Montgomery Announces Exciting Event Calendar for 2017 – 2018

With more fun and exciting events planned for 2017-2018 than ever before, Montgomery is adding to its reputation as one of the newest must-see travel destinations in the South. Offering a diverse roster of festivals and events, there is always something to see and do in this dynamic, riverfront city, whether it is listening to national recording artists perform live at the River Jam Music Festival or exploring the booming craft beer scene at the annual River Bend Brew Festival.

Known for its Southern hospitality and its revitalized downtown, Montgomery was the birthplace of the Civil Rights Movement and has established itself as a landmark Deep South destination. Montgomery is adding to its events lineup this year, which features concerts, festivals and a wide array of cultural activities.

“We are proud to offer a jam packed schedule of events for visitors to make unforgettable memories,” shares Vice President of Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce Dawn Hathcock. “From music festivals to national athletic competitions, there is something for every visitor coming to Montgomery.”

Below is an overview of annual events held in Montgomery:

Montgomery Restaurant Week, August 11-20, 2017

Coinciding with Alabama Restaurant week, this culinary celebration gives visitors the opportunity to discover new restaurants, dishes and drinks. Featuring amazing deals at some of Montgomery’s best restaurants.  For more information, go to www.eatmgm.com

Buckmasters Expo, August 18-20, 2017

The Montgomery Convention Center hosts a 3-day expo for the deer hunting industry with over 300 exhibitors from around the country. Kids activities, live concerts, demonstrations and lots of special guests will be featured. For more information, go to http://www.buckmasters.com/Resources/Expo

Montgomery Dragon Boat Festival, August 26, 2017

Over 60 teams from Central Alabama and beyond converge on Riverfront Park in downtown Montgomery to compete in this fundraiser which culminates in a dragon boat race. Off the water, browse various goods from local exhibitors and artists. Live music and food from local vendors will also be featured. Don’t miss the inaugural Gun Island Chute SUP CUP standup paddleboard competition on the Alabama River! For more information, go to https://montgomerydragonboat.org/

Broadway Under the Stars, September 7, 2017

The 31st annual Broadway Under the Stars concert will be held lakeside at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival. The Montgomery Symphony will perform Broadway classics as attendees relax on blankets and lawn chairs at this free yearly concert celebration. For more information, go to http://www.montgomerysymphony.org/pops-concerts/

Riverwalk Wine Festival, October 14, 2017

Over 100 wineries offer tastings, making the most of Montgomery’s beautiful riverfront park on an early fall afternoon. The event is made complete with live music, food vendors, and discounts on on-site wine purchases. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverwalk-wine-festival

Raycom Media Camellia Bowl, December 16, 2017

Named for Alabama’s state flower, this college football bowl game annually features a matchup between top teams from the Sun Belt Conference and the Mid-American Conference at the historic Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The game is televised live on the ESPN family of networks. For more information, go to http://www.camelliabowl.com/

Anniversary of Hank Williams’ Death, January 1, 2018

The native of Montgomery was the first country music superstar and one of the most important songwriters of the 20thcentury. Each year, his grave hosts a ceremony to commemorate his fascinating life on the anniversary of his death. This year will mark the 65th anniversary of the musician’s passing. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/64th-memorial-anniversary-of-hank-williams-death

Montgomery Half Marathon & 5K, March 10, 2018

This annual race takes runners through some of Montgomery’s most beautiful neighborhoods and past many of the city’s most famous landmarks. Featuring live entertainment for both racers and supporters, the Montgomery Half Marathon is one of the top road races in the South. For more information, go to http://themontgomeryhalf.com/

Taco Libre sponsored by Modelo, April 2018 

Alabama’s Taco Festival features a wide assortment of tacos of the state’s favorite local taco joints, restaurants and food trucks, along with plenty of refreshing beer and margaritas and live regional bands. The event is held at “The Yards at Western Rail” a 40-acre venue in a reclaimed train shed and yard. For more information, go to http://www.lightninglinemgm.com/tacolibre/

Alabama Book Festival, April 2018

Since 2006 this event has welcomed book lovers to Alabama’s premier literary event. Thousands of people gather for author readings, book signings, writing workshops and more. For more information, go to http://alabamabookfestival.org/

Alabama Shakespeare Festival Spring Repertory Season, April 25 –  May 6, 2018
Each spring this surprising theatrical find nestled in the exquisite 300-acre Blount Cultural Park achieves a rarely attempted feat – professional repertory theatre featuring Shakespeare and the classics. This year’s season includes Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing and Twelfth Night alongside the classic based on Alabama’s own Helen Keller, The MiracleWorker. For more information, go to www.asf.net

