Outdoor festivals May 8, 2008
Essence Music Festival. Produced by the popular magazine, this New Orleans fest is drawing such major names as Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Chris Rock, Chris Brown, Jill Scott and perennial favorites Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Hospitality Industry Report, 2nd Quarter 2008 May 7, 2008
New Orleans Wine and Food Experience: May 21-25, 2008 Greek Festival New Orleans 2008: May 23-25, 2008 Back to the Beach Festival: May 30-June 1, 2008 Louisiana Seafood Festival, Cajun/Zydeco Music Festival and French Market Creole Tomato Festival: June 7-10, 2008 Essence Music Festival: July 4-6, 2008 Tales of the Cocktail: July 16-20, 2008 COOLinary New Orleans restaurant promotion: July 1-August 31, 2008 Satchmo SummerFest: July 31-August 3, 2008. Consistently recognized as one of the top... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
How Black Radio Found Its Voice Apr 7, 2008
Senator Barack Obama and radio host Tom Joyner (with Essence Communications president Michelle Ebanks) at the 2007 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans Johnny Nunez / WireImage / Getty Article Tools. Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity and Bill O'Reilly dominate roughly 90% of America's talk radio programs. (Time.com)
Mr/Ms. Multiple Mar 29, 2008
Oh and I m contemplating going to the Essence Music Festival. By GaMan. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
New Orleans tourism on the rise Feb 21, 2008
The French Quarter Festival in April is followed by Jazz Fest in late April and early May, and the Essence Music Festival in July. The city also is set to host a summit of North American leaders in April. (MSNBC -- Travel)
Glastonbury puzzleOrganisers say a black US artist will headline - but who is it? Jan 11, 2008
Festival form: Beyonce was the main attraction at two festivals in 2007 - as a singer at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, and an actress at the Cannes Film Festival. Crowd-pleasing anthem: Too many to mention - but Crazy In Love, Survivor and Beautiful Liar are among her UK chart-toppers. (BBC News -- Entertainment)
LSU's "Big Fav" gets lyrical about BCS championship in his hometown Dec 29, 2007
Like many who call this place home, he worried about how long it would take before he could once again revel in the traditions he grew up with -- things like Mardi Gras parades rolling past spectators drinking "hand grenades" along St. Charles Avenue, the Essence Music Festival, brass music emanating from second-line parades in old neighborhoods of colorful "shotgun" style homes and Saints games in the Superdome. He recalled a feeling of wholeness upon seeing the Saints' first game back in the... (WWLTV.com, LA)
Mary J. Blige to perform at GM Style Dec 11, 2007
Mary J. Blige performs during the 2007 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Saturday, July 7, 2007, ending the three-day festival ... Mary J. Blige performs during the 2007 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Saturday, July 7, 2007, ending the three-day festival. (Detroit Free Press)
New Orleans Convention and Visitors Bureau Issues 'State of the City' Report, August 2007 Aug 14, 2007
In 2007 alone, New Orleans has safely and successfully hosted more than one million visitors for ESSENCE Music Festival, Mardi Gras, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival, French Quarter Festival, major sporting events, cultural festivals, corporate meetings, large citywide conventions such as the American College of Cardiology, Risk & Insurance Management Society and more. Today, airlines are adding new flights to Louis Armstrong International Airport; the city has one of the freshest hotel... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Don't Miss: Steve Harvey Aug 4, 2007
Comedian Steve Harvey performs during the Essence Music Festival in the Superdome in New Orleans. August 3, 2007. (Orlando Sentinel -- Entertainment)
'A Day Of Presence' in Support Of Gulf Coast Recovery: We Matter, We Care, We Act Aug 2, 2007
"Enough is enough!" said Taylor, during the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. "It's the shame of the nation," she said before tens of thousands gathered in the Superdome, "that the people of New Orleans and the Gulf Coast have been abandoned and are suffering without the most basic necessary supports while our tax dollars are directed toward war." During the recent Essence Festival, a group of celebrities and national leaders talked to local elected officials, organizers and citizens about... (PR Newswire)
Nagin at fundraiser as debate over crime case erupts Jul 13, 2007
" Last Saturday, at a meeting on housing, Nagin strongly defended his record and efforts to try to move the city forward. But he used terms like "thankless work" to describe his job. He said he was "getting worn out" -- but still plans to push ahead. On Thursday, Nagin said some of his comments may have been borne of frustration and fatigue from his activities at last weekend's Essence Music Festival. "I am staying focused on being mayor of the city of New Orleans and listening to a lot of... (WWLTV.com, LA)
Nicole Richie's trial delayed till August Jul 12, 2007
BEIJING, July 9 (Xinhuanet) -- Rythm & Blues legend Lionel Richie said his daughter Nicole is "just in an unfortunate situation," Saturday night after his performance at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Nicole Richie, 25, is scheduled to go on trial Wednesday. (Xinhuanet, China)
