The Return Of Jazz In The Gardens

MIAMI, FLORIDA – Bahamians joined with thousands of music fans Saturday night in welcoming the hugely popular Jazz in The Gardens back. The event, now in it’s 15th year, continues to be one of the more popular events for Bahamians, in neighboring South Florida.

Given the demand for concerts and festivals as COVID diminishes, similar events could be returning here soon as well.

Our Jerome Sawyer was at the event and caught up with some strong Bahamian currents running through this annual festival.

The undisputed queen of hip hop soul, Mary J. Blige, bringing audiences to their feet Saturday night.

Inside Hard Rock Stadium In Miami Gardens, fans and festival-goers were delighted to take it all in.
For two years COVID-19 has kept these kinds of events from happening.

And musical legends like Ron Isley, aka Mr. Biggs, did not disappoint.

Among the thousand and thousands of spectators including folks like Shellie Ransom-Jackson, with roots in Kemps Bay, Andros, who once lived in Nassau.

Myra McPhee relocated to the US a few years back and was all set to come two years ago when COVID-19 hit. On Saturday she sported a Bahamian flag mask in the crowd.

For these guys – descendants from Bimini – like so many others it’s been a long time coming.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism Chester Cooper also in the audience on Saturday. He says these events can easily take place in The Bahamas.

In fact, given the pent-up demand musical festivals could be the future for us.