Atlantic City Jazz Festival: A Vision Born of Purpose and Passion
Meet Burnell "Bernie" Brown - The Woman Behind AC Jazz Fest
ATLANTIC CITY — When Burnell “Bernie” Brown looked across the entertainment landscape of Atlantic City, she saw the obvious: bright lights, casinos, and Boardwalk attractions that drew millions each year. But she also saw something missing — a signature cultural experience that could bring people together through timeless music. Out of that realization, and the wisdom of her late father, the Atlantic City Jazz Festival was born.
Mark Tyler
Brown, founder of The Majestic Entertainment Group, said her father’s words planted the seed. “At first, I wasn't clear on what he meant, but then it finally hit me what my gift was to the public — entertainment,” she recalled.
That gift, cultivated over decades of hard work and persistence, is now a cornerstone of Atlantic City’s cultural calendar.
Roots in Philadelphia, Growth in Atlantic City
A native of Philadelphia’s Spring Garden section, Brown grew up in a large household where her mother raised eight children while working three jobs. At just 13, she took initiative by starting a small laundry business in her mother’s basement, hoping to help ease the family’s financial strain.
Her entrepreneurial drive only grew stronger. By 17, she launched Secret Shine Janitorial Service, a cleaning company that she successfully operated for more than two decades. Those early ventures taught her the values of discipline, responsibility, and vision — qualities that became the foundation of her later success.
Life was not without challenges. While building her businesses, Brown raised five children as a single mother and cared for her siblings and aging parents during periods of illness. She leaned on her faith to sustain her. “I understood my assignment,” she often says, crediting her purpose-driven life with helping her overcome obstacles and transform hardship into motivation.
The Birth of Majestic Entertainment
After relocating to Atlantic City, Brown shifted her focus to a lifelong passion — live entertainment. In 2012, she launched The Majestic Entertainment Group (MEG) with little more than determination and faith.
Her persistence paid off. Resorts Casino Hotel became her first major client, and she soon produced shows at Harrah’s, the Taj Mahal, The Claridge, Hard Rock Café, and other well-known venues. By building relationships across the city’s hospitality sector, she created a company known for delivering world-class performers across genres.
But Brown wanted more than one-off events. She wanted to create a lasting brand for Atlantic City. In 2017, she formed the Atlantic City Jazz Festival, with the first event taking place in 2018.
A Festival with Staying Power
The Atlantic City Jazz Festival has since become a staple for fans of smooth jazz, blues, and R&B. Each year, it attracts audiences from across the region who come not only for the music, but also for the camaraderie.
“Me and my partners continue with Jazz because we made it a brand, a staple entertainment people look forward to each year,” Brown said. “There’s no greater feeling than watching the crowd and knowing you did that.”
Festival-goers can expect top-tier performances, opportunities to mingle with fellow music lovers, and a carefully curated experience. “We make sure to satisfy the music palette and make our patrons want more every year,” Brown added.
Mark Tyler
Impact and Recognition
Beyond entertainment, the festival has had an economic ripple effect in Atlantic City, drawing visitors who contribute to the local economy by booking hotels, dining in restaurants, and shopping at local businesses. The Majestic Entertainment Group’s productions, including indoor and outdoor events, have consistently boosted revenue for the city.
Brown’s leadership has been recognized at multiple levels. She received a Certificate of Appreciation from the Atlantic County Board of Chosen Freeholders and was honored with a Congressional Proclamation as part of the 2022 Heroes of Your Hometown for Appreciation and High Distinction Award.
More Than Music
For Brown, the Atlantic City Jazz Festival is not just about smooth rhythms and soulful performances — it is about living her purpose. She believes every twist in her life prepared her for this moment: from starting her first business in her teens, to years of sacrifice for family, to taking a leap of faith in Atlantic City.
“We thank everyone that follows us and supports our company mission,” she said. “We keep getting better as the years grow.”
With each passing year, the Atlantic City Jazz Festival cements itself not only as a premier cultural event, but also as a testament to what vision, perseverance, and purpose can create.
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