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| 5th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens" Four of the most talented local artists join the star-studded line-up of the 5th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens" Hosted by Tom Joyner taking place at Sun Life Stadium on March 20 and March 21. Local artists Rachel Brown, Jovie, Kawan DeBose and Jon Saxx will be joining headliners Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke, John Legend, Teena Marie, Boyz II Men, Cassandra Wilson, David Sanborn, Joe Sample, Melanie Fiona and K'Jon. Each year Jazz in the Gardens is proud to give emerging and local artists an opportunity to share the stage with A-List performers in an effort to celebrate up and coming talent that show incredible promise on the way to their own stardom. Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson comments, "Jazz in the Gardens is committed to showcasing up and coming talent and local artists. We know that the 'next big thing' in music is just a performance away and we hope that Jazz in the Gardens will be that opportunity." About the Artists In an era where most singers are "auto-tuned, " manufactured and packaged for entertainment value, Rachel Brown brings the total package to the table; a powerful, yet sophisticated blend of beauty and exceptional natural vocal talent. A mainstay in the South Florida entertainment market for nearly a decade, Brown is now developing a national following, playing venues across the U.S. in cities such as New York, Chicago, St. Louis and Dallas. Brown has also been featured at SXSW (Austin), The Black Women's Expo (Chicago), as well as opening for artists such as Mario, Tank Noel Gourdin, Chico Debarge, Confunkshun, and 2009 "Jazz in the Gardens" headliners, Frankie Beverly & Maze. South Florida's newest singer/songwriter, Jovie, has her hometown of Miami in awe, as she continues to move forward on her musical path. Jovie's metaphorical use of words have caused many to say that she captures the lyrical essence of a rap artist, but Jovie's style is all her own. While most artists record music written by hired songwriters, Jovie boasts what the industry describes as the "full package." In 2009, Jovie began performing at many of Miami's underground open mic nights, where mostly, she was the only R&B female performer. Her music now receives regular radio play and she was recently the opening act for T-Pain during the 99 Jamz Martin Luther King Day celebration. Captivating, riveting and inspiring are usually words used to describe the dynamic talents of singer/songwriter, Kawan DeBose. Having been compared to the likes of legendary artists such as Donny Hathaway and 2010 "Jazz in the Gardens" headliner, John Legend, Kawan has evolved into a 23-year-old musical prodigy that has electrified international music audiences. Having headlined countless universities, notable clubs and festivals, DeBose has become an "in demand" performer. He has shared the stage with artists such as Eric Benet, Sommore and the legendary, Patti Labelle. Jon Saxx was sleeping when the sound of a saxophone hit his preteen ears. The tones resonated in his soul, he awakened, and in that moment he fell in love. Since his discovery of the saxophone and jazz music, Saxx was, in 2008, voted Best Local Jazz Artist in South Florida by the Miami New Times, performed at the 2010 Jamaica Jazz & Blues Festival and participated in the Monthly National Anthem Performances for the NBA's Miami Heat. He has also shared the stage with artists such as Najee and Montell Jordan. 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 that range from jazz, R&B, Caribbean and African sounds. Having something to offer all music aficionados at an affordable price, the 4th Annual Jazz in the Gardens shattered expected ticket sales, enjoying an attendance of almost 40, 000, which was more than double the sales of the 2008 festival. In 2009, the Jazz in the Gardens crowd enjoyed the hip-hop flavor of Common, the beautiful neo-soul melodies of Erykah Badu, the smooth R&B of Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds and the crowd-stopping soul of Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, among other A-List artists. Tickets are NOW on sale and are available through the Sun Life Stadium Box office, www.jazzinthegardens.com or www.ticketmaster.com. 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. 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 February 2010, hosted the 44th Super Bowl. write your comments about the article :: © 2010 Jazz News :: home page |