Susan Smallwood
~ Polo Jazz Event ~
Susan Smallwood on Building a Decade of Culture, Luxury, and Legacy Through POLOxJAZZ.
by Toni Horton Tomlin
Copa: Susan, Where are you from?
Susan: I was born in Seoul Korea. Lived in Belgium and Germany. Growing up overseas has shaped my cultural experiences.”
Those global experiences helped shape Susan Smallwood’s appreciation for culture, sophistication, and connection across communities. Exposure to diverse lifestyles, traditions, and social environments gave her a broader perspective on entertainment and hospitality—something that now defines the POLOxJAZZ experience.
Today, that international influence is reflected in the elevated atmosphere she curates through Grandiosity Events: a fusion of luxury, culture, live entertainment, philanthropy, and community impact. The event has become known for bringing together leaders in business, entertainment, sports, aviation, and entrepreneurship in a setting that feels both aspirational and welcoming.
Susan: I was born in Seoul Korea. Lived in Belgium and Germany. Growing up overseas has shaped my cultural experiences.”
Those global experiences helped shape Susan Smallwood’s appreciation for culture, sophistication, and connection across communities. Exposure to diverse lifestyles, traditions, and social environments gave her a broader perspective on entertainment and hospitality—something that now defines the POLOxJAZZ experience.
Today, that international influence is reflected in the elevated atmosphere she curates through Grandiosity Events: a fusion of luxury, culture, live entertainment, philanthropy, and community impact. The event has become known for bringing together leaders in business, entertainment, sports, aviation, and entrepreneurship in a setting that feels both aspirational and welcoming.
Copa: What originally inspired you to create POLOxJAZZ™, and what did you want people to experience from the very beginning?
Susan: 10 years ago, I was invited to a tailgate and I was asked to produce a polo event after successfully producing 2 events at Signature Flight Support Private Jet Hangar. Ooh la la!”
What began as a single opportunity evolved into one of the region’s premier luxury charity experiences. Susan saw an opportunity to create something different—an experience that blended polo, jazz, elegance, Black excellence, philanthropy, and cultural sophistication into one unforgettable day.
From the beginning, her vision was never just about entertainment. It was about creating an atmosphere where people could network, celebrate, and feel inspired while also supporting meaningful causes. Over the years, POLOxJAZZ™ has become known for merging high society with high impact—bringing together curated hospitality, live jazz, luxury vendors, celebrity guests, and purpose-driven giving.
Susan: 10 years ago, I was invited to a tailgate and I was asked to produce a polo event after successfully producing 2 events at Signature Flight Support Private Jet Hangar. Ooh la la!”
What began as a single opportunity evolved into one of the region’s premier luxury charity experiences. Susan saw an opportunity to create something different—an experience that blended polo, jazz, elegance, Black excellence, philanthropy, and cultural sophistication into one unforgettable day.
From the beginning, her vision was never just about entertainment. It was about creating an atmosphere where people could network, celebrate, and feel inspired while also supporting meaningful causes. Over the years, POLOxJAZZ™ has become known for merging high society with high impact—bringing together curated hospitality, live jazz, luxury vendors, celebrity guests, and purpose-driven giving.
Copa: When you look back at the first event compared to today, what makes you most proud?
Susan: We've been able to sustain the momentum even when the climate and administration changes. PoloxJazz.com has become more visible and guests are flying in from all over to celebrate the community and causes.”
For Susan, longevity is one of the greatest accomplishments. In an ever-changing economic and political climate, maintaining momentum for ten consecutive years is no small feat.
What started as a bold vision has now evolved into a recognizable cultural platform that continues to attract attendees from across the country. POLOxJAZZ™ has grown into more than an event—it has become a destination experience rooted in legacy, visibility, and impact. Guests now travel in from multiple cities to participate in a celebration centered around excellence, philanthropy, and connection.
Susan: We've been able to sustain the momentum even when the climate and administration changes. PoloxJazz.com has become more visible and guests are flying in from all over to celebrate the community and causes.”
For Susan, longevity is one of the greatest accomplishments. In an ever-changing economic and political climate, maintaining momentum for ten consecutive years is no small feat.
What started as a bold vision has now evolved into a recognizable cultural platform that continues to attract attendees from across the country. POLOxJAZZ™ has grown into more than an event—it has become a destination experience rooted in legacy, visibility, and impact. Guests now travel in from multiple cities to participate in a celebration centered around excellence, philanthropy, and connection.
Copa: POLOxJAZZ™ is now celebrating 10 years. What do you believe has been the key to its longevity and continued growth?
Susan: We've been able to sustain the momentum even when the climate and administration changes. PoloxJazz.com has become more visible and guests are flying in from all over to celebrate the community and causes.
