Jazz in the Gardens 09

This two-day festival returns to Dolphins Stadium with a mix of jazz, soul and R&B sounds.

Jazz in the Gardens is a two-day festival, organized by the city of Miami Gardens, that started four years ago with 2,000 hard-core jazz lovers and featured artists such as Nelson Rangell, Chieli Minucci and Nestor Torres. It has grown and broadened into a major music event with more than 30,000 fans expected this year at Dolphin Stadium. The artist lineup has also expanded from pure jazz to a combination of jazz, soul, R&B - even socially conscious rap.

The Details
WHAT: Jazz in the Gardens with host Tom Joyner.
WHERE: Dolphin Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami Gardens.
WHEN: Doors open at 3 p.m.; shows start at 4 p.m. March 28 (Saturday) and March 29 (Sunday) and continue til about midnight.
COST: $30-$55 (one day), $45-$90 (two-day pass) available on the jazz website, Ticketmaster or stadium box office.
PARKING: For prime reserved, reserved and general admission ticket holders, general parking is $10, enter at Gate 5; preferred parking $20, enter at Gate 4.
INFO: 305-622-8043 or www.jazzinthegardens.com.
FYI: You will not be allowed to bring food, beverage, or coolers; food and drinks will be on sale at the event. The show will go on even if it rains.

SCHEDULE
SATURDAY, March 28
3 p.m.: DJ/Music
4 p.m.: H.S. Allstars
4:35 p.m.: Robert Harris
5:05 p.m.: Paulette Dozier
5:40 p.m.: Roy Ayers
6:40 p.m.: Will Downing
7:45 p.m.: Erykah Badu
9:05 p.m.: Common
10:15 p.m.: Anthony Hamilton

SUNDAY, March 29
3 p.m.: DJ/Music
4 p.m.: Toscha Comeaux
4:30 p.m.: Here Here
5:05: Alana DaCosta
5:40 p.m.: Jonathan Butler
6:40 p.m.: Angelique Kidjo
7:45 p.m.: Kenny G
9:05 p.m.: Kenny "Babyface" Edmunds
10:25: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

Paris Bennett. Photo: James Forbes