Photos: Miami Gardens Fast Becoming the Adult Winterbreak Destination with the 2008 Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival

Photos: Miami Gardens Fast Becoming the Adult Winterbreak Destination with the 2008 Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., April 4, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Over 15,000 concert-goers from all over the nation attended the City of Miami Gardens' 3rd Annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival in Dolphin Stadium. The weekend kicked off at 4pm on Saturday, March 15 with notable performances by George Benson, Chaka Khan, Wyclef, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Mike Phillips, Elin, and local performers Jean Caze and Jesse Jones Jr. The fun continued on Sunday, March 16 with performances by Nancy Wilson, Chrisette Michele, KEM, Anthony David, Algebra, The O'Jays, and local performers The Eddie Trujillo Band and Patrick "PJ" Bartley.

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The record number of attendees at the 3rd Annual Jazz in the Gardens can be credited to the a-list musical line up, the perfect South Florida weather, and the growing reputation of Jazz in the Gardens as a "must attend" annual music festival.

"It was breathtaking to see Miami Gardens residents along with folks from Tampa, Orlando, Jacksonville, and from places as far as the Midwest and west coast relaxing and enjoying the festivities. Jazz in the Gardens is becoming a winter break for adults and the word is spreading that this is the place to be next year, same time, same place. The vision for Miami Gardens was to become a destination city and now we are proud to say our vision is coming into fruition," commented Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.

Saturday's headliners Chaka Khan, George Benson, George Duke and Stanley Clarke performed their popular classic and new hits that had the audience singing along and dancing in the aisles.

Wyclef Jean, Saturday's closing performer, brought the crowd to their feet by performing such hits as "Gone Till November," "Sweetest Girl (Dollar Bill)," and his Grammy-nominated duet with Shakira, "Hips Don't Lie." Wyclef took his energy off stage, boldly walking into the throngs of revelers, not once, but twice during his 1 1/2 hour set.

Sunday's afternoon performances included Patrick "PJ" Bartley, the 15-year-old saxophonist, who amazed the audience by bringing his youthful touch to classic jazz.

Later, up and coming Grammy-nominated jazz chanteuse Chrisette Michele rocked the stage with her thick, original sound and proved why she has been called "the new kid in town with an old soul" by the Miami Herald. Jazz and R&B sensation, KEM, also a crowd favorite, gave a high energy show and was a vision in crisp white, grooving with the audience, delivering a breathtaking performance that had the whole crowd swaying in the light South Florida breeze and singing along to his well known hits.

Sunday also featured a much anticipated performance from elegant jazz songstress Nancy Wilson, who came out of retirement just for Jazz in the Gardens. She shared an emotional testimony about her husband's bout with cancer during her 45 minute set of favorites, including her classic tune, "Guess Who I Saw Today?" Dressed and svelte in her signature red, Wilson enveloped the awestruck crowd with her unforgettable voice, unique command of the stage, quiet grace and legendary elegance. The jazz and blues icon has been called "the complete entertainer," and her performance at Jazz in the Gardens proved just that. She left the crowd emotionally spent, knowing that they had witnessed an unparalleled jazz superstar.

Sunday night ended as energetically as Saturday with the old school sounds of The Mighty O'Jays led by Eddie Levert, a legend in R&B. The "grown folks" were brought to their feet by classic mega hits such as "Backstabbers," "For the Love of Money," "Darlin Darlin Baby," and "Love Train." On top of impeccable vocals and harmonies, The O'Jays also displayed the synchronized dance moves that have made them a household name in R&B since the early 70s.

Dallas/Fort Worth resident, Faye Wright stated, "I have not had as much fun at a concert in Dallas as I had in Miami Gardens - particularly at this price point. The music was off the chain and food was terrific, not to mention the great hospitality of all the folks I met. KEM, Wyclef, Chaka, and Nancy Wilson, all on the same stage - truly an amazing coup for Jazz in the Gardens. I've already told friends to plan on traveling to Miami with me next year-I can't wait!"

Maria Perez, a winner from a Tampa radio station contest added, "Wow! All the performers were brilliant! Sunday was awesome because KEM was there and he is my husband's favorite. He was so happy. We enjoyed the entire show all the way 'til midnight!"

The event saw people from all nationalities gathered to enjoy the festivities. Vendors lined the entrance with delicacies ranging from fried crab to jerk chicken and award winning Southern barbecue. National media celebrities Michael Baisden, Tom Joyner and Tavis Smiley were seen enjoying the show. Miami native and Grammy award winning vocalist Betty Wright was seen eagerly enjoying the entire weekend of musical classics and rising stars.

Jazz in the Gardens is becoming one of the premiere jazz festivals in Florida and if 2008's audience was any indication, it's rising to national recognition status as well, raising the bar each year with its star-studded line up. Each year, Jazz in the Gardens delivers a diverse mix of various types of jazz and R&B music.

For more information on the 3rd Annual Jazz in the Gardens visit www.jazzinthegardens.com

For more information about the City of Miami Gardens visit: www.miamigardens-fl.gov .

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 109,000, 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. In 2009, the City will host the college BCS championship game and in 2010, will host the 44th Super Bowl.

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Video: http://www.prnewswire.com/mnr/jazzinthegardens/32599

Source: City of Miami Gardens

CONTACT: Suzan McDowell for City of Miami Gardens, +1-305-576-3790,
suzan@circleofonemarketing.com

Web Site: http://www.jazzinthegardens.com/
http://www.miamigardens-fl.gov/

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Profile: International Entertainment