Fireworks, Festivals In New Orleans Turn Independence Day InTo A Season For 2014

Fireworks Fireworks and festivals have been characteristic time Fourth of July in New Orleans, where Independence Day is more than one season. In 2014, however, the party gets a new twist with a surprising amount of patriotically themed theater, including offers of Jefferson Performing Arts Society in Westwego (where a performance July 3 will include a BBQ dinner) for Rivertown Theaters the Performing Arts in Kenner (with Victory Belles), The Swan in Abita Springs (children's show), and Shadowbox Theatre in New Orleans (a spectacle of burlesque).

While the Essence Music Festival (with headliners such as Prince, Lionel Richie and Erykah Badu) and fourth in the river Go dueling barges fireworks are signature events holiday in New Orleans, there are plenty of other entertainment options.

Trinity Episcopal Church, 1329 Jackson Ave The three-hour program, followed by a reception, will feature an honor guard; a procession of veterans and members of early American societies with their flags; plus music from the Marine Corps Band New Orleans, jazz pianist Ellis Marsalis, trombonist Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra, organist / pianist Albinas Prizgintas, and more, June 29 at 15:00 Tickets: Free.

Essence Music Festival 2014 Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, 900 Convention Center Blvd. Has Essence Fest empowerment seminars with nationally recognized speakers, entertainment, market, book fair with author signings, food, art African American, cultural activities and debates, May 3-6. 2014 poster for major concert stage in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome features Prince, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Erykah Badu and Ledisi. The Empowerment Experience stage opens 3-5 July at 9 am July 6 at 8 am Admission: Free for daytime activities. Concerts of the late admission (varies).

Essence Festival Day Family Woldenberg Park. The Essence Music Festival has a party with food, music and activities for the whole family. Carla Ferrell hosts the event, with performances by Erica Campbell, Cupid, Full Force, the Nigel Hall Band, Rapper's Delight, Waterseed, Wayna, and more, July 3, 11 am-7 pm Admission: Free.

The Road To Essence Festival 2014

"Dallas , make some noise ," Streeter Sevyn urged the crowd in front of her in front of El Camino to the implementation phase Essence Festival . As the audience roared in response, the pace down and Streeter started dancing, then singing, give everyone a close up look of what helped his former vocal groups and Richgirl popular TG4.

Streeter was one of several musical acts that performed at the free event on May 10 at the Wal -Mart at 3155 W. Wheatland Road. , Just off Interstate 20. Celebrating its 20th year, The Essence Music Festival is sponsored by Essence magazine and has been described as “quintessential showcase of the nation for African-American musical talent “by New Orleans online. The local party was part of a national multi-city tour intended to build enthusiasm and recognition of the main festival happening July 4th weekend in New Orleans. Other artists and stars in the Metroplex event include Avery Sunshine, Tank, and Cynthia Bailey of Real Housewives of Atlanta, former Dallas Cowboy Akin Ayodele and Daryl Washington of the Arizona Cardinals.



Venise McFerson was at the event with her two teenage daughters in tow. He said that among the many experiences they had together in the festival, the highlight was getting the chance to meet celebrity guests Laz Alonso - who starred in Avatar, Jumping the Broom and Stomp the Yard. She talked a bit about what the day meant for her and her children.

"We are here to meet and greet and meet a lot of people, seeing Cynthia, Tank - lots of people here," said McFerson. "It's good. It's very good. I've never been to one of these. I'm having fun. I'm having fun."

While fun was definitely on the menu, attendees Dorothy Robinson talked about how the celebration was also part of a larger social mosaic. Robinson was on hand as a semifinalist at the My Black is Beautiful ambassador search. The Procter & Gamble initiative, intended to celebrate and highlight a healthy and positive body image for African American women, is a nationwide search “for six women's empowerment that can help us inspire women and girls to become their best selves blacks, "according to its website. As a local participant, Robinson played a role enthusiastically to heart.

"It's actually about embracing the culture, embracing life, and be confident in the skin you're in, today," he said. For Robinson, the day featured not only music and social life, but also an opportunity for reflection and self-acceptance. She talked about the possible lessons in The Road to Essence Festival attendees were able to discover for themselves.

"I think they take home that actually we gather as a community, work together, embrace each other as different cultures and way of life," said Robinson. "I think that's what really great take home for everyone.”

Also at the scene was Lady Jade of K104. As a local she admitted that the occasion was personally meaningful and stirred something inside her.

