Commissioner Keon Hardemon hosted the 18th Ave Coming to the Jam Block Party

Commissioner Keon Hardemon hosted the 18th Ave Coming to the Jam Block Party on Saturday, March 28, transforming Liberty City’s NW 18th Avenue into a celebration of music, culture, and community.

Following legislation sponsored by Commissioner Keon Hardemon to co-designate street names in honor of Miami’s music history, the event brought those tributes to life. Artists and attendees gathered, taking photos and celebrating the affirmations that now line the avenue. Throughout the day, honorees blazed the stage, performing classics after being recognized for their contributions to Miami’s music legacy. Family members and official representatives were also present to accept honors on behalf of honorees who are no longer with us, adding meaningful and reflective moments to the celebration.

“It’s an event meant to reveal all the improvements we’ve been making on NW 18th Avenue. We have spent over $1 million on infrastructure, including street restorations, sidewalk improvements, traffic calming roundabouts, signage, water and sewer improvements, new lighting, and new shrubs,” Commissioner Hardemon said. “We intend to make $2 million in improvements by adding park space for the kids and creating a place for people to have businesses in our community. That’s why we’re here. This is important because it brings Northwest 18th Avenue and Liberty City back to the forefront of our community. What that means is it becomes a space once again where people can have businesses, have fun, find jobs, and make money.”

Over 5,000 attendees filled the NW 18th Avenue corridor between NW 62nd Street and NW 71st Street. Throughout the day, residents of all ages experienced the spirit of Miami. Families and longtime community members enjoyed multiple DJ sets, live performances, and the ambiance of the space’s transformation. Local vendors experienced strong engagement as attendees supported small businesses, while food, giveaways, and community activations created a continuous flow of energy along the avenue from 11 AM to 6 PM. The corridor’s murals also served as a colorful backdrop throughout the event, highlighting 18th Avenue's artistic identity.

The event not only showcased the cultural legacy of 18th Avenue, but also its continued role as a gathering place for the community. The celebration honored Miami artists, including Betty Wright, Inner Circle, Uncle Luke, JT Money, Trick Daddy, DJ Uncle Al, Trina, Michael Sterling, DJ Khaled, Jacki-O, Piccalo, 2 Live Crew, Pitbull, Rick Ross, Flo Rida, Mike Smiff, Pretty Ricky, Zoey Dollaz, Ice Billion Berg, Major Nine, Ball Greezy, City Girls, YD, Kase 1hunnid, Bustafree, and J-Shin.

Left to Right: Commissioner Keon Hardemon with Miami artists and entertainers during the block party. Event attendees.
(Photos by: Godfrey Mead/Miami-Dade County, Jean Gary Bordeau/Miami-Dade County)