Jul 6, 2011
I had the pleasure of attending Essence Music Festival this past weekend. This was my first time being able to take part in the festivities. Each day of Festival there were many artists local and national I wanted to see. In particular Saturday and Sunday was the days for me.
It has been awhile since I been in the Superdome so it was great to see the new and improved Superdome. I was very proud to see the great things happening at the Superdome in addition to our new and improved roof.
Upon entrance, it was amazing to see so many people in town to visit New Orleans as well as take part in the festivities. Recent conversations suggest there was upwards of 100k and more in town throughout the Fourth of July Weekend. I met people from California, New York, to Mississippi. Literally people from all over! It was truly a great experience and opportunity to see different individual experiences in New Orleans, which always seemed to be favorable and focused a lot on the food.
On Saturday night, I was beyond thrilled because I got a chance to see one of my favorite Hip Hop artists, Kanye West. Kanye West along with Jill Scott, Chaka Khan, and El Debarge hit the main stage. The music was back to back all giving phenomenal performances that rocked the crowds. Festival -Goers were dancing in their seats and two stepping in the aisles. In the Superlounge you get a similar scene, but filled with festivalgoers to the max dancing and enjoying even more music between main stage acts. I was able to catch my beloved Morris Day and the Time in the Superlounge performing to a pack room of all ages. Scenes such as this just show how love for music is not lost on different ages, especially in New Orleans. New Orleans has a way of helping you to appreciate all types of music, maybe it’s in our air.
On Sunday night, I had a chance to see on the main stage Kem, Trey Songs and New Edition. All 6 members of New Edition, including Bobby Brown was on stage together for the first time in years. All throughout the stadium you heard screams as if the room was filled with 16 year old girls. Everyone reminicing and channeling their teen years. It was great and truly exciting especially for me being a big New Edition Fan. In the Superlounges, people were getting an experience like no other from George Clinton and P-Funk. I’m sure New Orleans own DJ Soul Sister was on front row leading everyone onto the mothership.
The weekend was beyond a great experience. I must say Essence Music Festival is definitely major on my list of music festivals. If you want a taste of Rhythm and Blues and Hip Hop, mixed with some Funk and jazz this is one event not to miss.