Essence Festival To Remain In New Orleans At Least Through 2019

In an interview before the essence of this year's Festival, Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks agreed that, at this point, New Orleans is more or less the permanent home of the event. A new contract extension officer makes sense, at least for the next five years.

On Friday, August 22 Essence announced that the annual celebration of African-American music and culture remain in New Orleans until 2019. Staged on the 4th of July weekend, the essence Festival consists of evening concerts in the Mercedes- Benz Superdome and free daily seminars in the Ernest Morial Convention Center N... In recent years, Essence has expanded its presence to include a free mini-festival in Woldenberg Park. Private events and parties fill other places around town.

"We are excited to extend our partnership with the State of Louisiana and the city of New Orleans for another five years," Ebanks said in a press release. "Gov. Jay Dardenne and Mayor Mitch Landrieu, along with their teams, have embraced the essence Festival as their own. Through collaboration, we have created a one-of-a-kind experience that allows the community to enjoy culture be entertained, informed and inspired by the rich heritage that only New Orleans can provide. "

The festival began in 1995 as a celebration of the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine, a magazine lifestyle aimed at African-American women at one time. The success of that first year convinced the organizers to make it an annual event.

In 2014, the festival celebrated its 20th anniversary. Prince almost exhausted the Superdome in the first full night of the festival. (Because the seats cannot be sold behind the massive stage, the capacity of the Superdome Essence is about 45,000, significantly less than for a Saints game.) Other acts featured in the 2014 festival included Mary J. Blige Lionel Richie, Charlie Wilson, Jill Scott, The Roots, Janelle Monae, Nile Rodgers and Erykah Badu.

More sessions attended by many thousands during the day at the convention center where the speakers were Alicia Keys and Robin Roberts Steve Harvey and Al Sharpton.

The city estimated annual economic impact exceeds $ 200 million, according to organizers.





Over the years, other cities such as Atlanta, have courted the festival outside of New Orleans. The unique essence Festival organized elsewhere that New Orleans was in 2006. With the Superdome still undergoing repairs after Hurricane Katrina, the festival moved to Reliant Park in Houston. Attendees agreed that New Orleans, with its multitude of places within walking distance of the hotels and the French Quarter, was much better fit for the Festival.

"Essence Festival has become an integral part of New Orleans and Louisiana from a tourist point of view," Dardenne said. "We are pleased that the partnership we have built with Essence continue for another five years."

The festival "has been a great partner in the last 20 years," Landrieu said. "This event attracts artists and participants from around the world and create an international platform for both celebrate the culture and participate in critical discussions that affect our communities. In addition, the festival creates a lasting economic impact on our city and has positioned itself as New Orleans one top destination Fourth July. "

During a lengthy interview before this year's Essence Festival, Ebanks agreed that New Orleans was the permanent home of the festival.”It goes back to when the festival began and Marc Morial was mayor, was in the hands, and set the tone for collaboration with the city. That comes from one year to another, and is such an important part of our success. I do not know how we could replicate that "in another city.