NEW ORLEANS, LA (Top40 Charts/ ESSENCE Magazine) ESSENCE Communications President Michelle Ebanks announced an extended agreement with the
State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans to host the ESSENCE Festival through 2019.
"We are so pleased to extend our partnership with the
State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans for another five years," said Ebanks. "Lt. Governor Jay Dardenne and Mayor 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 enables the community to revel in culture, be entertained, informed and inspired - within the rich heritage that only New Orleans, Louisiana can provide."
The annual 4-day event features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and the world's best performers each night. Touted as the country's largest live event - the ESSENCE Festival attracted more than 550,000 attendees for its July 4th weekend 20th anniversary celebration. More than 80 performing artists - including some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry such as Prince,
Mary J. Blige and Lionel Richie—performed at the event's nighttime concerts and over 150 speakers—including
Robin Roberts, Alicia Keys, Steve
Harvey and Rev. Al Sharpton—participated as part of the Festival's daytime experience.
The
State of Louisiana and City of New Orleans played a key role in enticing ESSENCE® to agree to a contract extension.
"ESSENCE Festival has become an integral part of New Orleans and Louisiana from a tourism standpoint," Lt. Governor Dardenne said. "We are pleased that the partnership we've built with ESSENCE will continue for another five years."
"ESSENCE has been a tremendous partner over the past 20 years," added Mayor Mitchell J. Landrieu. "This event attracts artists and participants from around the world and creates an international platform to both celebrate culture and engage in critical conversations that affect our communities. In addition, the festival creates a lasting economic impact in our city and has positioned New Orleans as a top Fourth of July destination."
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