Benefit concert to boost Atlantic City’s arts scene
Atlantic City is no stranger to live entertainment, but this August, a special performance will add more than music to the air. The Atlantic City Arts Foundation (ACAF) is hosting a benefit concert that will bring about more opportunities, connections, and overall support for the city’s vibrant arts scene.
On Saturday, Aug. 23, acclaimed baritone John Brancy and pianist Peter Dugan will take the stage at the Celebrity Theater inside The Claridge for a 90-minute cabaret-style concert benefitting the arts. This is the first benefit concert of its kind for the ACAF. It promises a night of timeless tunes, community connection, and a chance to support the growth of public art in AC.
“This is a unique program and a special opportunity to raise funds for public arts,” said Michael Atkins, who became executive director of ACAF in September. “Instead of a traditional dinner or fundraiser, we wanted to offer something exciting like this benefit concert.”
For Brancy, a Grammy Award-winning performer and trained opera singer, the concert is both personal and purposeful.
“As a South Jersey native, I am thrilled to produce a homecoming concert in Atlantic City,” Brancy shared. “I’ve performed all over the world, but nothing beats sharing songs I love with fellow New Jerseyans who, like me, were shaped by the greats like Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., and Bobby Darin.”
The show will feature Rat Pack classics, Broadway favorites, and even a special rendition of “On the Boardwalk (In Atlantic City).” According to Brancy, the arrangements will stay true to the iconic style, while delivering fresh energy for a modern audience.
The Celebrity Theater, tucked inside the historic Claridge Hotel, provides the perfect backdrop for this night.
“There’s so much history in Atlantic City, and the Claridge is a big part of that,” said Atkins. “It’s a beautiful room that just feels right for this kind of cabaret-style performance, especially with Sinatra songs in the mix.”
The event is open to locals, tourists, music lovers and arts supporters alike. Whether you’re looking for a fun date night, a new cultural experience, or a way to give back to the arts community, this concert welcomes you.
“It’s more than a concert, it’s a chance to mingle, meet others who support the arts in AC, and just have a great time,” Atkins said. “We want this to be affordable and accessible for everyone.”
All proceeds from the concert will directly support the Atlantic City Arts Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to enriching life in AC through diverse cultural programming and public art. The foundation is perhaps best known for producing over 100 murals across the city.
The ACAF’s mission is to foster an environment where art is a catalyst for community well-being, economic development and civic engagement.
“It’s a great time to check in with the foundation, we have new leadership in place, so this concert is a great opportunity for people to meet our staff, our board, and see where we’re heading.” Atkins said.
Brancy echoed that excitement. “Given my long friendship with Michael, it is an honor to collaborate on an event that raises funds for the Atlantic City Arts Foundation and supports local artists in their mission to create even more public art in AC.”
The concert begins at 8:30 p.m. and runs until 10 p.m., blending world-class talent with community spirit and a cause worth supporting.
“This event starts us off with a bang,” Atkins said. “The success of this night helps us scale all of our other programs, so any ticket purchased, any donation made, truly makes a difference.”
Tickets and more information can be found through the Atlantic City Arts Foundation’s website and social media channels.
“We want to bring people together with this concert,” Atkins said. “We also wanted to create an avenue for people to chip in whatever they can in order to support the arts and keep it alive in AC. It’s a chance for people to have a great experience, hear great music and mingle.”
