The weekend forecast predicted snow … SNOW?! Noooo. My arm is twisted and I’m convinced; I will go. The destination? Miami Gardens, Florida. Sunshine, beaches and music sound like a winner. Despite the best laid plans, it didn’t play out exactly as it played out in my mind’s eye, primarily because of the rain. Turns out that despite a few passing showers, the shows went on without a hitch; welcome to Jazz In The Gardens 2016.
Year 11 and growing, the festival has cemented itself as one of the premiere music festivals for Black music. Last year celebrated JITG’s first decade and broke box office records with more than 73,000 people attending. However, numbers, while important, aren’t exactly what defines the success of the event. As the City of Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver Gilbert explained on day two, “Jazz In The Gardens is a portrait of persistence. When it started out it was an idea that people envisioned and worked towards and now is our signature annual event drawing world class talent, giving people that from all over the world, a reason to come here, visit us and have fun.”
National attention aside, the people of the City of Miami Gardens are included in the festivities and are given opportunities. Gilbert continues, “JITG also is an economic engine for local entrepreneurs and gives some of our talented local artists opportunity to showcase their talents. Some will undoubtedly be here on this stage again.”
While serving in the capacity of Goodwill Ambassador is his primary duty, the mayor can’t help but enjoy the music. When quizzed on his personal highlights he went to recent memory. “Erykah Badu is probably the most beautiful woman in the world. Her energy was great, her voice was great, her performance was great. She was perfect. Then there was Fantasia. Going in I respected her but wasn’t the biggest fan. After she performed, I was in love. She gave every bit of herself. Just as Charlie Wilson did last night. Despite the late start with the rain delays, he’s onstage at 2 a.m. still burning it up, giving the people that left here everything they wanted. I give all of myself as the mayor, the city counsel of Miami Gardens gives all of themselves, give all yourself as an entertainer and surrender to this atmosphere and we’ll love you forever.”
Indeed Charlie Wilson, the headliner for night one, raised the bar and set the standard for performance. To think, he was a replacement for Aretha Franklin, who had to cancel a week prior. Had to suppress my inner Donald Trump and admit that not all white artists are cultural piranhas. Michael McDonald has proven over the years that soul is part of his music DNA. The Average White Band has also had major contributions to soul/r&b and hip-hop as well. Brian Culbertson was energetic, proving to be a crowd favorite in his second consecutive appearance on the JITG stage.
Alex Bugnon, who performed as part of the JITG All Stars with Najee and Regina Belle, offered an explanation over the differences between the jazz scene in Europe and the U.S that was applicable to my chain of thought. Said Bugnon, “In Europe we learned the notes, in the states we learned to feel the notes.” True dat. Some artists of different ethnicities have that organic feel for soul music. Salute!
Would love to continue about JITG, let me just say that the performances of Fred Hammond, Janelle Monáe, Babyface and Usher were all stellar, but real life has interrupted us. As we go to press it’s with heavy heart to hear of the passing of Malik Isaac Taylor, known to millions of fans around the world as Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest. Will definitely have more to come on his career and artistry in weeks to come. RIP brah!!
Over and out. Holla next week. Til then, enjoy the Night Life.