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Sponsorships

Invest in Legacy:

Become a Sponsor

Founded in 2002 by visionary community leaders Mychael and Stephanie Wright, the Selby Ave JazzFest is more than a concert—it is a celebration of Black excellence and the enduring spirit of the Rondo community. Now proudly presented by Walker|West Music Academy, the Fest serves as a premier destination for nearly 10,000 guests to honor our culture through world-class jazz, art, and connection.

By sponsoring, you are directly supporting the preservation of a space where our heritage is celebrated, our businesses are amplified, and our community is centered.

The JazzFest Experience

Unapologetic Excellence:

Featuring local, regional, and international jazz artists, including a storied history of 11 Grammy winners.

The Village Marketplace:

A vibrant economic hub showcasing 100+ Black-owned and local businesses, makers, and artisans.

A Taste of Heritage:

From soul food staples to fresh, healthy culinary options.

The Family Fun Zone

Interactive activities designed to inspire the next generation of creators and leaders.

Our Impact

Bridging the Access Gap:

Providing world-class cultural experiences to a community with 15% lower entertainment spending than the metro average.

Ancestral Roots, Modern Vision:

Transforming Selby Ave into a safe, Afro-centric destination that draws 60% of its guests from beyond the immediate neighborhood to witness the power of Rondo.

Uniting the Diaspora:

Bringing together diverse residents from across the Twin Cities to celebrate shared heritage and jazz as an Black American art form.

Economic Resilience:

Investing in the financial health of Black-owned businesses and creating pipelines where neighborhood youth can learn the business of culture, ensuring Rondo’s wealth stays in Rondo.

Voices of the Community

“It is a significant event. Its ambiance is unmatched... The cultural experience is not to be denied. Selby Ave JazzFest sustains the heritage of the African American Twin Cities.”
- Prof. Mahmoud El-Kati
Scholar & Griot
“It’s like a love bomb dropped in my neighborhood.”
- JF2025 Attendee
“From all walks of life... folks get to congregate, network, and in general, be about community.”
- TC Daily Planet
Since 2002, the Selby Avenue JazzFest has been a free gift to St. Paul.”
- Jon Bream, Legendary Music Critic,
The Minnesota Star Tribune

Partnership Opportunities

All sponsors, from Community to Platinum, receive our “Essential Exposure” package:

  • 10×10 booth space in the Village.
  • Logo placement in advertising materials.
  • Live on-stage recognition.
  • Dedicated social media features with permanent placement in our 2026 Sponsor Highlights.

Co-Presenting Sponsor

  • Top Billing: Listed as “Co-Presenting Sponsor” in all print, digital, broadcast, and news releases.
  • Premier Presence: Two 10×10 spaces in the Village (4 tables/2 chairs included).
  • Leadership Platform: Exclusive opportunity to address the audience between main sets.
  • VIP Experience: 4 All-access backstage passes for headliner meet-and-greet photo ops.
  • Legacy Media: 15-second video played on the big screen between sets; frequent social media mentions.
  • Custom Branding: Level-specific on-site booth branding.

Gold Sponsor

  • Area Ownership: Choice of event area sponsorship: The Village Marketplace or Family Fun Zone.
  • Prominent Branding: Official listing as “Gold Sponsor” in all advertising and news releases.
  • Village Presence: Two 10×10 spaces in the Village.
  • Video Feature: 15-second video broadcast between sets.
  • Stage Presence: Regular emcee shout-outs and level-specific booth signage.

Silver Sponsor

  • Visual Impact: Full-screen static logo placement on the on-stage video wall.
  • Public Recognition: Numerous on-stage emcee announcements between artist sets.
  • Village Presence: Two 10×10 spaces in the Village.
  • Official Listing: Recognized as “Silver Sponsor” in all marketing materials.

Bronze Sponsor

  • Screen Placement: Full-screen static logo placement on the behind-the-stage screen.
  • Stage Shout-outs: Numerous emcee recognitions throughout the day.
  • Village Presence: Two 10×10 booth spaces in the Village.

Community Sponsor

  • High Visibility: Logo included in the Community Sponsor “thank you” loop on the video wall.
  • Stage Presence: Numerous on-stage emcee announcements throughout the festival.
  • Village Presence: One 10×10 booth space.

Armstrong Sponsor

  • Essential Branding: Logo on promotional materials, social media posts, and video wall loop.
  • Stage Recognition: Numerous on-stage emcee announcements.
  • Village Presence: One 10×10 booth space.

Join the Movement

Partner with us to ensure the music, the culture, and the legacy of Selby Avenue continue to thrive.

Download Our

Interested in partnering with us?

Contact the Festival Director:
Ernest Bisong
ernest@selbyavejazzfest.com
(612) 234-7371

Our Amazing Sponsors

Heartfelt thanks to our sponsors and grantors, whose invaluable contributions and backing make everything we do possible.