2016 The official publication of Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival Issue -MIA Magazine

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Usher headlines Jazz in the Gardens Interviews with Miami’s Jazz in the Gardens artists How Jazz in the Gardens affects South Florida’s bottom line Jazz in the Gardens schedule And more...

The official publication of Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival

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Mayor Oliver Gilbert Welcomes You to Miami Gardens

Miami Gardens is rising! Rising with new residents, new businesses, and most importantly, new hope for a brighter future.

It is my sincere honor to welcome you to our magnificent City as we celebrate our 11th Annual Jazz in the Gardens music festival. On behalf of our 110,000 residents and business owners, we are

grateful that you chose to spend your time with us. While Jazz in the Gardens is our premiere City event, we want you to take a moment and get to know our rising and ever-evolving City.

The growth of Jazz in the Gardens over the past 11 years has taken on a life of its own and placed Miami Gardens on the map as a second to none entertainment venue. Jazz in the Gardens’ popularity has also sparked a renewed interest in those seeking to do business in the City of Miami Gardens and others simply looking to find a new place to call home. Whether it is for entertainment, business, philanthropy, or homeownership, we are quickly becoming the city in which to live, work, and play.

Jazz in the Gardens has a proven track record of world-renowned artists who grace our stage and bring international attention to Miami Gardens.

Each year, this event brings together people from all over the world to enjoy the musical vibes, the incredible food choices, and the feeling that even when you are far from home, YOU ARE HOME!

Courtesy of Jazz in the Gardens

Here in Miami Gardens, we believe that events such as this break down barriers and create relationships that can last a lifetime. We thank each of you for continuing to join us in The Gardens for cultural enrichment, meaningful fun, and genuine growth and development. We are proud of the ground we have broken together and look forward to more of the same in the near future. As we rise, you rise.

Sincerely, Mayor Oliver Gilbert

Miami Gardens City Hall

Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

Courtesy of Jazz in the Gardens

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau (GMCVB) is excited to continue our support of the Jazz in the Gardens - Women’s Impact Conference & Luncheon and Jazz in the Gardens Festival.

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 theme for GMCVB’s Multicultural Department this year is Engage, Embrace and Rediscover Miami’s Multicultural Jewels and I 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 Courtesy of Jazz in the Gardens

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Publisher’s Note The 11th Anniversary of Jazz in the Gardens is here! This spectacular event has drawn national and international audiences year after year. South Floridians grab their tickets for Jazz in the Gardens well in advance. This year the Jazz in the Gardens team has brought you some of your favorite legendary artists such as Charlie Wilson and Regina Bell. And the hottest pop artist like Janelle Monae and the headliner Usher.

This issue of MIA magazine will guide you through Jazz in the Gardens. Look inside for the official Jazz in the Gardens schedule, interviews with local artists, profiles on the national artists, Art in the Gardens and Jazz in the Gardens vendors.

We want to know about your Jazz in the Gardens experience. Remember to use the official Jazz in the Gardens hashtag #JITG11.

Your MIA Magazine team continues to bring you the best in Beauty, Art, Music, Events, and Miami Staycation! Our columnists are helping you keep your fro in “formation�, giving you the best of the beach activities to enjoy while in Miami, and providing you with highlights from Black Tech Week. Go to www.mialifeluxent.com and follow us on social media @mialifeluxent and facebook.com/mialifeluxent to keep in touch with all things MIA! Have a fabulous #JITG11 weekend, Erica Vernet Knowles Publisher / Editor-in-Chief MIA Magazine

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Beauty

By T. Bernie @cocoachicpr T. Bernie is an aesthetic entrepreneur serving clients as a real estate advisor with Compass Miami of Downtown, luxury spaces and as a public relations strategist to cosmetic industry brands.

Jamaican born, South Florida raised, and New York City made, she relocated back and is a go-to for Miami chic. This is her point of view on lifestyle and beauty. #livebeauty An unsaid call to arms for South Florida women to revert to their unprocessed hair has been as on the rise as condo developments in recent years.

In the early millennium when I came home to visit family, I saw few natural styles here. The hair renaissance taking place now is breathtaking because of the cross-section of textures. As the national publicist in residence for Made Beautiful scent-sational hair care for all hair types, I engage beauty bloggers and influencers across the country. The fusion of Black, Caribbean, Latina and Caucasian cultures in Miami makes beauty spotting unlike anywhere else. A bevy of natural hair beauty is the status quo in Brooklyn,

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Miami’s 'Fro Formation

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Detroit and Atlanta.

