Despite the gloomy weather and threat of rain, thousands turned out to the two day food and music festival at The Crown Festival Park in Sugar Land, Texas. At the fest, music was not the only thing to be found, attendees could play spades, listen live to podcasts, attend cooking demos, and participate in wine/cocktail tastings. The festival highlighted renowned black chefs, business owners, mixologists, taste makers, and social media stars. Attendees got to see the likes of Bun B, McBride Sisters, Kalen Allen, Tabitha Brown, Kelis, Latoya Luckett, and more at these stages. The Beats stage hosted a load of musical talent including performances by Tobe Nwigwe, Summer Walker, Miguel, Lucky Daye, Tems, Mary J Blige, and more.
There were a total of three stages: one for music, one for cooking demos, and a third for studio HL. Overall it was a foodie’s dream. The fest included an array of food vendors from different cultures where you could travel to get African food, wings, keto friendly cookies, Lobster and steak fries, Jerk Chicken Empanadas, or even one of Bun B’s infamous Trill Burgers.
Day one performance highlights included Houston’s own Tobe Nwigue who brought his mint vision to the stage with backup dancers galore and surprise appearances by some of his children. Summer Walker filled in for Jazmine Sullivan and brought a dazzling performance out of any little girl’s makeup room fantasy. She performed hits including “Body,” “Come Thru,” and “Playing Games.” Walker even brought out Latoya Luckett for a surprise performance. The night ended with a energy filled set by Miguel who performed crowd favorites “Do You” and “How Many Drinks?.” The day ran smoothly until it came time to leave. Shuttles were taking 2-3 hours to leave. Despite the long lines and cold weather, most of the fans seemed happy with their experience.
Day two weather took a turn but despite the consistent downpour, the crowd never wavered. They stuck out the rain and mud as they watched highlight performances by Coco Jones, Lucky Daye, Tems, Houston Allstars, and Mary J Blige. Coco Jones performed as the first rain drops fell. In a feather brown two piece jumpsuit she sang and danced her way around the stage performing “ICU,” “Plan B,” and “Ex-Factor.” A little later Lucky Daye serenaded the crowd with songs both old and new including “Late Night,” “Roll Some Mo,” and “Candy Drip.” The most anticipated performance of the night was Tems. With a perfect blend of afrobeats and R&B, Tems showcased her range while singing “Ice T,” “Free Mind,” “Replay,” “Essence,” and “Wait For U.” Tems announced it was her last show in the US before exiting the stage. After an hour with the Houston Allstars: Scarface,Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Paul Wall and Bun B,
Mary J Blige took to the stage in a sexy black one piece performing “You Remind Me.” She followed this up with an array of hits including “Real Love,” “I’m Goin Down,” “Not Gon’ Cry” and many more.
Overall Honeyland was a positive experience in community, food, cooking, culture, and music. An event that left attendees feeling fulfilled. With a few tweaks, I could see Honeyland returning stronger than ever next year.
HONEYLAND FESTIVAL
Photos + Review by Stephanie Tacy | Exclusively for Music, Why Not!