Essence Festival Back Home in New Orleans:
The Essence Music Festival, celebrating African-American music and culture, returned to New Orleans in 2007. It's always held over the Fourth of July weekend. The festival attracts nearly 200,000 of the best-dressed, fun-loving, talented, and committed people in the nation. You will hear the largest gathering of African-American musical talent in the U.S., as well as listen to some of the top-notch speakers in empowerment seminars. Get the
seminar lineup for 2009.Superdome Stages:
Whether you like Soul, R&B, Hip Hop, or anything in between, you can find it here at the Essence Music Festival in the Louisiana Superdome. Get the
schedule for 2009.Superlounges:
In prior years, the Superlounges featured such legends as Bobby Blue Bland, Jeffery Osbourne, the Wailers, and Carl Thomas. The Hip Hop band The Roots, Floetry, Mint Condition, and Carl Thomas were on hand, among others. Here's the
lineup for 2009.Seminars:
Empowerment seminars were hosted by personalities such as playwright David Talbert, Rev. Marsha Dyson, and Rev. Andriette Earl.
Here's the 2009 seminar lineup.Marketplace:
The
Essence Fest Marketplace at the
New Orleans Convention Center features African-style arts and crafts, New Orleans Creole Food, clothing, art, jewelry, etc.
Get Your Tickets in Advance:
Tickets prices this year are $56, $67, $72 FLOOR SEATS: $83, $110
Tickets sell fast because this is a popular festival. So get them early for
Essence Festival 2009 or
Ticketmaster or call (800) 488-5252
Get a Hotel Reservation:
There are hotels in the area that are designated as official Essence Music Festival hotels. Here are the
top picks.The Official After Parties:
The official after parties that go along with Essence Music Festival are not-to-be-missed events. They are always hosted by celebrities and held in upscale places with bars, good food and music. It's also the chance to mingle with some of the stars you came to Essence to see.
Get the details on the 2009 after parties.
