2009 ESSENCE Music Festival

As a first time participant, my experience was very disappointing to say the very least. While performers gave 100%, overall Music Festival was extremely disorganized. No performances schedules were available, the facility was understaffed and there were no visible postings giving directions to Superlounges, etc. I do not expect to return in the future. Essence should possibly considering changing venues or discontinuing Festival until organization and/or management is up to par.

Posted at 1:48PM on July 13th 2009 by N. Dickerson

After 15 years of doing this and you keep breaking records each time it shows something is going right and working.. I absolutely loved everything. Each year it gets better. People are coming in droves every year.. Keep up the good work Essence. I wish it was televised for the world to see!!!

Posted at 12:07PM on July 13th 2009 by Jeanette

Festival Productions no longer produces the esm, so this is why you see a difference in the way things are done. it definitely shows. i hope the new producers listen to the people on here. Essence consumers are very selective in what they will pay for, I hope Essence listens to this. An explanation is definitely owed to the consumers re:"Latewell". The concerts are too commercial now. Over two hours total were spent advertising the various sponsors (Coca-cola, army, mcdonald's, chevy, music cares, etc.) each night. This is not necessary. There are ways too advertise without it being overbearing, take a look at Quint Davis who produces NO Jazz Festival (40 years now) and used to do the ESM. I hope Rehage gets it right next year, or NO can kiss ESM goodbye, ATL and Miami are waiting with baited breath to get this party with a purpose.

Posted at 11:45PM on July 12th 2009 by tex

I felt the festival was awesome, and for all those who did not get the schedule maybe you came late because the schedules were available all around the convention center. I was able to have a schedule for each night. Everyone that performed was awesome. Especially that Eric Benet, he really put on an awesome performance. I was also disappointed about Maxwell being late and there being no explanation he was the main person I wanted to see as well. When he did get there the performance was GREAT! Thanks Essence for always taking the time to make the Essence Festival Enjoyable. I will see you next year!

Posted at 10:09PM on July 12th 2009 by Robin

I enjoyed this years EMF and Dr. Cosby was fantastic and very inspiring. My one complaint as an art collector, where was the commemorative poster of the event??? With all of those wonderful and talented artist selling their works...you could not commission one to create a poster???

Posted at 4:22PM on July 12th 2009 by Vonmiwi

I had a ball at the Essence Festival this year! I attended all of the shows and even though they ended a little later than I expected (and I didn't get a chance to hang out in the French Quarters) I will not complain at all! The highlight of my weekend was meeting IDRIS ELBA! I had one of the golden ticktets! It was a dream come true. I have admired this man since his first appearance on "The Wire". I was so nervous when they took me to the back to meet him, I forgot to take a picture of us with MY camera. I was advised by an Essence representative that a copy of the pictures that they took will be mailed to all the individuals that were able to go backstage. I pray that this happens and I don't have to write everyone I can possibly write to try to get my picture! Essence thanks for a wonderful weekend and a great experience!

Posted at 8:06PM on July 11th 2009 by Pamela Hardy-Best

Beautiful young lady (yes, lady)...had an oppty to meet briefly/take pics at Essence and found the Queen to be a true Queen. In addition to her natural outer beauty, she exhibited a very kind and gracious demeanor. I was pleasantly surprise to see such a kind, gentle and very femine, young lady as opposed to the hard, rough, hip hop 'gal' I've read about time and time again! To the Queen, I say, "Thanks and keep doing your thang!"

Posted at 4:55PM on July 11th 2009 by babbling brown sugar

Please DO NOT HAVE LISA WU, NENE and JUANIT BYNUM at the summer concert anymore.... it was a disgrace!!!! and PLEASE BE ORGANIZE NEXT YEAR FOR PRINTED SCHEDULES....!! It was very disappointing!!!!!

Posted at 2:07PM on July 11th 2009 by Beverly

All I can say is SEXY SEXY!!!!! Idris is one of the sexiest men in Hollywood! The total package if you ask me :-)

Posted at 8:51PM on July 10th 2009 by MRS Winston

This was our first year at the festival and we had a blast. I knew when everthing was going on and was so happy with the vendors. I loved the fact that there was so much to do and I could pick and chose. I was really just starting to like Maxwell again until the concert. I thought Anita being asked to cover for him was crazy - she had already done her thang! For those that want to blame Essence for his tardiness, he was also an hour and half late to his concert in Austin earlier in the week... My favorite performances in order were - Charlie Wilson, Lionel Richie, FB and Maze and En Vogue! Good job Essence and shake the "haters" off!

Posted at 8:15PM on July 10th 2009 by S Lowe