July 1st, 2011
05:54 PM ET
Usher, Kanye and J.Hud head to Essence FestThere will be plenty of fireworks this weekend, but they'll be on stage as the Essence Music Festival heads back to New Orleans, once again bringing out top-notch entertainment. The festival, celebrating its 17th anniversary, is focusing on an entire “weekend of transformation,” and started things off today with a “transforming your life” theme, including appearances from Steve Harvey and Iyanla Vanzant. In addition, said the president of Essence Communications Michelle Ebanks in a statement, the fest is going to pay honor to the “roots of R&B,” and will feature more than 40 performances, including sets from Usher, Jennifer Hudson, Mary J. Blige, New Edition, Kanye West, Jill Scott, Chaka Khan and Trey Songz.
Saturday’s focus will be “transforming your community,” and among the panel discussions will be one hosted by CNN focused on politics featuring White House Senior Advisor Valerie Jarrett, Mayor Mitch Landrieu and Mayor Kasim Reed, and will be moderated by CNN correspondent Suzanne Malveaux. “Every year we look to share a one-of-a-kind celebration that entertains, inspires and empowers mind, body and soul,” Ebanks said. “Between our incredible music line up, the fun and informative offerings of the Essence Empowerment Experience and the many interactive on-site sponsor activities, the 2011 Essence Music Festival is sure to be an unforgettable experience.” CNN is an official sponsor of the Essence Music Festival which starts today and runs through July 3.
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[youtube=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4oIzGirxkU&w=640&h=360]
usher looks like a nappy head-
Usher is trying his best to be like Michael Jackson but not gonna work.
"Find jobs on careerDaddy com if anyone need one"
wish i could go..
@ charlie crack, thanks same back at ya! Happy 4th to all, have fun, be safe!!
it's crap... get that http://www.SUPERSONIC.US.COM
@Sean, I wish I was there! I went two years ago and I had a blast. Maybe next year!
@mad-did it to me as well bro...
So is the stalins homeland or what, with me not being able to post w/o proxy
Testing to see if ip banned
Essence sounds like purfume. You cant hear perfume. They need to think of a better name. You can hear toots. Call it the TOOOOOOT Festibul.
Have a blast @sean. Thats awesome to be around. @fernace- happy 4th
I do Don JJ, please sean listen to some music for me, we don't even get fireworks in TX. because of the drought & fire risk. Thank's!!
Who gives a f*(K.
WOOHOO! I LIVE HERE IN NEW ORLEANS AND THIS IS ALWAYS A GREAT WEEKEND FOR THE CITY, BRINGING IN ALL THE BIG NAMES IN ENTERTAINMENT SUCH AS ,BEYONCE ETC. IM GOING TO ALL THE CONCERTS THIS WEEKEND AND I AM GOING TO HAVE A BLAST. ACCORDING TO PRICELINE.COM, NEW ORLEANS IS THE NO.2 DESTINATION IN THE COUNTRY FOR THE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND.
they shall receive frantic disembowlment, after blunt force castration.
not me. i bet it was poooooopy. poooopy like doodoo. maybe even elephant doodoo. yuuck!
Wish I could be there & hear all that awesome music!
Am I the only one who thinks Usher looks not unlike Buckwheat with that hair?
"not unlike" was my favorite part of this comment.
"CNN is an official sponsor of the Essence Music Festival which starts today and runs through July 3."
This part should've been at the top so I could disregard the rest like I do all advertisements.