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4th Annual 'Jazz in the Gardens' Exceeds Expected Ticket Sales

TICKET SALES REMAIN HIGH FOR "JAZZ IN THE GARDENS" DESPITE ECONOMIC DOWNTURN

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla., March 9 /PRNewswire/ -- The City of Miami Gardens' 4th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens" hosted by Tom Joyner has exceeded ticket sales, selling over 15,000 tickets as of March 3rd, just 30 days after tickets went on sale and with almost 30 days left to go. As of today, the festival has sold more tickets than the total amount sold for the 2008 festival, with the possibility of selling out completely at 30,000. Sales continue to soar for "Jazz in the Gardens."

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090309/FL80958 )

Despite the harsh economic times and the fledgling sales of other high-profile concerts, fans of "Jazz in the Gardens" are still buying tickets at a rapid rate. The suspected reason for the flurry in ticket sales are the amazing prices for the entertainment value, which includes ten top name acts, each of whom could individually command the price of a weekend ticket to "Jazz in the Gardens". Headliners include internationally renowned artists such as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Anthony Hamilton, Kenny G., Common, Erykah Badu, Kenneth 'Babyface' Edmonds, Will Downing, Roy Ayers, Angelique Kidjo and Jonathan Butler.

"Last year I attended 'Jazz in the Gardens' for the first time, and since I didn't sit down the whole time, they asked me to host it this year. I can't think of too many other places in the world that are better to host a concert thanSouth Florida. Everything you could ever want is right there, restaurants, shopping, beaches, it's great. And if you know me, you know that I know a little bit about lining up a concert, and I'm telling you this concert lineup is unbelievable. Every single act is someone you would want to see," said radio personality Tom Joyner, official host of The 4th Annual "Jazz in the Gardens."

In addition to the A-list line-up, the festival has a dedicated and loyal fan base, whose unwavering national and international support is one of the reasons why ticket sales in '09 are exceeding expectations. In just its fourth year, Jazz in the Gardens is poised to create significant economic development for South Florida's tourism industry as thousands flock toMiami Gardens from all over the world.

"Four years ago, we were just another jazz festival, and now it is really amazing to know that nationally and internationally, we are a well-known and respected music festival. Jazz in the Gardens has become an economic resource, infusing a new stream of revenue into theSouth Florida area, creating business opportunities for local businesses and sponsors and driving tourists intoSouth Florida and the local community. In 2009 we will exceed our past attendance records and continue to makeMiami Gardens the winter-break destination for mature adults," says Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.

"Jazz in the Gardens," a two-day, weekend festival, is now in its fourth year and has grown to be one of the top cultural events inSouth Florida. The jazz festival delivers a diverse mix of music genres that range from Jazz, R&B,Caribbean and African sounds.

For more information on the highly-anticipated "Jazz in the Gardens" go to http://www.jazzinthegardens.com or contact the City ofMiami Gardens at 305.622.8043. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.

ABOUT THE CITY OF MIAMI GARDENS

The City ofMiami Gardens was incorporated on May 13, 2003, as the 33rd city in Miami-Dade County. At a population of approximately 10,000, it is the third largest city in Miami-Dade County.Miami Gardens is a solid, working and middle class community of unique diversity. It is the largest predominantly African-American municipality in the State of Florida and boasts many Caribbean residents. In 2007, the City hosted the 41st annual Super Bowl. The City recently hosted the 2009 college BCS championship game and in 2010, will host the 44th Super Bowl.

JAZZ IN THE GARDENS

For general information visit www.jazzinthegardens.com or call the event hotline at: 305-622-8043. For vendor and sponsor opportunities, contact Concertz Event Management, Inc. at 954 826-6351. All media inquiries should be directed to Circle of One Marketing at 305.576.3790.

SOURCE City ofMiami Gardens