Jazz in the Heights Delivers a Night of Soul
Vice Chairman Kionne McGhee’s America-N-Miami Celebration brings together thousands for an unforgettable evening honoring veterans, showcasing local talent and celebrating community.
Music, community pride and emotional surprises took center stage Saturday evening as Miami-Dade County Vice Chairman Kionne L. McGhee hosted Jazz in the Heights: America-N-Miami 2026 at Zoo Miami. The highly anticipated celebration delivered an evening of R&B, hip-hop, community recognition and hometown pride, headlined by powerhouse vocalist Kelly Price and soul singer Lyfe Jennings.
But one of the evening’s biggest surprises came when Miami’s very own Yung Miami, born Caresha Romeka Brownlee, was presented with the Key to Miami-Dade County, bringing the entertainer to tears as the community celebrated her success.
Vice Chairman McGhee, joined by former Miami Gardens Commissioner Reggie Leon, presented Yung Miami with the prestigious recognition and a proclamation declaring October 23, 2026, Caresha Romeka Brownlee Day.
The emotional moment quickly transformed into a celebration as the crowd enthusiastically sang along to her smash hit “Spend Dat,” creating an unforgettable connection between the hometown star and the community that helped shape her journey.
For Yung Miami, who rose to national prominence as one half of the hip-hop duo City Girls before launching her solo career, the recognition represented a full-circle moment: being celebrated by the very city whose culture, sound and energy have influenced her musical identity.
A Celebration With a Purpose
Jazz in the Heights has evolved into one of South Miami-Dade’s signature community entertainment experiences, blending nationally recognized talent with local performances, economic opportunities and community engagement.
This year’s America-N-Miami theme placed special emphasis on patriotism and honoring military veterans in advance of Veterans Day, while also recognizing the contributions of small businesses, students and community organizations.
Presented by Vice Chairman McGhee, the five-hour celebration offered residents an opportunity to enjoy world-class entertainment without the financial barriers often associated with major concerts, with complimentary general admission available through advance registration.
Advertising Executive and Historian, Jessica Garrett Modkins took the stage to remind attendees that Florida has always reigned in voting power using the 1949 election in Miami as a point of reference. The event also provided a platform for local vendors and entrepreneurs to showcase their businesses, reinforcing the connection between cultural programming and economic development.
Local Talent Takes the Spotlight
The evening opened with an energetic welcome and remarks from Vice Chairman McGhee, who recognized event sponsors and community partners before turning the spotlight to some of District 9’s youngest performers.
The District 9 Schools Performance Competition gave local students an opportunity to showcase their artistic abilities before a community audience, demonstrating the importance of investing in and celebrating the next generation of talent.
DJ Nasty 305 and TP Miller kept the entertainment flowing between performances, helping maintain the festival atmosphere throughout the evening.
The program also featured Miami recording artist Mike Smiff and other 305 performers, reinforcing the event’s commitment to showcasing homegrown talent alongside nationally recognized entertainers.
Honoring Those Who Served
While music remained a central attraction, the evening also carried an important message of gratitude.
A special Veterans Recognition Ceremony honored the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces, acknowledging their sacrifices and contributions to the nation.
Lyfe Jennings and Kelly Price Deliver an Evening of Soul
Grammy-nominated R&B singer and songwriter Lyfe Jennings brought his signature blend of soulful storytelling and heartfelt vocals to the Jazz in the Heights stage.
Known for his emotionally resonant music and authentic connection with audiences, Jennings added a powerful dimension to the evening’s musical lineup.
His appearance became even more memorable when he was presented with a Key to Miami-Dade County, recognizing his contributions to music and entertainment.
The celebration continued with acclaimed vocalist Kelly Price, whose remarkable voice and decades-long career have made her one of R&B and gospel music’s most respected performers.
Price delivered the vocal power and soulful presence that audiences have come to expect from the celebrated singer.
She, too, received a Key to Miami-Dade County, adding another special recognition to an evening already filled with memorable performances.
The presentations to Jennings and Price reflected the festival’s appreciation for artists whose music has become part of the soundtrack of generations.
Yung Miami’s Surprise Recognition Steals the Show
Despite an impressive lineup of established R&B stars, one of the night’s most talked-about moments belonged to a Miami native.
Yung Miami’s surprise recognition brought a different kind of energy to the stage.
As Vice Chairman McGhee and former Commissioner Leon presented the entertainer with the Key to Miami-Dade County and the proclamation honoring Caresha Romeka Brownlee Day, the significance of the moment was unmistakable.
Overcome with emotion, the entertainer was moved to tears as she received recognition from her hometown.
Then came the music.
As “Spend Dat” filled the air, audience members joined together, singing the lyrics word for word and transforming the ceremony into a moment of shared hometown pride.
The recognition came during a significant chapter in Yung Miami’s career, following the October 23 release of her debut solo album, Watch Dis!
For the audience, the presentation was more than a celebrity appearance. It was a celebration of a Miami artist whose achievements have extended well beyond the city while maintaining a strong connection to her hometown.
Building Community Through Culture
Jazz in the Heights continues to demonstrate how music and cultural programming can serve as powerful tools for community engagement.
Since its inception, the event has welcomed more than 125,000 attendees, while providing opportunities for community organizations, students, entertainers and small-business owners to connect with residents.
Under Vice Chairman McGhee’s leadership, the annual celebration has become a platform that brings together entertainment, public service recognition and local economic participation.
For thousands of South Florida residents, the November 7 celebration offered an opportunity to experience major musical talent in their own backyard while celebrating the individuals and organizations that contribute to the community’s identity.
