Data Staff Writers
May 31, 2019 – It was standing room only at the New Orleans Jazz Market at the launch of the New Orleans Music Showcase (NOMS), which gave 10 Showcase finalists the opportunity of a lifetime to compete for a live performance at the 25th Anniversary ESSENCE Festival.
Showcase finalists thought they were vying for one slot at the Essence Festival. The crowd exploded when four winners were announced. “We’ve long known good music and great musicianship are in New Orleans DNA. But last night’s showcase was a much-needed reminder why the next generation of NOLA artists are not only keeping that spirit alive but that they were born ready for the Essence Fest Stage,” Cori Murray, ESSENCE Festival Entertainment Editor said. Murray surprised the audience and announced a fourth award in honor of the 25th Anniversary, which went to CASME.
“Coming to New Orleans and not recognizing the music is like going to the beach and ignoring the water,” Glenda McKinley, NOMS Producer and CEO of GMc+Co. Strategic Communications said. “The goal was to combine the interests of our tourism and ESSENCE Festival clients to showcase New Orleans’ homegrown talent on a huge platform. It was a perfect symbiosis” McKinley added.
“NOMS was an epic win for our local musicians,” Essence Banks, Executive Director of the New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network (NOMTN) said. “We look forward to next year and continuing to share the music and opportunities.”
Mark Romig, President and CEO of the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation echoed Banks’ sentiment. “It doesn’t get any better than a standing room only crowd to support our city’s amazing talent. The energy was palpable, and this event was long overdue,” Romig added.
The NOMS was co-sponsored by the New Orleans Multicultural Tourism Network and the New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation, ESSENCE Communications, and curated by GMc+Co. Strategic Communications.
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