Ne-Yo Shrugs Off Karrine Steffans, Sets Sights On Mary J. Blige Jul 11, 2007
At the Essence Music Festival on Saturday, the singer/songwriter shrugged off any romantic affiliation with the infamous model-turned-author, who is planning a second book, "The Vixen Diaries." Last week we reported that Steffans told King magazine about a night in which Ne-Yo rubbed and bit her feet before telling her, "I don't care what happened before, but your life didn't start until the day you met me, and no matter what happens if we just stay friends, we end up together, it doesn't... (VHI.com -- Music News)
Scenes of Katrina catastrophe become venues of hope Jul 9, 2007
Even so, it took the Essence Music Festival just one decade to become the defining summer event within New Orleans' seasonal cycle ... " Virtually every other Essence performer echoed such sentiments, many doing so repeatedly. In between the Isleys and O'Jays, presidential hopeful Barack Obama addressed the crowd. Considered in purely musical terms, his groove did not quite move, especially in comparison to a spirited introduction by Dr. Michael Eric Dyson. Obama's cadences were a bit stiff; he... (USA Today)
The 13th Annual 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola Celebrated the Fourth of July Weekend in New Orleans Jul 9, 2007
More than 200,000 Festival-goers attended the 'Coming Home' Celebration of the renowned 'Party With a Purpose' at the Louisiana Superdome featuring star-studded concert performances by Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Steve Harvey, Ludacris, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Ne-Yo, The O'Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Lionel Richie, Ciara, and Robin Thicke Plus Special Appearances by 2008 Presidential Candidates Senators Barack Obama and Hillary Rodham Clinton NEW ORLEANS, July 8... (PR Newswire)
Obama urges crowd to change America Jul 9, 2007
NEW ORLEANS - Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama urged spectators at the Essence Music Festival to help change the course of American history by addressing the social ills brought to light by Hurricane Katrina. ADVERTISEMENT. (Yahoo News -- Politics)
Lionel Richie Addresses Daughter's Case Jul 9, 2007
(AP) NEW ORLEANS Lionel Richie didn't skirt questions about his daughter's drunken-driving case after his performance at the Essence Music Festival ... An estimated 200,000 people attended the Essence Music Festival, which returned to New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina, festival officials said Sunday. (CBS2.com, CA)
Essence Music Fest closes as it opened: a mix of young and old Jul 8, 2007
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Essence Music Festival is closing its homecoming celebration Saturday night with a mixture of old school funk and urban contemporary performances. They're wrapped around a full day of free seminars highlighted by celebrity appearances from rappers Common and Chuck D.. (KSLA.com, LA)
Vendors have mixed reviews about 2007 Essence Fest Jul 8, 2007
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Vendors selling clothes, hats, art and jewelry at the Essence Music Festival had mixed reviews on the success of this year's event. Many say the crowd appears smaller, and fest-goers seem to be buying less. (KSLA.com, LA)
Is the NSA spying on U.S. Internet traffic? Jul 7, 2007
The candidate and the black middle class meet up in the Superdome at the Essence Music Festival. By Larry Blumenfeld. (Yahoo News -- Online Privacy)
Clinton follows Obama at major black cultural event Jul 7, 2007
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - New York Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton told a group of hundreds gathered for the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans this afternoon that federal resources should be redirected from the war in Iraq to pressing social issues such as hurricane recovery. She says the government also should focus on helping single mothers and working families find affordable health and child care and improving the lot of the 55% of black men who don't graduate from high school. (KSLA.com, LA)
Rebirth ready to perform at Essence Jul 7, 2007
NEW ORLEANS (AP) - Members of the Rebirth Brass Band say they can't wait to take the stage tomorrow (Saturday), the last day of the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. This year's Essence has been called a homecoming by many, including members of Rebirth, who made the trek to Houston last year when the festival was relocated because of Hurricane Katrina. (KSLA.com, LA)
Obama, Clinton bring presidential campaigns to Essence Festival Jul 6, 2007
Two rivals for the Democratic presidential nomination courted voters at one of the nation's premier black cultural events, the Essence Music Festival, which has long mixed partying with efforts to effect social change. Alex Brandon / Associated Press. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Essence Festival Street Closures Jul 6, 2007
Street closures for Essence Music Festival. 05:52 PM CDT on Thursday, July 5, 2007. (WWLTV.com, LA)
The 13th Annual 2007 Essence Music Festival Returns to New Orleans for its 'Coming Home' Celebration, Bringing Together the Country's Largest Gathering of African-Americans to Celebrate Black Music Jul 6, 2007
