IMG and Live Nation Urban announced the creation of “Honeyland,” a new festival showcasing the best in Black expression. From food and spirits to music and art, the two-day festival will soon take over Crown Festival Park at Sugar Land, outside of Houston, on November 11-12, 2023.
Honeyland aims to celebrate the past, present, and future of Black cuisine and beverage across the globe. The lineup will also highlight Black musicians and artists who have shaped the modern landscape of music today. For its inaugural festival, Honeyland finds its home in one of the country’s most eclectic food and music scenes.
Amplifying Black Food And Beverage Across The Diaspora
Nationally renowned chef, author, and TV personality, Marcus Samuelsson, will serve as Honeyland’s food curator. Similarly, Fawn Weaver, Founder and CEO of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey, will serve as Honeyland’s spirits and beverage curator. Both preeminent voices in the Black culinary landscape will help curate the festival’s food and beverage programming, respectively.
“For centuries, Black people have expressed themselves through the creation of foods that still serve as cultural staples in our community,” said Marcus Samuelsson. “Our cuisine is layered and complex with inspirations from the African continent, to the U.S. South, to the Caribbean, and beyond. Honeyland will be an incredible celebration of this cross-section of food and culture.”
“Beverages have always played an important role in the American dining experience, and Black innovators have always been at the forefront,” said Fawn Weaver. “Black mixologists laid the foundation for modern cocktails with the creation of drinks like the classic Mint Julep, and enslaved Africans were the backbone of the whiskey and rum business in our nation. I’m delighted that Honeyland is committed to showcasing the rich history of spirits and beverages, and uplifting the legacy of Black mixologists, blenders, wine négociants, and distillers who are too often forgotten.”
Fostering Diversity In The Hospitality Industry
Honeyland is also working to create a lasting impact in the communities it celebrates. Supporting local economic development, the festival will prioritize hiring and working with local and diverse vendors. Honeyland is also creating a strategic philanthropic initiative, The Honeyland Fund.
Through the Fund, Honeyland aims to invest $1 million in grants to Black creators in Houston. Financial support, professional training, and career development for Black creators in the Houston area are the focus of its initiatives. The Honeyland Fund will ultimately help efforts to elevate the next generation of diverse hospitality leaders.
“Honeyland is a destination we’ve imagined to spotlight the best in Black expression, from the cuisines that have inspired culinary staples around the world to the music that has helped shape popular culture for generations,” said Staci Hallmon, IMG’s Senior Vice President of Arts and Entertainment Events in North America and Shawn Gee, President of Live Nation Urban, in a joint statement. “We are excited to bring Honeyland to life this fall, and we look forward to showcasing the incredible food creators and musical acts who are prime examples of Black excellence in Houston and around the country.”
Two-day GA and VIP passes will go on sale in the coming weeks. Announcements on the full culinary, beverage, and star-studded music lineups will follow later this summer. For more information on Honeyland, and to be notified when tickets go on sale, visit HoneylandFestival.com.
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