Alex Galbraith

He has a distinct voice that you will come to know more as you follow VL NOLA. He has shown himself to be an intrepid entertainment and culture writer, who always knows about the best events, happenings and performers before anybody else. Now, he’s going to tell you all about them here at Very Local NOLA.

Essence Outsider: Notes From A Fest First-Timer

By Alex Galbraith / July 9, 2018

My first-ever Essence Fest experience will not be my last.

Big Freedia showed Essence Fest why she reigns as the Queen Diva of Bounce

By Alex Galbraith / July 9, 2018

Big Freedia toasted her long-time fans while welcoming newcomers in her Essence sets.

Mykia Jovan Was One Of The Best Parts Of Essence Fest’s First Day

By Alex Galbraith / July 7, 2018

Mykia Jovan captivated a tight-knit crowd on the first day of Essence Fest.

New Orleans As All Pell: Rapper Turns In Impressive Essence Show

By Alex Galbraith / July 7, 2018

Pell lit up a hometown crowd with the help of a few other New Orleans musicians.

DJ Kristi Sugarcookie, New Orleans DJs,

DJ Kristi Sugarcookie Will Bring NOLA Flavor To Essence Fest’s Seminars

By Alex Galbraith / July 6, 2018

Catch DJ Kristi Sugarcookie when she spins her favorite records at the Essence Fest Beauty & Style stage!

Giving Back: Essence Fest Day of Service Helps Beautify Ashé Cultural Arts Center

By Alex Galbraith / July 5, 2018

MIC-AMPED campers cleaned up the Ashe Cultural Arts Center in Central City as part of Essence Fest

Barrow’s Catfish, Hollygrove Institution Shuttered After Katrina, To Re-Open Friday

By Alex Galbraith / July 5, 2018

The new Barrow’s will have a menu that moves beyond its deep-fried roots, but catfish will still be the restaurant’s signature dish.

The Best Essence Fest Parties To Hit Up This Weekend

By Alex Galbraith / July 5, 2018

There’s quite a few Essence-esque places to get into trouble this weekend, if you want to leave the Superdome.

black restaurant week, new orleans black-owned restaurants, new orleans restaurants, where to eat during essence fest

Where To Eat For New Orleans’ First ‘Black Restaurant Week’

By Alex Galbraith / July 3, 2018

Black Restaurant Week celebrates restaurants owned by the same people who made New Orleans’ cuisine what it is.

The Best New Orleans Acts To See During Essence Fest 2018

By Alex Galbraith / July 3, 2018

There will be plenty of time to see out-of-town acts at Essence Fest, but you should make time in your schedule for these local legends and rising stars.