Flimp Festival, May 2017

The Montgomery Museum of Fine Arts hosts this family-friendly festival which invites folks to Blount Cultural Park for a wide range of art-related activities. For more information, go to http://mmfa.org/visit/flimp-festival/

River Jam, May 2018

Every May, music lovers converge on downtown Montgomery to attend this free two-day event which showcases over 10 live bands. Concerts take place at Riverfront Amphitheatre and Union Station Train Shed. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverjam-and-riverbend-brewfest

Riverbend Brew Fest, May 2018

Montgomery‘s Annual Riverbend Brewfest features live music, local food vendors and a large selection of local, regional and nationally renowned craft, seasonal, specialty and micro-brewed beers. For more information, go to http://visitingmontgomery.com/calendar/event/riverbend-brewfest

About Montgomery

Situated on the banks of the Alabama River, Montgomery is the capital and the second largest city in the state of Alabama. Established in 1819, Montgomery has been the site of major historic events which have shaped the history of the United States. Emerging from its agricultural roots in the 19th century, Montgomery transformed from the Cradle of the Confederacy to the birth place of the Civil Rights Movement in less than a century. Today, this vibrant river town is experiencing a resurgence which has seen its downtown revitalized and has reestablished itself as a landmark Deep South destination.  Montgomery Regional Airport (MGM) offers non-stop flights on Delta Airlines and American Airlines. For more information, call 334-261-1100 or visit the official website of the Montgomery Convention and Visitor Bureau at http://www.visitingmontgomery.com.  Stay connected with Montgomery on Twitter (@MGMCapitalCool) and Facebook http://www.facebook.com/MontgomeryCapitalCool).

Jada Pinkett Smith, Solange, Karrueche Tran, and Kofi Siriboe: Essence Festival 2017 Event Recap

Essence Festival 2017 was exhilarating; packed with panel discussions, games, giveaways, and high-energy concerts.

Fashion editors, beauty bloggers, and celebrity stylists were present while the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center was filled with beauty vendors such as Palmers, Creme of Nature, Cantu, Olive Miracle, and Shea Moisture. Attendees at the Palmers booth received free samples, demonstrations, and prizes.

The daytime main stage featured performances by India Arie, John Legend, Rhonda Ross, Afrika Mamas, Junior, and Diana Ross. Saturday afternoon guests included Jazmine Sullivan, Monica, Ari Lennox, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, and Mary J. Blige. Solange, Trombone Shorty, Chance The Rapper, and Ithwasa Lekhansela were at the main stage on Sunday, July 2, 2017.

Additional conference expos included the Path To Power: Entrepreneurship and Business Conference, Essence Eats, and Shops at Essence; featuring global vendors with African print apparel, framed art, paintings, and jewelry.

Hollywood actors and actresses were interviewed in the pressroom. Spike Lee and Janice Bryant Howroyd shared millennial career advice while additional cast members and comedians discussed their upcoming projects.

Also known, as the “party with a purpose” Essence Fest is a must-go event!  To attend the 2018 star-studded weekend, check the Essence website and register for more details.

See pressroom photos below:

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: (L-R) Ryan Destiny, Brittany O’Grady, Amiyah Scott, Jude Demorest and Miss Lawrence of ‘Star’ pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: June’s Diary pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Regina Barrow, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Shanta Proctor pose backstage at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Iyanla Vanzant poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: (L-R) Spike Lee, Tonya Lewis Lee, DeWanda Wise, Anthony Ramos, Cleo Anthony and Lyriq Bent of ‘She’s Gotta Have It’ pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Ava DuVernay (C) poses with Omar Dorsey, Timon Kyle Durrett, Ethan Hutchison, Dawn-Lyen Gardner, Bianca Lawson, Tina Lifford and Dondre Whitfield at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: (L-R) Will Packer, Malcolm D. Lee, Kofi Siriboe, Larenz Tate, Tiffany Haddish, Regina Hall, Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Brandon Micheal Hall, Yvette Nicole Brown, CeCe Winans and Roland Martin pose backstage at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Chante Moore poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Karrueche Tran and Niecy Nash pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Chef Huda poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Ta’Rhonda Jones and Bryshere Y. Gray pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Janice Bryant Howroyd poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Jada Pinkett Smith poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Jada Pinkett Smith and Queen Latifah pose in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 01: Kofi Siriboe poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 1, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Craig Robinson poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Kelly Price poses in the press room at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )
NEW ORLEANS, LA – JULY 02: Yvette Nicole Brown and CeCe Winans pose backstage at the 2017 ESSENCE Festival presented by Coca-Cola at Ernest N. Morial Convention Center on July 2, 2017 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for 2017 ESSENCE Festival )

