Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) has announced the highly-anticipated 2022 lineup for the 15th anniversary of the popular jazz and R&B music festival held annually at Miami Gardens in Florida.
The roster of A-list celebrities includes Mary J. Blige, H.E.R, Rick Ross, The Isley Brothers, SWV, The Roots with special guest T-Pain, Stokely, Johnathan McReynolds, Mike Phillips and Mark Allen Felton, with local performers (to be announced).
Syndicated radio host and comedian Rickey Smiley is set to also return as the host for the 2022 JITG.
Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris told the Michigan Chronicle that in 2020, like most things, the annual event had to come to a halt a mere two days before the doors were on tap to open. Now, nearly two years later, the 2022 festival represents a comeback as the City of Miami Gardens’ signature event and is anticipated to be an even better experience for the thousands of ticket buyers who are coming from all over the world. Entrants will be required to show a valid COVID-19 vaccination card or a negative COVID-19 test. Social distancing protocols will be observed and face masks will be strongly encouraged.
“We are happy to announce the return of Jazz in the Gardens in the City of Miami Gardens. In an abundance of caution, the festival did not happen for the past two years due to COVID-19. It’s coming back in 2022, and we will do so in a safe way following all the CDC protocols. We are also excited about bringing talented, award-winning artists to celebrate the 15th anniversary of the festival that showcases music and the culture and diversity of Miami Gardens. We look forward to celebrating with our residents and people from all over the world on March 12th and 13th,” Harris said.
“As a manager, my clients have played this festival several times over the past decade,” said Shawn Gee, president of Live Nation Urban, “so when presented with the opportunity to work alongside the city to produce the event this year, I was super excited. Jazz in the Gardens is one of the most important live events in the culture of Jazz and R&B music, globally. Our goal is not only to produce a stellar event but to let the world know about the hidden gem that the City of Miami Gardens has with this event.”
Harris added that the good folks down in Miami Gardens, a primarily Black city, are looking forward to the opportunity to celebrate this time around.
“From here to the Bahamas and all over the United States [people are] just ready to get it going,” he said adding that there is no time like the present to enjoy the city’s typically 85-degree days while moving to the music at the festival. “Where else would you want to be?”
He added that a lot of midwestern concert-goers have attended and he is looking forward to the anticipated wonderful time to be had.
“Jazz in the Gardens turned into an event [that is] benefitting an entire region,” he said of South Florida.
Brittany Flores, president of Live Nation Florida, said that the “staple event” is one that she and other entities have joined forces on.
‘We are honored to partner with Mayor Harris and the City of Miami Gardens on the 15th Anniversary of Jazz in the Gardens,” said Flores. “The event is a staple here in South Florida and we are beyond excited to help continue the tradition and usher in the next chapter of this amazing event.”
The 15th Annual Jazz in the Gardens also showcases an eclectic mix of goods and buys in the Merchandise Village.
Tickets on sale now at www.jazzinthegardens.com – Follow @jazzinthegardens
For more information visit www.miamigardens-fl.gov.