, born and raised in Los Angeles, started as a skilled saxophonist before switching to bass after being inspired by Louis Johnson. After college, he joined Patrice Rushen’s band, eventually taking over as bassist during a tour. Throughout the 1980s, he became a sought-after session and touring musician, collaborating with artists like Anita Baker, Whitney Houston, and The Temptations.
Launching his solo career in 1987 with Just Between Us, Albright became a key figure in smooth jazz, producing numerous chart-topping albums and participating in major tours such as Guitars & Saxes and Groovin’ For Grover. He also worked with Phil Collins and Will Downing, earning multiple Grammy nominations for collaborations like 24/7 with Norman Brown and Summer Horns with Dave Koz and Friends.
With albums like Smooth, Groovology, and Sax for Stax, Albright has consistently explored diverse musical styles, blending contemporary R&B with urban jazz. He strives to take listeners on a rich, textured musical journey, reflecting his evolving artistry and personal joy in music.
Pieces of a Dream emerged from Philadelphia’s music scene in 1976, taking their name from Stanley Turrentine’s song Pieces of Dreams. Gaining popularity in their hometown, they became the house band for the TV show City Lights, where they backed a variety of artists. It was during one of these performances that jazz legend Grover Washington, Jr. first heard them play. He later joined them on stage at the Bijou, performing Mr. Magic, marking the beginning of their connection with the renowned musician.
Soon after, the group toured as part of Grover Washington Jr.’s rhythm section while also performing under their own name. Washington took Lloyd and Harmon under his wing, signing them as the first act on his new production company, Elektra. Between 1981 and 1983, Pieces of a Dream
released three albums—Pieces of a Dream, We Are One, and Imagine This— featuring hits like Warm Weather, Mount Airy Groove, and Fo Fi Fo. These records helped define smooth jazz and contributed to the genre’s rise in popularity on radio.
After establishing their reputation with Elektra, the group transitioned to EMI/Blue Note, where they recorded seven more albums. Their music continued to evolve, solidifying their influence in contemporary jazz. Over the decades, Pieces of a Dream maintained their signature blend of jazz,
R&B, and funk, remaining a cornerstone of the smooth jazz movement.
Rebecca Jade is a versatile singer/songwriter who has built a successful career spanning nearly two decades. Growing up in a musical household, she naturally followed in her vocalist mother’s footsteps. She has toured with Sheila E. since 2017, performed on Let’s Go Crazy: The GRAMMY Salute to Prince, and sang background vocals for Sir Elton John at the 2020 Academy Awards. A frequent guest on the Dave Koz Cruises, she has also opened for artists like Will Downing, Boney James, and Jeffrey Osborne.
Rebecca has earned multiple San Diego Music Awards, including Best Music Video and Best R&B/Funk/Soul Song in 2022. Her album A Shade of Jade features Dave Koz and Eric Darius, and she has won honors for Song of the Year and Artist of the Year. As a jazz vocalist, she recorded Planet
Cole Porter with Peter Sprague, earning Best Jazz Album in 2018. With over 30 years of recording experience, she has worked with top industry producers and contributed to chart-topping projects.
Beyond music, Rebecca is an actress and model, appearing in commercials and films. She graduated from UC Berkeley on a basketball scholarship, later earning an MBA in Marketing. A motorcycle rider and classic car enthusiast, she remains deeply connected to the arts while still playing basketball recreationally.
Patty Jackson was born and raised in South Philadelphia and is a thirty-six-year radio veteran. Patty’s radio career has taken her from WSSJ in Camden, New Jersey, to the country station WXTU, then to Philadelphia’s Hip Hop
station WUSL, and the classic R&B format known as WDAS-FM.
Her warmth and conversational style is a standout on Philadelphia radio. Patty’s entertainment reporting has earned her the title of entertainment writer for the Philadelphia Tribune. Patty Jackson engaged in community events, church activities and civic endeavors.
The Atlantic City Jazz Fest’s attendees are a special audience united by the love of music!
We have taken that love of Jazz music to the next level in the Atlantic City, New Jersey
area and have created a fest that will be raved about for years to come…
The Atlantic City Jazz Fest is actively working towards collaborating and developing a partnership between the Musical Programs of the Atlantic City Public Schools. The primary goal of this collaboration is to benefit musically gifted and talented students of school age in the Atlantic City area. The Atlantic City Jazz Fest is dedicated to providing exceptional opportunities for students interested in various aspects of musical entertainment, including performance, technical skills, production, and promotion. Our main objective is to expose these students to the expertise and experiences of professional musicians. In pursuit of this goal, we are planning to organize an engaging assembly at Atlantic City High School on Friday, September 12, 2025. During this assembly, students will have the opportunity to interact with accomplished musicians who will share their knowledge and experiences, inspiring young talents and providing them with a pathway to the professional field of live music.
In addition to the assembly, the Atlantic City Jazz Fest aims to grant students exclusive access to the live sound check experience at the show venue before the 6th Annual Atlantic City Jazz Fest performance on Saturday, September 13, 2025. The prestigious Hard Rock Live will host this renowned event, known for its excellence. This unique opportunity will allow students to observe the behind-the-scenes preparations and gain valuable insights into the world of professional music.
The Atlantic City Jazz Fest proudly continues its collaborative partnership with the Music Programs of Atlantic City Public Schools. Over the past two years, this partnership has showcased the incredible artistry of Jazmine Ghent and Rebecca Jade, who not only performed but also inspired and educated the musically gifted students of Atlantic City High School.
Our mission is to provide meaningful, hands-on opportunities for students interested in all facets of the music industry—including performance, technical production, sound engineering, and event promotion. To achieve this, we introduced an engaging, TED Talk–style workshop series at Atlantic City High School, held on Friday, September 13, 2024, and Friday, September 12, 2025. These interactive sessions allowed students to connect directly with accomplished professional musicians, gaining valuable insights into the real-world dynamics of the music business while being inspired to pursue their creative dreams.
In addition, the Atlantic City Jazz Fest extended a special invitation to these talented students and their Music Department Director to attend the 5th and 6th Annual Atlantic City Jazz Fest at the prestigious Sound Waves Theater. This exclusive behind-the-scenes experience offered them an extraordinary glimpse into the world of professional performance and production—further reinforcing our commitment to nurturing the next generation of musical talent.
The future of jazz is bright — and it’s starting right here in Atlantic City!
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City (Sound Waves Theater) | Saturday, September 13, 2025
MEDIA ENTITLEMENTS
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City (Sound Waves Theater) | Saturday, September 13, 2025
MEDIA ENTITLEMENTS
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City (Sound Waves Theater) | Saturday, September 13, 2025
MEDIA ENTITLEMENTS
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City (Sound Waves Theater) | Saturday, September 13, 2025
MEDIA ENTITLEMENTS
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City (Sound Waves Theater) | Saturday, September 13, 2025
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City (Sound Waves Theater) | Saturday, September 13, 2025
📍 Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Atlantic City (Sound Waves Theater) | Saturday, September 13, 2025
Tickets available on
Venue Box office
and the
Atlantic City Jazz Fest (Hotline)
Please complete this form and make checks payable to The Atlantic CIty Jazz Fest:
Atlantic City Jazz Fest ATT: Ed Bethea
801 Hancock Court Deptford NJ 08096
609-501-8404
ebetha479@gmail.com
www.theatlanticcityjazzfest.com
PLEASE PLACE THE SPONSORSHIP LEVEL IN THE MEMO LINE
Thank you for your support of the Atlantic City Jazz Fest and its initiatives!
Atlantic City Jazz Fest | 856-418-9128
www.theatlanticcityjazzfest.com