| Beyonce and Ne-Yo Performs at NEW ORLEANS Louisiana Essence Festival 2009 |
| By Hip Hop News | |
| 07/04/09 | |
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July 4, 2009 ational entertainment attraction, filling the three days and nights of the Independence Day weekend with music, seminars and art celebrating African-Americans. Following up its most successful year in 2008, which attracted 270,000 people, Essence organizers are expecting another banner year, said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications, Inc. "We're looking forward to commemorating 15 great years, " she said. "Between the fantastic music lineup and the exciting offerings of the seminars, this year's festival is certain to be a one-of-a-kind celebration that entertains, inspires and empowers." Anchoring this year's concerts and closing out Friday night was singer Beyonce, listed as No. 4 on Forbes magazine's list of most influential celebrities, and No. 3 on the magazine's ranking of highest-paid musicians. The megawatt diva last appeared at Essence in 2007, and her mass appeal was evident in Friday night's audience. Mother-daughter pairings were a common sight, including the foursome of sisters Tia and Nadja Lanaux, 7 and 14, respectively, who came with mom Nikea Lanaux and cousin Denise Robertson. While the adults grooved to pioneer female rap group Salt-n-Pepa, who opened the main stage at the Superdome, Tia and Nadja looked around excitedly at the stadium, which was quickly filling with people. It was Nadja's third time at the festival, but it was Nia's first. "Beyonce!" they shouted, when asked who they were most excited to see. "Her voice, I love it, " Nadja said. Other acts Friday included funk-soul group Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Keri Hilson, Big Sam's Funky Nation and R&B star Ne-Yo. With women in maxi dresses and mini dresses, loads of accessories and strappy high-heeled sandals, fashion was as much a part of Friday as the music. Several audience members were spotted wearing Michael Jackson T-shirts, a nod both to the fallen pop star and to Ne-Yo, who reprised parts of the Michael Jackson tribute he performed at Sunday's Black Entertainment Television awards.
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