MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. – Jazz in the Gardens is back for its 12th year at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens.
The two-day music festival is now adding a film, music, arts and culture conference that will take place at Florida International University.
For South Florida tourism executives, Jazz in the Gardens has become an economic engine that brings thousands to the area, benefiting both Miami-Dade and Broward counties.
Albert C. Tucker is vice president of multicultural business for the Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors' Bureau. He estimates that the festival brings in over $60 million a year to his county alone.
"Last year, we brought in the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority here to Jazz in the Gardens. Two weeks later, they signed a contract, bringing their conference here and $6 million," Tucker said.
The lineup for Jazz in the Gardens includes Robin Thicke, Jill Scott, Esperanza Spaulding, The Roots, Herbie Hancock, Betty Wright and LL COOL J.
It is estimated that over two days, 70,000 people will attend the festival over two days.
Visit jazzinthegardens.com to purchase tickets.