Sunset Lounge in West Palm Beach reopens to host a special Soul in the City concert with Boney James

West Palm Beach, Florida – The Sunset Lounge, a historic cultural landmark in West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest District, is set to welcome guests once again for a special evening of live music as part of the “Soul in the City” concert series. On Wednesday, November 19, 2025, the reimagined venue will host a performance by four-time Grammy Award-nominated saxophonist, producer, and composer Boney James, marking a milestone in the Lounge’s revitalization and reaffirming its legacy as a center of cultural and artistic expression. Tickets go on sale Friday, October 17, at noon via wpb.org/jazz.

The completion of the 7,200-square-foot, two-story venue represents years of effort and collaboration between the City of West Palm Beach and the West Palm Beach Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA). The renovation includes a full-service restaurant, bar, rooftop space, and a host of amenities designed to make the Sunset Lounge a hub for community engagement, live music, and cultural programming.

“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.”

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The Soul in the City at Sunset Lounge concert will feature Boney James as part of his Slow Burn tour, celebrating his recent acclaimed album that has solidified his reputation as one of contemporary jazz’s premier artists. James has earned numerous accolades, including 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, and 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.”

The Sunset Lounge holds a unique place in West Palm Beach history. During the 1940s and 1950s, the venue hosted legendary artists such as Count Basie, Ella Fitzgerald, and Louis Armstrong, serving as a vital cultural hub for the African American community at a time when many mainstream venues excluded Black performers. Over the years, the Lounge remained a space for artistic expression and community gathering, making its preservation a critical part of the city’s cultural heritage.

“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.”

The relocation of the Soul in the City concerts to the Sunset Lounge is expected to offer a more dynamic experience for attendees, with greater capacity and a richer cultural atmosphere. The venue also provides on-site valet parking, ensuring a convenient and comfortable experience for concertgoers.

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The Sunset Lounge reopening event is supported by a range of sponsors, including the 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. These partnerships reflect the community’s commitment to celebrating local culture and supporting venues that preserve the city’s historical and artistic identity.

The venue’s revitalization is part of a larger effort by the City of West Palm Beach and CRA to invest in downtown redevelopment, cultural programming, and historic preservation. The Sunset Lounge now stands as a 7,200-square-foot beacon of music, art, and community, blending modern amenities with historical significance. City officials say the project not only honors the Lounge’s past but also establishes a foundation for future cultural initiatives that will benefit residents and visitors alike.

Mayor Keith A. James emphasized the importance of connecting the city’s past with its future. “Its preservation connects us to our past while paving the way for a future filled with growth and opportunity,” he said. “We look forward to carrying on the Lounge’s legacy as we welcome one of the most esteemed jazz performers of our time.”

For Boney James, performing at the Sunset Lounge is a chance to engage with a community that values jazz and musical heritage. His performance promises to capture the spirit of the venue’s storied past while celebrating its revitalized future. Audience members can expect a blend of smooth jazz, lively rhythms, and a sense of history that resonates throughout the Lounge’s restored interior.

The Sunset Lounge’s reopening signals a renewed chapter for West Palm Beach’s Historic Northwest District, highlighting the city’s commitment to fostering cultural spaces and providing venues for community engagement. As the Soul in the City series continues at the Sunset Lounge, residents and visitors alike will have the chance to experience world-class performances, celebrate the city’s heritage, and connect with one another through music.

Tickets and more information about the concert, seating, and packages are available online at wpb.org/jazz. For additional details about upcoming City of West Palm Beach events, visit www.wpb.org/events, call 561-822-1515 (TTY: 800-955-8771), or follow the City on Facebook, X, and Instagram.

The reopening of the Sunset Lounge represents more than just a concert venue—it is a cultural revival, a celebration of history, and a symbol of community collaboration that will resonate for years to come. With its combination of live music, dining, rooftop views, and historic significance, the Sunset Lounge is poised to reclaim its role as one of West Palm Beach’s most cherished landmarks.