Another Presidential Contender and the Schedule

[NOTE: This post has been revised July 5 to include the time of Hillary Clinton's appearance. See below.]

“Coming Home” is a blog looking at life in New Orleans as we get ready to meet again in the Superdome July 5, 6 and 7 for the Essence Music Festival. The festival is close enough that we’re counting down hours now, so it’s time for me to get out of the way and let the party start. I couldn’t stop, though, without sharing one last major announcement and the performance schedules for the main stages and the superlounges.

The Essence Music Festival has not only attracted presidential hopeful Barack Obama, who will speak Thursday night at the Superdome; Hillary Rodham Clinton has also confirmed that she will appear at the festival as well. On Friday, July 6 at 1 p.m., she’ll be on the empowerment seminar schedule at the Morial Convention Center, and as Michelle Ebanks, President of Essence Communications Inc. says, “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.” Finally, here’s the performance schedule. Check it because there are a few recent additions including Atlanta’s Anthony David in a superlounge performance, and Solange Knowles will perform with Sunshine Anderson.

Thursday, July 5

MAIN STAGE

Jonathan Slocumb, host

7:30 p.m. Opening Dedication Ceremony

7:35 p.m. McDonald’s Gospel Tribute with Smokie Norful and Vanessa Bell Armstrong

8:40 p.m. Ciara

9:20 p.m. Ludacris

10:15 p.m. Barack Obama

10:30 p.m. Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley

11:50 p.m. The O’Jays & Levert with special guests Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill

SUPERLOUNGE SCHEDULE

Chevy Superlounge

8:15 p.m. Pieces of a Dream

9:45 p.m. Rachelle Ferrell

11:15 p.m. Rachelle Ferrell

McDonald’s Superlounge

8 p.m. Rahsaan Patterson

9:30 p.m. Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore

11 p.m. Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore

Coca-Cola Superlounge

8:15 p.m. Jermaine Paul

9:45 p.m. Ruben Studdard

11:15 p.m. Ruben Studdard

Budweiser Superlounge

8 p.m. Roi Anthony & Legit, Cupid

9:30 p.m. Kindred

11 p.m. Kindred

   

Friday, July 6

MAIN STAGE

Jonathan Slocumb, host

7:40 p.m. Robin Thicke

8:40 p.m. Steve Harvey

9 p.m. Chris Brown

10:15 p.m. Steve Harvey

10:35 p.m. Beyoncé

SUPERLOUNGES

Chevy Superlounge

8:15 p.m. Nuttin’ but Stringz

9:45 p.m. Slum Village

11:15 p.m. Slum Village

McDonald’s Superlounge

8 p.m. Elisabeth Withers

9:30 p.m. Najee

11 p.m. Najee

Coca-Cola Superlounge

8:15 p.m. Rahsaan Patterson

9:45 p.m. Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore

11:15 p.m. Kenny Lattimore & Chanté Moore

Budweiser Superlounge

8 p.m. Anthony David

9:30 p.m. Mint Condition

11 p.m. Mint Condition

   

Saturday, July 7

MAIN STAGE

Jonathan Slocumb, host

7:30 p.m. Kelly Rowland

8:10 p.m. Ne-Yo

9:10 p.m. Lionel Richie

10:35 p.m. Mary J. Blige

12 a.m. Maze featuring Frankie Beverly

SUPERLOUNGES

Chevy Superlounge

8:15 p.m. Rebirth Brass Band

9:45 p.m. lyfe jennings

11:15 p.m. lyfe jennings

McDonald’s Superlounge

8 p.m. Sunshine Anderson with special guest Solange Knowles

9:30 p.m. Angie Stone

11 p.m. Angie Stone

Coca-Cola Superlounge

8:15 p.m. MC Lyte

9:45 p.m. Common

11:15 p.m. Common

Budweiser Superlounge

8 p.m. Nuttin’ but Stringz

9:30 p.m. Chuck D. & Public Enemy

11 p.m. Chuck D. & Public Enemy

 

Schedules subject to change.

