High Profile Music Festival Doubles Attendance in 2009
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., April 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 36,000
international, national, regional and local jazz and R&B music aficionados
attended the City of Miami Gardens' 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens hosted by
Tom Joyner music festival in Dolphin Stadium. The weekend kicked off at 4pm on
Saturday, March 28, 2009, with amazing performances by Roy Ayers, Will
Downing, Erykah Badu, Common and Anthony Hamilton, and performances by local
artists the High School Allstars, Robert Harris and Paulette Dozier. The
entertainment continued on Sunday, March 29, 2009, with performances by
Jonathan Butler, Angelique Kidjo, Kenny G, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmunds, and
Maze featuring Frankie Beverly as well as performances by local vocalists
Toscha Comeaux, Here ii Here, and Alana Acosta. Providing entertainment
between acts were the incredible DJ The Brass King and guest DJ, Brian Cox.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090410/CL95081-a)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090410/CL95081-b)
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090410/CL95081-c)
The record-breaking attendance at the 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens festival,
which this year more than doubled from last year's attendance, is attributed
to the star-studded line-up; the participation of nationally recognized radio
personalities, Tom Joyner and Michael Baisden; the energetic vibe the festival
exudes. Additionally Jazz in the Gardens has become a well known and well
respected festival brand with an established reputation as the "must-attend"
and "must-be-seen-at" annual music festival.
"I am beyond excitement! Seeing people come from all over the nation for Jazz
in the Gardens leaves me almost speechless. I went into the audience and met
beautiful people from different walks of life just having a good time and
enjoying themselves. This was relief from stress, the recession and a great
way to spend time with their families and friends," said Mayor Shirley Gibson.
"The event also had a great effect on our local economy; 36,000 people
spending money either on travel expenses including hotel, food and
entertainment, not to mention the opportunity the event provides for all the
stadium, and production employees who help work the event. This event is local
economic stimulus at its best!"
Saturday's headliners Roy Ayers, Will Downing, Erykah Badu, Common and Anthony
Hamilton performed all of their most popular songs as well as new hits that
had people dancing in the aisles. After captivating the audience's attention
for over 70 minutes, Erykah Badu unexpectedly surprised concert-goers with a
short duet with Common that had audiences cheering with delight. Common
thrilled his die hard hip hop fans , and won the hearts of new fans, while
surprise guest actress/singer Tichina Arnold, formerly of the show "Martin"
and currently featured on "Everybody Hates Chris" joined Common for a duet.
And Anthony Hamilton's closing performance, which included songs "Sista Big
Bones," "Cool" and "Charlene" had people jamming well into the night.
Sunday's performances included Jonathan Butler, Angelique Kidjo, Kenny G,
Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmunds, and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. South African
Jazz legend, Jonathan Butler promised the audience he would be back again
because of the electrifying connection with concert goers. And not even rain
could stop Kenny G's magical performance in the twilight hours. Kenny
'Babyface' Edmunds mesmerized the crowd with hit after hit of classic love
songs and surprised folks by singing a number of the most popular songs he had
written for other musicians. Finishing out the spectacular weekend of music
and camaraderie, was a crowd favorite, closing act Maze featuring Frankie
Beverly's timeless classic "Sunshine & Rain".
What's next for 2010? It only gets bigger and better from this point forward.
Jazz in the Gardens has already positioned itself as a premier jazz music
festival in the United States music lovers across the nation and abroad are
looking forward to what plans to be the next great festival offering the best
in entertainment, agreeable weather, beautiful people, amazing food and
exciting activities.
ABOUT THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS
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.
JAZZ IN THE GARDENS
For general information visit www.jazzinthegardens.com or call the event
hotline at: 305-622-8043. For vendor and sponsor opportunities, contact
Concertz Event Management, Inc. at 954 826-6351. All media inquiries should be
directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.
SOURCE The City of Miami Gardens
Melissa Agudelo, Public Relations Coordinator, mel@circleofonemarketing.com,
or Lourdes Duarte, Public Relations Assistant,
lourdes@circleofonemarketing.com, +1-305-576-3790, Fax: +1-305-576-5699, both
of Circle of One Marketing
