MIA Magazine March 2016 Jazz in the Gardens | Page 6

6BB AN INDEPENDENT SUPPLEMENT BY MIA MEDIA & COMMUNICATIONS GROUP TO THE SUN SENTINEL Miami Music By Danielle R. Stedman [[email protected]] Miami’s Sound at Jazz in the Gardens First up is Ft. Lauderdale native, Cristyle Renae. Growing up in a household where listening to music was a major pastime; Cristyle was inspired to sing through her Cristyle Renae admiration of artists like Rachelle Ferrell, Stevie Wonder and Anita Baker. Through the encouragement of her brother and despite initial stage fright, she began to pursue a music career after her Do & Dine FRIDAY, MARCH 18, 2016 April Raquel sophomore year in college. Cristyle threw herself into her music by writing her debut album “Signature of Love” in 2013, which received great accolades locally. The R&B soul songstress is heavily anticipating her upcoming performance at JITG on Saturday, March 19th. The self-proclaimed “Boss Babe”, April Raquel & the Koture Funk band will also be performing at Saturday’s show but to a different beat. This urban-rock/soul/funk diva will make a name for herself on a larger stage than the local circuit that she has been crushing over the last ten years. An avid lover of diverse music spanning pretty much every genre, April has honed her skills as an electrifying show-woman who is hungry to prove her talent. Taking notes from the alpha-female performers such as Tina Turner, Pat Benatar& Chaka Khan, April is aiming to put on an exceptional performance at JITG, Lavie. Lavie, the R&B/Neo-Soul vocalist of Haitian decent, who is born raised in Miami. Lavie got her start signing at age 13 at a school talent show, but not starting any formal training until her senior in high school. Getting comfortable as a performer, she took her time grooming her skills through performing at local showcases and corporate events and more recently landing the gig as an opener for reggae star, Kimani Marley. Lavie auditioned to perform at JITG four times prior to being selected this year and her performance on Sunday, March 20th will prove to be a game changer for this sultry singer. Lavie There’s Something for Everyone at Gulfstream Park! This liv