 

Writer Alex Rawls edits OffBeat, Louisiana's music and culture magazine.

Comments

[LA Resident]

I sure hope that Alex Rawls was correct when he wrote "president Barack Obama"! I know that the word"candidate" was probably "accidentally" ommitted. Wouldn't it be great if one day a writer could write, President Barack Obama?!!

[Robert Fogarty]

To Essence patrons, take a minute and see the challenges and inspirations of Post-K NOLA.

Thanks.

[Nupe]

About to lay down in my hotel room after a long night of ridiculous partying...

The concert Friday was outstanding! Beyonce...this woman is incredible. She put on a performance like no other. Her set was full of energy and we left the Superdome drained. It was a hell of a show! Chris Brown was exciting and Steve Harvey is the best host/comedian for Essence Fest. The Superlounges were great. Everything was fantastic! I am SO glad Essence Fest has returned to New Orleans. The city is gracious to host and the masses are having a ball. There are folks still lingering in the W hotel lobby and in the streets at 7:56 a.m.!

I can't wait for Frankie Beverly & Maze, Mary J., Common, and Public Enemy tonight!

Thank you Essence.

[Yvonne]

Saturday's concert was phenomenal. Beyonce ruled, that young lady showed that she is one of the best entertainers out there. You got your money's worth and more.... I am so glad that the EMF has returned to New Orleans. My family and I had three wonderful days to enjoy the EMF and the city. Even though there were long lines everywhere, I didn't care. Thank you New Orleans and Essence.

[kyle]

this great EVENT needs to be held in ATLANTA every year INSTEAD OF new orleans.. ATLANTA is the black mecca and has so much more to offer with it upper middle class black americans ...and being that ATLANTA..is now the hottest thing on the map..lets nove this event to HOTLANTA!!!!!

[Will]

Essence should always remain in New Orleans. and not ATLANTA.

[Will]

Essence should always remain in New Orleans. and not ATLANTA.

[La. Resident]

This was my 1st EMF. It was mind blowing!! The atmosphere was energizing and very uplifting. From the seminars to the superlounges to the mainstage and all of the other delights that this amazing city has to offer. As with anything there is something to be learned. . .I've learned get your tickets early, arrive when the dome opens and be patient for the superlounge shows. . .always come expecting an excellent show, and we got just that. . . EVERY evening. Thanks Essence and NO.

[KatJ]

This was my first Essence Music Festival and I must say all praises go to the Essence's family and the city of New Orleans, LA. I can honestly tell you I felt like I was at home (chicago, ill native residing in MD). Its as if the city gave me a big hug when I arrived into town. A hug that I have never felt living in MD.

First of all the seminars where so, so amazing. The concerts where something to witness. The food and culture of New Orleans man if you have never experienced it I recommended all to see what it has to offer.

Once again I would like to thank the Essence's family and the city of New Orleans, LA. I will definitely be there on August 29th, 2007 to support.

[Michael]

This was my 9th Essence Festival and festival it was,probably one of the best. New Orleans is the only city to have the festival. Atlanta is nice but no other city can capture the ambiance/convenience of the festival like New Orleans. The Super Lounge acts were fantastic, especially the jazz acts. Please don't forget about the baby boomers that still like to have a good time when you plan your 2008 entertainment. See ya next year, can't wait.

[sbl]

My first EMF. This weekend was soooo wonderful. NOLA is the place where you feel like you can touch history. The people were so warm and genuine and we need to keep the $$ pouring into the city. All the performances were off the chain, with the exception of Beyonce. Her stage production was was ridiculously over the top compared to the others. She worked so very hard, but the energy did not translate to the audience. For most of her longggg performance, the crowd just sat and watched. Every other performer straight rocked the house from the window to the wall and floor to ceiling. She needs to ask why! Slocomb was good, but his voice quality left alot to be desired, as did the sound system the first night. All and all though, a fabulous weekend of fun, food, music and good vibes. Can't wait for 2008.

