18 Mar Jazz in The Gardens Returns
The City of Miami Gardens took South Florida by storm this past weekend with its highly anticipated 15th Annual Jazz in The Gardens Music Festival (JITG), which took place March 11-13, 2022, after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic. This year’s event was hosted by syndicated radio personality Rickey Smiley.
The Women’s Empowerment Luncheon, presented by South Florida-based author and coach Natasha Mayne aka “The Vogue Attorney,” kicked off the 2022 celebrations on Friday, March 11 with a motivating address featuring Gospel Artist Yolanda Adams. This intimate discussion centered on what it means to be a spiritual woman in today’s chaotic society. Over 400 people attended the colorful event, which served as a day of fellowship after a two-year gap. The JITG Official Press Conference, moderated by Natasha Mayne, immediately followed.
“The return of Jazz in Gardens was a great experience,” said Mayor Rodney Harris. “I’m grateful to everyone for all their hard work in making the festival a success, the sponsors, production team, staff, volunteers, attendees and of course—all the incredible artists who performed.”.
On Saturday, a sold-out crowd enjoyed the Jazz in the Gardens music festival, which featured performances by the Isley Brothers’ Ron and Ernie Isley, SWV’s Cheryl “Coko” Gamble, Leanne “LeLee” Lyons, Tamara “Taj” George and rap icon Black Thought of the Roots, who brought on DJ Jazzy Jeff with performances by T-Pain, and headliner Mary J Blige. Mark Allen Fenton, jazz saxophonist Mike Phillips, Stokley, formerly of Mint Condition, Jonathan Reynolds, Rick Ross, and headliner H.E.R. performed on Sunday.
Mayor Harris and the city council also declared March 13 to be “Rick Ross Day,” a fitting tribute to Rick Ross, a Miami Gardens native who has become one of the world’s most popular entertainers in addition to being a prolific entrepreneur with interests in brands such as WingStop, Rap Snacks, Belaire Champagne and more.
-Sumaiyah E. Wade