 

 

TIME INC.¹S 2017 ESSENCE FESTIVAL® PRESENTED BY COCA-COLA® ATTRACTS MORE THAN 470,000 ATTENDEES

Time Inc.’s (NYSE:TIME) 2017 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® attracted more than 470,000 attendees to New Orleans this Fourth of July weekend for its annual cultural celebration featuring more than 200 performing artists and speakers—which included first-time appearances by Halle Berry, Diana Ross, Chance The Rapper and many more.  Recognized as one of the country’s largest live events, the 2017 ESSENCE Festival extended its reach worldwide by generating a record-breaking 4 billion social media impressions.

The annual 4-day Festival, which took place June 29-July 2, features entertainment, empowerment, and cultural experiences during the day and a state-of-the-art concert series with the world’s best performers each night.

Highlights of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival include:

  • Over 100 performing artists across the Superdome and the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Many of the biggest names in the entertainment industry such as Diana Ross, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Chaka Khan, Chance The Rapper, Master P. and Solange performed at the event’s nighttime concerts and dozens of others across ESSENCE’s Center Stage and All-Star Gospel Tribute honoring Cissy Houston.
  • More than 100 speakers, authors, leaders and celebrities participated in the Festival’s free daytime experience –including a first-ever appearance by Halle Berry.  Other powerhouse speakers included Ava DuVernay, New Orleans Mayor Mitch Landrieu, Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards, Walmart CEO Doug McMillon and the return of favorites Rev. Al Sharpton, Congresswoman Maxine Waters and Iyanla Vanzant, among others, drew packed crowds.
  • #EssenceFest social media posts driving more than 4 billion impressions with daily trending status on Twitter.
  • The launch of ESSENCE’s newly expanded ‘Path to Power’ business and entrepreneurship conference, as well as the return of consumer Expos focused on ‘Beauty & Style’ and ‘Entertainment All Access’ which drew crowds of thousands each day to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
  • Artist collaborations resulted in new Festival initiatives, including a first-time ‘Ladies Night’ featuring all female performers across five stages on Saturday night, and a first-ever celebrity basketball game to raise money for local youth scholarships in partnership with Master P. and his foundation, Team Hope NOLA.

For a full recap of all the exciting moments from the 2017 ESSENCE Festival, visit ESSENCE.com and log in to the ESSENCE Festival News Center for photo and footage highlights.

The 2017 ESSENCE Festival is executive produced by ESSENCE Festivals LLC, a division of ESSENCE Communications Inc. (ECI), and produced by Solomon Group. GeChar is the executive producer of the 2017 ESSENCE Empowerment Experience

Sponsors of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors AT&TFord, McDonald’s, State Farm and Walmart.  Superlounge sponsors include Coca-Cola, Ford and Walmart. The All Star Gospel Tribute is sponsored by Walmart.

 

ABOUT ESSENCE COMMUNICATIONS INC.

Essence Communications Inc. (ECI) is the number one media company dedicated to African-American women, with a brand reach of 21.2 million. With a multi-platform presence in publishing, live events and online, ECI is comprised of Essence magazine, the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women; the ESSENCE Festival®; Black Women in Hollywood and Black Women in Music events; Window on Our Women and Smart Beauty consumer insights series; Essence.com; and ventures in digital media (mobile, television and VOD).

ABOUT TIME INC.

Time Inc. (NYSE:TIME) is a leading multi-platform consumer media company that engages over 170 million consumers globally every month. The company’s influential brands include PEOPLE, TIME, FORTUNE, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED, INSTYLE, REAL SIMPLE, SOUTHERN LIVING and TRAVEL + LEISURE, as well as more than 60 diverse international brands. Time Inc. offers marketers a differentiated proposition in the marketplace by combining its powerful brands, trusted content, audience scale, direct relationships with consumers and unique first-party data. The company is home to growing media and platforms, including digital video, OTT, television, licensing, paid products and services and celebrated live events, such as the TIME 100, FORTUNE Most Powerful Women, PEOPLE’s Sexiest Man Alive, SPORTS ILLUSTRATED’s Sportsperson of the Year, the ESSENCE Festival and the FOOD & WINE Classic in Aspen.

CELEB EVENT RECAP: Sevyn Streeter & CEO Courtney Adeleye Unveil New Launches at SUR “Boss Up Brunch”

Recording Artist Sevyn Streeter and CEO & Founder of The Mane Choice Haircare Courtney Adeleye hosted a “Boss Up Brunch” at SUR Restaurant on Friday.

