MIA Magazine Jazz in the Gardens 2020 by miamediagrp

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE MIAMI HERALD

LIFESTYLE

Mary J. Blige Stellar Lineup to Hit Stage at 15th Annual Music Fest

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LU X U RY

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MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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Rickey Smiley Keeps JITG Fans Laughing

Mayor Oliver Gilbert

Shares Advice to Survive 2-Day Music Fest

GARDENS N THE I Z Z A J

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE 2020 JAZZ IN THE GARDENS MUSIC FESTIVAL

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FIND YOUR INNER RHYTHM Experience the Sights, Sounds and Tastes of Multicultural Miami! What else will you ﬁnd? Start your discovery at MiamiandBeaches.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE LIFESTYLE

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TABLE OF CONTENTS 4

DO & DINE

6 COMEDIAN RICKEY SMILEY RETURNS FOR 6TH YEAR AS JITG HOST By Russell Motley

7 JAZZ IN THE GARDENS ARTIST PROFILES (MARCH 14) 8 JAZZ IN THE GARDENS ARTIST PROFILES (MARCH 15) 10 MIAMI GARDENS MAYOR ADVISES JITG ATTENDEES TO ‘GO HARD’ By Zachary Rinkins

12 MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS TRIBUTE TO THE O’JAYS By M·I·A Staff

14 PLAYWRIGHT DEBUTS NEW DRAMA REVEALING 4 WIVES OF JAZZ LEGEND LOUIS ARMSTRONG By Michelle Solomon

18 JAZZ IN THE GARDENS 15TH ANNIVERSARY PHOTO PAGE

SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS Oscar Braynon II for City of Miami Gardens Mayor City of Miami Gardens MiamiGardens-fl.gov

If you’ve ever seen Mary J. Blige perform, you know she gives her fans 150 percent on stage. Her music literally takes you on an emotional roller coaster. One minute you’re vibing to her mid-tempo song “Be Happy.” The next minute you’re shouting hallelujah to “No More Drama.” Later, you’re jumping out

of your seat to the club version of “Just Fine.” Then —wait for it — the nine-time Grammy Award-winner stops singing to just break down her iconic signature dance moves as the crowd chants her name. “Go, Mary! Go, Mary!” MJB is just one of the many reasons I’m excited about this year’s Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) as it celebrates 15 years of soul-stirring entertainment, mouthwatering ethnic foods, and positive vibes. This will no doubt be a weekend to remember! I concur with JITG host Rickey Smiley

who recently told me, “I think it’s a festival that everyone all over the United States should attend.” But don’t just take our word. Bring your folding chairs with your friends and family in tow to experience this two-day outdoor music festival for yourselves.

Russell Motley M•I•A Editor-in-Chief rm@miamediagrp.com

GREETINGS FROM GMCVB The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is excited to continue our support of the 2020 Jazz in the Gardens Festival - Women’s Impact Luncheon and FMAC. Jazz in the Gardens, produced by the City of Miami Gardens, is a highly regarded and one of the most anticipated music festivals in the country and we want to continue to work with Miami Gardens to make the festival a premier national and international event. This year’s two-day star studded lineup is world class and represents a dynamic mix of musical genres. The GMCVB proudly serves as the Official Destination Sales and Marketing Organization for Greater Miami and the Beaches. We strive to showcase all of Miami to our visitors and hopeful that each of the attendees of JITG will also venture out to our heritage neighborhoods while here and also patronize some the business that make up the fabric of our multicultural community. It is our hope that both residents and visitors enjoy the musical experience and artistic and cultural treasures during this year’s Jazz in the Gardens Festival. Yours Truly, Connie W. Kinnard

Vice President, Multicultural Tourism & Development Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

Greetings and welcome to the 15th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival. We congratulate the City of Miami Gardens for their continued excellence in sharing this incredible cultural and economic opportunity with the region. On behalf of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to our diverse community. From the Blue Wave Beaches to our exotic Everglades, the welcoming and relaxing vibe of the tropics permeates Greater Fort Lauderdale’s culture. Greater Fort Lauderdale is a wonderful place to live, work and play – a chic combination of sea, sun, shopping, arts, entertainment and heritage. Have fun. Unwind. Savor the diverse ethnic flare in our cafes, shops and boutiques or just relax to the rhythm of smooth jazz under the stars. It’s all here for you! We hope that after your visit you will consider Greater Fort Lauderdale for your next corporate meeting, annual conference or family reunion. It’s as easy as calling (954) 767-2456. We look forward to hearing from you! Sincerely, Albert A. Tucker

Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau Vice President of Multicultural Business and Government Affairs

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MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

DO & DINE: The Jazz in The Gardens Edition BY KECHI OKPALA @KechiMiami

The year 2020 has ushered in so many wins for the City of Miami Gardens. From Super Bowl LIV to now the much anticipated Jazz in the Gardens music festival, the city has grown and reshaped its landscape with so many new and exciting things to do and places to experience. Touted as the third largest city in Miami-Dade County, Miami Gardens is celebrating the 15th anniversary of JITG. While you’re in the area to see the stellar JITG lineup, including Jill Scott, H.E.R, Mary J. Blige and Charlie Wilson, be sure to check out the area attractions and restaurants that make Miami Gardens so unique.

DINE: AWASH ETHIOPIAN RESTAURANT A taste of Ethiopia is what Awash Ethiopian Restaurant provides. From the savory honey wine to the sambusas, this establishment adds a taste of Ethiopia to the city, located at 19934 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33169. www.awashmiami.com CHEF CREOLE MIAMI GARDENS Chef Creole is a Haitian/Creole fusion restaurant that offers an array of seafood dishes like fried conch and red snapper fish. With over 4 locations in Miami, you are guaranteed consistency in taste and delivery every time. 20356 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169 www.chefcreole.com GOLDEN KRUST CARIBBEAN BAKERY If you are looking for a quick meal, Golden Krust Bakery is the stop to make at 18316 NW 7th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169. From beef, chicken to veggie, their gourmet Jamaican patties come in a variety of flavors. www.goldenkrust.com ORIGINAL JUNIES The Original Junie’s at 18400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169; has become a household name. Known for their Jamaican country style cuisine, you can only order from their menu of the day. If you’re lucky, try the oxtails with rice and peas dish. It’s sure to have you bopping all day long with goodness. LC ROTI SHOP Cheeky customer service and nostalgic Trinidadian cuisine is the tone of LC Roti Shop. Located at 19505 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169; this historic eatery is the place for a curry goat roti or the chickpea fried dumplings known as pholourie. 305-651-8924 TONY’S PIZZA New York style pizza is one of many Italian dishes you can

find at this establishment. With over 30 years in the business, Tony’s Pizza’s baked ziti meal is more than enough for two to share. Located at 19329 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33169. www.tonyspizzamiami.com ICE CREAM HEAVEN We are all screaming for ice cream at the new sweet spot Ice Cream Heaven at 17560 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL. Whether you enjoy a traditional Neapolitan flavor or are a sweet tooth fiend for the Big A#$ ice-cream sandwich, there’s something for everyone to try!

TREELION Treelion, located at 18400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL, brings vegan cuisine to those seeking cruelty-free food alternatives. They offer breakfast, lunch and dinner with a refreshing smoothie bar. BAMBOO SHACK If you are in the mood to try Bahamas’s national dish Conch, Bamboo Shack is the place to go. Located at 18450 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33169; try an array of Caribbean seafood dishes to satisfy your appetite. THE LICKING The Licking, formerly known as “Finga Licking,” located at 17647 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33169, is a local franchise that has taken a spin on the savory chicken-and-waffles dish to a whole new level. JAMAICA HOUSE This 24-hour eatery is a Miami Gardens staple. If you ever need a wholesome meal on the go or after the club, the fried rice is the number one pick at Jamaica House, located at 19555 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL 33169. LORNA’S CARIBBEAN & AMERICAN GRILLE This Caribbean fine-dining experience is the place to take your date before the concert. Conveniently located at 19752 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, FL 33169 near the Hard Rock Stadium, Lorna’s offers authentic Jamaican, Bahamian and American Dishes. SUNDAY’S EATERY

Rapper Trick Daddy’s newest business venture, Sunday’s Eatery, located at 2675 NW 207th Street, Miami, FL is the only place in Miami to get fried ribs.

