Essence Music Festival

Make a Smilebox slideshow

Let's start off by saying that I had a great time. I felt at home in the Big Easy.
The trip started off kind of rocky. The airlines lost one of my bags. It was not the bag with my clothes and shoes thank GOD. They did find it and returned it to me late that evening.
Within the first two hours of arriving me and the homegirls went to Mother's Restaurant for our first meal. It was two blocks away from the hotel. We waited in the beaming sun for about 30 min to get inside. When we got in to my surprise it was like a diner. You find your own table and go through the line order and pay for your food. Everyone that works there call the ladies momma. The service cussed and fussed like they are at home. It was funny.

The first night of concerts the artist that performed were, Salt & Pepa, Ne-Yo, John Legend, and Beyonce. They all did great jobs entertaining the crowd. John Legend brought out Estelle and they performed together. It was cute.

Day Two we walked through the French Quarter. We had some beneits at Cafe Du Monde. We went to the Carol's Daughter store where we ran into the founder Lisa Price. We went to the French Market, which I always go to when I visit New Orleans. It is an outdoor market that sells everything from food to clothing. The performers for the second day were Jazmine Sullivan(who we missed), Robin Thicke(great) Charlie Wilson (Outstanding) he has unbelievable energy on stage, Anita Baker( flawless voice), Maxwell( who I love but had to leave, it was 2:30 before he got onstage).

Day Three we went to Harrahs to eat. We had every intention to go to the TD Jakes celebration but by the time we got to the convention center all the seat were gone. We did walk around the convention center an visit some of the booths. It was fantastic. There were so many talented minority artist and designers. We decided that we were going to have a special dinner for our last night. We went to NOLA one of Emril Lagasse's restaurants. It was worth it. We had great service and wonderful food. When we arrived to the Superdome for the last night of concerts we had missed EnVouge which I was sad , but a girl has to eat. We arrived when Teena Marie was already performing. She did a great job. She had her daughter sing with her and let me say that daughter has a big future ahead of her. Next was Al Green. A mix of R&B and Church. I don't know how I feel about that. Then Lionel Ritchie got on stage. Let me say that I really didn't want to see him. He made me a fan. He threw down. He had a Commadores reunion and the place went wild. Everyone was on their feet dancing and singing it was awesome. Then the Band that shuts it down. My moms favorite; Frankie Beverly and Maze. Everyone was doing slides in the the Superdome to his music. Dancing in the aisles. It was magical. It was like a big family reunion. This night had to be my favorite night of all.
I recommend you attend. The concerts lasted a little to long but it was worth it.
Thanks Essence, all the performers, all the wonderful vendors I meet, and the wonderful city of New Orleans.
See Ya Next Year.