Courtney & Sevyn teamed up to host an afternoon of female boss empowerment, where leaders across many different industries gathered to network, enjoy the festivities and celebrate Courtney and Sevyn’s latest projects – The Mane Choice’s rollout of the Ancient Egyptian collection in Sally Beauty, and the first look of Sevyn’s highly anticipated album, Girl Disrupted, out July 7.

Both women were excited to share their latest work with a group of strong, influential females who are dedicated to making waves in their industries.

Celebrities and female “boss ladies” such as Estelle, Eva Pigford, Laura Govan, Miss Diddy and Malaysia were in attendance. They all enjoyed delicious food and cocktails and participated in the many activities including belly dancing, flower crown making, henna tattoos, selfie mirrors and more.

The Ancient Egyptian Collection is ideal to repair dry, damaged hair and can even prevent future damage after repeated use. The collection is inspired by the times of Ancient Egypt, when the hair was considered a personal and important method of self-expression.

The Mane Choice’s Ancient Egyptian Anti-Breakage & Repair Antidote Collection has sought out to source the most rare and robust natural oils used during that time, such as Kalahari Oil, Oleaster Oil, Mongongo Oil, and Baobab Oil to strengthen, repair and add remarkable shine.

Atlantic Records artist Sevyn Streeter is set to release her debut album GIRL DISRUPTED on July 7, a gift to her fans for HER birthday. The album will include recently released tracks- “My Love for You” and “Fallen” feat. Ty Dolla $ign & Cam Wallace.  This release will also include chart topping features such as August Alsina, Dave East, Dej Loaf and more.

The premise of GIRL DISRUPTED is centered on a message every young woman can relate to, the journey from a young naïve girl to a grown woman. “This important time in each woman’s life forces them to take ownership of their past in order to become the most true version of themselves,” says Sevyn.

 

TRACKLIST:

Livin

Present Situation

My Love For You

Anything You Want / Feat: Ty Dolla Sign, Jeremih & Wiz Khalifa

Ol School / Feat: Jeremih & Dej Loaf

Soon As I Get Home

Before I Do

Been A Minute / Feat: August Alsina

Peace Sign / Feat: Dave East

Fallen / Feat: Ty Dolla Sign & Cam Wallace

Translation

How Many

Everything In Me

Products range from $14.99 – $21.99 at Sally Beauty locations at SallyBeauty.com

Sevyn Streeter – Girl Disrupted

 

The Beauty Carnival | Essence Beauty and Style Expo

The ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola® will hold a first-ever “Beauty Carnival” during this year’s Beauty & Style Expo, the ultimate experience in all things beauty and glam. As the premier beauty authority for Black women, Essence is expecting this new, interactive event to be one of the highlights of the Festival’s daytime programming at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans, LA from June 30–July 2, 2017 daily from 10 am-6 pm.

Free and open to the public, the 3-day “Beauty Carnival” will feature exciting revelries for festivalgoers:

  • Beauty School: Tutorials, seminars on new looks, tools and styles from expert beauty bloggers and stylists
  • Beauty Boss: Hear from ESSENCE editors, beauty bloggers and celeb stylists on hot topics and trends
  • Street Style: Get styled to the hilt and walk the runway in a live fashion show featuring members of the audience
  • Plus, artist interviews with beauty & fashion icons and much more!

E! News Freestyle Host Zuri Hall will host the Beauty & Style stage, with appearances from WE TV personality & celebrity hair stylist Kim Kimble, unapologetically natural Mushiya, YouTube sensations GlamTwinz, natural hair vlogger MahoganyCurls, beauty vlogger and entrepreneur Ellarie, Grammy-winning musician India.Arie, singer-songwriter Tweet, Jillian Hervey of electro soul duo Lion Babe, celebrity hair stylist Vernon François and many more to be announced.

Beauty & Style sponsors & partners include: My Black is Beautiful, Walmart, Crème of Nature, Palmers, Cantu and Strength of Nature. Registration for the 2017 ESSENCE Festival®Beauty & Style Expo is now live! Download the 2017 Essence Festival App to register for the Beauty & Style Expo today.

ESSENCE ANNOUNCES FESTIVAL¹S STAR-STUDDED CELEBRITY LINE-UP FOR DAYTIME EXPERIENCE

The talent line-up continues to heat up for the 2017 ESSENCE Festival® presented by Coca-Cola®. The Festival will offer even more celebrity access, television and film sneak peeks and exclusive performances than ever before, rounding out the event’s daytime experience—which is free and open-to-the-public—taking place June 30-July 2 in New Orleans.

