Jazz in the Gardens Record Breaking Weekend of Entertainment

Approximately 36,000 international, national, regional and local jazz and R&B music aficionados attended the City of Miami Gardens' 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens hosted by Tom Joyner music festival in Dolphin Stadium. The weekend kicked off at 4pm on Saturday, March 28, 2009, with amazing performances by Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Erykah Badu, Common and Anthony Hamilton, and performances by local artists the High School Allstars, Robert Harris and Paulette Dozier. The entertainment continued on Sunday, March 29, 2009, with performances by Jonathan Butler, Angelique Kidjo, Kenny G, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmunds, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly as well as performances by local vocalists Toscha Comeaux, Here ii Here, and Alana Acosta. Providing entertainment between acts were the incredible DJ The Brass King and guest DJ, Brian Cox.

The record-breaking attendance at the 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens festival, which this year more than doubled from last year's attendance, is attributed to the star-studded line-up; the participation of nationally recognized radio personalities, Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden; the energetic vibe the festival exudes. Additionally Jazz in the Gardens has become a well known and well respected festival brand with an established reputation as the "must-attend" and "must-be-seen-at" annual music festival.

"I am beyond excitement! Seeing people come from all over the nation for Jazz in the Gardens leaves me almost speechless. I went into the audience and met beautiful people from different walks of life just having a good time and enjoying themselves. This was relief from stress, the recession and a great way to spend time with their families and friends," said Mayor Shirley Gibson. "The event also had a great effect on our local economy; 36,000 people spending money either on travel expenses including hotel, food and entertainment, not to mention the opportunity the event provides for all the stadium, and production employees who help work the event. This event is local economic stimulus at its best!"

Saturday's headliners Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Erykah Badu, Common and Anthony Hamilton performed all of their most popular songs as well as new hits that had people dancing in the aisles. After captivating the audience's attention for over 70 minutes, Erykah Badu unexpectedly surprised concert-goers with a short duet with Common that had audiences cheering with delight. Common thrilled his die hard hip hop fans , and won the hearts of new fans, while surprise guest actress/singer Tichina Arnold, formerly of the show "Martin" and currently featured on "Everybody Hates Chris" joined Common for a duet. And Anthony Hamilton's closing performance, which included songs "Sista Big Bones," "Cool" and "Charlene" had people jamming well into the night.

Sunday's performances included Jonathan Butler, Angelique Kidjo, Kenny G, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmunds, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. South African Jazz legend, Jonathan Butler promised the audience he would be back again because of the electrifying connection with concert goers. And not even rain could stop Kenny G's magical performance in the twilight hours. Kenny 'Babyface' Edmunds mesmerized the crowd with hit after hit of classic love songs and surprised folks by singing a number of the most popular songs he had written for other musicians. Finishing out the spectacular weekend of music and camaraderie, was a crowd favorite, closing act Maze featuring Frankie Beverly's timeless classic "Sunshine & Rain".

What's next for 2010? It only gets bigger and better from this point forward. Jazz in the Gardens has already positioned itself as a premier jazz music festival in the United States music lovers across the nation and abroad are looking forward to what plans to be the next great festival offering the best in entertainment, agreeable weather, beautiful people, amazing food and exciting activities.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS

The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003, as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of approximately 10,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean residents. In 2007, the City hosted the 41st annual Super Bowl. The City recently hosted the 2009 college BCS championship game and in 2010, will host the 44th Super Bowl.

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS

For general information visit the website or call the event hotline at: 305-622-8043. For vendor and sponsor opportunities, contact Concertz Event Management, Inc. at 954 826-6351. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.