BLIGE POWERS STRENGTH FESTIVAL

Mary J. Blige is launching the inaugural Strength of a Woman Festival and Summit over Mother’s Day weekend with Pepsi and Live Nation Urban.

The three-day festival will be held at various locations in Atlanta 5/6-8. Focused on music, wellness, tech, beauty and financial literacy, it will include a concert at State Farm Arena featuring, among others, Blige, Chaka Khan and City Girls.

The festival is the brainchild of Blige, MJB Inc. VP Nicole Jackson and The Ayars Agency's Ashaunna Ayars.

"The idea for the festival came to us after early listening sessions of my latest album with my family and friends and women in the industry,” Blige said. “Each time, the people in the room would share a story, oftentimes of heartbreak or pain, but they always ended with joy and love and how their girlfriends or mom or sister helped them find their voice and strength. We felt like after two years of being inside and having to endure so much, that this was the type of experience that people, especially women, deserved.”

Strength of a Woman is the first festival of its kind to have women not only as the performing acts, but as the decision-makers behind the scenes. “I’m thrilled to present a powerful lineup of all-female talent headlined by, and in partnership with, Mary J Blige for the Inaugural Strength of a Woman Weekend in Atlanta," said Mari Davies, VP of Booking and Talent at Live Nation Urban. "Mary’s story and career are so inspirational, relatable, and triumphant. The weekend will showcase and celebrate strong talented women across generations and I’m proud to be a part of such a special weekend. This is for us and by us."

The outing kicks off with a comedy show at Buckhead Theater featuring Ms. Pat, Wanda, Just Nesh and Erica Duchess and a concert at Tabernacle Atlanta with Kiana Ledè, Emotional Oranges, Rubi Rose and others.

The Strength of a Woman Summit will transpire at The Gathering Spot on 5/7, with a Mother’s Day Brunch at City Winery wrapping the event.