Photo by Voros, via WikiMedia Commons
Clayton Gutzmore/Contributing Writer
The ninth annual Jazz in the Gardens is one of the few music festivals that makes people travel to South Florida to enjoy it. City of Miami Gardens has put together a festival composed of many R&B and Jazz acts that is so entertaining that locals and out-of-towners will come for another show.
“This brand was built by people coming one year and bringing someone with them the next year and then the next year bringing someone else with them. People are now planning their vacation around this time of year,” said Oliver Gilbert, Mayor of Miami Gardens.
Throughout the years, they have brought talent like Robin Thicke, The Isley Brothers, Mary J Blige and more. This year’s show had performances by Kelly Rowland, Jamie Foxx, LL Cool J, Frankie Beverly featuring Maze and more artists who fit these categories. The master of ceremonies being comedian D.L. Hughley.
Jazz in the Gardens took place March 15 and 16 at the Sun Life Stadium. The annual music festival started in 2005 and expanded to a two day festival in 2007. According to the official site, last year’s festival had over 63,000 attendees.
Saturday’s show started with local acts until Boney James, a national Jazz recording artist, performed with his saxophone. Following him was the Minnesota R&B band Mint Condition. They had the crowd moving with their hits “U Send Me Swingin,” “Breaking My Heart,” and “Sometimes.”
“The live performance of ‘Sometimes’ truly incorporated elements of R&B Rock and Jazz” said senior communication arts major Brandon Wright.
Kelly Rowland was next on the roster. She performed hits from the days of Destiny Child to her recent solo work. The attendees were also treated to songs like “Soldier,” “Survivor,” and “Motivation.” On Rowland’s performance of “Dilemma,” Nelly surprised the audience and came out to complete the duet.
Trey Songz was the next performer on Saturday’s schedule. He performed hits like “Love Faces,” “The Neighbors Know my Name” and closed out his set with “Bottoms Up.”
Jamie Foxx was the final act for Saturday. His performance was a treat for fans as he brought out Tank to perform his singles and improvised with Doug E Fresh. At the end, the trio band came together and did a collaborated version of “Blame It” that didn’t end till 1 am.
Sunday’s show featured local acts until R&B vocalist Rachelle Ferrell took the stage. After her performance, Grammy award winning bass player Stanley Clarke played many melodies with the band. During Clark’s performance, Doug E. Fresh entered and beatboxed to Clark’s song until the band stopped playing and allowed Fresh to do an uninterrupted beatboxing solo. Anthony Hamilton performed next and was then followed by LL Cool J.
“These guys are legends,” said senior psychology major Josh Carrasco. “LL Cool J and Jamie Foxx are one of the reasons why the music industry has risen to the international level,” said Carrasco.
Finally, the sunday show concluded with Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.
This year’s festival showed significant growth from previous years. First, was the collaboration of the City of Miami Gardens and MSNBC. The partnership led to the coverage of the festival on MSNBC platforms and a promotion of MSNBC’s Growing Hope initiative at the show. Growing Hope is MSNBC’s invitation for Americans to share their thoughts about issues that matter to them. Attendants were able to meet MSNBC TV host Toure, Joy Ann Reid, and Ed Schultz at a booth during the show.
This year’s Jazz in the Gardens had a lot to offer. Plenty of star power was present and the team behind it all is promising something bigger for the 10th anniversary next year.
life@fiusm.com
About Post Author