TASTE RITE JAMAICAN BAKERY When you need a bite on the go, be sure to grab a beef patty and coco bread or Jamaican pastry Gizada at Taste Rite Jamaican Bakery, located at 18400 NW 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33169.

YARUMBA RESTAURANT & LOUNGE Yarumba Restaurant located 4740 NW 167th street, Miami, FL is where you find traditional Dominican cuisine. Mofongo and Bachata are your top choices.

DO: AIRPLANE MODE If you want to look original for the upcoming Jazz in the Gardens festival, this home-grown establishment rolls out the red carpet in the ultimate shopping experience. Specializing in local lifestyle brands, Airplane Mode Miami, at 371 NW 170st, Miami Gardens, FL, offers a pop-up shop experience carrying the latest fashion for today’s trendsetters and tastemakers. Flo-rida, Kodak Black and Chad Ochcinco are some of the frequent visitors that stay connected by disconnecting from the norm. www.airplanemodemia.com TOP GOLF MIAMI GARDENS At Top Golf, it’s everyone’s game. Top Golf, located at 17321 NW 7th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL, features fun and competitive golf games for all ages with climate-controlled playing bays for year-round comfort. They offer food, drinks and private spaces for groups of any size. Top golf takes the game of golf to another level. www.topgolf.com/us/miami-gardens/ CALDER CASINO Feeling Lucky? Stand a chance to win big at Calder Casino, 21001 NW 27th Ave., Miami Gardens, FL 33056. A spacious, smoke-free casino with the latest slots, electronic table games, bingo, great promotions and cash prizes. www.caldercasino.com TOP NOTCH CIGAR & WHISKEY LOUNGE A classic stogie and a shot of premium whiskey is what you find at Top Notch Cigar & Whiskey Lounge, located at 19801 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL 33056. Offering a wide variety of premium cigars in their exclusive walkin humidor, you are bound to pair the right Robust with a perfect drink. www.topnotchcigarswhiskeylounge.com STUDIO 183 LOUNGE A Miami Gardens landmark reboot, Studio 183 Lounge, located at 230 NW 183 street, Miami, FL 33169, is the afterconcert hang out spot. Offering a menu of cocktails and small bites while providing light entertainment throughout the week. n

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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Comedian Rickey Smiley Returns for 6th Year as JITG Host In January, Smiley succeeded retiring radio unny man Rickey Smiley wears quite veteran Tom Joyner who a few hats. He’s a stand-up comedian hosted the Tom Joyner currently on the “Lit AF Tour” hosted by Morning Show for 25 years. Martin Lawrence. He’s the host of the Smiley’s new nationallytop-rated Rickey Smiley Morning Show. He’s a syndicated show now targets doting grandfather to 3-year-old Grayson Smiley an older demographic with who’s now an Instagram favorite. And he’s also a cast that includes Da Brat, returning for the sixth year to host the 15th annual Eva Marcille, Gary with the Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) music festival—a gig Tea, and Rock-T. Smiley he calls the easiest of them all. admits the launch of his new “It’s like hosting karaoke,” Smiley tells Dallas-based show came M·I·A magazine. “That’s actually easier because with much criticism from the focus is not on me. The audience didn’t come listeners. to see me (perform comedy). They came to see “When you take on a the bands. I’m the in-between, keeping the party new show, you run into a going.” lot of people that don’t like When Smiley hits the stage at JITG, don’t change,” says Smiley. “And expect to hear much of his comedy act or hear people have their doubts him attempt to sing. He’s saving his best jokes about you so it makes you for ticket holders of his nationwide comedy show, feel good when you can say Rickey Smiley answers questions from the media at Jazz in the Gardens in 2016. which is scheduled for Miami on May 9 at the ‘I showed you. You said American Airlines Arena. I wasn’t going to make it, But, of course, Smiley but we made it. You said we will throw the audience weren’t going to win but we won.’” a few zingers before Smiley says, so far, his ratings are up introducing acts like in several key cities including Baltimore, SWV, Jill Scott, Charlie Cleveland, Indianapolis, Dallas, and Miami, Wilson, and headliner where the show airs weekdays from 6-10 Mary J. Blige. a.m. on Hot 105-FM. After Sunday night’s “That’s who they’re JITG performance, Smiley will head to Hot there to see because if I 105’s studio in Hollywood to broadcast went up there and sang his four-hour morning show. He’ll only one of her songs they have a few hours to rest before putting on would boo me off the his headphones, positioning his mic, and stage,” he laughs. “My welcoming millions of listeners around job is to introduce her and the country to the Rickey Smiley Morning to make the crowd laugh Show. in between (musical “The only bad experience I’ve had at Jazz acts).” in the Gardens is when the last act walks off Now 51, Smiley is stage,” Smiley chuckles. “And then I have starting to take greater to get up and do radio the next morning. risks while performing on Jazz in the Gardens attendees in 2016 stop by the Rickey Smiley Morning Show bus in Miami Gardens. Reality kicks in. That last song on a Sunday stage. He says the older he night is just like ‘Aw, man. Until next year.’ gets the more confident he Jazz in the Gardens is always an awesome the audience a lot more. I just have a lot more fun has become entertaining his fans. experience and it’s a blessing to be a part of it.” on stage. I’m not as nervous. Comedy keeps you “I just say whatever’s on my mind on stage,” n humble because you’re only as good as your last says Smiley. “I don’t have any chill now. I go into performance.” BY RUSSELL MOTLEY