"I mean, this is huge," he said about the opportunity for the neighborhood to experience such an event. “We do not get this.’M From Oak Cliff. Was born and raised in Dallas, so this is a big event for them. " When asked about similar trips often end up in the north of the Trinity River, Lady Jade replied " All the time all the time.” She ordered a chance for fans of the music of South Dallas to finally experience the local talent known in their own backyard.

Walmart Brings 'Road To Essence Festival' To NWA

Bentonville, AR - The Road to Essence Festival will stop in Bentonville for a free concert for the community.

For the second year, Tiger Stadium in Bentonville will host family fun event in which several talented artists will take to the stage.

The line includes hitherto Grammy award-winning singer Chrisette Michele, jazz singer Chante Moore, the musical hip-hop group Bell Biv Devoe and rapper MC Lyte.

“Where else can have a free concert with five different artists, rather than add and enjoy it all with your family? So come and make sure you support this event. 's Free and want to come back again, “Sharonda said L. Britton, Director of Media Integration and Strategic Alliances Walmart.

Walmart is helping bring some of the known Essence Festival in New Orleans and northwest Arkansas say it's important for them to continue to celebrate the diversity of our community .

Artists Chrisette Michele, Chante Moore, BBD (Bell Biv DeVoe) and MC Lyte host of celebrities will be presented at 6:30 pm Saturday, May 31 at Tiger Stadium, the football field Bentonville High School.

The event is open to the public and free. Doors open at 17:30

Maxwell Sings Through Triumph, Loss

Vocal R & B star, held in San Diego Payne Pest Management Jazz Festival this weekend at La Costa, talks about the music and life.

Maxwell performs on day 1 of the 2013 Essence Music Festival at Mercedes-Benz Superdome on Friday, July 5, 2013 in New Orleans.

R & B Vocal Maxwell is honored, if a little embarrassed, that is leading the Friday night opening concert of the Second Payne Pest Management Annual San Diego Festival of Jazz in Omni La Costa Resort & Spa.

“I’ve always loved jazz, but I always felt it was too pedestrian to master the essence of what jazz is. Guess people think our music is a kind of jazz, so we stopped appearing! To be totally honest, jazz has had absolutely no role in my music, "said the Brooklyn -born singer, whose performance here falls on his 41st birthday.

Happily, 18 in his career, Maxwell is such a talented singer who can excel in almost any musical situation. He should shine in the Jazz Festival San Diego three days, where a presentation of songs from his new upcoming album, the long awaited sequel to the 2009 charts will be offered " BLACKsummers'night . "

Second Payne Pest Management Annual San Diego Festival of Jazz

With: Maxwell, Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Charlie Wilson, Mint Condition and

When: 16:15 Fri; 11:30 a.m. Saturday; Sunday noon

Where: Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, 2100 Costa Del Mar Road, Carlsbad

Tickets: $ 50 - $ 275 per day; 3 days $ 150 - $ 975 for 3 day tickets and VIP packages

The festival features a variety of other lead singers of R & B - including Jill Scott, Anthony Hamilton, Ledisi, Leela James and veteran Gap Band Charlie Wilson - and very few current jazz artists. One, Grammy-winning keyboardist Robert Glasper is a former member of the touring band of 2009 Maxwell. Here's bassist Glasper, Derrick Hodge.

"Everyone in the band Robert is like a superhero to me," Maxwell said on the phone from Miami. (See bonus Q & A below.)

“I love the idea of playing with musicians end up making their own albums and give the feeling of front- of- the- stage. Hopefully people will be in my band who have their own business , and musical abilities were inspired to be more ambitious , people who do not want to be just a " person in the band . '"

An admitted perfectionist, Maxwell has worked on his sixth album, on and off, over the past five years. Was scheduled for release last summer, then this Valentine's Day. The recent death of his best friend - a first cousin who died two months ago, at 33, from a heart attack - Maxwell gave additional impetus to complete the album. He promises that will come out this year.

"It’s strange how sadness creates a special magic in the art," Maxwell said. "It's like really sour it Because a part of me is like.’Wow, it will be a very good album now," but I cannot believe that the reason ... (His death) really humbled me and made me see the life and people around me, how can I help myself and hurt myself ... I (thought), ' Wow, you have to continue this life and what you have got, because there are no guarantees. "

Essence Music Festival – July 3 – 6, 2014 – Stay With Us!

The Essence Music Festival is one of the music festivals first classes in the United States. The artists featured are at the top of the R & B industry, attracting thousands of people every year. Held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and the Louisiana Superdome, these three days during the July 4 weekend will be the hottest (in more ways than one! Uno) scene in New Orleans!