In contrast, the flurry of afro-textures is more of a standout in Miami’s near paradise weather and international mix.

These local bloggers amassed fans of their #bighairdontcare.

Rocking a fab 'fro is about how it's styled and where you wear it.

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Pembroke Pines: Epic Hair Studio press, twists, locs Miami Gardens: Maggie Rose Salon full-service healthy hair Put In the Real Fake MiMo District: Indique Hair Bounce Organic Curl Online: Madali Hair True Kinky Online: Heat Free Hair For Koils Goddess Wig Take #Selfie Here Thompson: Miami Beach The Pools Wynwood: Walls Epic: Miami Downtown 16th Floor Show Out at Events Jazz in the Gardens, March 18-20, 2016 Funkshion Fashion Week, March 16-19, 2016 Leggings Lounge Yoga Happy Hour Earth Day, April 20, 2016 Miami Fashion Week, May 2016 TBA American Black Film Festival, June 15-19, 2016

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Miami Music

By Danielle R. Stedman [daniellersted@gmail.com]

Miami’s Sound at Jazz in the Gardens

First up is Ft. Lauderdale native, Cristyle Renae. Growing up in a household where listening to music was a major pastime; Cristyle was inspired to sing through her Cristyle Renae admiration of artists like Rachelle Ferrell, Stevie Wonder and Anita Baker. Through the encouragement of her brother and despite initial stage fright, she began to pursue a music career after her

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April Raquel

sophomore year in college. Cristyle threw herself into her music by writing her debut album “Signature of Love” in 2013, which received great accolades locally. The R&B soul songstress is heavily anticipating her upcoming performance at JITG on Saturday, March

19th.

The self-proclaimed “Boss Babe”, April Raquel & the Koture Funk band will also be performing at Saturday’s show but to a different beat. This

urban-rock/soul/funk diva will make a name for herself on a larger stage than the local circuit that she has been crushing over the last ten years. An avid lover of diverse music spanning pretty much every genre, April has honed her skills as an electrifying show-woman who is hungry to prove her talent.

Taking notes from the alpha-female performers such as Tina Turner, Pat Benatar& Chaka Khan, April is aiming to put on an exceptional performance at JITG, Lavie.

Lavie, the R&B/Neo-Soul vocalist of Haitian decent, who is born raised in Miami. Lavie got her start signing at age 13 at a school talent show, but not starting any formal training until her senior in high school. Getting comfortable as a performer, she took her time grooming her skills through performing at local showcases and corporate events and more recently landing the gig as an opener for reggae star, Kimani Marley. Lavie auditioned to perform at JITG four times prior to being selected this year and her performance on Sunday, March 20th will prove to be a game changer for this sultry singer.

Lavie

There’s Something for Everyone at Gulfstream Park!

This lively outdoor destination offers shopping, dining, nightlife and family fun

Discover Gulfstream Park, a lavish open-air entertainment, dining and retail center anchored by the legendary Gulfstream racetrack. Gulfstream Park offers an exciting array of adult and kid-friendly venues including signature restaurants, outdoor cafes, nightclubs, art galleries, fashion retailers, sports bars, a state-of-the-art bowling alley, two casinos, and a renowned selection of

signature home design stores. There is truly something for everyone to enjoy at Gulfstream Park including: For the Home Enthusiast –Gulfstream Park is a premier home design destination where consumers and interior designers alike come to shop for furniture, décor, tabletop accessories, cookware, custom kitchens, and fine art.

For the Family-Friendly Crowd – Throughout the year, Gulfstream Park hosts free family-friendly events including the Spring Extravaganza, Party in the Park Fourth of July Spectacular, Not So Scary Halloween, and a holiday favorite, Symphony of Lights.

For the Kids – Gulfstream Park hosts weekly kid-friendly activities such as free Cartoon Drawing classes at Barker Animation Art Gallery and Junior Chef

cooking classes on select Saturdays at Williams-Sonoma. Offered every Friday evening in Champions Plaza, Family Fun Fridays includes a live DJ, face painting, and interactive games.

For the Adults – In addition to Gulfstream Park’s world-renowned thoroughbred horse racing and non-stop action at the casino, adults can whet their whistles at more than 10 Happy Hours starting as early as 3 p.m. The late-night crowd can dance the night away at Martini Bar’s free Bachata class every Wednesday or unwind at Club Fate.