[Nia E.]

Most of the people in my group just sat and watch while Beyone performed because we were all mesmerized! None of us spoke a word while watching Ms. B do her thang!

I must say though that the best shows took place in the superlounges, Mint Condition, Kindred, MC Lyte, Angie Stone, Common, Slum Village, and Public Enemy rocked it!!!!

I was disappointed with Mary J. She went flat several times, but she's still my girl....I just had to exit to check out P.E. in the Budweiser Lounge!
Fight Tha Power!!

Overall, The Essence Festival was a great experience once again. The seminars were awesome and the shows were on point. I was all too delighted to pour some of my hard earned cash into the city...and I made it a point to tip well! I'll always love New Orleans!

[Laura]

Loved Friday's concert - Beyonce exceeded my expectations! Great line up and a great party!

I'd like to have more Jazz featured, to enjoy and to teach the next generation the roots of popular music. Perhaps enlist local Jazz musicians to offer support -- and to add to the party!

[Donna]

This is my second Essence. I came in 1999 and I enjoyed this year's Festival even more. It was great to enjoy the hospitality of New Orleans and know we were helping the community. Thank you for bringing it back to New Orleans!

[tancanary48]

First time seeing a lot of the younger performers live, Ciara should have been a superlounge act not main stage. Kelly Rowland was not ready for the crowd with her act and next time, don't schedule her to perform after Beyonce, they're both good in their own way. I understand Eddie Levert wanting to support Sean & Levert but, I'm sorry they're not the same without Gerald. Lfye Jennings, Angie Stone, Kindred Family Soul, Common, Legit & Cupid (Louisiana's own, if you miss them you miss a GREAT performance) should ALL have been MAIN stage acts!

Mary and Frankie may have went flat on occasion but, they had the most people in attendance when they performed, because they possess true showmanship. Lionel gave a good performance also, it was my first time seeing him without the Commodores.

I am a native Orleanian displaced by Katrina, went to EMF in Houston and was very disappointed. I have attended MANY EMFs including this year's. I came and enjoyed my former city for five (5) whole days! NO city can hold a candle to NOLA; when it comes to throwing "a party with a purpose" EMF SHOULD and WILL stay in New Orleans! See y'all in 2008, get your tickets and book your hotels EARLY!

Oh, before someone asks why it's my former city, I had a job transfer.

[jessie]

First let me say i enjoyed my 4th trip to EMF. I was surprised tho that a few of the fast food places werent open when you didnt want to spend $20 and up on food. The food is the superlounge was good altho it wasnt always hot.
Beyonce was incredible, you would have thought it was just her concert. Maze and the electric slide was a fave to see. Rhasaan Patterson, Kindred and Reuben were excellent.
I saw the ladies who didnt read my previous blog about bringing comfortable shoes. I could see the look of pain on your faces.
Im glad crime didnt seem to be an issue. I walked from the superdome to my hotel Saturday nite alone but i felt safe.
To the cutie who tried to get me to stay to watch Maze sorry i had to leave i had an early flight sunday morning. See you next year

[Ann]

Does anyone know which hotels in the business district or french quarter that have nice 2 bedroom suites???

[Dawn T. Mangham]

Finally blogging my Essence Music Fest experience!!

I love the Essence Festival and was so glad to be back in N'Awlins. Yes, before you ask, N'Awlins felt and looked a little different. There were more than a few places that were closed. There were a LOT of empty lots and gutted houses. According to some of the stats that I heard only about 30% of the population have been able to return to the area. The tour that we took of the neighborhoods affected by Hurricane Katrina was a very somber event but well worth every penny I paid. It was especially poignant touring the Lower Ninth Ward. It is hard to imagine that N'Awlins will ever be what it was.

