Jazz Gardens Day 2: Grown Folks Coachella 

What’s better than a 1-day concert, a 2-day concert of course. This concert is where old school R&B lovers go and experience the music of their lives. Day two of Miami Jazz in the Gardens did not disappoint. The sun was shining bright us on letting us know, it was time to enjoy. Also after meeting the people around us the day before, we knew we were in the right place to party and enjoy each other’s company. We also had a chance to explore the many open vendor’s stations buy from small businesses from all around the country.

Sunday’s Opening Acts

The opening acts also set the stage for a good day to night party. Tye Tribbett was their to start of the Sunday with gospel. After that we enjoyed live, instrumental music from Nelson Rangell, Gerald Veasley, Chieli Minuuci, and Lao Tizer. I don’t know about you, but as I get older my appreciation of jazz music has risen tremendously. I can put on some John Coltrane and get so much work done, relax after a long day in the classroom, or make a nice Sunday morning breakfast. My mother and I arrived just as the jazz music was grooving.

First Act: O’Jays

For the the love of the O’Jays, what an incredible experience. To see living legends, is such an honor an privilege. Not to be lost in the fact that they were rocking and grooving all the way. Their performance was nothing short of amazing, Their song, “Living for the Weekend” was my theme song for the entire. They have been in the music industry for over 30 years. They have been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2010. They came out, suited and booted, read to put on an incredible experience.

When they were singing classic songs like, “Used to be My Girl,” and “Cried Together” it reminded me of the beauty of black love. We don’t have those types of songs anymore that talk about how the meaning of love and a man truly appreciating the love of a woman. Love songs like these just aren’t made like they used to be. They also have songs with political meanings and social messages. “For the Love of Money”, “Love Train,” and “Backstabber” all have strong messages about what goes on, in our society and how we all our connected. The O’Jay’s showed why they are living legends.

Second Act: Brandy

Baby, Baby, Baby! I have been obsessed with Brandy since I was kid.  “Sitting up in my room,” dreaming about her is a song I have loved forever. She was such an inspiration growing up as young black girl in the south. I was more than excited to see her. I had a running joke with my mother that , “new school” could beat “old school” with the on stage.

Let’s break down the performance from the good, the not so good, and the not so beautiful (ugly).  Brandy looked wonderful, she had a kimono style jacket and pants suit match. She had great background dancers. Here’s the not so good, the vocals were just not there.. I know we all have a rough day at work and it feels like we can’t do anything right.

I believe Brandy was sick and decided to go through with the show anyway. I appreciate that as a fan but sometimes you just can’t fake it. Jazz in the Gardens is an older crowd who expects to hear and experience real, live music,  at a show. Dancing with a backtrack, lip syncing, and no live band is just not going to work for this audience. I hope she comes back and kills the stage. She is truly an amazing artist with an amazing catalog and I hope she can display that to this audience on day soon.

Final Act: Lionel Richie

The finale to end all finale’s. He is the king of Smooth R&B. Lionel Richie delivered like only he could. He cam out with his black sparkly jacket and  sparkled on stage with his piano. He was nothing short of a marvelous performer with unbelievable stage presence.

His music is the type you can pop in on a Sunday afternoon and just let it play all night long. I was not as aware of all of his hits but I didn’t need to, I could just sway and groove all night. Lionel Richie had us really getting out of seats when we he started his Commodores routine. He played my all time favorite, “Brick House.” Hence my outfit, of my bell bottom jeans and hat. I was going for the brick house 70’s vibe. He had a great over an hour set with no breaks. He of course, sounded just like the record. This is what makes legends, legends, the always deliver, no matter what the circumstance is.

Miami Jazz in the Gardens is one of my all time favorite experiences. My mom and I look forward to this every year now. I can’t wait until next year.

-Truly Dorcas