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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ARTIST PROFILES

SATURDAY, MARCH 14, 2020

Iconic Grammy-Award winning singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist is a figure of inspiration, transformation, and empowerment making Mary J. Blige one of the defining voices of the contemporary music era. With a track record of eight multi-platinum albums, nine Grammy Awards (plus, a staggering 32 nominations), a 2012 Golden Globe nomination, and five American Music Awards, MJB is a global superstar. In the ensuing years, the singer and songwriter has attracted an intensely loyal fan base responsible for propelling worldwide sales of more than 50 million albums.

Some people might say that after notching ten No. 1 singles, 13 Grammy Award nominations, a New York Times best-selling memoir and ongoing soldout, coast-to-coast arena tours, Charlie Wilson has proven his point….and he isn’t planning to slow down anytime

soon. The Gap Band founder and solo icon underscores his declaration of hit records with his latest album, In It to Win It, which includes a 2019 Grammy nomination for Best Traditional R&B Performance for the track “Made For Love,” his enchanting duet with Lalah Hathaway. In 2018 Charlie was also nominated for three 2018 NAACP Image Awards, Outstanding Male Artist, Outstanding Duo, Group or Collaboration and Outstanding Album.

A savvy pop-rapper with crossover appeal, Nelly first debuted in 2000 with “Country Grammar (Hot...),” yet he was no one-hit wonder, consistently returning to the pop charts with smash hits like “Hot in Herre,” “Grillz,” and “Dilemma.” His universality was partly rooted in his hometown St. Louis, Missouri -- which set him apart from all of the prevailing rap styles of his time. He wasn’t from the East or West Coast, nor was he from the South. Nelly’s locale certainly informed his rapping style, which was both country and urban at the same time, as well as his dialect, which combined a Southern drawl with Midwestern twang. Nelly became a rapper capable of crossing practically all boundaries, from the Dirty South to MTV’s Total Request Live and everything in between. His first hit, “Country Grammar (Hot...),” became a nationwide summer anthem in 2000, and many more smash hits followed during the remainder of the decade.

Known for her raspy soprano voice and intensely expressive performance style, Keyshia Cole is one of most successful R&B singer/songwriters to emerge in the 2000s. She worked her way up the industry ladder diligently yet quickly, making her major-label debut in 2004 at age 21. Born and raised on the tough streets of Oakland, Cole aspired from an early age to make music her life, so much so that she started working the angles while still a preteen, including recording with fellow Bay Area resident MC Hammer. Her singing aspirations began to take flight during the early 2000s, when she appeared on Messy Marv’s “Nubian Queen” remix and the Me & Mrs. Jones soundtrack. These gigs led to a career highlighted by several Grammy nominations, platinum RIAA certifications and the release of her latest album titled, “Keyshia Cole 11:11 Reset”.

