Over the weekend, Jazz in the Gardens’ 19th annual festival brought the community together for a weekend of feel-good music, food, and memory-making as we welcomed the upcoming spring season. For those coming to Miami for the first time, Jazz in the Gardens is a great way to get a taste of the city’s culture and community, as the two-day festival brings a wide range of artists together to fill the stage with R&B, jazz and gospel that continues to bring out the cultural roots of music.
Hosted by the City of Miami Gardens and produced by the Black Promoters Collective (BPC), the weekend continued to highlight the importance of events and festivals made for us, by us. “Collaborating with the City of Miami Gardens to elevate JITG is an honor,” said Troy Brown, Partner and CMO of the Black Promoters Collective. “We strive to push the festival’s creative boundaries, and the 2026 lineup reflects the depth and impact of Black music. This year will be exceptional.”
Since 2022, the BPC has solidified its position as a powerhouse in the entertainment industry, achieving remarkable milestones and leaving a lasting impact on the music landscape. Miami Gardens is a vibrant professional community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African American municipality in Florida and boasts thousands of Caribbean and Hispanic residents.
Saturday began with an upbeat atmosphere at Hard Rock Stadium, featuring the Jody Hill Band and a performance of the Black National Anthem, which brought positive energy for everyone to enjoy. Violinist Damien Escobar then took the stage, setting the tone with a variety of covers, including a lively rendition of Prince’s “Purple Rain.” His welcoming presence spread smiles and joy throughout the Miami heat during the weekend.
As the festival continued to build, we were hit with hits, starting with a fiery, sultry performance from Joe, who gave us hits like “I Wanna Know” and “All the Things (Your Man Won’t Do)”, giving all the ladies a sweet serenade. The ode to R&B continued to thrive the rest of the night as we were hit with an essential D-Nice set that included performances from Sunshine Anderson, Donell Jones, Case and SWV. “It’s amazing to get on stage, and people still sing these songs,” Jones told EBONY. “It’s my 30th year in the business, and what I do, I can’t believe I’m doing it, and I’m appreciative.”
In today’s age, when R&B is having a resurgence, it’s crucial to celebrate the genre authentically. Festivals like Jazz in the Gardens not only honor the past but also pave the way for future artists to express their creativity and connect with audiences on a personal level. Festival goers were then met with a powerful performance from songstress Mýa, who made it very clear that she’s only getting better with this new era she’s in, including keeping the importance of physical media alive as she passed out CDs to her supporters during her performance.
“I’m a 90s girl, so when I’m speaking to my supporters, we go way back, and we grew up together,” she told EBONY. “To have something the [supporters] can touch and feel is so important because we’re not all going to be here forever, so I still incorporate that and people love it because it’s an extension of you.”
Now more than ever it’s essential to keep the spirit of R&B alive—celebrating its history while embracing its evolution. The first night of Jazz in the Gardens continued to build on the infectious energy that had started earlier in the day. Ella Mai took to the stage next, captivating the audience with her smooth vocals and hits “Boo’d Up” and “Trip.”
Next up was GloRilla, who brought surprise guest Sexyy Red for a set that had everyone on their feet. As the night progressed, the excitement built to a crescendo with Jhené Aiko closing out the first day. Aiko’s ethereal voice and soothing melodies resonated throughout the festival, offering a perfect mix of peaceful vocals and her hits. Her enchanting performance left a mark on the festival.
The second day, Sunday, kicked off with equally electric performances. Pastor Mike Jr., Kinge George, and Tonio Armani energized the crowd with their spirited set, spreading positivity and joy. Later in the day, the festival reached new heights with a back-to-back lineup including Stephanie Mills, El DeBarge and The Isley Brothers.
As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the festival grounds, the energy shifted into high gear. The excitement in the air grew as attendees eagerly anticipated the night’s lineup.
We were met with electrifying performances from Ashanti and Nelly, who amped up the crowd with their iconic hits. Their dynamic presence and undeniable chemistry set the stage ablaze, keeping everyone on their feet and singing along, bringing a dynamic blend of hip-hop and R&B to the 2026 lineup.
Together, their catalog spans decades of chart-topping hits and unforgettable collaborations, including their era-defining chemistry on fan favorites that helped shape a generation of music. Their joint presence at JITG Music Fest promises a high-energy, nostalgia-filled performance celebrating legacy, longevity, and undeniable star power.
Headliner Ludacris capped off the festival with a spectacular show, pulling out all the stops. Ludacris treated festival-goers to several surprises, including guest appearances from hip-hop legends Trina, Trick Daddy, DJ Khaled, Chingy, Uncle Luke and so many more.
Each cameo added an extra layer of excitement, creating unforgettable moments during the finale. As the festival came to a close, the crowd’s collective energy embodied the spirit of creativity and community, ensuring that Jazz in the Gardens continued to make its mark as a pivotal celebration of music and culture.
Miami Jazz in the Gardens Festival 2026 resonated with attendees, serving as a reminder of the importance of preserving music for the culture and uplifting new generations of artists. As the final notes lingered in the air, the weekend closed out with a bang and deep-rooted appreciation for the cultural legacy of Black music. With anticipation for next year’s 20th anniversary lineup, the festival continually amplified the vibrant Miami community.