Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert III and the city of Miami Gardens, Florida, will bring another awesome lineup for the 10th annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival at Sun Life Stadium. On Saturday, March 21, music enthusiasts can enjoy R. Kelly, Toni Braxton, Sheila E, Men of Soul (Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson and Freddie Jackson), and local artist Karina Iglesias. It continues on Sunday with Maxwell, Erykah Badu, Run-D.M.C., Brian Culbertson, Jazz in the Gardens Allstar Band (Roy Ayers (vibes), Lonnie Liston Smith (keyboards), Ronnie Laws (sax, and Tom Brown (trumpet), and local artist Valerie Tyson.
Read on for what Mayor Gilbert had to say about the festival’s impact.
This is the 10th year for the Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival. What does that mean to you?
If you have an idea and you stick with it, even if you start it small and bear with it, your idea can become extraordinary success. If you look at where Jazz In the Garden started and where it is now, the patience, confidence and faith it took from the prior Mayor and city council and now with myself, Mayor since 2012 and the current city council to continue to grow it. It’s amazing.
What is the impact this festival brings to the city of Miami Gardens?
We will make a profit, and it also includes our partners, Fort Lauderdale and [the] Tourism Bureau and Dade County. The hotels visits are up and this has become a vacation for most people each year. Jazz in the Gardens is not just about entertaining, but it is a part of people’s lives now.
Has the city grown since you’ve been mayor?
No, the population has not grown, but it is a vacation spot.
What’s new this year?
The party will be bigger with two hosts; Rickey Smiley and D.L. Hughley. It should be fun and interesting with the both of them. You can also look forward to some special guest appearances.
What can visitors expect this year?
It will be warmer than where you are. Best party going. Come and dance, party and enjoy the festival.
