
Missy Elliott
Photo: Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Something in the Water
Party With A Purpose: 5 Things To Get Excited For At ESSENCE Fest 2019
The 25th annual Party With a Purpose is upon us: ESSENCE Fest 2019.
From Friday, July 5 through Sunday, July 7, New Orleans' Mercedes Benz Superdome will once again become the hub where black culture is celebrated through music, food, and entertainment as well as uplifted through leadership events and more.
This year, the three-day festival is sure to be that much more spectacular as it celebrates a quarter century of moving black culture forward. And there could be no other way to do than what the fest has in store: Check out five major events happening at Essence 2019 that we can't wait to experience.
Michelle Obama Will Be In The House
What's the biggest indicator that this party will be like no other? Former First Lady Michelle Obama is invited!
She stole the show earlier this year at the 61st GRAMMY Awards, and we can only expect that she'll do the same at the Superdome. Along with TV titan and journalist Gayle King, Obama will be a part of a special keynote conversation hosted by comedian Loni Love on the mainstage Saturday, July 6.
"It will be my first time hosting the main stage and @MichelleObama ‘s first time attending @essencefest ... Saturday July 6th join us in #neworleans!!" Love tweeted.
And she won't be the only familiar face from the political world Saturday; Democratic presidential candidates Kamala Harris, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Beto O'Rourke and Pete Buttigieg have been added to the speaker lineup at the Power Stage Keynote.
Main Stage Music: Missy Elliott & More
There's nothing like the ESSENCE concert series. This year, Essence welcomes headliners and hip-hop and R&B legends Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige, Nas, Big Freedia, Teyana Taylor, Timbaland, Ledisi and H.E.R to the main stage.
This year, Elliott celebrates the 20th anniversary of the GRAMMY-nominated Best Rap Album Da Real World and was inducted in the Songwriters Hall Of Fame last month.
The rapper took to Twitter to tease her performance at Essence:
The Superlounges
BJ The Chicago Kid, Ginuwine, City Girls, Lucky Daye, PJ Morton, Luke James, Mase and JoJo are among some of the artists to perform at the festival's Superlounges, which will give fans an opportunity to see their favorite artists in a more intimate setting. The Playlist, Golden Era, Hot Right Now lounges and more will honor different genres and movements.
Food Experiences With Big Freedia & More
NOLA icon Big Freedia won't just be performing, she'll also be a part of one of the many food events the fest has lined up for attendants. The Southern city is known for its culinary richness and you won't have to leave the Superdome to taste and learn from some of the most recognized chefs. Among the many food evets, fans can learn to remix dinner classics and create other yummy treats with special guests Big Freedia, Chefs Kenneth Temple, Ashley Jonique, Melissan Hinton and more.
Through ESSENCE's Passport25, the fest will also give event goers access to perks some of the finest black-owned restuarants in the city.
Afterdark Series
The party doesn't end when the last performer steps offstage. Essence's Afterdark Series are concerts and events at Republic NOLA, Howlin' Wolf and the Orpheum Theater bringing intimate groups of artists together for performances. From Women In Hip Hop, ESSENCE Underground to Beats & Bounce and Reggae X Afrobeats with acts like Estelle, Young M.A., Trina, Rhapsody, DJ Jermaine, Blackstreet, and more, you can expect even more exlusive access to local music and beyond.
Meet Ericka Coulter, The Inspirational Music Exec Amplifying Rising Talent With TheBasement