 In 2007, the festival was sponsored by Washington Mutual; area smooth jazz radio station CD 101.9 always had a presence as well.In 2008, the festival lacked a title sponsor for the first time since 2003; organizers said the festival's existence was in financial jeopardy for 2009.The festival did go forward in 2009 despite the ongoing late 2000s recession and even further diminished sponsorship, with organizers stressing the need for attendees to contribute and some second stage performers foregoing being paid.