3rd ANNUAL JAZZ IN THE GARDENS MUSIC FESTIVAL

The City of Miami Gardens is pleased to announce the star-studded lineup for the 3rd annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival, being held on Saturday, March 15th and Sunday, March 16th at Dolphin Stadium. Confirmed artists include George Benson, Chaka Khan, The O'Jays, Wyclef Jean, Nancy Wilson, KEM, George Duke, Stanley Clarke, Chrisette Michele, Mike Phillips and Anthony David. Local artists names to be released soon.

Tickets go on sale at 10am, February 1st, 2008 at http://www.jazzinthegardens.com/ or through Ticketmaster. Tickets may also be purchased at the Dolphin Stadium ticket box office.
"Jazz in the Gardens has really become an internationally recognized event. It's exciting to know people from all over the world look forward to coming to Miami Gardens. It's incredible how music has the power to transcend language and culture, as it serves to unite people. With this year's line-up of jazz greats we will continue to make Miami Gardens a proud community and a more visible destination," says Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.

Chaka Khan is an internationally loved diva of 'old school' soul music. Her energy, versatile soulful voice, dynamism, and passion are demonstrated in her live performances and musical career that spans three decades. Having worked in practically every genre of music from pop, classical R&B to Jazz, Chaka has brought her special brand of vocal magic to audiences the world over. Among her list of accolades, Chaka is an eight-time Grammy winner, from 1973 to 2003.
Jazz guitarist, singer and international superstar George Benson is appreciated as both a musician and a performer by millions. Benson began his journey as fledging guitarist, working the corner pubs of his native Pittsburg. Forty years later, George Benson is an eight-time Grammy winner who has played the world over. Benson's tone is juicy; his blues solos sparkle with a carefully honed logic where a jaunty funk and swing aesthetic prevail.

The O'Jays, legendary kings of old school, have an ocean-wide body of work that spawned 24 Top Ten smashes and 59 total charted songs. Known for their incredibly energetic and dynamic live shows, the O'Jays, Eddie Levert, Sr., Walter Williams, Sr. and Eric Nolan Grant, show no sign of slowing down. After 40+ years of making such international hits as "Back Stabbers," "For The Love Of Money," "Darlin' Darlin' Baby," "Love Train," "I Love Music," and "Use Ta Be My Girl," The O'Jays are light years away from easing up on the gas.

Wyclef Jean was launched into pop culture consciousness in 1994 as a member of The Fugees with Lauren Hill leading vocals. In 1997 he embarked on his journey as a solo performer, and has never looked back. From his chart-topping Grammy-nominated international smash hit duet with Shakira "Hips Don't Lie, to his current smash hit "The Sweetest Girl," which is tearing up the pop charts, Wyclef Jean is positioned to become a multi-cultural musical legend. This multi-Grammy award winning artist is a South Florida favorite, drawing music lovers young and old. He is also internationally recognized for his humanitarian efforts and work as an ambassador for Haiti.

Jazz icon and incomparable soulstress Nancy Wilson's musical style is so diverse, it is hard to classify. But whatever she performs she is riveting. Whether jazz, blues, pop or cabaret, she is the consummate "storyteller," a professor emeritus of body language. Wilson's stellar career spans over 40 years and over 70 albums. She is a three-time Grammy winner, Big Band and Jazz Hall of Fame inductee, and recipient of the NAACP image award. Nancy's most recent Grammy was won in 2007 for her jazz album, "Turned to Blue." Nancy Wilson comes out of retirement to join the City of Miami Gardens for its 3rd Annual Jazz in the Gardens.
KEM is a self taught musician and Motown's rising star. He delivers rich, sweet vocals, with a blend of saucy scats and soothing lyrics. His captivating singing style carries listeners from the past to the present -- the essence of everything we love and miss about soul music. From his days of being homeless on the streets of Detroit, to his soulful honest lyrics that have captivated jazz and R&B audiences and guaranteed his rise to stardom, the hardworking and humble KEM never forgets what the journey has taught him. Nothing can be better than KEMISTRY for the soul.

