Who’s ready for this weekend?
Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) has announced the 2022 lineup for the 15th anniversary of the incredibly popular jazz and R&B music festival including Mary J. Blige, H.E.R, Rick Ross, The Isley Brothers, SWV, The Roots with special guest T-Pain, Stokely, Johnathan McReynolds, Mike Phillips and Mark Allen Felton, with local performers performing this weekend in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Syndicated radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley will return as the host for the 2022 JITG.
In 2020, in the wake of the global pandemic, Jazz in the Gardens was forced to cancel just two days before the doors were slated to open. Now, almost two years later, the 2022 festival represents an impressive comeback as the City of Miami Gardens’ signature event and is anticipated to be an even better experience for the thousands of loyal and eager ticket buyers who hail from all over the world. Entrants will be required to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test. Social distancing protocols will be observed and face masks will be strongly encouraged.
“As a manager, my clients have played this festival several times over the past decade” said Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban, “so when presented with the opportunity to work alongside the city to produce the event this year, I was super excited. Jazz in the Gardens is one of the most important live events in the culture of Jazz & R&B music, globally. Our goal is not only to produce a stellar event, but to let the world know about the hidden gem that City of Miami Gardens has with this event”.
Jody Hill, leader of Deep-Fried Funk Band, told the Michigan Chronicle that he is looking forward to performing in the upcoming festival, which he described as a pot of delicious food.
“What we bring is soul is the best way I can put it,” he said adding that the sound is like a “pot of gumbo.” “You taste and … (say) let me add a little bit more and then your final product is like, ‘Wow, that is so beautiful. That tastes so great.” Hill added that he’s glad to be back and performing with his group since singing at the festival in 2012. “We’re taking music and prescribing it in our own way,” Hill said.
Alfred Hosely from Georgia, is an avid JITG attendee (over 10+ years) told the Michigan Chronicle that he faithfully attends because of the different food cuisines, camaraderie, and don’t forget the music.
“I am a promoter myself — we book artists from time to time. … I am looking forward to seeing my boy Stokley (Williams) from Mint Condition,” Hosely said adding that attendees also “can’t go wrong” with seeing Mary J. Blige, and H.E.R., too.”
‘We are honored to partners with Mayor Harris and the City of Miami Gardens on the 15th Anniversary of Jazz in the Gardens”, said Brittany Flores, President of Live Nation Florida. “The event is staple here in South Florida and we are beyond excited to help continue the tradition and usher in the next chapter of this amazing event.”
Connie Kinnard, vice president of Multicultural Tourism and Development, Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau, told the Michigan Chronicle that the annual festival event is important on multiple reasons, especially from the “tourism perspective.”
“(Many) people attend from the Florida region,” Kinnard said, adding that the community is a “destination.”
“Jazz in the Gardens takes place in Miami Gardens, which is one of the most populated with African Americans the community,” she said adding that everybody loves the music, which is culturally, soulfully also tailored to Black crowds. “Music is culturally, soulfully something that is akin and aligned (to that culture.)”
The 15th Annual Jazz in the Gardens also showcases an eclectic mix of goods and great buys in the Merchandise Village and delicious, exotic cuisine in the Food Village.
For more information go to www.jazzinthegardens.com or follow them at @jazzinthegardens.
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