For the Music Lover - Gulfstream Park turns up the beat with its free Music in the Park series. Every Saturday, live bands get the crowd dancing with Top 40, Oldies and Salsa; International Tuesdays features music in over 10

languages while Soulful Jazz Sundays is the perfect way to wind down the weekend.

For the Foodie – Food lovers will rejoice at the selection of eclectic dining options offered at Gulfstream Park. From the fine, upscale ambiance at Adena Grill & Wine Bar, a steakhouse with an authentic farm-to-fork experience and a spectacular wine bar with over 7,000 bottles; to Christine Lee’s, an Asian-inspired restaurant overlooking the racetrack; to an international adventure at Mijana Lebanese Cuisine that offers authentic Mediterranean delicacies and hookahs; to BRIO Tuscan Grille, featuring authentic, northern Italian cuisine; there is something to please every palate.

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By HCIII

Behind the Scene: Jazz In the Gardens

Every year The City of Miami Gardens hosts Jazz in the Gardens (JITG), which showcases the best music talent in Mayor Gilbert, the world.

The City of Miami Gardens Over a three day period visitors come to Miami from all corners of the globe for the music. Today we take a behind the scenes look at how it all comes together from some of the co-creators of JITG. Mayor Gilbert explains, “We begin planning Jazz in the Gardens as soon as the event ends. Literally, planning is year-round for a festival of this magnitude. We take our planning seriously because we want to always take the event to the next level each year, so we are always looking for avenues to top

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ourselves.”

To do this, the city employs the top planners from around the Connie W. Kinnard, country Vice President, Multicultural to work Tourism & Development, on all Greater Miami Convention aspects and Visitors Bureau of the event from lightning, sound, down to the vendors.

Miami Gardens has improved the concert event year after year, but it wasn’t always so easy. Albert Tucker, VP-Multicultural Business Development of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, explains his involvement with the festival. “When they started, they weren’t getting much support, and that’s how we initially got involved. Now, the festival is a huge draw selling out all of the hotels in the

Albert Tucker, VP-Multicultural Business Development, Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau

surrounding cities and Broward County.

This year we have two groups that have purchased over 700 tickets.

They are having a

conference all the day and then going to the Music Festival at night.”

“JITG is a way to showcase the richness and diversity of music and musical events that Miami offers on a national level,” says Connie W. Kinnard VP, Multicultural Tourism & Development of the Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. Continuing to plan ahead she states that, “this year we’ll use the concert as a showcase event for meeting planners in town looking at the city as a potential location for future

Suzan McDowell, President and CEO, Circle of One Marketing

convention business.”

Suzan McDowell, President & CEO of Circle Of One Marketing, does all of the promotions, media, marketing, etc. for JITG, which generates 30 million dollars for Miami-Dade County and the state.

When asked ‘what’s it like backstage, “It’s amazing! So electric! For me, it’s so satisfying to see all my spreadsheets, phone calls, negotiations, emails and my team’s work come together in the form of 70,000 people at JITG.” Mayor Gilbert defines his aim “to ensure that our talent, our visitors and of course, our residents have an amazing experience. I want our visitors to return to their respective towns having had a “WOW” moment at Jazz in the Gardens.”

JITG Offers Diverse and Appealing Vendors

The late jazz icon Louis Armstrong proclaimed: “If you have to ask what jazz is, you'll never know.”

That sentiment rings true for the eleventh iteration of Jazz in the Gardens (JITG). Everyone in the know knows that March belongs to the City of Miami Gardens and the nearly 80,000 revelers who converge on the grounds of Sun Life Stadium for a two-day celebration. It’s not unusual to witness a mix of celebrities, elected officials, and common folks indulging in the festivities.

JITG vendors are equally diverse and appealing.

If you come near the Mister Bar-B-Que booth, don’t be surprised if

you’re arrested by the aroma of fresh fish, fresh wings, fresh ribs, fresh shrimp, and fresh crabs. The emphasis is on fresh.

“Our food is fresh,” exclaims Cleatrice Price, proprietor of the Cocoa, Fla-based restaurant and a 10-year JITG event vendor. “We take pride in serving excellent food and providing a friendly environment for our customers.”

Excellence has its price.

“We start preparing for Jazz in the Gardens in mid-January,” she adds. “We travel the week before the event with a 12 foot by 14 foot trailer with 500-pounds of fish, 300-pounds of

wings, 400-pounds of shrimp, and nearly 20 cases of ribs. All cooked on hickory and oak wood.”

