Mary J. Blige and John Legend Lead Jazz in the Gardens

Comments (0) By Reed Fischer Thursday, Mar 18 2010

Of the 16 acts set to perform during the fifth running of Jazz in the Gardens at Sun Life Stadium, only about half are jazz artists by the genre's strictest definition. When it comes to headliners Mary J. Blige, John Legend, and Robin Thicke — three R&B stars who have enjoyed massive pop success as well — it's safe to say that their performances will feature as much melisma and vibrato as any of David Sanborn's sax lines. Similarly, Cassandra Wilson has infallible jazz chops, but her latest album, Closer to You: The Pop Side, includes her take on songs by U2, Cyndi Lauper, and Sting.

Universal Music Group

Much obliged, Ms. Blige.

Details

Jazz in the Gardens, with Mary J. Blige, Robin Thicke, UniverSoul Circus, Teena Marie, Joe Sample, K'Jon, John Saxx, Kawan DeBose, and Rachael Brown. 3 p.m. Saturday, March 20, at Sun Life Stadium, 2269 Dan Marino Blvd., Miami Gardens. Tickets cost $55 to $145. Click here.

Also 3 p.m. Sunday, March 21, with John Legend, Boyz II Men, Cassandra Wilson, David Sanborn, Melanie Fiona, UniverSoul Circus, Eric Roberson, and Jovie.

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Be sure to show up early both days to catch local soul-jazz Kawan DeBose and former Rick James protegée Teena "Lady Tee" Marie on Saturday, as well as South Florida R&B singer Jovie and breakout Canadian soul singer Melanie Fiona on Sunday. We're not sure how rowdy the kid-friendly UniverSoul Circus will get, but Jazz in the Gardens' official site assuredly states: "What happens in the Gardens stays in the Gardens!"