JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 2024
Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Jeezy, Maxwell and Tamia among performers who kept the crowd fired up
There was something for everybody again this year at Jazz in the Gardens. A warm and partly cloudy 87 degrees did not stop more than 35,000 attendees from pouring into this year’s music festival at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on March 9 and 10.
The 2024 choice of headliners certainly did not disappoint.
Babyface, Omarion, Summer Walker, October London, Tink, Eric Bellinger, Fantasia, Jaheim, Jazmine Sullivan, Tamia, Marsha Ambrosius and Maxwell appealed to the R&B lovers. Gospel great Kirk Franklin energized the crowd and had them stomping for Jesus.
Attendees danced non-stop while the dynamic deejays did their thing.
Including She-J Hercules, DJ Tight, DJ Nasty, DJ Kid Capri and DJ Cassidy.
During DJ Cassidy’s “Pass the Mic Live” set, the crowd screamed and cheered when he brought out Uncle Luke, Lil’ Kim, Too $hort, and T.I., who each performed several of their own hits.
Another highlight was a tribute to some 305 rappers. Major 9, Rick Ross, Ball Greezy, Trina and Trick Daddy showed out and represented in true South Florida fashion.
Trick Daddy, Crump honored
The Liberty City rapper Trick Daddy and civil rights Attorney Ben Crump were both honored with a key to the City of Miami Gardens, which was presented by Miami Gardens’ Mayor Rodney Harris, Vice Mayor Katrina Wilson, School Board Member Dorothy Bendross-Mindingall, U.S. Rep. Frederica Wilson, and others.
When asked who her favorite performer was this week- end, Britney Harris of Miami Gardens quickly responded, “Fantasia Taylor hands down! She can do no wrong in my eyes.”
Harris shared, “I loved every moment. From the people who attended to the vendors and, of course, the awesome lineup. The food lines were long, but well worth the wait. Overall, the entire event was a vibe.” When asked which day was the best, she paused and said, “That’s like asking which kid is the favorite. But I will have to say Day 1.”
From conch fritters to cheesesteaks
The food tents were a major attraction. The longest lines this year was for Popo’s Seafood with tasty conch fritters, conch salad, fried conch and sticky wings.
Other food favorites were Twin Dragon Hibachi offering chicken, steak or shrimp with fried rice; Mr. Frosty 305 with cool and colorful refreshing drinks; Grills on Wheels with ribs, chicken and macaroni and cheese; Reggae Beets Gourmet Food Truck with vegan Jamaican BBQ jackfruit bowl, jerk chicken bowl, jerk chicken quesadilla; That’s My Dog Food Truck with chili dogs, truffle fries and vegan Philly cheesesteaks.
Lots of vendors were available with an assortment of beautiful clothes, art, jewelry, tasty spices and more.
Although the crowd had thinned out tremendously when three-time Grammy Award winning Maxwell hit the stage, Sarah Stephens from Detroit, Michigan said, “Maxwell can sing to me all night long.”
Wearing a crisp white silk pantsuit, he had the ladies swooning as he performed hit after hit. Maxwell told the audience that he understood that they had to go to work on Monday morning, so he was going to sing one more song. Stephens yelled, “Keep singing! The people who have to go to work tomorrow already left. Take your time, Maxwell!’’
In spite of a few sound issues and minor logistical incidents, this was another successful Jazz in the Gardens festival in the books. As always, it seemed that the general admissions guests enjoyed it the most.
