The Essence Festival, known as “the party with a purpose”, is an annual music festival which started in 1994 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence, a magazine aimed primarily towards African-American women. It is the largest event celebrating African-American culture and music in the United States. Locally referred to as the Essence Fest, it has been held in New Orleans, Louisiana every year since 1994 except for 2006, when it was held in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina. It also held in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal in 2016. It features artists simultaneously performing on a main stage as well as four standing-room only superlounge stages.

You may buy tickets here:

http://www.essence.com/festival/tickets

In honor of the festival’s 31st anniversary, JazzReggae Fest is celebrating three decades of good vibes, jammin’ music, and cultural enrichment with a one-day festival under the Los Angeles sun. From the festival’s humble beginnings in 1986, it has continued to grow and develop while forging connections between UCLA and the broader Los Angeles community. In keeping with the successful model set last year, Jazz Reggae Fest is sticking to its roots, presenting headliners from the genres of jazz and reggae accompanied by a curated selection of talented student bands. In addition to the early festival elements of jazz, reggae, and a grassy venue, live art, and food and craft vendor elements are also offered.

You may purchase tickets here:

www1.ticketmaster.com/event/0B005299B62A8229