STORY SUMMARY: The 13th Annual 2007 Essence Music Festival presented By Coca-Cola, taking place this fourth of July weekend (July 5, 6, 7) will return to New Orleans for its "Coming Home" celebration to convene the country's largest gathering of African-Americans to celebrate black music. Known as the "Party With A Purpose," the 2007 Essence Music Festival features performances by the largest assembly of black musical talent in the world, augmented by community-oriented Essence Cares Empowerment... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Verizon Wireless Customers Can Get Ringtones From 2007 Essence Music Festival Featured Artists Jul 6, 2007
NEW ORLEANS and BASKING RIDGE, N.J., July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- To celebrate the 13th annual Essence Music Festival, Verizon Wireless, the leading wireless company with the most reliable wireless voice and data network, will feature Ringtones from music all-stars scheduled to appear on the mainstage at the festival, including, Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Ciara, Ludacris, Ne- Yo, The O'Jays with Keith Sweat, Lionel Richie and Kelly Rowland. The following are featured Ringtones available to... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
The Coca-Cola Foundation Announces $200,000 Grant to Louisiana's Historically Black Colleges and Universities Jul 6, 2007
Ingrid Saunders Jones, chairperson of The Coca-Cola Foundation, will present the award to the HBCU Presidents during the 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola in honor of the landmark event's return to New Orleans. ADVERTISEMENT. (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
It's a 'party with a purpose' Jul 5, 2007
Singers Beyonce (left) and Kelly Rowland are among several artists performing at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. DetailsWhat: Essence Music Festival ... The Essence Music Festival's return to New Orleans signals another strong link in the hurricane recovery chain. (The Clarion-Ledger)
Essence Music Festival returns to town Jul 5, 2007
The return of the three-day Essence Music Festival to New Orleans for the first time since Hurricane Katrina is an occasion performers and fans alike say is cause for celebration. It's "a homecoming, a reunion," said Lionel Richie, who performed at the festival in 2005 -- just weeks before Katrina struck the Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, flooding 80 percent of New Orleans. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Coca-Cola Hails New Orleans Homecoming with Special Celebration of the 'Coke Side of Life' During the 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola Jul 4, 2007
NEW ORLEANS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Coca-Cola announced today that it will celebrate the New Orleans homecoming of the 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola with the help of some of today's hottest personalities ... "The 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola is even more special this year with the Festival's triumphant return to New Orleans," said Ingrid Saunders Jones, senior vice president, The Coca-Cola Company ... The 'Coke Side of Life' activities line-up at the 2007... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Comedian, Actor and Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality Steve Harvey, MTV Video Music Award Winning Choreographer Darrin Henson Celebrate the 'Coke Side of Life' During 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola July 6 & 7 Jul 4, 2007
Comedian, Actor and Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality Steve Harvey, MTV Video Music Award Winning Choreographer Darrin Henson Celebrate the 'Coke Side of Life' During 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola July 6 & 7: Financial News - Yahoo ... Comedian, Actor and Nationally Syndicated Radio Personality Steve Harvey, MTV Video Music Award Winning Choreographer Darrin Henson Celebrate the 'Coke Side of Life' During 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola July 6 &... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
New Orleans restores its Essence Jul 3, 2007
By Steve Jones, USA TODAY The Essence Music Festival returns home to New Orleans after a one-year absence with a star-studded lineup and a determination to help the devastated city recover from 2005's Hurricane Katrina. The 13th annual festival, which kicks off Thursday and runs through Saturday in the Superdome, will be highlighted by the first stop of Beyonc. (USA Today -- Life)
N.O. relishes homecoming of Essence Music Jul 3, 2007
New Orleans relishes homecoming of Essence Music Festival ... NEW ORLEANS (AP) -- George Rainey has been cooking soul food for the Essence Music Festival since its inception 12 years ago, missing last year only because the event moved to Texas due to the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. (The Advocate -- News)
PR Newswire Summary of EntertaiNet Copy, Monday, July 2, 2007 Jul 3, 2007
and Growing LAM095 07/02/2007 11:44 r f CA-Spotlight-29 (COACHELLA) Guy & Blackstreet Make a 'Booti Call' at Spotlight 29 Casino NYM094 07/02/2007 12:53 r f NY-JohnnieWalker-golf (NEW YORK) Johnnie Walker Teams Up With PGA Tour Professional Jim Furyk DCM030 07/02/2007 13:07 r f DC-American-Red-Cross (WASHINGTON) American Red Cross to Promote Preparedness, Volunteerism at 2007 Essence Music Festival LAM107 07/02/2007 13:10 r f CA-Ticketmaster-Ranks (WEST HOLLYWOOD) The Police Rank #1 as Nation's... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
One last problem to solve Jun 30, 2007
Any bloggers going to the Essence Music Festival. By Foots. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Living)
Summer's hot stuff: Clothes, clubs, cars make a cool impression Jun 21, 2007
