Essence Fest and its parent company are facing scrutiny after a new report alleges that organizers failed to make payments to the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. In question, the authorities for the convention center claim that Essence Fest allegedly owes them $406,000 in payments for production and other costs.
In a report from NOLA.com, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center is claiming that Sundial Media Group, the parent company for Essence Fest, owes them the aforementioned six-figure payment, and also owes another contractor. The outstanding debt, according to leaders at the center, is hampering efforts to secure state funding for the music and cultural festival.
The $406,000 is said to represent more than 60% of the operating costs of last summer’s three-day event, including workshops, panels, and the like. Last week, NOLA.com noted in its reporting that Sundial Media Group paid the convention $50,000…