Najee, Regina Bell, Alex Bugnon kick off Miami Gardens music fest

The forecast for Saturday in Miami was rain. The rain seemed to hold off for Jazz in the Gardens though and Najee, Regina Bell and Alex Bugnon started warming up the night with the melody of jazz. Najee mentioned this was the first time Regina Bell and he ever performed together. They had been on the same stage many times but not performing together. Najee said this was history. It was also a treat to see all of them singing at one time.

Kool and the Gang took everyone down memory lane with “Ladies Night”, “Celebration” and “Get Down on It.” Michael McDonald sang “I Keep Forgettin’”, “Minute by Minute” and “I Heard it Through the Grapevine.” Average White Band brought the soul singing with “Pick Up the Pieces”, “School Boy Crush” and “Cut the Cake.” And wrapping up the night was “Uncle” Charlie Wilson, who was added after Aretha Franklin canceled. Wilson took us into the late night with many of his songs and wardrobe changes. There was even a suit that lit up when the stage lights went dark. Wilson also sang many of his top songs including “There Goes My Baby”, “Charlie, Last Name Wilson”, “You Drop the Bomb On Me.”

Mayor Oliver Gilbert continues to work in the community. He extends an invitation to people from everywhere to come to Miami to share the party and eat and shop with the many vendors that were on the grounds at Jazz in the Garden.

See pictures in the gallery.