Price staffs the booth with her son Victor and treks almost 200 miles because, “We love being a part of a wonderful event.”

Willie Brown owns Tropical Conch and boasts: “People try to copy my style but you cannot copy my taste.”

Brown is talking about his coveted conch salad that is placed in a horizontally-split pineapple. It includes diced conch, peppers, onions, and a secret sauce Brown says separates him from competitors.

“My juice is different,” he reveals.

“That’s the unique part about my conch

salad.”

If you notice a throng of customers waiting for the Bahamian delicacy, you can attribute the long line to Brown’s penchant for made-to-order deliciousness.

“My conch salad is not sitting around.

I make it fresh,” he promises. “If you don’t like it, I will give you your money back!”

JITG also has an outlet for people seeking natural skin and hair products from Namasté Laboratories. This company addresses the healthconscious, multi-cultural consumer market. It is a leader in the ethnic hair care products industry dedicated to identifying holistic, innovative remedies for the healing and renewal of hair, skin and body. The firm offers natural healing for the hair, skin, and body. Find out more at www.orshaircare.com.

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Saturday March 19th, 2016 3:00pm Doors Open 4:00pm – 4:20pm CriStyle Renae 4:30pm – 4:50pm April Raquel Koture Funk 5:00pm – 6:00pm The Jazz in the Gardens All Stars featuring Najee, Alex Bugnon, and Regina Belle 6:20pm – 7:20pm Average White Band 7:40pm – 8:40pm Michael McDonald 9:00pm – 10:10pm Kool & the Gang 10:30pm – 11:45pm Charlie Wilson

Sunday March 20th, 2016 3:00pm Doors Open 4:00pm – 4:20pm LaVie 4:35pm – 5:35pm Fred Hammond 5:55pm – 6:55pm Brian Culbertson 7:10pm – 8:10pm BabyFace 8:30pm – 9:30pm Janelle Monae 10:00pm – 11:15pm Usher

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By Toni Harrigan and Crystal Downer

The Jazz in the Gardens Artist

After ten years of unforgettable concert experiences and entertainment, Jazz in the Gardens has grown to become one of the most highly regarded and anticipated music festival events in the country. Jazz in the Gardens will continue the magic at Sun Life Stadium with a star-filled line up like no other.

Everyone will have a chance to experience great artists from Aretha Franklin to Micheal Donald and Janelle Monáe all in one place. With the variety that this line-up is sure to bring, there will definitely be a little bit of everything for everyone to enjoy.

Kool & The Gang, Saturday, March 19, 2016 Kool & The Gang is a legendary jazz, funk, R&B and disco band. Originally formed in 1964 in Jersey City, N.J, the band has continued to change and evolve, becoming one of the most influential bands in music history. Main members include brothers Robert “Kool” Bell and Ronald Bell, Dennis Thomas, and George Brown. Enormously successful, the band has sold over 70 million albums. Their most popular songs are “Celebration,” “Jungle Boogie,” “Summer Madness,” and “Open Sesame.” Their songs have continued to influence the artists of today and are often sampled in many popular songs, notably the Hip Hop genre. They have garnered two Grammys and seven American Music Awards. They have charted extraordinary well, earning 25 Top Ten R&B Hits, nine Top 10 Pop hits and 31 Gold and Platinum Albums.

Signifying their status as rolling stone icons, Kool & The Gang remains one of the most actively touring bands in music.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

career with bands Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers before embarking on a solo career. In 1982, he released his first of eight solo albums, If That’s What It Takes. His last album Soul Speak was released in 2008. He has collaborated with music legends such as Patti Labelle, Van Halen and Aretha Franklin. He has earned 5 Grammy Awards. Known for his husky and soulful baritone voice, McDonald has had major hits such as “I Keep Forgettin (Everytime You’re Near)” (1982) and “Ya Mo B There” (1983). He continues to actively tour.

The Average White Band, Saturday, March 19, 2016 Average White Band is a widely acclaimed funk and soul band with a career spanning over forty years. Formed in 1972 in Scotland, they created a succession of hits from 1974-1983. Their most successful hit is “Pick Up The Pieces.” Their group has been critically noted for their exceptional songwriting and cultivating their own authentic funk/soul sound garnering them multiple Grammy nominations and several albums that reached Gold status. The group consists of original members, Alan Gorrie (Lead vocals, guitar and bass) and Onnie McIntyre (Guitar and vocals), Brent Carter (Lead Vocals), Rob Aries (Keyboard and bass), Cliff Lyons (Alto sax, keyboard and vocals), Rocky Bryant (Drums) and Fred “Freddy V” Vigdor (saxophone and keyboards).

