The Essence Music Festival officially kicked off its 17th annual celebration of black music and cultural empowerment Thursday afternoon in New Orleans. Nearly 400,000 people are expected to converge on the city over the holiday weekend to participate in workshops, panel discussions and headlining concerts.
"We feel so at home in this city and this state," Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., said during a news conference held inside the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center where a myriad of free activities linked to the festival will occur.
Ebanks reminded the crowd in attendance why the festival began in 1995.
"When the idea to commemorate the magazine's 25th anniversary with a concert came up, our then-editor Susan L. Taylor said we should have a party," Ebanks said. "But she reminded us that we're Essence. We can't just have a party. We must be present in the lives of the people in New Orleans, Louisiana."
And thus the idea of "a party with a purpose" was born.
"When we're present there's the possibility, through connections with others, to transform into your better self," Ebanks said. "This is where we can be present in the lives of people and feel at home."
Fans lucky enough to be in attendance at the main stage in the newly renovated Louisiana Superdome Friday night will bear witness to what, on paper at least, looks to be as entertaining an opening-night roster as Essence has ever presented. Boyz II Men, Fantasia, Jennifer Hudson and Charlie Wilson, followed by Usher. In the Superlounges fans will get up-close and personal with: Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Dwele, Irma Thomas, Macy Gray, Mavis Staples, Mint Condition, Miquel, Noel Gourdin, Soul Rebels Brass Band and Tank.
Saturday's mainstage headliner is none other than Kanye West. Ms Jill Scott will also be performing, along with Chaka Khan and El Debarge. In the Superlounges you will find: Charmaine Neville, Eric Benet, Morris Day & the Time, Naughty by Nature, Shamarr Allen, Stephanie Mills, Timothy Bloom and To Be Continued Brass Band.
Sunday you'll see Mary J. Blige, a New Edition reunion, Trey Songz and KEM on the main stage. In the Superlounges you'll hear: Brian Courtney Wilson, Doug E. Fresh, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Hal Linton, Hot 8 Brass Band, Kelly Price, Kourtney Heart, Loose Ends, MC Lyte, Rebirth Brass Band, Trin-i-Tee and Vanessa Bell Armstrong.
The Convention Center will be transformed into the Essence Marketplace all weekend long, and will be packed with booths featuring African-American artists, writers, craftsmen, culinary artists and businesspeople. You may also experience zydeco bands, impromptu dance parties and celebrity signing and sightings all around.
For a breakdown of who will appear at the the daily Empowerment Seminars, visit the Essence speaker schedule. There are also always several celebrities visiting the Essence Livestage and at the daily book-signings.
Make sure you subscribe at the top of the page so can be the first to see footage of the 2011 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. For now, you can check out Chrisette Michele performing at the 2010 event to your left.
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