NEW YORK — Mary J. Blige, the Grammy and Emmy Award-winning artist, actress, producer, and entrepreneur, alongside Pepsi, proudly announced the return of the third annual Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit. The event, in partnership with Live Nation Urban, will grace the iconic cityscape of New York City, the birthplace of Hip-Hop.
Scheduled for three days of music, comedy, female empowerment sessions, keynote speakers, and more, the festival marks a celebration of Women’s History Month. Presale tickets, available from Wednesday, March 6, through Thursday, March 7, with code STRENGTH, anticipate high demand. General ticket sales commence Friday, March 8, at 10 a.m. ET, accessible through www.soawfestival.com.
Crafted and guided by the illustrious Mary J. Blige, the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit stands as a unique venture in the market. The festival, exclusively steered by an all-Black, female team, promises a spring extravaganza in the heart of New York City. Following last year’s remarkable feat of selling out in under 72 hours, the festival returns with a lineup poised to create unforgettable moments.
The festival’s offerings include three nights of music and entertainment, headlined by Mary J. Blige and featuring special guests like 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Fat Joe, Jadakiss, Muni Long, Lola Brooke, and Funk Flex. A comedy show will feature renowned acts Tiffany Haddish, Don’t Call Me White Girl, and Paris Sashay, while a jazz concert with Robert Glasper promises soulful melodies. The weekend concludes with a gospel brunch hosted by Mary J. Blige and a gospel concert headlined by The Clark Sisters at Barclays.
Expressing her excitement, Mary J. Blige, Founder of the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit, shared, “I’m so excited to bring our Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit to my hometown, New York City, a place that has always been a huge source of inspiration for me. Having the opportunity to continue to uplift, inspire, and build within my community is the reason I created this festival.”
The festival aims to expand its footprint across New York City boroughs, fostering community and joy among women and underrepresented groups. After a successful launch in 2022 and positive feedback from attendees, this year’s Summit, scheduled for Saturday, May 11 at The Glasshouse, promises to deliver even more impactful programming.
Hosted by Angie Martinez, the Strength of a Woman Summit seeks to empower and engage with women through inspiring programming, pivotal panels, keynote speakers, workshops, and more. Mary J. Blige, a 9x GRAMMY award-winning artist, actress, producer, and global superstar, has dedicated her career to amplifying the voices of BIPOC women through music and truth-telling.
The festival represents the evolution of Blige’s life’s mission and purpose, focusing on music, wellness, tech, beauty, and financial literacy. With its robust lineup and commitment to empowerment, the Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Mary J. Blige and the power of female voices in the cultural landscape.
