Fourth annual Jazz in the Gardens posts strong ticket sales

And now for some good economic news: The fourth annual Jazz in the Gardens in Miami Gardens, FL, has exceeded expected ticket sales.

As of March 3, just 30 days after tickets went on sale, more than 15,000 tickets had been sold. And as of March 9, the festival has sold more tickets than the total amount sold for the 2008 festival. The two-day jazz fest, March 28-29 at Dolphin Stadium, is now headed toward completely selling out at 30,000.

Radio personality Tom Joyner hosts this year’s group of headliners, including Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Anthony Hamilton, Kenny G, Common, Erykah Badu, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Will Downing, Roy Ayers, Angelique Kidjo and Jonathan Butler.

Two-day passes are $45, $75 and $90. Single-day tickets are $30, $45 and $55.

“Four years ago, we were just another jazz festival,” said Miami Gardens Mayor Shirley Gibson in a statement. “And now it is really amazing to know that nationally and internationally, we are a well-known and respected music festival. Jazz in the Gardens has become an economic resource, infusing a new stream of revenue into the South Florida area, creating business opportunities for local businesses and sponsors and driving tourists into South Florida and the local community.”