BK Jackson comes home for Party in the Bay 2024

BK Jackson in the middle of the Jaab Theater during his performance. Photo by Warren Buchholz of Jazz on Arts Axis Florida.

Tampa, FL – Saxophonist Bernard “BK” Jackson has an extensive and illustrious career, performing around the globe with renowned artists such as Prince, Anita Baker, and Trombone Shorty. He also has a growing solo career, and his dynamic saxophone performances have captivated audiences worldwide. When he's not on the road, BK now resides in Atlanta, but Tampa is the one place that he will always come back to.

BK came home on Saturday to host at the Straz Center his annual "Party in the Bay" benefit concert, which served as a back-to-school drive to support local students and teachers in need. As a product of the Hillsborough County Public Schools, BK wanted to give back to the educational institutions that have played a pivotal role in his development. He did just that on Saturday night.

BK and his band performed some of his original compositions as well as covers from the artists that helped shape his career. Every song BK performed had the full house dancing, but it was BK’s cover of “Purple Rain” by Prince that brought everyone in the theater together to harmoniously sing the chorus. “Music is one of those powerful things. It’s a universal language.” BK spoke before he performed his rendition of Anita Baker's "Sweet Love."

This concert wasn't just about the music though. It also served as a platform for giving back to the community BK grew up in. Jackson donated $500 from the night's ticket sales to the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Colin Higgins, the director of communications for the foundation, accepted the check on stage.

A poster for a jazz concert celebrating the life and legacy of alvin joseph downing.

BK Jackson (right) and Mark Perry (center) presented Colin Higgins (left) with a large $500 check. Photo by Warren Buchholz of Jazz on Arts Axis Florida.

BK also recognized a Hillsborough County public school teacher Johntha Gillyard who's played a pivotal role in many students' educational journeys over the past 25 years. The two hugged on stage before BK brought out his friend and collaborator Sherwood Brown, Jr. of Sherwood And The Loud Pack to sing. And they brought the house down.

BK Jackson (left) performed with Sherwood Brown, Jr. (right). Photo by Warren Buchholz of Jazz on Arts Axis Florida.

The show ended with a cheering crowd, but the party wasn't over yet. After a speech from Mark Perry, producer of the UPTOWN Music & Arts Festival, BK came back out for an exhilarating encore that featured covers of Bell Biv DeVoe's "Poison" and "Before I Let Go" by Frankie Beverly And Maze. This was a concert that no one in the audience wanted to leave, but like all good parties, everyone had to go home.

The benefit concert was a love letter to the place BK grew up and tells us that no matter where he travels Tampa will always be home. BK will return to Tampa in 2025 to host his third Party in the Bay benefit concert. Keep up with BK by visiting his website.