On Sunday evening, Fred Hammond heated up the stage up and brought church and advice to the crowd in Miami at Jazz in the Gardens. He sang many of his legendary songs like “Jesus Be a Fence Around Me”, “This is the Day”, “No Weapons” and “We’re Blessed.” Hammond had the crowd out of their seats giving praise.
As the evening went on, the energetic keyboardist Brian Culbertson gave an awesome show, even playing the keyboard while standing in front of it. Culbertson did a tribute to the late Maurice White of Earth, Wind and Fire. Culbertson felt he was lucky to have worked with White in 2008 on one of his records.
Janelle Monae’s show was entertaining and exciting throughout. I have so much respect for her after seeing that performance and knowing she’s an activist who’s very conscious and mature. She could teach some of our young people a few things while also having fun.
Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds serenaded the crowd with many of his songs including “Soon as I Get Home” and “Every Time I Close My Eyes.” Babyface also performed songs he wrote for other artists like Bobby Brown’s “Every Little Step” and Boyz II Men’s “End of the Road.”
Usher closed out the show singing his greatest hits “There Goes My Baby”, “U Got it Bad”, “Confessions”, “Burn”, “Yeah” and “Good Kisser.” He also did a tribute to Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds singing some of his hits and stating how he appreciated him as a friend and working with him.
Janelle Monae, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds and Usher left the stage and came out into the crowd to interact with fans while singing their favorite tunes. The 2016 Jazz in the Gardens was hosted by Rickey Smiley.
Everyone had a great time and all look forward to next year.
