For the most part, when it comes to my day-to-day grind realism and common sense prevail. Tuesday was about to be the exception but I outgrew the onesie I was wearing when they last won the NBA Championship and the Sergio Valente version of Cazal frames have since been shattered since they won the initial Draft Lottery.
Going into the 2019 Draft Lottery the thought was it’s not where we pick, 1 or 14, it’s the player we pick. Seems sensible. But nahh, this is no ordinary year. With Zion Williamson as the top prize, the stakes were higher so the fingers were crossed at least. My Knicks, my Knicks, my Knicks!!!!
Third?! While it’s not officially the cases until the formality happens June 21, it seems that we lost out on one of the hottest commodities coming into the league to the New Orleans Pelicans. We like New Orleans but now…. Actually we still gotta rock we the Big Easy, especially with the 4th of July weekend approaching. The ESSENCE Music Fest is THAT big and in now it’s 25th year, it just got bigger. As if the concerts weren’t enough the party will continue well into the wee hours after announcing its official ESSENCE After Dark lineup. Festival goers will be able to enjoy a culmination of late-night jam sessions, live podcasts and underground performances from hip-hop and bounce to reggae and Afrobeats—from July 4-7 following the nightly concerts. For planning purpose here are the announced line-ups and venues for those planning to attend. Keep in mind more artists will be announced including a Comedy Experience. Tickets on sale now at https://www.essence.com/festival/!
Thursday, July 4,th:
Women in Hip-Hop presented by MC Lyte
Featuring: Yo-Yo, Rapsody, Trina, MuMu Fresh, Music by DJ K Rock and DJ Jermaine
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Friday, July 5,th:
Reggae X Afrobeats presented by Estelle
Featuring: Spice, Rotimi, Machel Montano, Wale, Kranium, Rafiya, Nick & Navi, Music by DJ Max Glazer and DJ Shacia Marley
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Come Up
Featuring: Danileigh, Nicole Bus, Angelica Vila, Bri Steves, Music by DJ M.O.S.
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Saturday, July 6,th:
Teddy’s Jam
Featuring Guy and Blackstreet, Music by DJ M.O.S.
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
ESSENCE Underground: The Femme Fatales
Featuring: Young Devyn, Dreezy, Young M.A., Music by DJ Niena Drake
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
Jesus and Jollof Live with Luvvie Ajayi and Yvonne Orji, Music by DJ Niena Drake
Time: Doors at 5:30 p.m. // Showtime 6:30 p.m.
Location: Orpheum Theater, 129 Roosevelt Way, New Orleans, LA 70112
Sunday, July 7,th:
Beats & Bounce
Featuring: Big Freedia, Soul Rebels and More, Music by Mannie Fresh and DJ Niena Drake
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Republic Nola, 828 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
The Underground Lituation
Featuring: Shawn Smith, Oswin Benjamin, Christian “King” Combs, August Alsina, Music by DJ M.O.S.
Time: 10 p.m. – 2 a.m.
Location: Howlin’ Wolf, 907 S Peters St, New Orleans, LA 70130
More on that in the coming weeks. Over and out for now. Til then, enjoy the nightlife.