Stokley is a two-time Grammynominated vocalist, songwriter, producer,

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and multi-instrumentalist who is one of music’s best-kept secrets. He has worked with some of the biggest names in music including Prince, Whitney Houston, Janet Jackson and more. He’s known best as the lead singer and drummer for legendary R&B group Mint Condition. In 2017, Stokley embarked on a new solo journey with the release of his debut album Introducing Stokley which produced two #1 singles “Organic” and “Levels.” He now continues that journey in a new partnership with the legendary Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis’ Perspective Records. Stokley’s new single “She” is off his sophomore album due out this spring. The single just climbed to #3 on the Billboard R&B chart.

With a diverse gospel and jazz discography that extends back 25 years, saxophonist Mark Allen Felton no doubt earned his nickname “Panther” from having prowled on stages with everyone from Al Jarreau, Ray Parker, Jr. and Patti Labelle to Gerald Albright. On his latest single “A Place for You,” he lays back a bit, exploring a more sly and sultry approach to pouncing on the heart. The track is a slow burn seduction that starts coolly, then builds towards a powerful horn textured crescendo before returning to sensual simmer mode. Crafted and performed in classic Smooth Jazz ballad style, “A Place for You” is the lead single from Felton’s upcoming album whose title, SOUL REAL, lets us know we’re in for more soulful and emotional authenticity. n

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ARTIST PROFILES

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SUNDAY, MARCH 15, 2020 With their 1992 debut, It’s About Time, SWV scored a string of Top Ten R&B hits that established them as one of the most popular R&B groups of the 90s. SWV (their name is an acronym for Sisters with Voices) is comprised of three school friends: Coko (born Cheryl Gamble), Taj (born Tamara Johnson), and Lelee (born Leanne Lyons). All three vocalists sang in church as children, which is where they learned how to harmonize. In 2016, SWV released their 5th and latest album, Still. Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. The Roots is known for their jazzy, eclectic approach to hip hop which includes live instruments. After gaining a nightly nationwide audience through a close partnership with television host Jimmy Fallon, they continue to challenge listeners with works free of genre restrictions.

Jill Scott is an African-American singer-songwriter, model, poet and actress. Her 2000 debut album, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1, went platinum, and the follow-ups Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 and The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3 both achieved gold status. She is currently celebrating the 20-year anniversary of her debut album with a concert tour.

Having Everything Revealed better known professionally as H.E.R., is an Grammy Award winning singer and songwriter. Before gaining notability as H.E.R., Gabriella Wilson rose to fame by participating in Radio Disney’s Next Big Thing in 2009. Now, her debut album, H.E.R., which is a combination of her first two EPs which boast a whopping 21 songs, brings Wilson’s talent to full light in a collection of dreamy, weightless R&B tracks.

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

Kirk Franklin is a gospel musician, singer, songwriter and author who is celebrating his 26th career anniversary this year. Franklin is the winner of more than 40 Stellar Awards and 16 Dove Awards. He brought his total Grammy tally to 16 last year at the 61st annual ceremony by producing singer Tori Kelly’s first foray into gospel, Hiding Place, which won best gospel album. “Never Alone,” the Franklin co-penned single from the album, was named best gospel performance/song. In 2020, Franklin has his eyes set on another successful Exodus Music & Arts Festival, fantastic additions to the Kirk Franklin Praise channel on SiriusXM. He is also starting production on his biopic with Sony.

Bilal Sayeed Oliver, better known mononymously as Bilal, is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. He is currently an independent artist residing in New York City. Bilal is noted for his wide vocal range, his work across multiple genres, and his live performances. In 2011, Bilal received a Grammy nomination for the song “Little One,” a track dedicated to his eldest son, who has autism.

The Roots is an American Grammy Award-winning hip hop/neo soul band, formed in 1987 in Philadelphia by Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and

Luther Roderick Campbell, also known as Uncle Luke, is a rapper, promoter, record executive, and actor. He is best known for being the former

leader of rap group 2 Live Crew who helped pioneer the worldwide phenomenon known as the Miami Bass sound. His music eventually cross the line into white America and infuriated the conservative mainstream. Campbell spent over a million dollars of his own money fighting cops and prosecutors all the way to the Supreme Court to protect his—and every other artist’s—right to free speech, setting landmark legal precedents that continue to shape the entertainment industry today.

