THE FIRST COAST
SMOOTH JAZZ FESTIVAL

A Coastal Glow • Issue No. 1 • January 20 2026

Opening Note: Under a Coastal Glow

Greetings from Thomas and Bobbi Simmons,
We are overjoyed to welcome you to a celebration that comes straight from our hearts. There is something about jazz played near the water; the way the notes drift, the way the breeze carries the rhythm, the way the lights shimmer across the waves. Artists often say they feel more connected, more inspired, more open here. It is a reminder that music, like the tides, are always moving, always returning, always renewing.
Our love for jazz and our deep commitment to uplifting military families have guided every step of this festival’s creation. It is our honor to share this experience with you. A gathering filled with music, community, and the radiant spirit of the First Coast. Thank you for sharing this journey with us and helping us to build a legacy of music, service, and hope for future generations. Thank you for joining our tide of purpose and helping us send more light, love, and possibility across our beautiful First Coast.

Meet the Visionaries Behind the Festival

Thomas and Bobbi Simmons are lifelong jazz enthusiasts whose love for music has carried them across the world. From Europe’s winding waterways of cruise adventures to the vibrant stages of South Africa. Experiencing jazz up close, connecting with artists, and feeling the spirit of the music in its purest form has been deeply meaningful to them both.
Thomas, a retired Senior Chief of the United States Navy, and Bobbi, a retired educator, share a profound commitment to service, community, and the transformative power of the arts. Their passion for jazz and their dedication to uplifting others come together in their creation of the First Coast Smooth Jazz Festival. For Thomas and Bobbi, this festival is more than an event; it is an expression of gratitude to their fellow jazz lovers, and a labor of love to the people who have shaped their journey to their upscale festival in their coastal hometown of Jacksonville, Florida.

About Birdwild Project Incorporated

Birdwild Project Incorporated is a federally recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit committed to elevating underserved communities through transformative charitable, educational, and scientific initiatives. Born from Birdwild, the poetic debut by co‑founder Bobbi Simmons, the organization embodies the book’s spirit of resilience, imagination, and generational legacy.

Rooted in service and guided by the belief that education can change the trajectory of a life, Birdwild Project Inc. empowers underserved youth from military families through scholarships, mentorship, job‑readiness training, and evidence‑based support. By connecting young people with positive role models, real‑world experiences, and culturally relevant resources, the organization helps them build confidence, purpose, and possibility

Anchored in its guiding principle, “Empowering Individuals Through Education,” Birdwild Project Inc. champions youth empowerment, literacy advancement, and culturally rich programming that honors heritage while inspiring forward movement.

Why Visit Jacksonville? Discover the Magic of Florida’s First Coast

Jacksonville is a city that surprises and delights; where coastal beauty, vibrant culture, and Southern warmth meet. With 22 miles of uncrowded beaches and the nation’s largest urban park system, it is a haven for sunrise seekers, outdoor lovers, and anyone craving fresh air and adventure. The city’s creative pulse runs strong, from colorful murals and bustling markets to world‑class museums and live music that fills the air year‑round. Food lovers will find modern Southern cuisine infused with bold coastal flavors crafted by rising local chefs.

Whether you are exploring historic neighborhoods, kayaking the north‑flowing St. Johns River, cheering on the Jaguars, or catching golden hour along the riverwalk, Jacksonville offers a rare blend of big‑city energy and laid‑back coastal charm; warm, welcoming, and full of discovery.

Ways to Get Involved

• • Reserve your seat under the glow

• • Become a festival volunteer

• • Support the music through donations or sponsorship

Closing Note: Until the Next Tide Rolls In

Thank you for being part of the First Coast Smooth Jazz Festival family. With Marcus Anderson leading us into new horizons, Nathan Mitchell lighting up the stage with his radiant sound, and five other extraordinary gifted musicians, composers, and performers joining this inaugural celebration, our first year is already shaping into something truly unforgettable. Until next time, may your days shine with possibility and your nights be wrapped in the smoothest jazz.