The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON Tribune Features Writer THE SOULFUL Jill Scott and legendary R&B star Patti LaBelle are among the top artists set to hit the stage at the 7th Annual Jazz In the Gardens Music Festival next Weekend. The two day event is a popular spring time event for Bahamians, but it involves travel to Miami, Florida. The event run from March 17 to 18 at the Sun Life Stadium. On the first day, attendees can expect to see performances from the soulful chart topping KEM; Ledisi, who was recently named the next Patti LaBelle by Patti LaBelle; old school human beat box Doug E Fresh; and the timeless jazz superstar Ramsey Lewis. The second day will feature multi-platinum, nine-time Grammy winner Mary J Blige, R&B legend Patti LaBelle, jazz saxophonist Kenny G, jazz guitarist Kevin Eubanks, formerly of The Tonight Show, and internationally recognized chanteuse Nicole Henry. Amongst the 45,000 people who attended the event last year was Bahamian Michelle Ferguson. "The stadium was filled to capacity. I always saw the ads on TV and I was interested in the line up. My favorite artists of all time are Lauryn Hill and Musiq Soulchild and I went to the festival last year just to see them. I enjoyed myself and enjoyed the event and I am looking forward to this year's event," she said. This Jazz in the Garden Music Festival will be Charmaine's first time attending. She is also looking forward to the two day event. "I have never attended the event before. From what I have read it seem as though it will be a grand event. The performers I am looking forward to seeing are Mary J Blige, Patti LaBelle and Doug E Fresh. I cannot wait," she said. According to the event's website, organisers expect it to surpass last year in popularity. "The event will surely surpass last year's experience with another illustrious lineup that continues to make the festival second to none," the website said. Co sponsors of the event include the Tribune, Cool 96, Sky Bahamas, Double Tree, and Bahamas Subs and Salads, which is currently running a competition for a giveaway trip to Miami for the festival.