Jazz in the Gardens, presented by the City of Miami Gardens, is considered to be the \u201cfastest growing jazz and R&B festival in the U.S.\u201d The festival has a highly acclaimed lineup and is hosted by radio personality Rickey Smiley. Some of the headliners include Lionel Richie, Blackstreet, and En Vogue.<\/p>\n
In an interview with Mayor Oliver Gilbert, he shared what to expect from Jazz in the Gardens 2019 and the most memorable festival so far.<\/strong><\/p>\n Jae Monique:<\/strong> When did the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival start?<\/p>\n Mayor Oliver Gilbert:<\/strong> The first Jazz in the Gardens Festival started in 2004 and it wasn\u2019t very big. We\u2019ve only been a city since 2003 so a year in, the first city council and city mayor created the Jazz in the Gardens concert and they did a couple hundred people out in the parking lot. The persistence, the environment, and the atmosphere that was created had grown the festival to thousands. It\u2019s something that people come to from all around the country and all around the world.<\/p>\n JM:<\/strong> What sparked the interest to have Jazz in the Gardens in Miami Gardens?<\/p>\n Gilbert:<\/strong> Part of it was finding a way to let people know that we were here. When you\u2019re an area and you\u2019re all these different neighborhoods, and then all of a sudden you\u2019re a city, it\u2019s very difficult to actually create an identity. Jazz in the Gardens is the ability to create an identity as the city of Miami Gardens then also at the same time, provide an opportunity for residents to come out and socialize, be entertained, and have fun together.<\/p>\n JM:<\/strong> Who are the headliners for 2019?<\/p>\n Gilbert:<\/strong> This year, our headliners are Lionel Richie, Teddy Riley and Friends, Jagged Edge, Blackstreet, Stephanie Mills, En Vogue, Bobby Brown, and Maysa.<\/p>\n JM:<\/strong> What can we expect from the music festival this year?<\/p>\n Gilbert:<\/strong> The concert on stage is just a piece of Jazz in the Gardens. The concert on stage is nothing like the party in the audience whether you come alone or with someone else. You\u2019re going to dance, you\u2019re going to have fun, you\u2019re going to go to the food court, you\u2019re going to get you a drink, enjoy the weather. The feeling that we give you is what\u2019s growing this festival.<\/p>\n JM:<\/strong> What has been the most memorable music festival so far?<\/p>\n Gilbert:<\/strong> The most memorable for me has been Fantasia singing \u201cTotal Praise.\u201d Mary J was extraordinary. She\u2019s been there several times and she\u2019s always a crowd favorite. It just really depends on what you like. One of the interesting things is the Jazz artists. I remember when we had Kenny G. Kenny G held a note all the way from the stage. He walked all the way to the back of the crowd holding the same note. It was the most impressive exhibition of talent and ability. It was an extraordinary moment.<\/p>\n JM:<\/strong> What\u2019s it like in the day of the life of being the Mayor?<\/p>\n Gilbert:<\/strong> It\u2019s diversity and it\u2019s variety. I\u2019m not just the Mayor of Miami Gardens. Miami Gardens is my home town, I was born and raised here. So, walking through Wal-Mart is a meeting for me because I\u2019m going to stop and talk and I\u2019m going to answer all your questions. It\u2019s variety and it\u2019s exciting. I\u2019m encouraged everyday because I get to do stuff for people I grew up with. I live with 113,000 of my neighbors. I\u2019m the kid who grew up in these streets and became the Mayor.<\/p>\n JM:<\/strong> Where can everyone get tickets?<\/p>\n Gilbert:<\/strong> You can get tickets at Ticketmaster.com. You can go to Jazzinthegardens.com for more information.<\/p>\n Links and social media:<\/strong>
\nWebsite: www.jazzinthegardens.com
\nFacebook: http:\/\/facebook.com\/jazzinthegardens
\nTwitter: http:\/\/twitter.com\/jazzgardens
\nInstagram: http:\/\/instagram.com\/jazzgardens<\/p>\n