Teyana Taylor promises a more vibrant Essence Fest
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Teyana Taylor wants to bring the energy back to Essence this summer as the fest's new chief curator.
Why it matters: Festival organizers are working to elevate the attendee experience as they negotiate the event's future in New Orleans.
The big picture: Essence tapped Taylor and her company, The Aunties, to shape programming at the country's largest festival dedicated to celebrating Black culture.
- They are particularly focused on improving the atmosphere at the convention center, Taylor and Aunties co-founder Courtney "Coco" Gilbert said at a preview event Friday at the Caesars Superdome.
- Think double-dutch activities and people on roller skates delivering food, Taylor said.
- "People are saving up to come to Essence Fest, and I want everybody to get their money's worth," Taylor said.
Zoom out: Taylor and Gilbert said they grew up "having a time" at Essence.
- "I want it to feel like how it used to feel," Taylor said. "I want to bring that color back into it. I want it to feel like, 'Oh, my god, this is an amazing experience.'"
The headliners: Former first lady Michelle Obama will be on the main stage of the Superdome for a live taping of her podcast. Actor Keke Palmer will join her, organizers announced Friday.
- Musical headliners include Cardi B, Patti LaBelle, George Clinton, Latto, Brandy and Monica.
- Expect more announcements in the next two weeks, especially for the Global Black Economic Forum, which Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson headlined last year.
The intrigue: Essence will get at least $1.7 million in public funds for this year's festival, but it's seeking about $12 million annually to support future festivals, writes Blake Paterson with The Times-Picayune.
- The city's seven-year contract with the festival ends in September, and discussions are ongoing between Mayor Helena Moreno and organizers.
- She responded to the proposal with concerns about late headliner announcements, behind-schedule performances and delayed vendor payments, Paterson reports.
- Moreno also launched an Essence Fest steering committee in March to "achieve necessary goals and benchmarks," the city said in a statement.
What's next: Essence has been held in New Orleans for more than 30 years.
- Moreno told organizers she wants this year's festival to be a success before making any decisions about future partnerships, Paterson reports.