African American music and culture unite for ESSENCE

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By Kayla Falgoust

New Orleans has one of the most distinct cultures in the world – one that has been shaped by an important African American presence since the city’s advent. Over the years, the history of African Americans in New Orleans has become a source of tremendous pride, and the city has transformed itself into an environment that welcomes and celebrates its rich African American heritage.

And, of course, no one celebrates anything quite like New Orleans, making this year’s Essence Music Festival one of the premier music festivals of the summer.

Traditionally held on Fourth of July weekend, the Essence Music Festival was first created in 1995 in order to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE magazine. However, the one-time event was soon transformed into an annual affair and became known as “the party with a purpose.” Today, the festival is the largest annual African American gathering in the United States.

The 2008 Essence Music Festival will feature Essence Empowerment Seminars, the Essence Marketplace, numerous cultural celebrations, and live music performances by several notable music artists.

This year’s Essence Empowerment Seminars will feature motivational speakers from across the United States on topics such as relationships, community involvement, and education. The seminar portion of the festival is free to the public and will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.

Notable speakers and guests at the Essence Empowerment Seminars include: Tyler Perry and the cast of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne; Reverend Al Sharpton; Bill Cosby; Bishop T.D. Jakes; CNN’s Soledad O’Brien and Roland Martin; Sheryl Lee Ralph; Tom Joyner; Dr. Juanita Bynum; Tye Tribbett; Regina Belle; New Orleans Mayor C. Ray Nagin; and many others.

The Essence Marketplace will also be located in the Convention Center and will feature an array of fine arts and crafts, including jewelry, paintings, clothing, and many handmade items. The Convention Center will also house food booths, exhibits by non-profit community organizations and festival sponsors, a book fair with book signings, celebrity meet-and-greets, and much more.

At night, the festival will feature several big-name performances on the Superdome’s main stage along with numerous local and lesser-known acts in the Superlongue areas.

Main stage performers include: J. Holiday; Rihanna; Chris Brown; Kanye West; LL Cool J; Musiq; Jill Scott; Morris Day; Keyshia Cole; Chris Rock; and Mary J. Blige. Additionally, Patti LaBelle will also take the main stage on Saturday with LaBelle members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx and several other supporting acts.

Notable Superlounge performers include: Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Terence Blanchard, Grandmaster Flash, Rebirth Brass Band, Solange Knowles, Preservation Jazz Hall Band’s Gospel Revival, Irma Thomas, and many others.

Musical performances will be hosted by Jonathan Slocumb, an African American comedian who often mixes his comedic routines with gospel messages. Tickets for the musical performances are available through Ticketmaster outlets. Regular ticket prices start at $56 while floor seats start at $83.

In sum, no event or gathering celebrates New Orleans’ African American heritage with such passion and enthusiasm as the Essence Music Festival, and after almost three years of rebuilding and recovering from Katrina, it’s just the kind of celebration that New Orleans needs.

Send your comments to editor@tigerweekly.com

Originally Published: Issue 691 - July 2, 2008

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