Jazz In The Gardens Music Festival Announces Their 2010 Headliners

The City of Miami Gardens is pleased to announce the star-studded lineup for the 5th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” hosted by #1 rated, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, taking place on Saturday, March 20th and Sunday, March 21st at Dolphin (Landshark) Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd, Miami Gardens, Florida 33056.

Confirmed artists include the queen of R&B, Mary J. Blige; Grammy award-winning singer/songwriter, John Legend; R&B crooner, Robin Thicke; funk/R&B diva, Teena Marie; 90’s R&B/pop super group, Boyz II Men; Grammy nominated R&B vocalist, Melanie Fiona; jazz chanteuse, Cassandra Wilson; saxophone king, David Sanborn; already classic newcomer, K’Jon; and famed pianist, keyboarder and founding member of the Jazz Crusaders, Joe Sample. Local artist names will be released soon.

Jazz in the Gardens, a two-day weekend festival is now in its fifth year and has grown to be one of the top cultural events in America. The jazz festival delivers a diverse mix of music genres and mixes jazz, pop, R&B, Neo-soul and Caribbean flavors, having something to offer all music aficionados at an affordable price.

“I am proud to proclaim “Jazz in the Gardens” as an undeniable premier stop on the national festival circuit. With audiences coming from international and domestic markets, it has become a major destination event for anyone seeking the combined ambience of fabulous music, sunshine, great food, shopping and beautiful people all in one setting,” says Shirley Gibson, Mayor Miami Gardens.

The 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens shattered expected ticket sales, enjoying an attendance of almost 40,000, more than double the sales of the 2008 festival. In 2009, the “Jazz in the Gardens” crowd enjoyed performances by Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Kenny G, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Erykah Badu, Common, Roy Ayers, Jonathan Butler, Will Downing, and Angelique Kidjo. This year’s line-up raises the bar yet again!

For more information on the highly-anticipated 5th Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” Hosted by Tom Joyner, go to www.jazzinthegardens.com or contact the City of Miami Gardens at 1-877-640-5299. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.

The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003, as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of approximately 10,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean residents. In 2007, the City hosted the 41st annual Super Bowl. The City recently hosted the 2009 college BCS championship game and in 2010, will host the 44th Super Bowl.

For general information on the festival, visit www.jazzinthegardens.com or call the event hotline at: 305-622-8043. For vendor and sponsor opportunities, contact Vendor Express at 954-275-3092. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.

Common Brought Hop Hip Baby!!!

This Is Hip Hop baby

I surely hope that when the Miami Dolphins return for their 2009 NFL season, they will pick up right where Hip Hop superstar Common left off on the grounds of the Dolphin Stadium on Saturday night at Jazz In The Gardens. Common who performed following the sizzling hot Erykah Badu, had his work cut out for him, but the crowd of over 45,000 were literally on their feet from the start, as he opened his set with that oh so popular joint “Go”. His set was fluid, high energy and most time simply amazing, performing tracks like “Suga and Sex” and Announcement taken from his latest album – Universal Mind Control.

The Hip Hop Renaissance Man as he is affectionately called says “its all about pushing boundaries and winning”, and it was obvious as he took the crowd through a nostalgic medley of songs over his musical career. His career which has lasted over some 16 years has obviously prepared him for this magnificent transformation as an artist. Common who is famous for his high energy stage performance, did not fail to deliver for the Jazz In The Gardens patrons in attendance. He paid tribute to his home town of Chicago and gave a shout out to his colleague Kanye West and even teamed up with his former girlfriend Erykah Badu to do the song “The Light”.

Following his performance, Common held at a press conference, when he was asked about his decision to appear at the Jazz in the Gardens festival, he said that he was drawn to the warmth and love of the people of Miami Gardens and gave kudos to Mayor Shirley Gibson for her hard work and great hospitality. Common vows to return to the Miami Gardens community to give back to the people, who have supported him over the years. He further commented on the status of hip hop music, saying that hip hop is an art form, its graffiti, its fashion, it’s an expression and that’s why it will live on.

Common who has plans to launch a film company this year, is also working on fourth children’s book and the Common Ground Foundation in Chicago.