Staff Report

Miami’s hip hop legend Rick Ross will perform at the 24th Annual 9 Mile Music Festival. The event, presented by Smilin Island Food, will be held on March 11 at the beautiful Historic Virginia Key Beach Park, located at 4020 Virginia Beach Drive in Miami. Doors will open at 1 p.m., rain or shine.

The festival, which invites attendees to “Join the Massive,” began in 1993 as a brain- child and testament of love for Cedella Marley Booker in memoriam of her son, Bob Marley.

This year it will be co-hosted by Lance’O of Kulcha Shok Muzic and Caribbean radio personality Nikki Z, include performances by DMX, Julian Marley, Capleton, Sizzla, Kreesha Turner, Charly Black, have DJ sets by Jah- stream, Mighty Crown, DJ Cool and more. Further lineup announcements will be made soon.

Besides the music, there will be a holistic village with services such as acupuncture, massages and yoga, as well as, nutritionists and life coaches. There will also be body painting and a drum circle on the beach.

Although it is an adult festival, children under 10 enter free as long as they are escorted by a guardian.

Expect a day full of music, people from many different cultures, and foods and drinks ranging from jerk chicken and other popular Jamaican dishes to Latin food like arepas, pizza, Chinese food, fresh salads and vegetarian food.

To keep up the tradition, a donation of four canned goods is required for entry. This tradition began at the very first edition of the 9 Mile Festival 24 years ago, with all goods being contributed to charity. This year, the festival will support Kurly’s House and Food for Life.

After a year-long break, Rick Ross recently released the single “I Think She Like Me” feat. Ty Dolla $ign off his upcoming album, Rather You Than Me. As a headliner for the festival, Ross will help honor Marley’s memory, while rocking with the crowd in his hometown.

Visit www.9milemusicfestival.com or a local ticket outlet in Florida to get your tickets.