Sunset Lounge Welcomes Guests for a Special Soul in the City Concert
Published on October 16, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contacts:
Kathleen Joy, Director of Communications
City of West Palm Beach – Mayor’s Office
Phone: (561) 822-1411 (TTY: 800-955-8771)
Email: kjoy@wpb.org
Meredith Westheimer
Phone: (561) 213-8192
Email: meredithw@themooreagency.com
Historic Sunset Lounge Welcomes Guests for a Special Soul in the City Concert
City of West Palm Beach to celebrate project’s completion with Grammy-nominated performer
WEST PALM BEACH, FL (October 16, 2025) — The City of West Palm Beach is excited to announce that the Sunset Lounge will once again open its doors for select cultural events, beginning with a special Soul in the City concert on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Guests will be welcomed to the reimagined space with a performance by four-time Grammy Award-nominated saxophonist, producer, and composer Boney James. This milestone activation celebrates the venue’s role as a cherished cultural landmark and historic beacon of African American heritage in the Historic Northwest District. Tickets will go on sale on Friday, Oct. 17 at noon at wpb.org/jazz.
The completion of the two-story, 7,200-square-foot venue marks a milestone for the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA), both of which are committed to significant revitalization projects across the downtown corridors. The Lounge will host select community and cultural programming, featuring live music, a full-service restaurant, bar, rooftop space, and other amenities.
“We are pleased to announce that the historic Sunset Lounge will once again open its doors for special events,” said Mayor Keith A. James. “Its preservation connects us to our past while paving the way for a future filled with growth and opportunity. I appreciate everyone who remained dedicated to this important project. We look forward to carrying on the Lounge’s legacy as we welcome one of the most esteemed jazz performers of our time.”
The reopening event, titled “Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge,” will revive the venue’s legacy as a center for world-class jazz and cultural celebration. Renowned saxophonist Boney James (no relation to Mayor James) will headline the evening at the Sunset Lounge as part of his Slow Burn tour, named for his acclaimed recent album that has cemented his place among the greats.
In addition to his Grammy Award nominations, James has secured three NAACP Image Award nominations, a Soul Train Award for Best Jazz Album, and four RIAA Gold Record certifications. In 2009, Billboard named him one of the top three contemporary jazz artists of the decade. In 2024, he became the first artist to achieve 20 No. 1 singles on the Billboard Smooth Jazz chart.
“We are immensely proud to celebrate the completion of the Sunset Lounge revitalization,” said Chris Roog, Executive Director of the West Palm Beach CRA. “This transformation is a tribute to the legacy of those who paved the way before us, and a commitment to creating a dynamic space for generations to come. With heartfelt thanks to the residents and businesses of the Historic Northwest neighborhood—and to all who share a love for music—this project reflects the power of community collaboration. Together, we’ve preserved a cultural landmark where people can gather to celebrate, connect, and be inspired.”
Located in the heart of the Historic Northwest District, the Sunset Lounge has played a pivotal role in shaping the cultural vibrancy of West Palm Beach. In the 1940s and 1950s, the venue welcomed legendary artists such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong. It was a vital space for the African American community during a time when Black artists were often excluded from mainstream venues. The Sunset Lounge became a hub for artistic expression for musicians throughout the years, offering a place for performers and audiences to celebrate culture and music.
“Accessible community events are essential to a thriving downtown community,” said Angela Poco, Marketing and Community Events Manager for the City of West Palm Beach. “The reopening of Sunset Lounge marks an exciting opportunity for the City to host events, starting with our popular Soul in the City concert series, which will find a permanent home at the Sunset Lounge.”
All future Soul in the City concerts will take place in the space, providing a more dynamic experience and accommodating a larger number of attendees. Parking is available via on-site valet.
Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge sponsors-to-date include West Palm Beach Downtown Development Authority, WPB Magazine, 97.9 WRMF, SUNNY 107.9, New Country 103.1, X 102.3, News Talk 850 WFTL, FOX Sports 640 AM, and WPBF 25.
For more information on ticket prices and packages, along with all Soul in the City details, visit wpb.org/jazz. For more information about other City of West Palm Beach Events, visit www.wpb.org/events, call (561) 822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City of West Palm Beach on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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About the City of West Palm Beach:
The City of West Palm Beach is a vibrant and dynamic city located on the Atlantic coast of Florida. With a rich history, a thriving arts and cultural scene, and a commitment to sustainability, the City of West Palm Beach is an ideal place to live, work, and play. As one of the three largest cities making up the South Florida region, and the central city of Palm Beach County, West Palm Beach is a vibrant, growing, waterfront city that seamlessly blends the business advantages available in the region with a more refined and relaxed environment for living and working, making it an exceptional destination for both residents and professionals alike. To learn more about the City of West Palm Beach, visit us on our official website, or follow us on our social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), and/or LinkedIn. To keep up with the City’s event news, follow @eventswpb on Instagram and Facebook.
About the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA):
A Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA) is a dependent district established by City government to carry out redevelopment activities that include reducing or eliminating blight, improving the economic health of an area, and encouraging public and private investments in a CRA district. The CRA is governed by State Statutes, Chapter 163, Part III. The West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency is funded through Tax Increment Financing (TIF).
Learn more about the CRA on our official website, or follow us on social media: Facebook, Instagram, and Linked-In.