The fastest growing Jazz and R&B festival is back in Miami Gardens for the 14th year. The festival hosted by syndicated radio show host Rickey Smiley officially begins Saturday, March 9th and concludes the following day on Sunday, March 10th. Performing at this year’s festival is award-winning singer-songwriter Lionel Richie who will serve as the headliner, Teddy Riley & Friends featuring Blackstreet with Teddy Riley and Dave Hollister, Bobby Brown, and Doug E. Fresh with special guests En Vogue and Jagged Edge, the legendary R&B trio The O’Jays, Stephanie Mills, eclectic violinists Black Violin and gospel singer Tye Tribbett. Making a return, this year’s Jazz in the Gardens All-Stars will feature Maysa, Chieli Minucci, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, and Nelson Rangell.

Pre-festival celebrations are as follows:

THURSDAY MARCH 7, 2019

3rd Annual Film, Music, Art & Culture Conference (FMAC) – A one-day conference filled with exciting events and intimate conversations that will educate and showcase diverse art forms and locally and nationally based artists. The FMAC will be held at the FIU Kovens Center, located at 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181

3rd Annual Poetry in the Gardens – The national poetry contest is an exciting addition to Jazz in the Gardens that explores the best in spoken word. Poets and spoken word artists over the age of 18 are encouraged to enter the competition for a chance to participate in the final rounds of competition during the FMAC. The 1st place winner will receive a prize of $10,000, the 2nd place winner will get $5,000, and the 3rd place winner will receive a $1,500 prize.

FRIDAY MARCH 8, 2019

8th Annual Women’s Impact Luncheon is making a return in honor of Women’s History Month. This exciting event is curated to inspire women to live centered, active, fulfilled and balanced lives. The WIL will be held at the FIU Kovens Center, located at 3000 NE 151st St, North Miami, FL 33181

Official Opening Night Party – Iconic hip hop group The Sugarhill Gang will be the special guests at the Jazz In The Gardens opening night party. This party will serve as the official kickoff for the action-packed weekend full of festivities. To purchase tickets go to :
www.ticketmaster and www.jazzinthegardens.com.