Jazz in the Gardens 2026 Wraps Up a Star-Studded Weekend in Miami

Jazz in the Gardens (JITG) 2026 delivered an unforgettable weekend of music, culture, and community at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens. The two-day festival drew thousands of fans to celebrate a powerhouse lineup of R&B, Southern soul, hip-hop, and jazz legends. With the second day coinciding with International Women's Day, several artists took time to honor the women in attendance.

From left to right: Trick Daddy, Trina & Ludacris. Photo Credit: AJ Shorter

Saturday’s lineup kicked off with soulful strings from violinist Damien Escobar and polished R&B hits from Joe. D-Nice & Friends led a massive collaborative set featuring SWV, Donell Jones, Case, and Sunshine Anderson. Mýa and Ella Mai brought a mix of nostalgic and contemporary R&B energy, while Memphis rapper GloRilla surprised the crowd by bringing out Sexyy Red. Jhené Aiko closed the first night with an ethereal, jazz-lounge-inspired set complete with a live band and sound bowl healing.

Ella Mai. Photo Credit: Chad Henry

From left to right: Sexyy Red & GloRilla. Photo Credit: Chad Henry

Sunday honored the festival's jazz roots with a smooth instrumental performance by Boney James. The afternoon transitioned into Southern soul and gospel with lively sets from Tonio Armani, King George, and Grammy-nominated Pastor Mike Jr. Legendary vocalists Stephanie Mills and The Isley Brothers delivered timeless classics, with Ernie Isley captivating the audience with an electrifying guitar solo during "Summer Breeze."

Jhené Aiko. Photo Credit: Chad Henry

King George. Photo Credit: Detiko Cox

Stephanie Mills. Photo Credit: Detiko Cox

Ron Isley. Photo Credit: Detiko Cox

Ernie Isley. Photo Credit: Detiko Cox

Ashanti. Photo Credit: Detiko Cox

Nelly. Photo Credit: Detiko Cox

The festival's high-energy finale featured back-to-back hit-filled performances by Ashanti and Nelly, who brought out Murphy Lee of the St. Lunatics. Ludacris officially closed JITG 2026 with a massive celebration of his 25-year career. Showing love to his "second home" of Miami, Ludacris welcomed a star-studded roster of special guests to the stage, including Chingy, Bobby V, Uncle Luke, Trick Daddy, CeeLo Green, Trina, and DJ Khaled.

By ML Staff. Photos: AJ Shorter, Chad Henry, and Detiko Cox.