World renowned American saxophonist Mike Phillips is known as one of the most electrifying instrumentalists today. His version of the National Anthem during the 2017 NFC Championship Game sent shockwaves all over the NFL as one of the best anthems ever done instrumentally and is now known as the “saxthem.” n

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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MIAMI GARDENS MAYOR ADVISES JITG ATTENDEES TO ‘GO HARD’ Oliver Gilbert Suggests Fans May Need to ‘Take Monday Off’

BY ZACHARY RINKINS PHOTOS BY AJ SHORTER

he City of Miami Gardens is revving up for its 15th annual Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) musical festival scheduled for March 14–15 at Hard Rock Stadium. Through the years, the highly acclaimed extravaganza has welcomed legendary talent and musical icons to perform before tens of thousands of Miami Gardens residents and attendees from across the country. This year’s fifteenth iteration is living up to that tradition and welcoming the queen of hip-hop soul Mary J. Blige and crowd-pleasing crooner Charlie Wilson. “We are very excited about this year’s festival. It is not only the city’s signature event, but it’s also how we say hello to the world as we draw thousands of people from all over to party with us,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Oliver G. Gilbert. “It has all the makings to be the best one ever.” JITG is one of the region’s hottest and most coveted tickets, attracting an array of attendees and celebrities alike. The event has evolved into one of the city’s most highly anticipated events. The mayor said JITG has more to offer than showstoppers and R&B line dancing. “If you just come for the music and a concert, you’re going to be blessed with so much more,” said Gilbert. “If you come for a good party, you’re going to be surprised with a great party. What’s going to happen at JITG this year is going to be magic.” JITG is partcelebration, partMayor Oliver Gilbert of Miami Gardens reunion, and creates a great platform for good vibes and new cultural experiences. “The experience that you have with the food, stuffing yourself. These are all things that add to Jazz in the Gardens and the experience, and not just

Mayor Oliver Gilbert welcomes thousands of attendees at the 2019 Jazz in the Gardens.

“You have wonderful jazz saxophonists and Kirk Franklin there for people who enjoy gospel music. Top to bottom, this is an extraordinary lineup,” Gilbert continued. “I know my mom is really interested in seeing Kirk Franklin.” Grammy Awardwinner Franklin will share Sunday’s stage-helming duties with acclaimed vocalist Jill Scott, the Mayor Oliver Gilbert dances with front-row festival-goers at the 2019 Jazz in the Gardens. Roots featuring signer Bilal, emerging songbird the concert,” Gilbert offered. H.E.R., stellar R&B trio S.W.V., and musician Mike “The best thing about JITG is Phillips. The mayor’s said the eclectic performers the experience you have with the project diversity and inclusion. He added, “Our audience, partying, and enjoying lineup that speaks to a lot of different interests.” yourself.” Gilbert offers this advice to all first-timers, Saturday’s concert lineup “Just go ahead and take Monday off because you’re will include lively performances from Midwest rap star Nelly, Mint Condition’s Stokley, reality TV star going to go that hard.” and R&B songstress Keyshia Cole, and saxophonist For more information, log on to www.jazzinthegardens.com n Mark Allen Felton.

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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MAYOR OLIVER GILBERT & THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS

Women’s Impact LUNCHEON

FRIDAY • MARCH 13, 2020 • 10A-1P

Hard Rock Stadium TICKETS ON SALE NOW JAZZINTHEGARDENS.COM/WIL

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MIRAMAR CULTURAL CENTER COMMUNITY THEATER PRESENTS TRIBUTE TO THE O’JAYS

