Essence Music Festival

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Comment by Lisa on July 19, 2009 at 5:37pm

@Credit Guru - what after-party did you go to that Maxwell attended? Please tell me it wasn't at HUSH because we had tickets, went there and thought Maxwell wasnt going to come. PLEASE say you were somewhere else or I'm gonna kick myself!!!!! Thanks sister!!!

Comment by Credit Guru (WE ARE NOT FREE)!! on July 18, 2009 at 7:54pm

I am still stick from the trip.. I lost almost all my pictures from the fun I had. I went to the MAXWELL after party and was six feet from him and could not touch him!! I did get him on video etc.. Oh well, maybe next time..I will update my profile with the picture that I do have.. I got to take a picture with Thelma from GOOD TIMES and Michael. Yeah..

Comment by Chelle Dene on July 18, 2009 at 4:15pm

As a native New Orleanian, I always enjoy myself at the Essence Festival. There are so many activities during that 3 day time frame that it is impossible to catch everything, but I will continue to try. I too was disappointed with Maxwell's late arrival but the other performers made up for it. Eric Benet, Ledisi, Envogue, Neyo, Tina Marie, Beyonce, Robin Thicke, Lionel Richie and Maze f. the St. Augustine high school marching band blew me away. I really wanted to see more of the superlounge acts but I could not be it two places at once. Essence should bring Captain Charles to the main stage!!! I repeat, Essence should bring DJ Captain Charles to the main stage! He would have kept the audience on their feet during the wait for the next act. I did not have a problem with Jonathan Slocuum. He is far more professional than Steve Harvey. I remember the year that Steve dropped an F bomb on a young lady who was sitting up front. He said she didn't have any money....etc. I thought that was tacky.

Also, lets not forget the activities during the day at the convention center. I always tell my friends that even if you can only afford your hotel and flight, you can still have a great time. If you can't attend the concerts, the convention center has seminars, musical performances, book signings and panel discussions that are absolutely free. On Saturday, there was a free performace by Joe, Maxwell was available signing CDs, Idris answered questions from the audience and Queen Latifah answered questions. On Sunday, the convention center has what I call Christian day. Those in attendance were Mary Mary, BeBe and CeCe Winans, TD Jakes, various church choirs, and many other artists.... all for free.

BTW, it was reported that more than 378,000 people attended Essence this year. This broke the record of previous years of 270,000. With these kinds of numbers, more performers and attendees should wake up and take notice that Essence is the place to be, hands down. New Orleans is definitely the place to be if you are looking for a good time during the 4th of July weekend. As long as the Essence Music Festival is in New Orleans, I will continue to attend. Also remember, with each visit comes experience with scheduling, taxis, walk routes and hotels. Also, a little advance planning or alliances with others who know the area would help make your stay enjoyable. I am an EMF fan and I pray that it stays in New Orleans. If you don't attend at least once, you are truly missing out.

Comment by Loretta Gerald on July 15, 2009 at 3:07pm

i went to the EMF for the first time and had a great time. Because it was my first time, it was hard for us to navigate the conven. ctr. to find food, etc but we found them eventually. A map would have been nice and also a schedule of all the events and stars. Also the seminars were nice but seemed to always be 1 hour behind, so we missed alot of the presenters. Maybe someone here can give advice on how to navigate if I go back next year? We stayed at the Holliday Inn Superdome and it was very convenient to the dome (we walked) and the people there were fairly accomodating. Overall I had a good time to say it was my first time to N.O. and I will consider returining.

Comment by Doreen Wade on July 15, 2009 at 7:55am

As a member of black press I was offered press credentials once, I would like to know how to go about getting them for the 2010 year. If I start now, I can get on the list in time. smile.

Comment by Monica on July 11, 2009 at 11:53pm

This was my 5th visit and I really liked the line up this year. I thought the taxi situation getting from the concerts was the worst this year than years past. Shuttles is a great idea. I was disappointed with the late arrival of Maxwell on Saturday night but I will continue to support the festival. I think Essence provides a lot for the 3 days and I find it hard to take in the sites of NOLA because I hate to miss the seminars and activities at the Convention Ctr and by the days end all you have time to do is get ready for the concerts. I thought the food venders were improved from previous years as well. I especially enjoyed Lionel Richie at the dome and the Brother's unplugged seminar. Please bring back Idris next year because I missed his after party and his interview at the convention center. Next year bring some of the other 'Wire' male actors as well. Stay blessed.

Comment by Selwyn Walker on July 9, 2009 at 8:41am

This was my 2nd time attending . And I have learned something new both times. As far as having shuttles to the convention center and superdome. I like that idea. But if that is never done. It is just a trade off depending on where your hotel is. This year I stayed @ the Hampton Inn & Suites on convention center drive and that was good for attending events there. But yes it was a hike to dome. So it is all about choices of location where your hotel is.

Comment by Candice Martin on July 9, 2009 at 8:12am

Hello to all! This was my first year going to EMF and I had a good time. I enjoyed the concerts but wished we could hear the other performers besides the main headliner. Also I enjoyed Dwele and Ledisi!!! I will definitely be back on next year. I also hope to meet up with people who I emailed and emailed me.

Comment by nola boy rome on July 8, 2009 at 7:20pm

Didn't get to take in any events this year due to work, but i 'm glad to see that everyone had a good time. Essence set a new record for attendence 457,000 people were here over the three day event. I'll be off next year and i cant wait.

Comment by Ms. T. "The Toy Lady" on July 8, 2009 at 2:03pm

I love to see her perform!!!

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