JUNE 30-JULY 2, FREE—ERNEST N. MORIAL CONVENTION CENTER

IYANLA VANZANT                      JADA PINKETT SMITH                CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS                      AVA DUVERNAY

MARY J. BLIGE          REGINA HALL            REV. AL SHARPTON QUEEN LATIFAH                         MASTER P                  ISSA RAE

TINA KNOWLES-LAWSON                          CECE WINANS           JOHN SINGLETON                      MARA BROCK-AKIL

LARENZ TATE             BRYSHERE Y. GRAY                   MONICA                   INDIA.ARIE                 MC LYTE                    TWEET                        TIFFANY HADDISH                     MICHAEL ERIC DYSON                                JAY ELLIS                           XSCAPE                                        JOSEPH SIKORA                          TA’RHONDA JONES                                                       YVONNE ORIJI

LETOYA LUCKETT                       CORY HARDRICT                                          BJ THE CHICAGO KID                                  ELLE VARNER            SYBRINA FULTON                      PHAEDRA PARKS                       EMILY ESTEFAN                                         DONDRE WHITFIELD                 RUTINA WESLEY                         CISSY HOUSTON                                          KOFI SIRIBOE             TINA LIFFORD                             DAWN-LYEN GARDNER                             BRANDON BELL

KIM BURRELL                             KELLY PRICE                                GALLANT                                     JUDE DEMOREST

RYAN DESTINY                           DEMETRIA MCKINNEY              BRITTANY O’GRADY

 

For more information, visit www.essencefestival.com, follow us on Twitter @essencefest #EssenceFest and become a fan of 2017 ESSENCE Festival on Facebook.

The 2017 ESSENCE Festival App is now available for iPhone and Android users.

Sponsors of the 2017 ESSENCE Festival® include presenting sponsor Coca-Cola and major sponsors Ford, McDonald’s, State Farm, Verizon, and Walmart.  Superlounge sponsors include Coca-Cola, Ford and Walmart.   The All-Star Gospel Tribute is sponsored by Walmart.

Essence Festival 2017 – Media Passes & Lineup

Essence Festival 2017 is only a few weeks away and we have received official media passes.  What does that mean?  Style + Life + Fashion will share behind the scenes style photos, celebrity interviews, and video clips.

Aside from real-time micro blogging via social media (don’t forget to follow the hashtag #EssenceFestSLF ) there will be an official event recap sharing details from the Beauty and Style Expo, Entertainment Access, and much more.

The 2017 Lineup will include:

If you like this post, click here – What To Wear:  6 Tips For Music Festival Season

AMERICA’S NEXT TOP MODEL SEASON 23 EPISODE 13 RECAP

During the last episode of America’s Next Top Model Season 23 contestants performed a full photo shoot for Paper Magazine.  The shoot entailed everything since the beginning of the competition.

To make the final episode special, the entire cast was invited to walk in the last runway show. Fashion styling and designer couture was provided by The Blonds.

 

 

Cory Anne was the first contestant to be eliminated.  This left Tatiana and India as the final two contestants. Tyra Banks also made an appearance and assisted the judges during the selection process.

India became the winner for the entire competition. America’s Next Top Model series is an example of not only having a distinct look but the ability to work under pressure and produce quality work. Where you surprised by the ending? Share your thoughts in the comment box below.

Watch the full episode here: The Final Countdown

Side Note:  I truly enjoyed watching the show and it’s a great role model and learning tool for those interested in becoming apart of the fashion industry.  A lot of people were skeptical because this was a new network and panel.  But, the judges had diverse fashion careers and really mentored each contestant (without tearing them down). The photo shoots were amazing and artistic.  Personally, I am looking forward to watching next season!

Clyde Haygood styles Demi Lovato for the iHeart Radio Music Awards 2017

Last night, at the iHeart Radio Music Awards, Demi Lovato made a retro statement.

Inspiration: Clyde was inspired by Demi’s futuristic, metallic mini dress to create a mod-style, sleek look with extra oomph at the crown.

Step-by-step:

–       To start, apply John Frieda Frizz Ease Straight Fixation Smoothing Crème on wet hair before blow drying it smooth

–       Next, spray John Frieda Luxurious Volume Root Booster Blow Dry Lotion on the crown to help create extra lift in that area

–       Then, starting at the mid-lengths of the hair and working down to the ends, spray John Frieda Frizz Ease 3-Day Straight Flat Iron Spray before straightening the hair with a flat ironing the hair-Create the precise mid-part, and create even more volume at the crown by teasing the hair with a teasing comb

–       Finally, lock in the style with John Frieda Frizz Ease Moisture Barrier Firm Hold Hairspray