Another Essence Music Festival has come and gone and what a phenomenal one it was. With this year being the 15th Anniversary celebration, by all accounts it was probably the best attended one since it's inception.
New Orleans, Louisiana, is the home of the largest African-American music festival which traditionally falls on the fourth of July weekend. Attracting over 200,000 attendees, the festival brings in people from all over the world and is one on the most anticipated yearly events and weekend-getaway destinations.
With mini-concerts, autograph signings, empowerment seminars, taste-testing, dance lessons, and giveaways, The Ernest N. Morial Convention Centre was buzzing with excitement and lots of celebrities. Just some of the people who made special appearances were: Queen Latifah, Michael Bivens, John Legend, Maxwell, Teena Marie, Idris Elba and Al B. Sure.
This year's three-night concert line-up was undeniably one of the best ever. It included a multitude of multi-talented artists such as Beyonce, Neyo, Salt N Pepa, Maxwell, Lionel Richie, Al Green and Anita Baker on the main stages while Raphael Saddiq, Neo-Soul Artist, Ledisi, Brand New Heavies and R&B newcomer, Ryan Leslie, did their thing in the super lounges located in the upper levels of the Superdome.
With the recent death of Michael Jackson still on everyone's minds, most artists took time out to remember him and his contributions to the music world.
Legendary funksters, Frankie Beverly and Maze, whose popular tracks "Joy and Pain" and "Before I Let Go" still rock the dancefloors today, wrapped up the weekend late into the wee hours of the morning as they have done for the last 15 years. A special tribute was done to honour Beverly and he was given the key to the city from Mayor Ray Nagin for his accomplishments. Known for wearing all white at his shows, the majority of the Essence fest goers followed suit as all you could see in the crowd was a sea of white. There is speculation that this may have been Beverly's last appearance at the festival and if it is, it will be a undoubtedly be a great loss.
The 2010 Essence Music Festival promises to be even bigger and better as Essence Magazine celebrates it's 40th year.
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