Things that make me happy: Things that make me happy this week... Essence Music Festival

July 8, 2011

Things that make me happy… 2011 Essence Musical Festival in New Orleans

I don’t know why I never thought to go to Essencefest before, but I set a goal to attend one musical festival around the country per year and this year it was of to New Orleans for three days of a musical orgy. This 4^th of July weekend was my first visit to Essence Musical Festival and it was well worth the trip. For people that are music lovers in general, and adult contemporary R&B in particular, this is the musical event of the year. But what I didn’t realize until I got to NO was how Essence focuses to create an unique healthy learning event for women (and yes men) of color.

The good…

The music!! Period. I estimated about 20 hours of live music over three days of some of my favorite artists and few pleasant surprises. Even, better the quality of the events were outstanding. Shows start on time, food and drink prices reasonable, and lots of free activities throughout the city.

The people!! Okay I am a bit a fan of people watching… and boy there is a lot to watch. For those that are interested… even celebrity watching. I was even fortunate enough to chat with Jill Scott on the flight down to NO. She is cool, down to earth people, that spent time talking to many people on the flight... even those in coach. lol. If you’re a fan, grab her new album (The Light of the Sun) There is a strong tune called "So In Love" featuring Anthony Hamilton which she performed with Anthony on stage during Saturday night show.

SuperLounges!! The lounges are the ultimate chill zone experience. Four lounges hosting 2-3 acts running along side the main acts in the Superdome. This year, Macy Gray, Naughty by Nature, Tank, and Kelly Price and a whole host of others grace the stage in the superlounges. These were smaller venues where you can get up close to the stage and rock with the artists.

The bad…

The heat!! New Orleans in the summer is crazy hot! Jungle Africa hot!!. Just be prepared to sweat.

Fried Food! Don’t get me wrong, they sure can cook in Nawlins’ but you may have to check your arteries when you get back home.

Indian Remy Hair overload… Yes, I said it! Weaves for days. If you were to line up all the weaves in NO for EMF you have a road that can span the Atlantic from NY to London..

The overrated, over priced parties… Charging $60 for entry into a party in NO is just crazy. Nuff said.

Some of my favorite moments…

1. Kanye West headlining Saturday night

2. New Edition

3. Mary J Blige headlining Sunday night

4. State of Black Women Discussion

5. Fantasia leaving it all on the stage Friday night

6. Kelly Price

7. Soledad and Steve Harvey Interview

8. Tank

9. Up and coming New Orleans artist Kourtney Heart

10. Trey Songz

My least favorite moment...

Walking in the French quarter late night with the horrible smell of horseshit.

So as I returned on my flight home on Monday morning, I am so glad I went and won't forget the performances. I am definitely making another trip in the future.