If you’re planning to head to Florida in March, check out the 2023 Jazz in The Gardens Music Festival in Miami Gardens. The two-day festival happens on March 11 and 12, at the Hard Rock Stadium.

This special event, which had a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic, is entering its 16th year. It’s known for attracting some of the top talent in the industry, including Rick Ross and Mary J. Blige, who performed in 2022.

Rodney Harris, who is the mayor of Miami Gardens, encourages people to support the event and the performers.

“Over the years, Jazz in the Gardens has evolved on many levels,” he said. “Now, in our 16th year, it continues to showcase some amazing talent and different genres of music for all those who attend to enjoy.”

He added, “people come from all over for this unique experience. Jazz is the means by which we celebrate music, food and culture together.”

Photo Courtesy of Circle of One Marketing

Jazz in the Gardens’ lineup spans generations

This year’s artists are mostly in the R&B, neo-soul, reggae and gospel genres. Mike Phillips, who is a jazz saxophonist, and bassist Adam Blackstone, who put out a jazz-influenced album last year, are the exceptions. Blackstone has collaborated with Justin Timberlake and Nicki Minaj, among others.

Millennials, Generation Z, and Baby Boomers are bound to connect with the artists. They include Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Jodeci, Ari Lennox, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole and El Debarge. If you are looking for a dancehall twist, you can “Get Busy” with Sean Paul. On the second day of the festival, expect more of a gospel and soul twist, where you will hear sounds from Chandler Moore, Kierra Sheard and Pastor Mike Jr.

For more information, visit the website and be sure to follow on Instagram @jazzgardens.

Other events scheduled

On the Friday before the festival, there will be an opening night party at the Hard Rock Stadium at 8 p.m. Secure your tickets via the Eventbrite page.

In honor of Women’s History Month, there is a Women’s Impact Luncheon that also takes place on Friday. This provides a great opportunity to network and rub shoulders with influential women across different industries. Past guests include Sheryl Lee Ralph, singer Karina Iglesias and LaTocha Scott from Xscape.

Jazz in the Gardens — Photo by Jackie Parker

Miami Gardens Is A Vibrant Location

The city of Miami Gardens will celebrate its 20th anniversary of incorporation in 2023. With a population of approximately 113,000, it’s the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. It’s also the largest, predominately Black municipality in all of Florida.

On the tourism end of things, the city has gradually attracted more and more visitors over the years. Aside from being the home of the Hard Rock Stadium, it’s the site of the Miami Tennis Open and the Formula One Miami Grand Prix Race.

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