
5 Of The Dopest Music Festivals You Should Definitely Pull Up On This Year

Coachella is dope and all, but my real music connoisseurs know that Indio, California isn't the only place to get your life during festival season, and xoNecole has all the details on which ones you should pull up on before 2020 comes to an end.
Scroll below for the details:
Something In The Water
Who We Can't Wait To See: 6LACK, Usher, Chance The Rapper, H.E.R., Mereba, Nelly, Pharrell, Kali Uchis, Rico Nasty, Snoh Aalegra, Tank and The Bangas, Trey Songz, Tierra Whack
When: April 20-26
Where: Virginia Beach, VA
Price: Tier one and two general admission tickets are already sold out fo this festival but you can still purchase tier three tickets for $250 plus fees or VIP tickets for $600 plus fees.
New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival
Who We Can't Wait To See: Erykah Badu, Lizzo, H.E.R., Tank and The Bangas, Anthony Hamilton, PJ Morton, Big Freedia
When: April 23-May 3
Where: New Orleans, Louisiana
Price: First-weekend advance tickets for April 23-26 are currently $75 but will be an additional $10 at the gate. Tickets for Saturday start at $90 and the same applies for the following weekend but you can snag an advance four-day weekend pass for $275. For both Thursday night concerts, New Orleans locals can get access to the festival for only $50.
Rolling Loud Festival
Who We Can't Wait To See: DaBaby, Doja Cat, Big Sean, T-Pain, Rico Nasty, Megan Thee Stallion, City Girls, Wale, DaniLeigh, Saweetie
When: May 8-10, 2020
Where: Miami, Florida
Price: Three-day general admission tickets are currently waitlisted, but general admission+ tickets start at $499 plus an additional $100 fee. You can also still snag VIP tickets, which includes expedited entry, a private bar, and free makeup touch-ups, that start at $749 plus a $150 fee or upgrade your experience to add complimentary meals for an additional $200.
2020 Lovers & Friends Festival
Who We Can't Wait To See: Ms. Lauryn Hill, Usher, Lil' Kim, Mya, Jhene Aiko, TLC, Amerie, Tweet, Nelly, Summer Walker, Eve, Trina, Brandy, Doja Cat
When: May 8-9, 2020
Where: Los Angeles, CA
Price: Tickets for the Lovers & Friends Festival are currently sold out but you can join the waitlist here.
ESSENCE Festival
Who We Can't Wait To See: Janet Jackson, Ari Lennox, Janelle Monae, Bruno Mars, Patti Labelle, Raphael Saadiq, Jidenna, Tamia, Rapsody, SIR, Saweetie, Goldlink, Kiana Lede,
When: July 1-5, 2020
Where: New Orleans, LA
Price: Superdome general admission tickets are currently on sale for $186 and include a 3-night concert experience while VIP Gold and Platinum tickets start at $2,750 and $3,000 respectively. You and your crew can get extra bad and bougie by upgrading to a VIP Entertainment Power Pass for $3,900 or a VIP All-Event pass for an additional $500. ESSENCE also offers a travel package that will help you book your ideal stay for the weekend here.
Featured image by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
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Taylor "Pretty" Honore is a spiritually centered and equally provocative rapper from Baton Rouge, Louisiana with a love for people and storytelling. You can probably find me planting herbs in your local community garden, blasting "Back That Thang Up" from my mini speaker. Let's get to know each other: @prettyhonore.
'He Said, She Said': Love Stories Put To The Test At A Weekend For Love
At the A Weekend For Love retreat, we sat down with four couples to explore their love stories in a playful but revealing way with #HeSaidSheSaid. From first encounters to life-changing moments, we tested their memories to see if their versions of events aligned—because, as they say, every story has three sides: his, hers, and the truth.
Do these couples remember their love stories the same way? Press play to find out.
Episode 1: Indira & Desmond – Love Across the Miles
They say distance makes the heart grow fonder, but for Indira & Desmond, love made it stronger. Every mile apart deepened their bond, reinforcing the unshakable foundation of their relationship. From their first "I love you" to the moment they knew they had found home in each other, their journey is a beautiful testament to the endurance of true love.