The North Mississippi Hill Country Picnic at Potts Camp (June 29-30), Essence Music Festival in New Orleans (July 5-7), Neshoba County Fair in Philadelphia (July 20-27) and the 20th Anniversary Sunflower River Blues l Festival in downtown Clarksdale (Aug. 10-12) are hot draws within driving distance. (The Clarion-Ledger)
After Fourth of July celebrations, festivals stretch through summer Jun 20, 2007
July 5-7: Essence Music Festival, in the Louisiana Superdome, features nationally known Rl, blues and urban musical acts. New Orleans, 225-219-7562, www. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Travel)
U.S. Senator Barack Obama Confirmed to Speak During Fourth of July Weekend at the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola in New Orleans Jun 16, 2007
NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama has confirmed an appearance at the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on Thursday, July 5, 2007, it was announced today by Essence Communications, Inc. The Democratic presidential candidate will address the nation's largest annual gathering of African-Americans celebrating Black music and culture at the Festival's opening night concert in the Louisiana Superdome ... After being displaced to Houston in 2006 due to the... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Obama to participate in Essence Festival Jun 15, 2007
Barack Obama returns here next month and will participate in the Essence Music Festival which also is coming back after damage left in Hurricane Katrina's wake forced the event to Houston last year ... "I believe his presence will only serve to underscore the fact that the Essence Music Festival is a cultural event within the African-American community and though music is the centerpiece and an extremely important part of the experience, the festival is more than that," Ebanks said Thursday. (WWLTV.com, LA)
Eddie Levert carries on son's legacy Jun 14, 2007
" The O'Jays will pay tribute to Gerald next month when they perform at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. They'll be joined on stage by Sweat and Gill, and by a Sean-led reinstituted LeVert. In November, the Rhythm & Blues Foundation will honor Gerald with a benefit concert at Philadelphia's Kimmel Center with collaborators such as Patti LaBelle, New Edition and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. "It's unbelievable the number of people who found out that he was just a good guy," Eddie... (USA Today -- Life)
Shake it with Justin Timberlake this summer Jun 1, 2007
Outside the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans (July 5-7) featuring Beyonc, Mary J. Blige, Ciara and Ludacris, and Beyonces own summer tour, urban musics presence is sparse among the summer concert schedule. Although rap sells a lot of records, it still doesnt translate into a good live draw, Bongiovanni explains. (MSNBC -- News)
Money proposals advancing, but not Road Home May 30, 2007
Spending that received approval from Alario's committee on Tuesday included money for health care services, colleges, public hospitals, new jobs in the state's tax collection office and marketing for the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. "There obviously isn't enough in state funds to fill in a 3 billion shortfall," Alario said. (DeRidder Beauregard Daily News, LA)
A tribute to Diana; Manson to France May 13, 2007
Essence Music Festival NEW ORLEANS July 5-7. The three-day festival returns to a newly repaired Louisiana Superdome with mainstage headliners Beyonc , Ludacris, Lionel Richie. (Boston Globe)
Merkerson shows her playful side May 4, 2007
" Every time someone logs on at Skinvoice .com, Vaseline will donate money to the Children's Defense Fund to help New Orleans schools. Merkerson will attend the Essence Music Festival in July in New Orleans. Also this summer, Merkerson will act in a Los Angeles stage revival of Come Back, Little Sheba. Bruce Davison, a white actor, will play her husband in this drama set in the 1950s. "When people sit down, they know a black woman is playing Lola," Merkerson says. (Shirley Booth won an Oscar for... (Orlando Sentinel)
Ciara, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, The O'Jays With Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Robin Thicke and Steve Harvey Added to the Essence Music Festival Mar 27, 2007
NEW YORK, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- In an all-star lineup, Ciara, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, The O'Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Robin Thicke and Steve Harvey have been added to the Essence Music Festival roster, it was announced today by Essence Communications Inc. These artists join previously announced Beyonce, Chris Brown, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. "Ciara, Ludacris, Ne-Yo and Robin Thicke are amazing performers, new to the Essence Music Festival stage and... (Yahoo! Wire -- Entertainment News)
Real Simple's Top Travel Destinations Mar 16, 2007
In July, the city will host the Essence Music Festival. Charleston, S.C.. (CBS News -- Early Show)
Tollet resigns as Greater Houston Convention and Visitors Bureau CEO Jan 3, 2007
Among the more notable accomplishments during Tollet's tenure included landing high-profile events like the 1992 Republican National Convention, the 2004 Super Bowl, 2004 Major League Baseball All-Star Game, 2006 NBA All-Star Game, 2006 Houston Grand Prix and 2006 Essence Music Festival. Related Industry stories. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
