By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices
The 13th Annual Essence Music Festival officially kicks off with a press conference on the morning of July 5, as tens of thousands of festival-goers converge on the Crescent City for a weekend filled with a host of festivities including empowering seminars, dynamic workshops and star-studded concert line-ups.
This year's event is a big deal for festival organizers -- as it is the official return for Essence Fest (one of the most successful annual attractions in New Orleans) since Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in 2005.
Last year's event -- while attracting its loyal legion of supporters -- took place in Houston but drew mixed reaction from many. The Texas city just wasn't prepared for an event of that magnitude. Some patrons complained of a lack of hospitality too.
While New Orleans, still being rebuilt, is a far cry from the revitalized cosmopolitan epicenter, the return of 'Essence' is a step in the right direction and a welcomed reprieve.
"New Orleans is just the obvious choice," said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications, upon announcing the return to The Big Easy last fall. "It is just the perfect city with phenomenal venues. It's also important for the festival to participate in the rebirth of this city."
The special theme of this year's event is "Claiming our City...Claiming Ourselves," with proceeds benefiting the Children's Defense Fund.
Along with a countless line-up of performers such as Queen of Hip-Hop/Soul Mary J. Blige, Smokie Norful, Beyonce, Chris Brown, MC Lyte, Ciara, Elisabeth Withers-Mendes, Steve Harvey, Doug E. Fresh, Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley, Ludacris, Kindred the Family Soul, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Angie Stone, Ne-Yo, Ruben Studdard, The O'Jays with Keith Sweat, and Johnny Gill, Lionel Richie, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Slum Village, Kelly Rowland, and blue-eyed, Neo-Soul crooner Robin Thicke, the 2007 Essence Fest will pack a major political punch.
U.S. Senators and presidential candidates Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton will join an already-powerful line-up of public speakers, and religious and political leaders.
They both are scheduled to address what is believed to be the nation's largest annual gathering of African-Americans celebrating Black music and culture. Obama will appear during July 5th's mainstage performances at the Louisiana Superdome, and Clinton will have a "conversation" on July 6 during the empowerment seminars at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the day.
"The presence of Senator Obama in the Superdome on opening night will have a tremendous impact on New Orleans and is sure to put joy and much-needed hope into the hearts of the people," said 'Essence' magazine's Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor.
"We are very excited to have Senator Clinton join us and share in the dialogue ... especially this year as we are 'Coming Home'," offered Ebanks. "An appearance by a leading presidential candidate underscores the social and cultural significance of the Essence Music Festival and will help us to shine a spotlight on New Orleans' continued recovery."
BV ON THE SCENE: Check this space for periodic updates live from the 2007 Essence Music Festival.
In the meantime, Beyonce is looking forward to "Coming Home" below ...
BV Extras:
Comments: (20)
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By: jacqueline celestin fils-aime on 7/04/2007 12:12PM
... ViVe LA REPUBLIQUE
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By: Dumane on 7/04/2007 10:59PM
Looks really boring!!!! I am from New Orleans and will not be attnedning. Being that Essence is owned by white people
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By: Marvice Young on 7/04/2007 11:24PM
I'm shocked. I was upset that I couldn't make it this year, but now that I hear Essence is no longer black owned, I don't think I can look at it the same. I didn't know Essence was owned by non-black. Can we blacks keep anything? Why must we always sell off everything to someone else. And why are the Clinton's always being pushed upon us as if they are of some importance to black people. I'm not a Democrat, but I think Senator Obama and Mrs. Obama, would have been a better choice period.
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By: Cecil Jones on 7/05/2007 12:31AM
Anyone that has been following the tragedy that accompanied the Bush Administration since his selection would recognize a pattern has formed. The problems we are encountering are "Man-Made". HIV is a global crisis because we didn't care about a disease that targets "Gay People". We didn't care where our prison blood was shipped. We didn't care that the FDA ruled it wasn't good enough to use in the USA, but we could send it to Canada. We ignored the fact that this administration identified New York, New Orleans, and San Francisco as potential terror targets. On 9-11 we saw what could happen if we had no air defenses. In Katrina, we witnessed what could happen if the government didn't care about the leeves. In this jazz festival, it's just another opportunity to see how much we don't care about people with nothing. Will you care if San Francisco falls?