Episode 2: Jay & Tia – A Love Story Straight Out of a Rom-Com
If Hollywood is looking for its next Black love story, they need to take notes from Jay & Tia. Their journey—from an awkward first date to navigating careers, parenthood, and personal growth—proves that love is not just about romance but also resilience. Their story is full of laughter, challenges, and, most importantly, a love that stands the test of time.
Episode 3: Larencia & Mykel – Through the Highs and Lows
A date night with police helicopters overhead? Now that’s a story! Larencia & Mykel have faced unexpected surprises, major life changes, and 14 years of choosing each other every single day. But after all this time, do they actually remember things the same way? Their episode is sure to bring some eye-opening revelations and a lot of laughs.
Episode 4: Soy & Osei – A Love Aligned in Purpose
From a chance meeting at the front door to 15 years of unwavering love, faith, and growth, Soy & Osei prove that when two souls are aligned in love and purpose, nothing can shake their foundation. Their journey is a powerful reminder that true love is built on mutual support, shared values, and a deep connection that only strengthens with time.
Each of these couples has a unique and inspiring story to tell, but do their memories match up? Watch #HeSaidSheSaid to find out!
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A Black-Owned Mobile Spa Turned My Home Into A Luxury Retreat—Here’s My Experience
There’s nothing quite like a spa day, but what’s even better is when you can enjoy one right at home. I recently had my first at-home spa day with The Party Spa, a Black-owned mobile spa founded by Asher Wilkins.
Asher’s team of 25 professionals offers a wide range of services, including massages, facials, body scrubs, and more. Asher, a licensed massage therapist, stumbled upon a unique opportunity to combine massage services with the vibrant nightlife scene.
The Party Spa Team
Courtesy
"I noticed there was a need in the New York City night life, especially with the after work parties and I felt that I had that answer in regards to bringing what I did, because I'm a licensed massage therapist," he tells xoNecole. "So how could I incorporate this into what I like to do, which was socialize and network, and party.
"I went to some club owners and some promoters, and I told them about the idea. I said, let's include the chair massage along with what you have going on and it worked." At that time, the clientele was primarily women who needed a massage after a long night of dancing, especially in heels.
London getting a massage from Asher
Courtesy
The Party Spa, having expanded its services to cater to a diverse clientele, including business professionals and celebrities like Mary J. Blige, has even graced music tours like the I Love the 90s tour. Their extensive travel across the country led them to my doorstep, where I eagerly awaited my pampering session.
Asher and Miss Jazz arrived at my home and began infusing the space with a relaxing spa vibe. They set up an essential oil diffuser and provided me with a cozy white robe for a comfortable change. While I had the option to choose my preferred music, I opted for the soothing melodies of traditional spa music.
Asher skillfully administered my massage, applying medium to deep pressure that perfectly suited my preferences. He effectively worked out the lingering pain in my lower back and hips, leaving me feeling rejuvenated and pampered. The delightful aroma of the massage oils intensified as he continued rubbing me down, enhancing the overall sensory experience.
London receiving a facial from Miss Jazz.
Courtesy
Once Asher finished, it was time for my facial. Facials are rare for me, so this was a delightful treat. Miss Jazz began with a facial massage, a new experience for me that I thoroughly enjoyed.
It felt like a continuation of the body massage I had just received. From there, she applied various products to my face, including a scrub, cleanser, vitamin C serum, and cream. She also gave me a honey and sugar lip scrub, which I desperately needed.
The result was radiant, smooth skin. The Party Spa transformed my first at-home spa experience into a blissful one. I found myself in a tranquil state of mind and relaxed the rest of the day.
The Party Spa is expanding its footprint by launching a podcast, Confessions of a Celebrity Massage Therapist, and working with non-profits to donate beauty and wellness services to survivors of sex trafficking and abuse. To learn more, visit their website thepartyspa.com, or follow them on Instagram @thepartyspa.
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Feature image by Freshsplash/ Getty Images