That consistency, combined with Susan’s commitment to reinvention and elevated guest experiences, has helped the brand continue to evolve. Each year introduces new celebrity hosts, partnerships, charitable beneficiaries, and immersive experiences while remaining grounded in the original mission of culture, luxury, and philanthropy.
Susan: We've been able to sustain the momentum even when the climate and administration changes. PoloxJazz.com has become more visible and guests are flying in from all over to celebrate the community and causes.
That consistency, combined with Susan’s commitment to reinvention and elevated guest experiences, has helped the brand continue to evolve. Each year introduces new celebrity hosts, partnerships, charitable beneficiaries, and immersive experiences while remaining grounded in the original mission of culture, luxury, and philanthropy.
Copa: Over the years, what have been some of the most memorable moments, guests, or highlights from the experience?
Susan: 2022 Celebrity Actress Lisa Raye celebrated her birthday in Grand style as our hostess. 2023 Celebrity Judge Mathis was our host. That was the year Governor Wes Moore called a State of Emergency due to Tropical Storm Ophelia. In less than 24 hours, we pivoted into a 180' barn and still made Magic happen. This year Celebrity Actor Clifton Powell is our host. He will also be playing in my movie!”
Over the last decade, POLOxJAZZ™ has welcomed an impressive lineup of celebrity guests, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, and changemakers. But for Susan, some of the most defining moments were the ones that tested resilience.
The 2023 event, impacted by Tropical Storm Ophelia, became a defining example of perseverance and adaptability. Rather than canceling, the team transformed the experience within 24 hours and still delivered what attendees described as “magic.”
This year’s 10th anniversary celebration is hosted by acclaimed actor Clifton Powell, adding another major entertainment milestone to the brand’s growing legacy.
Susan: 2022 Celebrity Actress Lisa Raye celebrated her birthday in Grand style as our hostess. 2023 Celebrity Judge Mathis was our host. That was the year Governor Wes Moore called a State of Emergency due to Tropical Storm Ophelia. In less than 24 hours, we pivoted into a 180' barn and still made Magic happen. This year Celebrity Actor Clifton Powell is our host. He will also be playing in my movie!”
Over the last decade, POLOxJAZZ™ has welcomed an impressive lineup of celebrity guests, civic leaders, entrepreneurs, influencers, and changemakers. But for Susan, some of the most defining moments were the ones that tested resilience.
The 2023 event, impacted by Tropical Storm Ophelia, became a defining example of perseverance and adaptability. Rather than canceling, the team transformed the experience within 24 hours and still delivered what attendees described as “magic.”
This year’s 10th anniversary celebration is hosted by acclaimed actor Clifton Powell, adding another major entertainment milestone to the brand’s growing legacy.
Copa: POLOxJAZZ™ has become known as a Black luxury and legacy experience. What does that mean to you personally?
Susan: My GRAND VISION has come to fruition after losing everything materialistically speaking. But always believed in myself!
That statement reflects the heart behind the brand. For Susan, POLOxJAZZ™ represents resilience, faith, vision, and rebuilding. What began as an idea became proof that purpose, consistency, and belief can create lasting impact.
Today, the event stands as a visible example of Black luxury, leadership, and ownership in spaces where representation has historically been limited.
Susan: My GRAND VISION has come to fruition after losing everything materialistically speaking. But always believed in myself!
That statement reflects the heart behind the brand. For Susan, POLOxJAZZ™ represents resilience, faith, vision, and rebuilding. What began as an idea became proof that purpose, consistency, and belief can create lasting impact.
Today, the event stands as a visible example of Black luxury, leadership, and ownership in spaces where representation has historically been limited.
Copa: What makes the POLOxJAZZ™ experience different from other polo or jazz events?
Susan: We are the one and only PoloxJazz.com. What happens at PoloxJazz stays at PoloxJazz. This is where high level guests can let their hair down and not be judged!
POLOxJAZZ™ has built its reputation on creating a uniquely curated atmosphere where elegance meets authenticity. Guests experience professional polo matches, live jazz performances, curated food and beverage experiences, VIP hospitality, luxury vendor activations, networking opportunities, and celebrity interactions—all against the waterfront backdrop of Baltimore Peninsula.
At its core, the event creates space for successful professionals, creatives, and community leaders to simply enjoy themselves, connect organically, and celebrate culture without pretense.
Susan: We are the one and only PoloxJazz.com. What happens at PoloxJazz stays at PoloxJazz. This is where high level guests can let their hair down and not be judged!
POLOxJAZZ™ has built its reputation on creating a uniquely curated atmosphere where elegance meets authenticity. Guests experience professional polo matches, live jazz performances, curated food and beverage experiences, VIP hospitality, luxury vendor activations, networking opportunities, and celebrity interactions—all against the waterfront backdrop of Baltimore Peninsula.
