3rd Annual Jazz in the Gardens Delivers First Class Entertainment to South Florida

The 3rd Annual Jazz in the Gardens, one of the country's leading jazz festivals, took over Miami Gardens, Florida on March 15th and 16th. The stellar event, produced by Concertz Event Productions, was headlined by acts including The O'Jays, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Nancy Willson, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Wyclef Jean, KEM and many more. Notably, Jazz in the Gardens attracted over 15,000 concert goers.

Miami, Florida (PRWEB) March 21, 2008 -- Jazz in the Gardens is quickly becoming one of the country's leading jazz festivals, showcasing its momentum this year to a crowd of nearly 15,000. The 3rd annual celebration, held March 15th and 16th, in the newly formed city of Miami Gardens, Florida, was deemed a world class event among concert goers and media alike.

An impressive line up of music greats took over the popular South Florida festival, wooing a mixed crowd of jazz enthusiasts, contemporary R&B fans, as well as those anxious to dance to Caribbean rhythms. This year's line up included The O'Jays, Chaka Khan, George Benson, Nancy Wilson, Stanley Clarke, George Duke, Wyclef Jean, KEM, Algebra, Chrisette Michele, Mike Phillips, Anthony David and Elin, among many other special guests.

This premiere festival was produced by K. Leon Saunders and Reje Showers of Concertz Event Productions. Beyond sharing a sincere passion for quality Jazz performances, the two producers strived to deliver an authentic feeling to the audience reminiscent of the Woodstock and Playboy Jazz Era. The more-than-classy affair was perfectly constructed and infused with professionalism from start to finish. The consistent sets, dynamic audio visuals and ample seating provided Mayor Shirley Gibson with the perfect atmosphere to confidently announce to an adoring crowd, "We do everything first class in Miami Gardens!"

Outdoor elegance rich with colorful décor, art deco furnishings and of course, a life size garden fittingly illustrates the idyllic vibes that flowed through the festival. In tow with the performers, a host of guest artists, media personalities and political figures dropped in. At any given time during the festival, one could see the likes of Tom Joyner, Tavis Smiley, Michael Baisden, Congressman Kendrick Meek, Betty Wright, and Marcus Johnson comfortably mingling with the crowd.

Day one got off to an excellent start, as George Duke and Stanley Clarke laced the venue with many of their smooth hits. This stint of jazz greats served as the perfect launch of the action-packed first night. When the duo hit "Funny How Time Flies," an incessant bass line inundated the arena.

George Benson followed Duke and Clark, entering the stage to a warm welcome from the audience. George Benson, an eight-time Grammy winner, accomplished jazz guitarist and singer, captured the attention of the crowd with his repertoire of hits including "Turn Your Love Around," "On Broadway," and "Give Me The Night." Benson's set was infused with the sounds of his wildly popular electric guitar.

The one and only Chaka Khan was also a crowd pleaser. Her un-withered voice resonated through the crowd, as she belted out favorites "Ain't Nobody," "Stay," "Tell Me Something Good," and "Sweet Thing," among others. Chaka Khan closed her intense set with the powerful anthem "Every Woman." Needless to say, she had the audience in frenzy.

Finally, day one culminated with a larger-than-life performance by Wyclef Jean. After Chaka's mesmerizing act, many questioned Wyclef's billing on the event. However, any doubt that fans had before his performance was quickly erased after he took his set to another level. Wyclef, a Hip Hop artist who also wears the hat of an accomplished musician, won the crowd over. Not only did Wyclef belt hits from the stage, he joined fans in the audience which sparked an all-out party.

Wyclef eased his way in with "911" and "Gone to November." But it was his melodic ode to Senator Barack Obama followed by a climactic performance of songs from his "Carnival" and "Carnival Vol. II Memoirs of an Immigrant "albums that united the crowd and ignited thousands to dance into a collective sweat.

Day two was equally spectacular, introducing artists Chrisette Michele, Algebra and Anthony David. These young artists, new to the adult contemporary scene, delivered knock-out performances, singing selections from their debut albums.

Following the younger set, Kem graced the audience with his smooth sounds and distinctive voice. Adorned in a white suit -- perfect for the warm weather, Kem enchanted the audience as he sang "Lifted," "Can't Stop Loving You" and "Love Calls."

The legendary Nancy Wilson regally took center stage. The audience beamed as the jazz great sang "Take It Easy," "These Golden Years" and "How Long." Flawlessly delivering over 50 years of classics, Ms Wilson's performance was genuinely heartfelt, moving the crowd emotionally as she humbly shared with the audience her concern about her husband's illness.

The mighty O'Jays concluded Jazz in the Gardens with a top notch performance. The crowd danced and belted out lyrics verbatim, while the O'Jays laced the venue with countless hits. From ballads like "Stairway to Heaven," "We Cried Together," "Wildflower" and "Let Me Make Love to You" to mid-tempo favorites like "Backstabbers," "I Love Music" and "For the Love of Money," the O'Jays left no stone unturned.

The venue evolved into an outdoor Studio 54 dance floor, as patrons flaunted their best moves. All the while, the O'Jays had perfectly synchronized dance steps, a once standard absent from many of today's performers. Mid-point in the O'Jay's performance, Eddie Levert showed the ladies that he still has what it takes to keep them happy.

Jazz in the Gardens was presented by The City of Miami Gardens and Dolphin Stadium and sponsored by American Airlines, Shula's Hotel and Gulf Club, Royal Caribbean, UAIG, Miccosukee Resort and Casino, Southern Wines and Spirits, National Constructors, Warren Henry Automobiles, FP&L, Publix, Love 94, Hot 105, In Focus Magazine, Comcast and Opa Locka Flightline.

As the curtain closed on the Jazz in the Garden stage, fans left anxiously anticipating next year's event. The event's producers were able to take a deep breath, thrilled that they once again produced a first class event. "We're proud that Jazz in the Gardens is positioned to become a destination festival," enthusiastically declared K. Leon Saunders of Concertz Event Productions. The communal buzz of this year's festivities awarded Jazz in the Gardens international recognition, assuring that next year's festival will be even greater.

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