Michael McDonald, Saturday, March 19, 2016 Michael McDonald is a legendary blue-eyed soul singer-songwriter, musician and producer. He began his

Najee, Saturday, March 19, 2016 Najee is a saxophonist and flautist.

One of the best-selling jazz instrumentalist of the 1980s and 90s, he has been a mainstay in the quiet jazz and smooth jazz markets. In the studio, Najee has striven to create formulaic production and strayed from heavy improvisation. However on stage he drifts away from the mainstream and takes more risks. His first hit was “Najee’s Theme” released in 1987. He has consistently released albums until today.

His latest releases are The Smooth Side of Soul (2012) and The Morning After: A Musical Love Journey (2013). The latter of which earned him a 2014 NAACP Image Award nomination for “Outstanding Jazz Album,” and a 2014 Soul Train Award nomination for “Best Contemporary Jazz Performance.

Regina Belle, Saturday, March 19, 2016 Regina Belle is an acclaimed American singer-songwriter. As a child she began performing at Englewood's

Mount Calvary Baptist Church in her hometown Englewood, New Jersey. At 23, she recorded the 1986 duet, “Where Did We Go Wrong,” with the Manhattans which helped attract the attention of Columbia Records who eventually signed her to their label. In 1987, she released her debut album, “All By Myself.” It included her first hits “So Many Tears” and “Show Me the Way. In the early 1990s, Regina Belle recorded many duets with male artists such as Johnny Mathis and Peabo Bryson. In 1992, Belle and Bryson recorded the massive hit “A Whole New World” which was featured as the pop single from the soundtrack to the 1992 Disney movie Aladdin. The song was a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 Singles Chart and won the 1993 Grammy Award for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. In addition to being a major hit on billboard and earning a Grammy, it also won the Academy Award for Best Song. Belle has continued to have a very successful career. In 2012, she released the inspirational album Higher, which was recorded after her struggle with cancer.

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The Jazz in the Gardens Artist Alex Bugnon, Saturday, March 19, 2016 Alex Bugnon is a Swiss jazz pianist and composer. He earned his music education at the Paris Conservatory of Music for two years. After graduating, he moved to the U.S. and attended the Berklee School of Music while performing as an accompanist to gospel groups. He spent four years working as a session musician in New York backing up soul and jazz performers such as Keith Sweat, Patti Austin and Freddie Jackson.

In 1989 he released his own debut album Love Season after signing to Orpheus Records, which reached the Top 40 of the R&B charts. His follow-up Head Over Heels also charted well. His albums successfully charted throughout the 90s. His last album, Soul Purpose was released in 2001 after he signed to the jazz division of Narada Records.

Janelle Monáe, Sunday, March 20, 2016 Kansas City native Janelle Monáe has found herself much success since the debut of her first full-length studio album, The ArchAndroid. Monáe's music has garnered her six Grammy Award nominations all together. In August 2012, Monáe became a CoverGirl spokeswoman. On September 10, 2013, she released her second studio album, The Electric Lady, to critical acclaim.

Boston City Council named October 16, 2013 "Janelle Monáe Day" in the city of Boston, Massachusetts, in recognition of her artistry and social leadership. Monáe has become one of the few black women who runs their own independent record label in conjunction with a major record label.

12. He grew up near Chicago, IL, loving genre-crossing jazz-pop artists such as Tower of Power, The Brecker Brothers, Yellowjackets and Sting. Brian has released over fifteen albums, toured around the world, seen his name at the top of Billboard and radio charts, worked and performed with industry all-stars like Maurice White of Earth, Wind & Fire and Larry Graham. He has received numerous awards including Male Artist of the Year at the 2011 Oasis Smooth Jazz Awards.

Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Sunday, March 20, 2016 Music has always come first for Babyface. It’s the backbone of an award-winning, multi-faceted pop/urban career that includes the consecutive multi-platinum landmark albums Tender Lover, For the Cool in You and The Day. As co-founder with L.A. Reid of LaFace Records in 1989, Babyface nurtured the careers of such artist including TLC, OutKast, Usher and Toni Braxton.

Paralleling those achievements is Babyface’s extensive songwriting and production credits from the 90s forward.

