(BLACK PR WIRE) – MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – With its usual electricity and excitement, the 7th Annual Jazz in the Gardens took over South Florida with a stellar line-up of local and national recording artists. More than 48,000 concertgoers devoured conch salad and rich soul food while jamming to lively R&B and jazz performances across the two-day festival. Held at Sun Life Stadium on Saturday, March 17, and Sunday, March 18, the “lucky number seven,” as this Jazz in the Gardens was coined, boasted one of the festival’s best collections of artists ever, including neo-soul songstress Jill Scott, queen of hip-hop Mary J. Blige, and the legendary Patti LaBelle. The event, organized by city of Miami Gardens leadership and their production partners, brings the municipality increasing income and exposure each year, with 2012’s ticket sales topping $2 million.

“This signature Miami Gardens event brings added value to the city and to South Florida in general,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson. “I am proud of this city; in the eight years since incorporation, Miami Gardens has seen a steady stream of positive changes, improvements and additions like Jazz in the Gardens, which is more than a concert; it is an opportunity and experience that people want to enjoy year after year.”

Jazz in the Gardens is known for featuring music attracting a variety of generations from across the country. Stand-out artists of the weekend included Grammy-nominated singer Ledisi, who belted stunning vocal renditions of her latest hits, and chart-topping R&B artist Kem, whose portfolio of singles, dating back almost 10 years, still struck a chord with the crowd in 2012.

But of course, the show belonged to Jazz in the Gardens’ “Big Three.” Capping Saturday’s line-up with an energetic performance, Jill Scott was a fan favorite, displaying a vocal range and arsenal of hits that solidified her spot leading the neo-soul game. Sunday’s show closed with two powerhouses made popular across decades of great music. Mary J. Blige brought infectious energy to the stage, rocking to her smashes “No More Drama” and “Mary Jane (All Night Long).” She was preceded by the incomparable Patti LaBelle, who gave a thorough set including her hits from the ‘70s, ‘80s and ‘90s like “New Attitude” and “Lady Marmalade.”

Other featured artists this year included Kenny G, Doug E. Fresh, Ramsey Lewis, Kevin Eubanks and Nicole Henry. MC Lyte hosted the event, which also had several emerging South Florida artists: Ike and Val, Sensere and Jody Hill & The Deep Fried Funk Band, along with official DJs, The Brass King and Al Johnson.

For more on the 7th Annual Jazz in the Gardens and the surrounding weekend of events, including the 2012 Women’s Impact Conference & Luncheon that featured Hill Harper, Tracy Wilson Mourning and Jawan Strader, visit jazzinthegardens.com.

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