Mary J. Blige and Pepsi proudly announce the second annual Mary J. Bilge x Pepsi Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit; in partnership with Live Nation Urban. The festival returns to the vibrant city of Atlanta, GA with four days devoted to music, comedy, female empowerment and community building between May 11th -14th, 2023.
Presale tickets go live TODAY at NOON ET with code SOAW23. While general on-sale begins Friday, March 10th at 10AM ET. For tickets, visit: www.soawfestival.com.
Created and curated by Grammy-award-winning R&B songstress Mary J. Blige. Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is the only festival experience in the market brought to you exclusively by an all-Black, female team. It will return this spring to the hotbed for creativity and culture, Atlanta, GA.
Mary J. Blige Festival – Success and Impact
After selling out in less than 72 hours last year, the festival continues to bring what are sure to be iconic moments back to the State Farm Arena; with two incredible nights of music. Festival goers can enjoy the #HipHop50 celebration. Featuring rarely-performed hits by Mary J. Blige and friends in a special” MJB B-Sides” set. And a special R&B night with performances by the legendary Lauryn Hill, Summer Walker, Lucky Daye, Muni Long, and more.
This year’s festival is a clear “leveling-up” with an expanded footprint in the city and its programming. Aiming to create even more opportunities for women and underrepresented groups to find community and joy. New to the festival this year is a special live music event with Grammy-Award winner Robert Glasper along with the Sunday night closing event–PURPOSE BALL, powered by Gilead, produced by Miss Lawrence and featuring a special performance from Saucy Santana.
As a 9x Grammy Award-Winning Singer, Songwriter, Actress, Producer, Philanthropist & Global Superstar, Mary J. Blige has committed the majority of her career to amplify, empower, and give voice to BIPOC women. All through the art of music and truth-telling. Moreover, this multi-touchpoint festival, which focuses on Music, Wellness, Tech, Beauty, and Financial Literacy; is the evolution of her life’s mission and purpose.
In regards to her upcoming festival, Blige states:
“I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit back to Atlanta for its second year. Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build amongst a community of women is the reason why we created this festival. I’m so grateful for all of the support.
From our performers and participants and of course Live Nation Urban, Pepsi and our additional partners. All of who are committed to celebrating and creating community for Black women.”
MARY J. BLIGE x PEPSI STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL
The Strength of a Woman festival is engaging with women more than ever before! This festival is the go-to destination for inspiring programming, pivotal panels; musical performances, workshops, and much more! Following the success of its debut last year, Blige, and her partners Nicole Jackson, and Ashaunna Ayars; will return this May with initiatives that further empower women of the BIPOC community.
The festival curates a safe haven for women. Jackson, Mary’s long-time business partner; states that; “the popularity and impact of the inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival & Summit successfully shows how and why Black women are the blueprint for cultural relevancy and inclusion. Being able to look back and see the global reach of the festival through; not only livestream; but billions of media impressions is confirmation that we are filling a void in the festival space. Mary, Ashaunna and myself are [so happy] to be back in Atlanta. We look forward to continuing to expand our programming and partnerships.”
Mary’s festival is also possible thanks to a big name entity. Yes, Pepsi, is the festival’s inaugural partner and is returning! In order to support Blige and her impactful work on and off the stage. While simultaneously sharing in a mission to inspire the next generation of women.
Pepsi and the Community: The Part They Play
For the second annual festival, Pepsi will once again bring its powerful platform to the production and event experience as it activates throughout the festival grounds, including amplifying the musical experience for fans, elevating local women-led businesses, and more to engage the Atlanta community across the festival and summit.
“The Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit is a testament to the power of amplifying Black women and their voices – starting with Mary, someone whose vision and presence has been instrumental in its success. As a brand and company rooted in celebrating culture and uplifting communities, we are thrilled to show our support and continue to provide new ways to elevate the festival experience for guests throughout the expanded weekend of activities, all while highlighting and supporting the remarkable women of the Atlanta community,” said Kent Montgomery, Senior Vice President, PepsiCo Industry Relations and Multicultural Development
THE SECOND ANNUAL MARY J. BLIGE x PEPSI STRENGTH OF A WOMAN FESTIVAL
Blige and continued partners chose to return to Atlanta for the second annual event given its reputation as the mecca for young Black creatives and entrepreneurs. The festival is proud to partner with dozens of local, minority, and female-owned businesses and vendors to help cultivate the best experience for attendees. The love for Atlanta is reflected not only in the festival’s investment into the local entrepreneurial community but also in the performers and hosts for the various events taking place over the weekend.
Join Strength of a Woman in Atlanta on the following dates this spring:
Thursday, May 11th
Robert Glasper at City Winery
Friday, May 12th
Concert: Mary J. Blige & Friends with a special “MJB B-Sides” set celebrating Hip Hop 50th Celebration at State Farm Arena
Special performances by Jodeci, Jeezy, DJ Drama and more
Hosted by Kenny Burns
Saturday, May 13th
Strength of a Woman Summit at America’s Mart
Participants and Programming details forthcoming
Concert: R&B Night at State Farm Arena
Performances by Lauryn Hill, Summer Walker, Muni Long, Lucky Daye, and Coco Jones
Hosted by Kenny Burns
Sunday, May 14th
Gospel Brunch and Concert at The Bank
Performance by Sunday Service Collective
Hosted by Ryan Cameron
The Purpose Ball at The Bank powered by Gilead
Produced by Miss Lawrence
Performance by Saucy Santana
Comedy Night Show at Tabernacle
Headliner: Mike Epps
Additional Sets by Don’t Call me White Girl, Henry Welch and Navv Greene
Hosted by Erica Duchess
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