This year is the 29th anniversary of the Festival, and the fourth, the main stage will feature princeHis Royal purpleness, PRINCE! Buy your tickets as soon as possible; they sell out early for this fabulous festival. Among the many excellent artists are Mary J Blige, Nas, Jill Scott, and Lionel Richie.

In addition to the concert, for which tickets are required, there are several free events with speakers as diverse as Alicia Keyes, Bishop TD Jakes, Donnie McClurkin and Representative Maxine Waters! These presenters will be speaking on the topic of empowerment.

After a full day tour will return to the 1896 O'Malley House to enjoy relaxing on the patio with a glass of wine or beer before falling asleep in his comfortable bed. Wake up to a delicious homemade breakfast before you are off the day's festivities. We will treat you right with our Southern Hospitality!

Five Tips To Get The Most Out Of Your Essence Festival

The 20th anniversary edition of Essence Festival hits New Orleans 3-6 jul 2014 with headliners including Mary J. Blige, Lionel Richie, Jill Scott and the mighty prince.



With long nights of music at the Superdome and days filled with seminars and fundamental to the Convention Center, the festival has much to offer. Here are some tips on how to get the most out of it.

Dress up strong, but elegant dress. Essence is a matter of great style, adorned with at least on par with the talent on stage crowd. You want your fashion flag fly, but it's hard to find a balance: a team working for the July heat outside the New Orleans Superdome and control cold climate inside or shoes (for ladies) that can offer comfort and style while walking between stages for six hours. Pack a light jacket or pashmina in your bag to wrap up in, for when the A / C starts to get to you. And it hurt to throw in a pair of stylish flats or even flip-flops to heels when Amazon impressive starts to feel less impressive. You will not be alone ; based on experience , right before the head mainstage lineup always seems like suddenly , half of women in the Dome get three inches shorter .

Do some musical research. From current sensations to the legends of the old school, Essence brings some of the biggest names in the music of New Orleans each July 4th weekend. Do not let the mainstage dark glow fest bookers eye “for talent under the radar yourself a favor and Google up the unfamiliar names that look as you scan alignment. Could be rewarded by the opportunity to see a Superlounge intimate spectacle of a star up -and-coming, or a sensational artist from Europe or Africa that hasn’t made it big in the U.S. yet.

In fact, only a plan to go to the living rooms anyway. We've said it before: We offer an intimate Superlounges small in the massive event, which makes a star a set of old school disco feel like a VIP private dance or a concert jazz feel a cozy, romantic nightclub. Take a break from the great room at least once or twice a night and circulated through the halls. Often acts Superlounge play two games over the course of the night, so you can fit two side stages and mainstage action without losing anything.

Take your time. Among full days of speakers and seminars and nights filled with music on multiple stages - not to mention club matches full celebrities do not roll until after headlining the main stage moves Superdome - Essence Fest can be place. Treat your weekend as a marathon, not a sprint. Take time to review the inspirational seminars at the Convention Center, where the main figures of spirituality, business and the arts speak each day for free. Carving a couple of hours to visit some of the cultural sights of New Orleans, unique shops and legendary restaurants. Planning ahead also helps: if you want to do lunch at a popular restaurant (see our guide to dining suggestions) or squeeze in a pedicure, call for reservations or appointments for a couple of weeks in advance.

Stay hydrated; steal a nap in the afternoon. You can enjoy the music more if you're not dead on their feet after the evening one.

Plug in brass Essence Fest fans work well and the social media. Keep your phone charged throughout the weekend and watch the festival of Facebook , Twitter and Instagram feeds great behind the scenes photos , information on festival events and real-time updates on the proceedings . Use the # and # hashtags emf2014 essencefest to keep up with fans, sponsors and even artists, too - you will notice the hot after party, raffle tickets, funny things happening in New Orleans and who knows, perhaps even the stars are hanging out around town. Stay updated on the news of the festival.

#20Years20Stages: A Look Back At Our Favorite ESSENCE Festival Moments

20 The Essence Festival is less than two months away, and is shaping up to be one of our best!

To celebrate the rich history of the festival, is launching ESSENCE # 20Years20Stages campaign, which will highlight some of the most impressive and performances take place in our stages over the past two decades now. Visit the Essence Festival in # and # Flashback Friday Throwback Thursday rare to see images of artists such as Luther Vandross, Chaka Khan, Kanye West, Beyonce, Al Green and many, many more.

To start it off, we're screaming music icon Janet Jackson, who turns 48 today! Here are some pictures of his electrifying performance of 2010.






Do not forget to share some of their favorite moments from the last 20 years.