He has produced and written/co-written hits for everyone from Whitney Houston, Eric Clapton and Michael Jackson to Boyz II Men, Mariah Carey, Pink and Beyoncé, among countless others.

Brian Culbertson, Sunday, March 20, 2016 Brian Culbertson began his musical journey at the age of 8 on piano, adding drums at 9, trombone at 10 then bass at

Fred Hammond, Sunday, March 20, 2016 Hammond has been successful both as a member of the gospel performing group Commissioned, and as a solo artist. He is a multiple Grammy-, Dove-, Stellar-award winner and nominee as a performer, producer and writer. Hammond first gained recognition while playing bass guitar for the gospel group The Winans. By 1985 he was one of the six original members of the group Commissioned, participating in 10 of the group's 12 albums. After his time with

Commissioned ended, he regained fame in the gospel community after selling millions of albums with his musical group Radical For Christ.

Usher Raymond, Sunday, March 20, 2016 Grammy nominated Usher Raymond IV was born in Dallas, Texas. He began singing when he was six years old, joining the local church choir. Usher began participating in various local talent shows. In 1992, he was spotted by Bryant Reid, brother of L.A. Reid. Usher recorded and released his debut album on LaFace Records in 1994. After graduating from high school, he recorded his sophomore effort, "My Way", which was produced by Jermaine Dupri. Usher was recognized for the strength of his recent work when he won the 1997 Soul Train Award for Best R&B Single by a Male.

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By Asanyah Davidson

The Portal by Isaie "Zeek" Mathias MUCE (Miami Urban Contemporary Experience) will team with Jazz in the Gardens to bring the over 70,000 attendees, a pop-up gallery experience like no other. MUCE debuted at last year’s music festival and has returned this year to showcase the work of 12 creatives in various mediums. The title of the exhibition, “As a Matter of Black”, is a play on “Black Lives Matter” and “As a matter of fact”. The goal is to show the diversity in work and artists that call South Florida home. Co-Founder Ashlee Thomas says, ”Art and diversity have to be part of the first class city that Miami wants to be.”

Throughout the year, many local South Floridians may have experienced the eclectic pairing of MUCE’s pop-up galleries with events like movie screenings and fashion shows. Most recently during Art Basel 2015, the 2nd largest Art fair in the world, the organization worked with local culinary celebrity Chef Creole. They enticed out-of-towners to the Little Haiti neighborhood in Miami with food, live music, fashion shows and of course a 40 ft X 50 ft tent pop-up gallery. If you are lucky enough to attend Jazz in the Gardens 2016, be sure to stop by the tent and remember MUCE brought you art in the gardens.

Ashlee Thomas Miami Urban Contemporary Experience muce305@gmail.com 305-890-7402

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Art in the Gardens

City Walker by Pascal

Miles Davis by Katherine Penner

Dizzy by Katherine Penner

Artfection by Isaie “Zeek” Mathias

Muddy Waters by Katherine Penner

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The City of Miramar Goes WORLDWIDE with Radio and the YOU Card—Get Both of them TODAY!!

RADIO

The City of Miramar is on the world-wide web 24-7—with the advent of the “It’s Right Here in Miramar Radio Station on Tune-in radio! Officially launched on March 1st, it features audio from Miramar events, meetings, interviews and more. To be in the know about the latest happenings in the city of Beauty and Progress, all you have to do is download the Tune-in radio application, type “It’s Right Here in Miramar” in the search box, hit enter and viola – click on the link once it appears and you will be listening to IRHIM as easy as that!

The station will have a twice-weekly live show Tuesday and Thursday from 10am-11am with “Commissioner’s Corner” where each one will have the opportunity to speak on his or her individual initiatives.

The live show will also feature community organizations and also showcase home-grown talent, entertainment news and contests.

The City of Miramar is proud to introduce the 'Miramar YOU Card' powered by SpotOn! The free 'YOU' card is an affinity program providing discounts and deals at participating Miramar businesses and anywhere SpotOn is accepted! You can also use it to receive big discounts for City services like summer camps, facility rentals, concerts, shows and more!

The only program of its kind offered by a municipality

and #ItsRightHereInMiramar! The best part is when your business signs up, you'll receive complimentary Miramar YOU Cards for being a valued Miramar business!

Get your free Miramar YOU card today at City Hall, 2300 Civic Center Place or any of the 17 and counting participating businesses in Miramar!

Miramar Businesses can call (954) 602-3129 for more information.

