By Vernon Verdree\Black Star News
Photos: Vernon Verdree
The Black Star News was recently honored and had the privilege of traveling to the 18th annual celebration of Jazz In The Gardens (JITG) in Miami Gardens, Florida held on the second weekend in March every year. It was an absolutely satisfying experience.
The two-day event featuring top performers from the world of Black music delivered once again.
Although your resident BSN entertainment journalist was unable to attend Saturday Day 1, which featured headlining from Ms. Lauryn Hill (with Wyclef Jean and YG Marley, Busta Rhymes and new artist Doechi), Sunday Day 2 more than made up for it.
The Miami weather was very cooperative. The warm sunny afternoon temperatures reaching into the high 80’s.
As the eager crowd made its way into the Hard Rock Stadium staging grounds, there was a feeling of a family reunion with an HBCU flavor in the mix. Vendors providing food, T-shirts and other memorabilia, let you know that this truly was a “Black” pride happening!
Mayor Rodney Harris welcomed the enthusiastic crowd and talked about Miami Garden’s glorious past and promising future, while emphasizing the “Blackness” of the city (the only city in the United States with streets named after each of the “Divine Nine” Black fraternities and sororities.
And the music! Awesome from the mid-afternoon beginning until the end at well past midnight.
After an inspiring rendition of the Black National Anthem “Lift Every Voice and Sing”, Dru Hill was first on stage followed by a nice set from crooner Kem (he mingled with the crowd and invited some to sing along with him). Next up was the return of Jamaican artist Beenie Man, who got the crowd on their feet. He proved he deserves the title of “King of Dancehall”. After that there was an old school rap party led by DJ Cassidy’s “Pass The Mic Live” featuring New York City flavor with Ja Rule, Fat Joe, Remy Ma, Slick Rick and Doug E. Fresh.The crowd was moving and grooving to all their favorite hits!
Toni Braxton then the stage, still looking so gorgeous and elegant, and sounding even better. She had all the ladies in the audience singing along with her as she performed some of her popular classics.
The headlining act, New Edition, closed out the show as only they can, by doing what they do: delivering an excellent performance featuring great vocals and showmanship. Ralph, Mike, Ronnie, Ricky, Johnny, and Bobby did their thing! The long day definitely was worth the time. The good vibes throughout the entire show is what Black music, entertainment and togetherness is all about.
The Black Star News looks forward to covering next year’s show and other concerts produced by The Black Promoters Collective.