‘Family Matters’ Star JoMarie Payton Co-directs Soulful Musical Payton. “It is our deep desire to present an outstanding production featuring our he City of Miramar is youth honoring these living legends.” excited to present the 2nd Miramar Community Theatre annual Community Theatre is structured as 10-week sessions showcase original production where students engage in hands-onA Musical Celebration of Life Honoring participatory activities including acting, voice, musical instruments and costuming that culminate in the development of a full stage production. This learning through the arts initiative encourages creative thinking, breaks down barriers and builds self-confidence while honing both on stage and behind- the-scenes skillsets. The young dedicated Community Theatre participants will perform the musical along with a surprise guest. The opening night performance is scheduled for Friday, March 20 at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, March 21 at 2 p.m. An evening of family fun is planned including free preshow art activities such as face painting. Tickets are $15 per person. Co-director JoMarie Payton (right) rehearses a scene with the To purchase tickets, visit cast of A Musical Celebration of Life Honoring the Legendary O Ticketmaster or the Miramar ’Jays at the Miramar Cultural Center. Cultural Center box office at the Legendary O ’Jays. This original 2400 Civic Center Place, Miramar. music production is written and coYour support of this show is also directed by JoMarie Payton, star of support for the preservation and the hit TV show Family Matters. , and progression of Cultural Arts for future featuring students from the program. generations. “Learning, living, loving and For more information regarding respecting our musical legacy, the MCC’s Education programs and Miramar Community Theatre proudly initiatives, call 954-602-4519 presents a musical tribute to, “The or email Education@ Mighty O ’Jays” who have over 60 MiramarCulturalCenter.org. n years of artistic excellence,” said BY ZACH RINKINS

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

Playwright Debuts New Drama Revealing 4 Wives of Jazz Legend Louis Armstrong

pa-locka native Aurin Squire, a multi-talented writer now based in New York, has a lengthy list of screenwriting credits for television shows (This Is Us and The Good Fight) and plays that have been produced from Los Angeles to Norway and everywhere in between. Most recently, the 40-year-old award winner has been steeped in the life of jazz legend Louis Armstrong and is now preparing for its world premiere in Miami. “I studied all the people around him. I didn’t know that his first horn was given to him by a Jewish family in New Orleans, the Karnofskys,” said Squire. “He was a junkyard kid who sold junk from a pull cart that he would roll down the street. And so the family gave him a tin horn so he could blow it and people would know he was coming. Then he tweaked that tin horn to become an actual playing instrument. That’s how Armstrong got started.” Last year, Squire was co-writer with documentary filmmaker Billy Corben for Miami New Drama’s Confessions of a Cocaine Cowboy. While Squire worked on Cowboy, Miami New Drama’s artistic director Michel Hausmann suggested he meet with Tony Award-winning director Christopher Renshaw of Miami Beach, who has

also won Drama Desk and Obie awards. The two discussed Renshaw’s idea for an Armstrong musical, all revolving around the cities where the trumpeter performed, the songs that made him popular, and his personal life—which included four Playwright Aurin Squire wives. Squire recalled asking Renshaw: “What if we use one of the wives for each city?” The seasons of Armstrong’s life are framed by the women he married and how he dealt with racial inequality at the time. In the play, the first chapter of Armstrong’s life takes place in New Orleans, where he grew up in a mixed culture. He later works as a traveling musician in the deep South.

“He sees his first lynching and is a witness to things that change him,” said Squire. Another scene takes Armstrong to Chicago, where black jazz musicians are making their mark in the clubs. “Treated like commodities, they are wearing fancy suits, but white gangsters are pulling guns on them to play in their clubs,” said Squire. “Jazz collapses with the Great Depression and Armstrong heads to California, where he discovers Hollywood racism.” As part of historical fiction, Squire created a conversation between film actor Stepin Fetchit and Armstrong. Fetchit tells him: “You wanna speaking role? Here’s what you gotta do. Look, if white people are going to smear their face with shoe polish and play us, we might as well do it and get paid.’ “ Finally in the play, Armstrong heads to New York and is designated by the State Department as the Ambassador of Jazz. Meanwhile, segregation and the Little Rock Nine takes center stage in the nation. According to Hausmann, “A Wonderful World” “bravely looks at our country’s complicated relationship with race relations as lived by Louis Armstrong.” Miami New Drama’s “A Wonderful World” opens March 5 and runs through April 5. Opening night March 14 at the Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach. www.miaminewdrama.org.n

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MIA Magazine Jazz in the Gardens 2020

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JAZZ IN THE GARDENS ARTIST PROFILES (MARCH 14