By Frankie Red, Human Interests and Community Events
When we talk about culture and the importance of representation through music throughout the decades, and it’s impact on our community, we are talking about the core value of the City of Miami Gardens very own Annual Jazz In The Gardens Festival. This year they celebrated 17 years of bringing together community of all different walks of life, through music from throughout the decades and quality programming.
This two day event goes beyond the brink of just amazing music, but also encompasses our wonderful world of South Florida food and soulful eats. Showcasing over 40 different vendors, ranging from barbecue items, to fried chicken, to seafood delights, to pasta, Pizzas, hamburgers, and even specialty fries. There was something for everyone, even those craving a little sweet tooth.
“I come to Jazz In the Gardens every year! It’s one of my favorite things to look forward to, as a long time resident of Miami Gardens. This is my family. My backyard. My home,” said Miami Gardens native and Moonflower Candles store owner May Reign.
This year, Jazz In The Gardens, celebrated their annual festival by including a wide range of contemporary and iconic artists. Ranging over 40 artists and Djs, the Jazz In The Gardens 2-day lineup was jammed packed with heavy hitters. Hosted by Rickey Smiley of the morning show, there was never a dull moment as he kept the crowd laughing and engaged between acts. Performances ranged from iconic voices such as Babyface; Maxwell, Tamia; Marsha Ambrosius of Floetry, and October London. To more contemporary acts such as Summer Walker, Omarion; Jazmine Sullivan, and Jaheim. To mainstream and legendary voices in Hip Hop including Scarface, Jeezy; Too Short; Lil Kim, T.I. and Miami’s very own Rick Ross, Uncle Luke, Trina, Trick Daddy, & BallGreezy.
The lineup even consisted of Gospel and Soulful acts such as Kirk Franklin, Fantasia, Davido, & Eric Bellinger. If that’s not enough, the show also Featured Iconic Djs who brought out amazing Artists during their sets. Including Kid Capri, Dj Cassidy, and 99 Jamz very own Dj Nastyy. Each set included a colorful catalogue of artists as they performed some of their most well known hits in a “Pass The Mic” style performance.
Beyond their phenomenal lineup, Jazz In The Gardens also dedicated a segment from their program for the City Of Miami Gardens Council Members; Congresswoman; and Mayor Rodney Harris to present Proclamations to influential Miami movers and shakers. Including 99 Jamz On Air Personality Supa Cindy, Community Leader and StrongArm CEO Freezy Prince, and Attorney Ben Krump, amongst others. To commemorate the momentous occasion, March 10th was declared Supa Cindy Day, Freezy Prince Day, & also Ben Krump Day due to all of their great work and service in the community and Ben Krump’s new Law School Located at Florida Memorial University, a Miami-based HBCU.
“If you from Miami, then you already know, Jazz In The Gardens is THE MAIN EVENT to look forward to every year,” 99 Jamz Dj Nastyy shared with The Westside Gazette.
“We only gonna get bigger and better every year. just wait till the 20th year celebration….oh , oh, oh man!” he continued.
Every year, Jazz in The Gardens curates a program worth talking about and leaves its audiences with wanting more! From the amazing ambiance, to the incredible performances, and delicious eats— this is a family friendly event that caters to all lovers of music. Regardless of culture, age, or music taste this annual festival is sure to be legendary each and every year, bringing us the best of Hip Hop; RNB; Soul; Poetry; and Gospel.
If you still haven’t had your Jazz in The Gardens experience, I highly recommend you attend next year’s. You are sure to have the time of your life, all while enjoying amazing food; music; and drinks! This is the festival for all soulful music lovers. Where Miami meets Music. For MORE information on Jazz In The Gardens 2025, visit www.JazzInTheGardens.com
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