However, Essence gave me a glimpse at what I had come to know N'Awlins as. I had a really good time at the festival this year. I got to have some fun with Malik Yoba (that man is too fine!). Malik, if you are reading "Serena Williams" says hey bay-bay!!! I saw so many people who were just feeling the vibe and having a good time. Bourbon Street was poppin' every night. The concerts were hot. Props to Beyonce and Chris Brown, who I heard were phenomenal. I know Lionel Richie rocked the house. Queen Mary delivered the realest, most heartfelt performance I have ever witnessed from her. (I have to say here that I adore Mary J. Blige to death. One day I am gonna have to tell her in person how much I appreciate the fact that she is just who she is, no falsehood and no pretending.) Of course, Maze and Frankie closed the festivities with the funk and mellow groovin' they always bring. I just regret I wasn't on the floor this year to get my electric slide on!!

The seminars were also awesome. I go for the seminars as well as for the concerts. I can spend all day, everyday in the convention center getting my self empowerment on. It's a treasured opportunity for me to reflect and assess my role in life and my community. I am so inspired by the seminars that I always leave them feeling fuller and better than when I came. For this reason, I mark the Essence Festival as my New Year. This festival replenishes my spirit and gives me the fuel I need to undertake another year. At this festival, I am able to set my goals and try to align my life with the direction I'd like to see my community take. I try to live better based on the premises that I learn at Essence. I also take inspiration from all the beautiful people I meet there who are making moves in positive directions and standing firm on their purpose. I think I'd be lost if I didn't have Essence to remind me that I am connected to something bigger than just the mundane existence that so many of us get caught up in.

I have to say a million thank yous to everyone who makes this annual event possible. Although my tiny thank you may not mean much beyond this myspace blog, it should be known that you have created something that constantly changes my life and for that I will forever be appreciative.

[Rochelle]

My Essence Music Fest experience was unforgettable! My first time going was last year in Houston. I had such a good time it inspired me to attend this years event in NOLA. It only got better! The people in New Orleans were so warm and welcoming I will definately plan on attending next year.

[Ms Lovely]

I've been meaning to go to this website after arriving back home to California. WE had an awesome time with NOLA....it was off the chain. We're glad we came and We will see you in 2008. I have awesome pictures to remember NOLA and I will cherish them for life. Lionel Ritchie puts on a great show. The only thing I did not like was the superdome parking lot. How did they think we were suppose to get outta there to go and party....we were at the top of the lot so, we exited early so we would not see how that parking lot was going to look thereafter...see ya next year...parking on the ground level.

[Sheritta]

I know I am late responding, but I was searching for info concerning 2008 EMF. However, speaking from the p.o.v of a Louisiana native, I have enjoyed Essence for the past 10 years and I am never disappointed. New Orleans has served as the perfect framework for such a wonderful event and with that being said NO other city encompasses the magic, mystique, comfort, and panache of New Orleans. (not to mention the fact that the open container laws tend to be more lenient than most places :) ) I love New Orleans...I love EMF...and I look forward to partying with a purpose in 2008. Thanks Essence!!!

[Georgia Girl]

I am so happy that the EMF returned to New Orleans. I can only say that each year since my first in 1999 has been better than the last and the return to New Orleans is the best thing that could ever happen. I am a resident of Georgia (not far from Atlanta) and I love it, but the atmosphere, hospitality and ambiance of New Orleans and the people there are not to be rivaled. HOTLANTA is great but I I have been in the traffic just trying to get to all-star weekend, megafest and many other events. In NOLA, I leave my car parked with the valets at the HYATT (can't wait til you're up and running again) and I walk to Mother's, the conference center, the dome, french quarter and everywhere else and cab it to the hot parties at night. I'd never be able to do that in the ATL.
Yes, New Orleans is the home of Essence and I for one am glad to "have it back where it belongs"!

ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is the absolute biggest and best "family reunion" ever and I can't wait for 2008!!

[charlene guidry]

I'VE BEEN TO THE ESSANCE FOR THE LAST EIGHT YEARS ITS THE GREASTEST PLACE TO BE IN JULY AND LOOKING FOWARD FOR 2008

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