Sonya's SpotLight Celebrity News Reviews and Interviews

The 5th Annual Jazz in the Gardens, hosted by Tom Joyner, brought jazz, R&B and more to the City of Miami Gardens March 20-21 and I was right in the midst of it all. Starting with a Private VIP Kick Off Soiree and press conference at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, nationally syndicated radio personality Tom Joyner, performer Teena Marie, singer K’Jon, and several other participants, dignitaries, and supporters of Jazz in the Gardens, including Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson, came out to welcome guests and celebrate the festival’s 5th year on Friday, March 19. NFL running back Larry Johnson (Washington Redskins) was also on hand as the DJ for the evening.

With mid 70-degree temperatures and sunny skies, the music festival opened at Sun Life Stadium Saturday afternoon with artists Rachel Brown, Kawan Debose, John Saxx, K’Jon, Joe Sample, Teena Marie, Universoul Circus, Robin Thicke and Mary J. Blige.

It was a challenge for me to decide whether to stay put in the allotted press area (where reporters & still photographers convened for interviews and photos) or to enjoy the live performances. I chose the latter – with frequent stops inside the press room. To my dismay, I missed interviewing Robin Thicke and getting an up-close photo of the smooth, falsetto singer because I was jamming to the soulful sounds of “Lady T,” Teena Marie. On the other hand, I was quite impressed with Teena’s energetic performance and was drawn in as she belted out several hits including “Square Biz,” “I’m Just a Sucker for your Love,” and “Fire and Desire,” a hit duet reminiscent of her protégé, the late Rick James. Teena Marie, who has been performing for 31 years, had the vibrancy of a youthful artist and the stage presence of a seasoned performer.

When Robin Thicke took the stage I enjoyed his sultry performance, which featured “Sweetest Love,” “Lost Without U,” “Magic,” and “Sex Therapy,” to name a few songs. Robin even broke out with some Lil Wayne rap – imitating the rapper. From what I’ve read, Robin and Lil Wayne consider each other good luck charms. Whatever the case may be, Robin surely charmed the audience by showing that he’s a man of soul, sensuality, rap and rhythm.

During one of the intermissions, I caught up with both Tom Joyner and jazz artist Joe Sample backstage, asking their success tips. Joe told me a story about someone lying to him in his earlier years as a jazz artist by telling him he had it made. “We never have it made. It’s hard work,” Joe Sample reiterated. “I do realize now that life is work and it never ever, ever, ever stops. I don’t have it made. It just goes on and on.” The hardest working man in radio, Tom Joyner agreed. “To be successful takes a lot of hard work, smart work, and a lot of prayer,” he said. “I still get up at 3oclock in the morning. I’m still the hardest working man.”

Mary J. Blige, the final act of the first night, got off to a late start and didn’t have time to answer questions for the press backstage, but she did pose for a few pictures. While she was criticized for being a “Diva” by many in the press room (because of the specifications made to press members to “stay back”), Mary J. mesmerized the audience with her emotion-filled songs – having many of her fans sing along with her on “I’m Goin Down,” “Love No Limit,” “I Am,” a tearful “I Can See in Color” and other hit from her various albums. Even with her late arrival and short press room visit, Mary J. Blige looked stunning in her cat suit and was the perfect finale’ for Jazz in the Garden’s first day of performances.

On the final night of the festival, Jovie, Eric Roberson, Melanie Fiona, David Sanborn, Cassandra Wilson, Boyz II Men and John Legend kept the Jazz in the Garden momentum going. With intermission highlights by DJ/producer Bryon Michael Cox and Mayor Gibson participating in one of the Universoul Circus acts - and also encouraging everyone to fill out their Census form - there was never a dull moment. Michael Jackson hits were played many times during breaks, allowing the crowd to reminisce about the King of Pop and sway in unison.

As the show continued, Boyz II Men proved that their harmonious songs have no time stamp. After performing “Motownphilly,” “I’ll make Love to You,” “End of the Road,” “A Song for Mama” and several other Boyz II Men New Jack Swings (and handing roses to a few women in the audience), group members Shawn Stokman, Nathan Morris and Wanya Morris came backstage and talked about their longevity in the business (20 years). They also shared information about their 2011 Valentine’s Boyz II Men Cruise. To find out more about the Boyz II Men Love Cruise visit www.BoyzIImencruise.com

As rain started to fall from the Miami sky, Grammy Award-winning artist John Legend sang the chorus to “Green Light.” “I’m Ready to Go Right Now,” he sang. But Jazz in the Gardens music lovers and John Legend fans were not ready to depart Sun Life Stadium. John Legend was just getting warmed up. “I guess they saved the best for last,” John boasted as he confidently danced and sang to his top hits, “This Time,” and several other ballads from his albums. After a brief exit from the stage John returned to a standing ovation to sing “Ordinary People.”

With a record of almost 45,000 attendees, breaking last year’s record by 20%, the 5th Annual Jazz in the Gardens was no ordinary music festival. Now I know why Jazz in the Gardens is regarded as one of the premiere music festivals in the United States.