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On March 11th & 12, 2023, the 16th Annual Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) Music Festival will showcase the depth and diversity of some of South Florida’s most talented artists with an exciting home-grown artist lineup just announced. Local acts performing on the 2nd stage include 2016 JITG alums April RaQuel and Lavie, along with 2018 JITG alum Ronnie, the VOP – produced and backed up by Miami’s most popular R&B band, Jody Hill and the Deep-Fried Funk Band.
On Saturday, March 11th, April RaQuel, a multi-talented singer, songwriter, model and
accomplished entertainer will bring her special brand of soul, funk and fierce fashion with
her on stage artistry. Her powerful, captivating voice holds its own merit, lighting up the
stage with her bold presence, commanding the attention of all. April displays an impressive
range and depth, unmatched exuberance and a soulful voice and energy like no other.
Among many accolades and accomplishments, April RaQuel was recently featured on the
Ready to Love Miami TV show 2022.
On Sunday, March 12th, jazz and soul songstress LaVie will tell her story through music. Raised by Haitian immigrant parents, LaVie discovered her love for music at a young age. In 2009, LaVie released her first inspired soul album titled “Life Music. In 2015, LaVie toured 10 major cities including New York City, Boston, D.C., Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh, opening for the son of Bob Marley, KyMani Marley. In 2016, LaVie performed at the 11th Annual Jazz in the Gardens to thousands of enthusiastic jazz lovers.
Additionally, Ronnie D. Smith Jr., an American singer, songwriter, also known as Ronnie
The VOP, which stands for “Voice of Platinum”, will perform an exciting set of R&B and hip hop hits also on Sunday. Smith appeared as a contestant on season two of FOX’s hit music competition series, “The Four: Battle for Stardom” featuring a panel of industry experts including Sean “Diddy” Combs, DJ Khalid and Meghan Trainor. Smith also performed the National Anthem for President Barack Obama. JITG’s 2 nd stage is produced by Jody Hill Live Entertainment. Backing up all artists on the alternate stage is Jody Hill and Deep-Fried Funk, South Florida’s own powerful, high energy
R&B band who boasts wide popularity in the region, known for performing at a prime
selection of high-profile events. DFF’s performances are characterized with a professional
sound, performing an extensive musical repertoire and creating unstoppable grooves that
always get audiences on their feet.
“Jazz in the Gardens is not only a spectacular music festival, but it's also a celebration of our culture where we create all types of opportunities for our local community to get involved,” said City of Miami Gardens Mayor Rodney Harris. “We are fortunate to have world- renowned artists perform at the event, but it’s also important to get our local artists engaged. We are looking forward to the performances of our local artists, and we’re excited to share the creativity and talents of these individuals from our community.”
These local acts will open for an A-list artist lineup of award-winning R&B, neo-soul, reggae and gospel artists, including Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Sean Paul, Jodeci, Ari Lennox, El Debarge, Mike Phillips, the Adam Blackstone Experience, Kierra
Sheard, Chandler Moore and Pastor Mike, Jr.
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