Miami Gardens to host its 2^nd annual "Jazz in the Gardens"
Music Festival with India Arie, Sergio Mendes, Boney James, Will Downing, Paquito D’Rivera, Luciano and Pieces of a Dream!

Festival expands to two days of continuous jazz and R&B, March 24th & 25th, 2007

Miami Gardens, FL - The City of Miami Gardens, “Jazz in the Gardens” festival is back for its second consecutive year and has expanded to a 2-day event, Saturday March 24th and Sunday 25th, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium, home of the 2007 and 2010 Super Bowls. Confirmed artists include India Arie, Sergio Mendes, Boney James, Will Downing, Paquito D’ Rivera, Luciano with special guest Dean Fraser and the Jah Messenjah Band, Pieces of a Dream and The Othello Molineaux Quartet with more top name artists still being added. Look out for local artists names to be released soon.

Tickets on sale Monday January 22nd, 2007 through Ticketmaster and at the Dolphin Stadium Box Office.

“Jazz in the Gardens” 2006 inaugural event was a tremendous success! Now in its second year, the 2007 Jazz in the Gardens music festival will be bigger and better, expanding to a two-day event and featuring major entertainers from around the world, offering a variety of jazz, Latin jazz, R&B and reggae to satisfy the diverse musical palettes of audiences throughout South Florida. We want people to know “Jazz in the Gardens” as a celebration of the music and culture that lives and grows in Miami Gardens. I invite people all over to join us in the celebration” says Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.

This year’s incredible line-up includes neo soul icon, multi-platinum and multi Grammy Award winning artistIndia Arie and the undisputed king of Brazilian jazz, Sergio Mendes, who shot to international stardom with his Brasil ‘66 and whose “Mas Que Nada” collaboration with pop stars The Black Eyed Peas helped earned him a Latin Grammy for Best Brazilian Pop Album. Joining them is two time Grammy nominated artist, Boney James, whose latest release, “Shine” has soared to the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, claiming the # 1 jazz album in the country for seven (7) consecutive weeks. James says “the communal experience of playing live – that’s why I became a musician in the first place. It never gets old for me”. Following in the great tradition of the jazz baritone, Will Downing’s sensual vocals will grace the “Jazz in the Gardens” stage, while South Florida favorites, Pieces of a Dream will bring their high energy show. The international contingent will be duly represented as Cuban legend Paquito D’Rivera comes to South Florida for the first time in years and Jamaica’s reggae superstar Luciano will bring “Roots Music” to “Jazz in the Gardens” along with special guest Dean Fraser and the Jah Messenjah Band.

“Jazz in the Gardens” is the premiere event for The City of Miami Gardens, who this year engaged Miami based Concertz Event Management, Inc. to produce the event. Orchestrating an event of this magnitude, however, requires crucial alliances and community support. Dolphins Stadium has not only graciously provided its beautiful venue for the festival, but has generously partnered with Miami Gardens, sharing resources to ensure a successful event. Other local corporations are stepping up to support the event, joining Miami Gardens in establishing a reputation for providing a distinct cultural contribution to the region.

The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003 as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. Home to just over 107,000 residents, Miami Gardens is the third largest city in Miami Dade County.

Interviews with performing artists may be available. For media inquires contact Circle of One Marketing, 305-576-3790

Sponsorship opportunities are still available, contact Ula Zucker, Events and Media Coordinator, City of Miami Gardens at (305) 622-8035

For more information about the event visit: www.jazzinthegardens.com or call the event hotline at: 305-305 622-8043.

For more information about the City of Miami Gardens visit: www.miamigardens-fl.gov.