Never doubt the unifying powers of music. In just a few minutes, a melody catches your ears, a bass guitar strums so clearly that your chest thumps, your eyes close, and...
In a night of entertainment, food, drinks and good old country music, the Heritage Cares Charity Concert made its much-anticipated return on January 27 during The Pool & Spa Show in Atlantic City. This year’s lineup was one for the history books; Jillian Dawn, Nashville-based indie-pop singer opened the show with comforting tunes like ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” while opener Band of Heathens rocked the stage with their music that blends rock ‘n’ roll with folk, country and soul influences. Their high-energy performance was followed by multi- platinum country star Dierks Bentley, who brought the house down with hits like “Drunk on a Plane,” “I Hold On,” and “What Was I Thinkin’.”
Over 2,900 attendees showed up to the event, held exclusively for industry professionals at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. Whether folks sat in the stadium seating around the edges to get a bird’s eye view, huddled at tables on the floor to enjoy food and community with old friends, or crowded in front of the stage to get that addicting, concert-going feel, it was a night to remember.
After Band of Heathens performed and before Dierks Bentley took the stage, the annual Heritage Cares auction took place, where attendees bid on sought-after items that included signed concert posters, a signed guitar by Dierks Bentley and more.
“A little snow and ice can’t stop Heritage Pool when it comes to raising money, having fun and giving back!” the company says, referring to the winter weather on the East Coast. “We’re elated to share that this year’s event exceeded last year’s fundraising totals for Heritage Cares, providing increased support for the industry and the causes that matter most to our community.”
All proceeds from the auction and concert ticket sales were donated to industry organizations that advocate for water safety and swim education, funding cancer research and more, including Heritage Cares, Step Into Swim, Swim Across America and the NESPA Foundation.
“Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making this event such a meaningful success,” Heritage continues. “Your support makes a real difference. We look forward to seeing you all again at NESPA 2027!”
When the music stops, the lights go dim and concert-goers go home, we can rest easy that the impact of the night remains. With money donated to incredible causes, the lasting effects of nights like this are sure to be felt for many years to come. Until next year — when the Heritage Cares Charity Concert returns.
This article first appeared in the March 2026 issue of AQUA Magazine — the top resource for retailers, builders and service pros in the pool and spa industry. Subscriptions to the print magazine are free to all industry professionals. Click here to subscribe.
