2009 ESSENCE Music Festival

I have attended all but the year after katrina. I live in New Orleans and look forward to Essence Fest every year. I feel that the last night this year was not a sell out, because of the way you release tickets. And the line-up is more hip hop than old school. Old school with spend money to see good entertainment. What happen to Maxwell?? We waited more than an hour with no explanation as to why he was late. Anita was not at her best. All of the talking we came to hear her sing. Lionel Richie was great. And what can you say about Frankie I love him. He is always great no matter how many times I see/hear him. Please think about an old school line-up on the last night.

Posted at 9:11PM on July 16th 2009 by Dorothy

I really enjoyed the essence festival this year.. The entertainment was unprecedented. The activity at the convention center was very enlightening and inspiring. The speakers covered all subject matters and there was a little something for everyone. The art vendors really had some nice stuff. The only issue I had was how long it took to change sets on the main stage at the superdome. That made for much down / idle time. This drew the show out too the point where it was too late to really enjoy the last performers, i.e. Maxwell. Really enjoyed the Lounge entertainment. That was outstanding, up close and personal made the difference. To rate my experience and given that this was my first essence. I would give it 9 out of 10. I will be back!!!

Posted at 9:50AM on July 15th 2009 by Antonio Chestnut

This was my first time at the Essence Festival and I had a ball!!! My sister, brother-in-law, cousin and friends went on Friday and Sunday night. Us ladies went to the convention center on Sat morning where I was got to see Idris Elba up close and personal. We did a lot at the convention center and enjoyed both nights of the concerts. We waited for Frankie who didn't come on Sunday night until 1:00 a.m. and we stayed until the last note was sung and played. WE WERE NOT DISAPPOINTED. I am making plans to be at this event next year. Thanks Essence!!!!

Posted at 8:31PM on July 14th 2009 by Marguerite J.

This was my first time attending the Essence Music Festival. It was better that anticipated. I had a wonderful time especially the seminars. It was just to cold in the superdome. People were wrapped up in blankets and towels trying to keep warm. It made it very hard to really enjoy yourself at the concert. That was the only downfall of the weekend. I will be back next year.

Posted at 5:40PM on July 14th 2009 by Vanessa Porter

My first Festival had a wonderful time... Love New Orleans. Will be coming every year from now on!

Posted at 5:33PM on July 14th 2009 by Money

why are we talking about mj???!!!!

Posted at 10:04AM on July 14th 2009 by poalo, florida

yeah i just heard that crap i hope he isnt those kids father cause that would be so wack! dem kids need to stay with the jacksons and anderson would only try to get money from them

Posted at 10:03AM on July 14th 2009 by jaquez, bronxz

the rumor could be true because anderson cooper donated sperm to the same bank and records show that it most likely got to mj so shut up and get the facts before you speak fool! andersons skeletons are coming out of the closet haha!

Posted at 10:02AM on July 14th 2009 by juddie

omg anderson cooper is mjs kids real father!!?? WTF??

Posted at 10:01AM on July 14th 2009 by marrie

This was my first time visiting the Essence Festival. Overall, I had a wonderful time. 8 people came down with me and we enjoyed ourselves. As was mentioned earlier there was faulty equipment was the reason Maxwell came on late. Well, we were not told that and we came to our own conclusions; some said he was late because of the release party, some said Anita Baker took up his time; it should have been announced if it was equipment failure; we would have appreciated it better. It was too cold; after the first night, I brought a sweater. Other than that, it was nice, with much to do. I will attend again.

Posted at 3:32PM on July 13th 2009 by D Roberts