Miami Staycation

By Janey Tate

Explore Miami while in Town for Jazz in the Gardens

The 11th Annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival is here! The line-up, which includes Usher, Janelle Monae, Kool and the Gang and Aretha Franklin has brought in tens of thousands of guest from across the country and Caribbean, as it usually does. Guests come for the week to enjoy the beaches, warm weather and stay at luxurious hotels. So we composed a list of a few places for visitors and residents to enjoy in beautiful South Florida, while you’re here.

Signatures Cigar Lounge 19801 NW 27th Avenue, Miami Gardens, FL While you’re visiting Miami Gardens

Photo courtesy of Signatures Cigar Bar and Lounge

for the main musical event, be sure to check out Signatures Cigar Lounge. The cigar bar is located in the heart of Miami Gardens right across the street from Sun Life Stadium where the concert will take place. One of the city’s newest attractions, the cigar lounge is a place many attend to have fun while smoking custom and premium quality cigars all while listening to smooth tunes and sometimes a house band. For more information visit Signatures Cigar Lounge Facebook page.

Oleta River State Park 3400 NE 163rd Street, North Miami Beach, FL Once you’ve had fun smoking your premium cigars, head east to the beaches. As a visitor, you can’t come to Miami without seeing some of our most majestic and beautiful bodies of waters.

Gear up for a kayaking and canoeing adventure. Oleta River State Park, located at 3400 NE 163rd Street, is a popular site for water activities. Inside the park, the water runs in from Biscayne Bay that many use for boating, fishing and kayaking. You can also canoe with a

group or alone up and down the calm river while taking in the tropical oasis scenery of one of South Florida’s largest urban parks. Contact the Oleta River State Park for details more details at 305-919-1844.

Vizcaya Museum and Gardens 3251 S Miami Ave, Miami, FL

Photo courtesy of Vizcaya Museum and Gardens Once you’re done enjoying yourself on the water, dry off and head south to for some history and authentic Miami culture at Vizcaya Museum and Gardens.

The museum offers talks, films and tours of the grand estate, which is one of the oldest buildings in Miami-Dade county.

The lush green gardens and historic artwork make this one of the most visited

places in south Florida. To attend one of the museums daily tours and events contact them at 305-250-9133 or visit Vizcaya.org.

The Black Archives Historic Lyric Theater (BAHLT) 819 NW 2nd Ave, Miami, FL Add a little soul to your cultural indulgence and stop by the BAHLT. Located in Overtown’s city center, the BAHLT is the heart of Miami’s oldest African American communities. It was the epic center of black style, fashion and entertainment and now it’s reemerging as one of the city’s premier event destinations. Housed in the theater’s complex is the Black Archives and gallery, which features world-class art from around the globe. To visit the BAHLT, call 786-708-4610, or visit www.blackarchives.org.

Of course after you’ve experienced some of the coolest places Miami has to offer during your week in town, it will be time to turn up at the 11th annual Jazz in the Gardens Music Festival. For more information on the music festival visit jazzinthegardens.com.

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

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Events

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

Black Tech Week Culminates With Women’s Innovation Brunch To Celebrate Women Of Color

Black Tech Week wrapped up an engaging week of discussions about branding, tech and innovation with their signature Women’s Innovation Brunch.

The brunch celebrated key women in the tech and startup industry who have innovatively made a name for themselves as a brand and business.

Black Tech Week urges millennials and older generations alike to go against the grain and create a place for themselves in the tech and entrepreneurial space. The immersive week long series of insightful discussion focused on diversity, strength in weak ties and the importance of staying ahead in today’s business technological revolution. All the events culminated with the popular and well attended second annual Women’s Innovation Brunch.

The brunch’s keynote Speaker was Kathryn Finney, Founder and Managing Director of digitalundivided (DID). She shared her personal journey to a sold out room of established and emerging women entrepreneurs. Before helping

digitalundivided’s FOCUS Fellows raise over $10M in angel/venture funding, she successfully sold her blog “The Budget Fashionista” for a premium. Finney was honest and vulnerable about her growth from blogging to becoming a boss.

Kathryn Finney, Founder and Managing Director of digitalundivided and Felicia Hatcher, Black Tech Week co-founder

Finney also received the Black Tech Week-Rainmaker Award for her entrepreneurial accomplishments. The brunch fostered fellowship between the women in attendance which in turn sparked creativity and wonderful networking opportunities.

