Slipping a Nicki: Ms Minaj kicks off the musical headlining spots on Saturday
Essence Festival of Culture 2022
Citywide
As with almost all of the city’s festivals, it’s been a couple of years since a full-on version of The Essence Festival of Culture took place. This weekend sees a welcome return to one of the cornerstones of the New Orleans festival circuit, and as you might imagine, there are some big names in town. Here’s a summary of the talent, as well as highlights of the excellent wider program!
As always, the lineup boasts musical legends from across the decades. Charismatic provocatrice Nicki Minaj kicks off headlining duties on Friday July 1st, with Janet Jackson and New Edition promising irresistibly nostalgic performances on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Beenie Man, The Isley Brothers, The Roots and Method Man are among the packed supporting bill.
Kevin Hart brings his show ‘Reality Check’ to Essence on Thursday night (30th June), but also look out for local comedic talent on display. Our very own Geneva Joy, Shep Kelly and Bobby-Jeanne Misick take part in the Essence After Dark sessions, all of them talented and sure to be loving the bigger stage.
An exciting addition this year is the inaugural Essence Film Festival, which takes place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Guests can expect “all things film and television, including celebrity panels, screenings, and info about behind the scenes gigs.” Actors Brandon Michael Hall and Zainab Johnson are among the breakout stars in attendance.
Of course food is an essential part of any New Orleans festival, and Essence is no different. Another joyous new addition to the schedule is the first-ever Essence Eats Food & Wine Festival at The Sugar Mill and Mississippi River Heritage Park. Expect a delicious menu of celebrity chef appearances, demonstrations, panels, fine food trucks and local vendors.
Beauty, wellness, health, wealth and tech are all given full programs as well, making this year’s Essence Fest the most expansive ever. Click here for a more detailed exploration of those elements, and in general, rejoice that Essence is back in full flow, and with more to enjoy than ever before.
Essence Festival of Culture 2022 website
Citywide
As with almost all of the city’s festivals, it’s been a couple of years since a full-on version of The Essence Festival of Culture took place. This weekend sees a welcome return to one of the cornerstones of the New Orleans festival circuit, and as you might imagine, there are some big names in town. Here’s a summary of the talent, as well as highlights of the excellent wider program!
As always, the lineup boasts musical legends from across the decades. Charismatic provocatrice Nicki Minaj kicks off headlining duties on Friday July 1st, with Janet Jackson and New Edition promising irresistibly nostalgic performances on Saturday and Sunday respectively. Beenie Man, The Isley Brothers, The Roots and Method Man are among the packed supporting bill.
Kevin Hart brings his show ‘Reality Check’ to Essence on Thursday night (30th June), but also look out for local comedic talent on display. Our very own Geneva Joy, Shep Kelly and Bobby-Jeanne Misick take part in the Essence After Dark sessions, all of them talented and sure to be loving the bigger stage.
An exciting addition this year is the inaugural Essence Film Festival, which takes place at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Guests can expect “all things film and television, including celebrity panels, screenings, and info about behind the scenes gigs.” Actors Brandon Michael Hall and Zainab Johnson are among the breakout stars in attendance.
Of course food is an essential part of any New Orleans festival, and Essence is no different. Another joyous new addition to the schedule is the first-ever Essence Eats Food & Wine Festival at The Sugar Mill and Mississippi River Heritage Park. Expect a delicious menu of celebrity chef appearances, demonstrations, panels, fine food trucks and local vendors.
Beauty, wellness, health, wealth and tech are all given full programs as well, making this year’s Essence Fest the most expansive ever. Click here for a more detailed exploration of those elements, and in general, rejoice that Essence is back in full flow, and with more to enjoy than ever before.
Essence Festival of Culture 2022 website