Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah Lee.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Great live music doesn’t just entertain, it changes the energy of the room. Bold City Classics strives to create that experience at every event and for every audience, whether it’s a wedding, corporate gala, fundraiser, or public concert. During the busiest weeks of the season, as many as 20 or more Bold City Classics musicians perform across Jacksonville and North Florida, delivering high-energy, organic, interactive performances spanning Motown, soul, pop, funk, jazz, and big band.
What an audience won’t see are the hours behind the event: communication, planning, logistics, and years spent building a company whose purpose is to create unforgettable experiences. And what the audience would never see is that I never saw myself as a full-time musician let alone a band owner.
For 21 years I worked in the Information Technology industry. It was a career I enjoyed and one that challenged me. Through those years, being a saxophonist was always there, waiting in the background. With the support of my family, I made an unconventional decision: I left the corporate world and went back to college as a full-time nontraditional adult student to earn my music degree.
Walking into college surrounded by students half my age and many professors younger than me was intimidating, but it reminded me that it’s never too late to start over. I thought I was changing careers to possibly teach or become a church music director; I had no idea I was laying the foundation for becoming a business owner of an event band which is now Bold City Classics (“BCC”).
Looking back, lots of folks questioned my decision, going from a successful IT career (and its salary) to a career that is fueled by a passion for music and the hustle to get the next gig. But I didn’t leave one career behind, I used it to teach me what I needed for the next: leadership, organization, problem-solving, websites, client databases, and bringing people together toward a common goal.
BCC is more than a band. It’s an organization of exceptionally talented musicians (including vocalists), sound engineers and support staff who share the same passion, to create experiences that bring people together. Along the way, I realized we weren’t just performing, we were becoming part of our Jacksonville community’s story. Whether we are helping a non-profit raise funds, performing at Jacksonville’s 4th of July celebration, providing the soundtrack for a couple’s first dance, or self-producing public concerts that keep music of past decades alive, that’s the impact I never imagined when I left the I.T. corporate world.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest challenges I continue to work on is balancing art and business. As a performer, I’m committed to becoming the best musician I can be. Yet the demands of leading a business often mean putting the success of the band ahead of my own artistic pursuits.
Most people only see the performance, but behind the scenes my role is often to absorb the challenges so my team doesn’t have to. Whether it’s navigating difficult conversations, solving last-minute problems, or managing client expectations, my job along with my administrative staff is to remove obstacles so the musicians can focus entirely on the music and creating that unforgettable night.
The most magical moments in a performance are often the ones that aren’t planned. I believe the only way that can happen is keeping the musicians, most who joined me in the early years of building a band, focused on what they do best and staying present in the moment.
At the end of the day, it’s not about overcoming the obstacles, it’s knowing those experiences helped create an environment where musicians can thrive and audiences can experience the joy that only live music can bring.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Bold City Classics is a collective of professional musicians, vocalists, sound engineers, and event professionals dedicated to creating exceptional live entertainment. We perform for weddings, nonprofit galas, corporate events, city celebrations, festivals, and public concerts throughout Northeast Florida, offering ensembles that range from intimate trios to larger groups including multiple vocalists and horn section to our big band.
We specialize in live music that brings people together, regardless of age or background. Our goal is to create an authentic, interactive experience that fills dance floors while still leaving room for unforgettable musical moments.
We’re known for our professionalism as much as our performances. Clients know they can trust us. Musicians know they’ll be treated with respect. Event planners know we’ll communicate, prepare, and deliver. I believe those relationships are just as important as the music itself.
One of the things I’m honored to do as the owner is create consistent opportunities for professional musicians and support staff to do what they love. Many of the musicians who joined BCC in its early years are still performing with us today. That longevity reflects the respect, professionalism, and friendship we’ve worked hard to cultivate. Watching incredibly talented people continue to choose this team year after year makes me incredibly happy.
What sets us apart is that we view every event through the eyes of our client. Music is only one part of creating an unforgettable experience. Every email, phone call, video meeting, timeline discussion, every sound check, and every interaction contributes to the success of the event. We believe excellence begins long before the first note is played. We don’t just perform at events, we become part of some of the most important moments in people’s lives.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
One of the best ways the public can support the arts overall is simply by showing up. Every ticket purchased, every concert and festival attended, every meal purchased to support a venue, and every live performance shared with family and friends helps ensure that professional musicians can continue doing what they love.
As for BCC, if you know someone that may be part of planning a wedding, fundraiser gala, corporate event, or a community celebration, booking a live band means investing in an experience that is one of a kind. Music has the power to transform an event into a memory, and it’s an honor every time someone invites us to be part of those moments.
For musicians – and this part is so important to me as a leader – I encourage them to remember that talent is only one part of a successful career. Professionalism, preparation, reliability, kindness, and a willingness to continue learning are what open doors and what will build lasting relationships in this industry.
I hope people continue to support live music in their own communities. Every performance creates a ripple effect across every facet required to produce an amazing show: the venue, food and beverage staff, event planners, decorators, administrative staff, sound and lighting staff, equipment rental companies and many more.
Music brings people together and reminds us that some of life’s most meaningful moments are best experienced live.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.boldcityclassics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boldcityclassics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boldcityclassics
- Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@boldcityclassics
