Fest-goers have new activities to look forward to
1st July 2019 · 0 Comments
By Kelly Harris
Contributing Writer
Essence Festival, the annual music, entertainment and empowerment experience celebrating Black women and global Black culture, will celebrate its 25th anniversary in New Orleans from July 5-7.
The festival, which attracts over 500,000 national and international attendees and generates approximately $4 billion annually, will celebrate its landmark anniversary with a litany of show-stopping acts. This year’s headliners include such world-renowned artists as Missy Elliot, Mary J. Blige, H.E.R, Timbaland, and A Tribute to Frankie Beverly and more on the main stage.
In celebration of its 25th anniversary, this year’s Essence Festival has expanded its programming beyond the Morial Convention Center and Superdome. Festival attendees can expect to do more walking around the CBD to venues such as Orpheum Theater, Republic NOLA and more. A new addition to the festival is the ESSENCE After Dark Series, a series of late-night jam sessions, comedy shows, live podcasts and underground performances ranging from Hip-Hop and Bounce to Reggae and Afrobeats.
The addition of the Essence Food and Wine Festival, Essence Black Excellence Awards, Global Economic Forum, Fashion House and Wellness House (for mind and spirit) increases Essence Festival’s commitment to creating customizable experiences for the diverse audience of festival goers. The daily empowerment activities, booths, and celebrity appearances will continue to fill each day. For sure, festival goers will find an event to suit their interest and budget.
Highlights of this year’s festival include:
• Girls United Giving Challenge: Essence Festival will host its inaugural Girls United Giving Challenge, a community-wide, four-day online giving event benefiting eight local nonprofit organizations that lift up young girls in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. The giving challenge was inspired by ESSENCE Girls United, a year-long mentorship program and interactive digital/social content hub designed to convey “the core principles of leadership and self-love.” The eight organizations benefitting from the inaugural giving challenge include BR Grow Girls and O.M.G. Girlz in Baton Rouge, and Beautiful Foundation, Orchid Society, Pink House, Project Butterfly; St. Katherine Drexel Prep; and St. Mary’s Academy in New Orleans. Donations can be made online at essence.civicore.com.
• Essence in the Park: Bring your festival chairs to Armstrong Park on Thursday, July 4 from noon to 9 p.m. for a free Fourth of July celebration featuring a litany of New Orleans artists, including Tonya Boyd-Cannon, Bamboula 2000, Big Freedia, Drea Marie, Stooges Brass Band and more. Free.
• Forever First Lady Michelle Obama: Former First Lady and author Michelle Obama will deliver a keynote on Saturday, July 6 at the Mercedez-Benz Superdome. Michelle Obama’s keynote is included in Saturday’s concert admission ticket.
• Tribute to 25 years of Black Women in Gospel Music: Sunday, July 7, Donnie McClurkin, Yolanda Adams, Tasha Cobbs and more will celebrate 25 years of Black women in gospel music.
ESSENCE After Dark Schedule:
Thursday, July 4:
Women in Hip-Hop presented by MC Lyte, featuring Yo-Yo, Rapsody, Trina, MuMu Fresh. Music by DJ Kid Rock and DJ Jermaine.
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Republic Nola, 828 S. Peters St.
Friday, July 5:
The Read Live
Live show of the popular podcast “The Read.” Doors open at 5:30 p.m.; Showtime begins at 6:30 p.m. at Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way)
After Dark Comedy: Herlarious presented by Kym Whitley
Featuring: Kim Coles, Sherri Shepard, Melanie Comarcho and Jess Hilarious; Doors open at 10 p.m.; Showtime at 11 p.m. at Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way)
Reggae X Afrobeats presented by Estelle, featuring Spice, Rotimi, Machel Montano, Wale, Nick & Navi, Kranium, Rafiya, HoodCelebrity; Music by DJ Max Glazer and DJ Shacia Marley
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Republic Nola (828 S Peters St.
The Come Up featuring Angelica Vila, Danileigh, Nicole Bus, Bri Steves; Music by DJ M.O.S. 10p.m. – 2 a.m. at Howlin’ Wolf (907 S Peters St.)
Saturday, July 6:
The Dead Ass Podcast Live. Live show of the popular “Dead Ass Podcast.” Doors at 5:30 p.m.; Showtime at 6:30 p.m. at Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way)
Teddy’s Jam presented by Teddy Riley, featuring Guy and Blackstreet; Music by DJ M.O.S. 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Republic Nola (828 S Peters St.)
ESSENCE Underground:
The Femme Fatales featuring Young Devyn, Dreezy, Young M.A. Music by DJ Niena Drake
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S. Peters St.
ESSENCE After Dark Comedy: Mike Epps & Friends
Doors at 10 p.m. Showtime at 11 p.m. at Orpheum Theater (129 Roosevelt Way)
Sunday, July 7
Beats & Bounce featuring Big Freedia, Soul Rebels and More; Music by Mannie Fresh and DJ Niena Drake. 10 p.m. – 2 a.m. at Republic Nola (828 S Peters St.)
The Underground Lituation featuring Christian “King” Combs, August Alsina, Oswin Benjamin and Shawn Smith; Music by DJ M.O.S. 10 p.m.– 2 a.m. at Howlin’ Wolf (907 S Peters St.
To customize your Essence Fest plans, download the EssenceFest App or visit the website, essence.com /festival/ or go to ticketmaster.com.
This article originally published in the July 1, 2019 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper.
