Timing is everything. This July, DAWN is heading to the superlounge in her hometown of New Orleans to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Essence Festival. This will mark her first time performing at the annual fest as a solo act.
The news comes after the gifted musician won against nine other talented hopefuls last night (May 30) in the New Orleans Music Showcase, presented by New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network (NOMTN) and New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation (NOTMC).
Leading up to the showcase, DAWN and the nine finalists were voted on by their fans and supporters to earn a spot to compete on-stage at the New Orleans Jazz Market.
“Can’t thank you guys enough. I always wanted to represent my city at home. It’s because of you guys. I’m full,” wrote DAWN after winning the competition.
DAWN is expected to perform music from her New Breed, her tribute album to NOLA, which surpassed one million streams without a major label.
“It’s an honor when people just genuinely are searching for you and organically playing your music,” DAWN told Rated R&B in April. “We don’t have the ability to put our music on playlists. We don’t have the ability to pay for the pictures to be on iTunes, so you can see us every time you go there. We don’t have the ability to pay for radio, so we’re getting in those rotations. Though I am appreciative for that formula, it’s also rewarding when, even without all of that, people still rock with you.”
We going to essence festival ! Super lounge on deck. 15 years and finally I’m performing in my city as a solo artist. Thank you so much. @essencefest
— DAWN (@DawnRichard) May 31, 2019
Can’t thank you guys enough. I’ve always wanted to represent my city at home. It’s because of you guys. I’m full. 😩🙌🏿😭🙌🏿. Come@see the kid at essence festival this summer.
— DAWN (@DawnRichard) May 31, 2019