At its core, the event creates space for successful professionals, creatives, and community leaders to simply enjoy themselves, connect organically, and celebrate culture without pretense.
Copa: This year’s event supports the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen. Why was it important to connect philanthropy, aviation, and legacy in this year’s celebration?
Susan: Less than 3% of pilots are black. We are changing the complexion and the numbers at PoloxJazz.com.
The 10th anniversary celebration continues POLOxJAZZ™’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy and education. This year’s beneficiaries include the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and the Alpha Phi Alpha Brigadier General Charles McGee Youth STEM Scholarship.
For Susan, highlighting aviation is deeply intentional. By bringing visibility to Black pioneers in aviation and supporting STEM education pathways, the event helps inspire future generations to see themselves in industries where representation remains limited.
Susan: Less than 3% of pilots are black. We are changing the complexion and the numbers at PoloxJazz.com.
The 10th anniversary celebration continues POLOxJAZZ™’s longstanding commitment to philanthropy and education. This year’s beneficiaries include the East Coast Chapter of the Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. and the Alpha Phi Alpha Brigadier General Charles McGee Youth STEM Scholarship.
For Susan, highlighting aviation is deeply intentional. By bringing visibility to Black pioneers in aviation and supporting STEM education pathways, the event helps inspire future generations to see themselves in industries where representation remains limited.
Copa: The theme “From the Ground to the Sky” is powerful. What message do you hope young people and attendees take away from it?
Susan: What you believe you can achieve. It all starts in the mindset.
That message reflects the spirit of the entire event. POLOxJAZZ™ is designed to inspire attendees to think beyond limitations and imagine greater possibilities for themselves, their communities, and future generations.
Susan: What you believe you can achieve. It all starts in the mindset.
That message reflects the spirit of the entire event. POLOxJAZZ™ is designed to inspire attendees to think beyond limitations and imagine greater possibilities for themselves, their communities, and future generations.
Copa: What can guests expect from this year’s 10th anniversary celebration on May 23rd?
Susan: The 10th anniversary celebration promises an unforgettable day of culture, luxury, entertainment, and philanthropy. Guests can expect professional polo matches, live jazz, celebrity appearances, curated hospitality experiences, luxury vendors, red carpet interviews, networking opportunities, and an afterparty overlooking Baltimore’s waterfront.
The event schedule includes gates opening at noon, red carpet interviews and meet-and-greets, the official polo match, trophy presentations, and a high-energy evening celebration featuring DJ Vytas Reid. Guests even have the option to arrive in grand style via helicopter.
Susan: The 10th anniversary celebration promises an unforgettable day of culture, luxury, entertainment, and philanthropy. Guests can expect professional polo matches, live jazz, celebrity appearances, curated hospitality experiences, luxury vendors, red carpet interviews, networking opportunities, and an afterparty overlooking Baltimore’s waterfront.
The event schedule includes gates opening at noon, red carpet interviews and meet-and-greets, the official polo match, trophy presentations, and a high-energy evening celebration featuring DJ Vytas Reid. Guests even have the option to arrive in grand style via helicopter.
Copa: What does it mean to have Clifton Powell as this year’s host, and how does that elevate the experience?
Susan: I met Clifton in 2012. He is genuinely a down to earth guy. I love people who are genuine regardless of their status, title or money
For Susan, authenticity matters more than celebrity status. Having Clifton Powell host the 10th anniversary reflects the type of genuine relationships and energy that have helped define the brand over the years. His presence brings both star power and sincerity to the milestone celebration.
Susan: I met Clifton in 2012. He is genuinely a down to earth guy. I love people who are genuine regardless of their status, title or money
For Susan, authenticity matters more than celebrity status. Having Clifton Powell host the 10th anniversary reflects the type of genuine relationships and energy that have helped define the brand over the years. His presence brings both star power and sincerity to the milestone celebration.
Copa: For someone considering attending POLOxJAZZ™ for the first time, what would you say to encourage them to be part of this milestone celebration?
Susan: Come out and have a grand time and meet and greet folks from all over and educate yourself on the world of Polo! Bringing back all black equestrian polo players!
POLOxJAZZ™ offers first-time guests more than an event—it offers an experience. Whether attendees come for the polo, the music, the networking, the philanthropy, or the atmosphere, they become part of a decade-long legacy centered on excellence, culture, and community.
Susan: Come out and have a grand time and meet and greet folks from all over and educate yourself on the world of Polo! Bringing back all black equestrian polo players!
POLOxJAZZ™ offers first-time guests more than an event—it offers an experience. Whether attendees come for the polo, the music, the networking, the philanthropy, or the atmosphere, they become part of a decade-long legacy centered on excellence, culture, and community.
