Miami, Florida – The Jazz in the Heights event is making a grand return with a special Southern Soul Mother’s Day Edition on Saturday, May 11, from 5 to 10 p.m. at Zoo Miami, located at 12400 SW 152nd St., Miami, FL. This event, hosted by Commissioner Kionne McGhee, promises an evening filled with soulful jazz music, celebration of local small businesses, and community bonding.
Event Details and Local Impact
Commissioner McGhee has consistently supported small minority businesses in Miami-Dade, and Jazz in the Heights is one of the initiatives fostering this support. Since its inception, the event has enabled 190 businesses to showcase their services and products, ranging from food trucks and party rentals to nurseries and jewelry shops. The event not only promotes local entrepreneurship but also strengthens community ties by providing a platform for local talents.
In addition to musical entertainment, the event will feature an array of local small business vendors, many of whom are graduates of the Small Business Bootcamp Initiative launched by Commissioner McGhee in 2022. This initiative, in collaboration with Tools for Change and the Neighbors and Neighbors Association Inc. (NANA), offers a transformative four-week program that has already supported over 100 startups with funding, provided technical assistance to 300 businesses, and granted financial aid to 30 businesses.
The evening’s musical lineup includes renowned artists such as TK Soul, Nellie “Tiger” Travis, Sir Charles Jones, and Ronnie Bell, with hosting duties by TK Owens and James T. This lineup ensures that attendees will experience top-tier performances, adding to the festive atmosphere.
A Commitment to Community Safety and Economic Growth
Commissioner McGhee’s efforts extend beyond business support. He sponsored the Supporting Safer Communities Program in partnership with The Carrie Meek Foundation and Miami-Dade County’s Office of Neighborhood Safety. This initiative, which was unanimously passed by the Board of County Commissioners and Mayor Danielle Levine Cava, allocated $8.9 million to the Community Violence Intervention Initiative to address gun violence and enhance safety throughout Miami-Dade.
Under Commissioner McGhee’s leadership, 344 small businesses have been certified with Miami-Dade County, and $15 million has been awarded to aid these enterprises. His ongoing commitment is also evident in his support for the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce (MDCC) South Dade Branch, to which he has contributed over $13,000 to help integrate Black-owned businesses into the local economy.
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An Invitation to Celebrate
Jazz in the Heights is a free event, open to all. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and enjoy a night of exceptional music and community spirit under the stars. This event not only celebrates the cultural diversity of the community but also supports the economic growth of local businesses, making it a cornerstone of Commissioner McGhee’s community engagement initiatives.
To register for Jazz in the Heights, participants can follow the link provided by the event organizers, ensuring a spot in what promises to be a memorable evening.