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By: Lela Battle on 7/05/2007 1:08AM
The Essence Music Festival is a urban culical entertainment veane there are so many artists in this one New Orleans area for the 1st time since Harrciane Katrina in 2005. But some of today's young artists as well have thier line-up as well.
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By: WILLIE on 7/05/2007 1:12PM
I HAD BEEN A REGULAR ESSENCE FESTIVAL ATTENDER AS PART OF MY BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION. I ATTENDED THE ONE BEFORE KATRINA & KNEW TEXAS WAS NOT GOING TO BE ABLE TO HANDLE THE EVENT. YOU COULD TELL THAT BY THE SCATTERED ACTIVITIES & THE CONCERT VENUE.
AS MUCH AS I WOULD LOVE TO RETURN TO NEW ORLEANS I REFUSE TO DO SO. PEOPLE ARE RUSHING BACK TO A SITE WHERE CONTAMINATED WATER WAS PUMPED INTO THE SAME WATER WHERE THE CITY GETS MOST OF IT'S FISH, CRAWLFISH & OTHER FOODS. THESE SPECIES HAVE BEEN CONTAMINATED WITH THE DEBRIS. THE SOIL IS CONTAMINATED & THE RAIN EXPECTED THIS WEEK WILL CAUSE THE SOIL TO PRODUCE THAT CONTAMINATION & ALL THE FOLKS WALKING AROUND WITH SANDALS & BARE FEET WILL PAY FOR IT.
3-5 YEARS FROM NOW WE WILL HEAR ABOUT STRANGE ILLNESSES EFFECTING PEOPLE IN THAT AREA & WHO HAVE BEEN IN THE AREA. WATCH & SEE! THIS INFO. PROVIDED BY A PROPERTY INSPECTOR WHO KNOW'S IS STUFF.
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By: Bob Burnett on 7/05/2007 11:55AM
What is going on with our people (African Americans). Going back not too long ago when Parks Sausage sold to whites, BET sold out to Whites, and now one of the most respected Black magazines (Essence Magazine) sells out to Whites. What's next Blacks people, Ebony & Jet? When we sell out, we get rich, but what happens to some and most Black workers, well, they are replaced with White workers, but we never hear about that do we? Trust me ladies and gententelmen we are replaced. Why not sell to other rich Blacks? We do have many multi-millionaires in the field of Sports, Singers, Actors, Politicians, etc. Thank you.
Bob Burnett
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By: Jenifer on 7/05/2007 2:06PM
When Essence was sold, Obviously black folk w/money weren't interested in making the purchase. Even w/that scenario, it amazes me that you can still find a way to blame white america. Essence did not "sell out" - they sold a business. Being black owned contributed to their success, but the biggest key to their success was the fact that they catered to black people and as long as they continue with that recipe, I'll continue to subscribe, regardless of who signs their checks. There's a mentality within our culture where we're constantly trying to maintain ownership rights on stuff - jazz music, excellence in sports, soul food... oppression(?) Those are things that we are exceptional at than but that's only a small part of what defines us. Rather than clogging up blogs with communications about how everybody's always trying to "take our stuff, our businesses, our culture, our place", we need to be exploring and mastering new territory - this hangin' with the old state of mind stuff does nothing but slow your mental grow. We are a blessed people with a rich legacy, but when all is said and done, the only thing you really own is your soul, and in that realm - color has no significance, as so eloquently stated numerous times by Essence Chief Editor, Susan Taylor. You can stay in the old mindset if you want to, but you'll get left behind.
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By: Michele on 7/05/2007 2:42PM
I have to agree with Jenifer's blog, we are people, not colors. God created man, man created racial lines. Until we all learn to live and love eachother regardless to race and social class, we will all continue to live in sin. I am proud of my heritage and respect the sacrifices made on mybehalf, but I also know that those sacrifices were made so that I would not have to endure the trama and degregation that plagued my ancestors. I respect that and try to live and grow from it, not festor in it's hate and oppression. May God have mercy on all of us...Mankind!
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By: Afordlove on 7/05/2007 7:37PM
Whenever Blacks get together Bill and Hillary seem to be there? LQQK Black People they have done nothing for us and will continue to do nothing for us so Stop putting it out as if they are the first Black Mix couple to sit in the White House? NO Bill Clinton was not the first Black President. We have many Black President in Africa and the First Black Female President ever in Africa. Learn your History my people and learn to stand as one and start doing for eachother and stop being Pimp and Killing eachother. Amen
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