MIAMI GARDENS – The City of Miami has added Bobby Caldwell to its “Jazz in the Gardens” line-up, replacing Will Downing, who was scheduled to perform. Earlier this week, the City was informed by Downing’s management that he is ill due to an injury suffered earlier this year. Doctors have instructed Downing to postpone all tour engagements for an indefinite period of time. “Jazz in the Gardens” maintains their stellar lineup, adding song writer, song stylist, jazz/soul singer Bobby Caldwell.
“Our prayers are with Will for a quick and complete recovery. I am a huge fan and am tremendously disappointed and very sad. However, it’s a situation that is beyond our control and we know if he could, he would be here. We hope that he recovers soon and gets back to touring so that we may invite him back next year to the 3rd Annual “Jazz in the Gardens” event” says Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson.
The City of Miami Gardens announced its star studded musical line up in early January 2007, in anticipation of its popular “Jazz in the Gardens” festival. Back for its second consecutive year, the event has expanded to 2-days, Saturday March 24th and Sunday 25th, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium. No other artists have changed and the final and confirmed headliners include India Arie, Sergio Mendes, Boney James, Paquito D’ Rivera, Bobby Caldwell, Pieces of a Dream, Luciano with special guest Dean Fraser and the Jah Messenjah Band.
Anticipation is high for this year’s line up which features neo soul icon, multi-platinum and multi Grammy Award winning artist India Arie and the undisputed king of Brazilian jazz, Sergio Mendes, who shot to international stardom with his Brasil ‘66 and whose “Mas Que Nada” collaboration with pop stars The Black Eyed Peas helped earn him a Latin Grammy for Best Brazilian Pop Album in 2006.
Joining them is two time Grammy nominated artist, Boney James, whose latest release, “Shine” has soared to the top of the Billboard Contemporary Jazz charts, claiming the # 1 jazz album in the country for seven (7) consecutive weeks.
Just added to the show is one of today’s most revered vocalists and songwriters, soul man Bobby Caldwell, substituting Will Downing, who is recuperating and will be unable to perform.
South Florida favorites, Pieces of a Dream will also bring their high energy show.
The international contingent will be duly represented as Cuban legend Paquito D’Rivera comes to South Florida for the first time in years and Jamaica’s reggae superstar Luciano will bring “Roots Music” to “Jazz in the Gardens” along with special guest Dean Fraser and the Jah Messenjah Band. The incredible collection of talent continues with Trinidad’s international star of the steel pans Othello Molineaux, “American Idol’s” Paris Bennett, Haitian jazzman Bemol Telfort, South Florida’s own jazz diva Ms. Ruby Baker, award winning vocalist and UM alumni Julie Silvera.
“Jazz in the Gardens” is the premiere event for The City of Miami Gardens, with the help of Dolphin Stadium, who not only provided its champion mega site for the festival, but has generously partnered with the City, sharing resources to ensure a successful event.
Sponsors include Dolphin Stadium, Comcast, Solabella, National Constructors, Miami Dade-County District One, FPL, Shula’s Hotel & Golf Club, delancyhill P.A., NBC-6, HOT 105, LOVE 94, Classica, Jazziz, In Focus Magazine, Miami New Times and WAVS.
