“Jazz In The Gardens” Breaks Attendance Records! | The City of Miami Gardens

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.

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.