“Start your own business, so you can make your own rules!” says Kathryn

Finney, founder and managing director of digitalundivided.

Black Tech Week Women’s Innovation awards were presented to the following honorees: H. Leigh Toney: "The Connector", Holly Delgado: "The Tech Evangelist", Rebecca Fishman-Lipsey "The Social Change Innovator", Mary Spio: "The Bad-Ass Innovator" , Josie: "The Compassionate Innovator" and Jewel Burks: "The Kick-ass innovator."

“It is deeply rewarding to be able honor these women who have not only paved their own pathway to success but have inspired other women to do the same along the way. Women entrepreneurs of color are disruptors in the tech space and it’s time they are recognized as such.” says Felecia Hatcher, Co-Founder of Code Fever and Black Tech Week.

Attendees were also treated to mini TedX style panel presentation moderated by Black Tech Week

co-founder Felecia Hatcher. The impressive panel included Ebony Pope- Village Capital, Natalie Coifed-Walker Legacy/Urban Co-Lab, Dawn Dixon-VentureFund.io/Flat out Heels, Barbara Jacques - Jacq's Organics and T. Bernie-Cocoachic Beauty.

Black Tech Week compels creators of color to step outside their comfort zone and step into the world of entrepreneurship. Congratulations to the power couple behind Black Tech Week, Felecia Hatcher and Derek Pearson, who continued their commitment to getting Miami more engaged in technology and startups.

Women's Innovation Brunch

Open For Business!

By HCIII

One of the largest employers in the tri-county area, Broward County Public Schools (BCPS), wants to become your client. They contract with hundreds of businesses each year that you would not even know about until now. You are invited to an exclusive networking event “Open For Business!” created for minority and women-owned businesses.

Here's your chance to learn how to contract with BCPS and to gain access to opportunities stemming from the $800 million General Obligation Bond (GOB).

BCPS is the sixth largest school district nationwide and the second largest in the state. It is comprised of 238 schools, centers and technical colleges

that require construction and maintenance services. They purchase large amounts of commodities, business services and professional services. “Our list of contracts is extensive and includes supplies, food, services, and everything in between,” said Mary Coker, BCPS Director of Procurement & Warehousing Services. “We have a responsibility to the community to invest the GOB with our community wherever possible.”

BCPS’s Supplier Diversity & Outreach Program promotes the economic development and growth of minority and women-owned business enterprises.

BCPS is seeking to expand its certified list of Minority/Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) vendors to provide goods and services to the schools and District offices.

This event is open to businesses looking to grow. Not only will you network with the school board, but you

will also have the opportunity to network with other businesses you would not normally meet. Also, by attending the event you can register to become a BCPS Vendor.

D. Stephenson Construction is the event sponsor. Their president Joseph Sanches, emphasized the magnitude of it, “This is too big of an opportunity to pass up for minority and women owned business to work with The Broward School Board, which is one of the largest employers in the county.”

The benefits of becoming certified as an M/WBE and becoming Pre-Qualified as a Prime Construction Contractor are immeasurable and this event is the chance of a lifetime. “This is a great opportunity for minority and women-owned businesses to do

business with BCPS and to network with purchasing agents and key district staff under one roof” Coker said.

To register: BCPSBUSINESS.EVENTBRITE.COM TSSC Annex Bank Lobby March 31, 2016 9 AM – 1 PM 7770 W Oakland Park Blvd, Sunrise, FL 33351 For questions, 754-321-0505 Broward County Public Schools is partnering with D. Stephenson Construction, a certified MBE, General Construction Company Become a vendor: Visit - http://www.broward.k12.fl.us/ supply/vendors/index.html

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

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FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016

AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL

Celebrate 20 Years of ABFF!

It’s the premier event for showcasing new talent, both in front of and behind the camera.

Join us for 5 action-packed days of films, panels, parties, celebrity talks, and more.

Book your room at the world-class

Ritz Carlton South Beach & Loews Miami Beach resorts NOW!

2016 FESTIVAL AMBASSADOR

COMMON

PRESENTING SPONSORS

FOUNDING

HOST

TO REGISTER & FOR MORE INFORMATION,

PLATINUM

VISIT WWW.ABFF.COM EMAIL INFO@ABFFVENTURES.COM FOLLOW @ABFF AMERICAN BLACK FILM FESTIVAL @AMERICANBLACKFILMFESTIVAL #ABFF20 #ABFFBACKTOTHEBEACH OFFICIAL

MEDIA PARTNERS

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FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016