George Duke's professional career has spanned five amazing decades. He began his piano studies at age seven, absorbing the roots of Black music at his local Baptist church. Fast forward to today and Duke's career has taken twists and turns, all bigger than the next. The list of artists and projects Duke has participated in is mind blowing. He has worked with Al Jarreau, Jean-Luc Ponty, Cannonball Adderly, Quincy Jones, Frank Zappa, Nancy Wilson, Joe Williams, Dizzy Gillespie, Jeffery Osborne, Barry Manilow, Gladys Knight, George Benson, Tony Bennett, Natalie Cole, Luther Vandross, Whoopi Goldberg, Danny Glover and the list of top notch, multi-platinum superstars that Duke has worked with goes on and on. Through the years, along with his own releases and busy producing schedule, George has acted as musical director for numerous artists and television specials including producing The Soul Train Music Awards for nine years. George Duke's career has been simply stunning and it doesn't look like its going to slow up any time soon.

In 1971, the jazz world immediately recognized the dexterity and complete musicality Stanley Clarke possessed. The former teen prodigy is now a Grammy & Emmy Award winner. His constant pursuit of perfection with relentless attention to be the best makes Clarke is a celebrated pioneer in fusion jazz music. He was Rolling Stone Magazine's very first 'Jazzman of the Year,' and the first bassist in history to ever headline tours and sell out shows.

She may be new to the music world, but Chrisette Michele is an old soul with a distinct voice and talent, way beyond her 23 years. Before signing with Def Jam records, the singer, song writer and composer toured with more established artists like KEM and India.Arie. She is a VH1 "You Oughta Know: Artist on the Rise" for January 2008 and is enjoying airplay on jazz and R&B stations worldwide. Michele has now found her own voice and stepped into the limelight with her debut album and introduction to the world, "I AM." A growing fan base now surrounds her mix for soul and pop, filled with the soul of jazz.

Mike Phillips is a saxophonist with an undeniable presence that captivates. Armed with his signature passion and magnetic presence, this talented musician challenges established jazz norms by embracing a variety of musical influences while adding his own unique flavor to the mix. His unique style earned him a coveted spot in Prince's world renowned NPG Band during the 90-city Musicology Tour. He was subsequently offered the opportunity to perform with Stevie Wonder at Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebration in South Africa. Mike Phillips sizzles.

Anthony David, a Georgia-based singer/songwriter, has successfully merged old and new school grooves with a distinct Southern flavor. Thinking of himself more as a songwriter, it took several years before David was willing to showcase his voice publicly. Using soul greats Bill Withers and Anita Baker as models, he found his own vocal style, a rough, raspy Southern baritone that worked well with his poetic compositions. After moving to Atlanta to pursue his career, David met India.Arie, and the two formed a friendship based in part on their mutual love of 60s and 70s soul music. A break came when Arie released her highly acclaimed debut, "Acoustic Soul," in 2002, which included a David composition, "Part of Your Life."

Jazz in the Gardens, in just three years, has become the best jazz festival in South Florida, raising the bar each year with its star studded line-up. The jazz festival, with attendance levels expected at 20,000 this year, delivers a diverse mix of music genres that range from Jazz, R&B and Caribbean sounds.

This is the second year that the City has teamed up with Circle of One Marketing for Media, Marketing and Public Relations and Concertz Event Management, Inc. for Artist and Event Management as producers of Jazz in the Gardens. With the leadership of The City of Miami Gardens, this team has, in just 2 years, taken Jazz in the Gardens to unprecedented levels of notoriety and reputation. Last year's phenomenal success included growing the attendance by 350% over the first year. With the tremendous line-up of artists, on-site attractions, tight event management and massive local, regional and national promotional efforts, this year's attendance is expected to top 20,000, up more than 200% over 2007.

Jazz in the Gardens is presented by The City of Miami Gardens and Dolphin Stadium and sponsored by American Airlines, Shula's Hotel & Golf Club, Royal Caribbean, UAIG, Miccosukee Resort & Casino, Southern Wines & Spirits, National Constructors, Warren Henry Auto, Publix and Opa Locka Flightline.

The City of Miami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003 as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of approximately 109,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County. Miami Gardens and is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean residents. In 2007, the City hosted the 41st annual Super Bowl. In 2009, the City will host the college BCS championship game and in 2010, will host the 44th Super Bowl.