Source: Bennett Raglin / Getty
This past weekend I ventured to New Orleans to be apart of one of the biggest spectacles within our African-American culture, Essence Music Festival. I was like a little kid in the candy store, looking around enjoying the sights of the city and the events that were popping off!
Usher, Kendrick Lamar, Missy Elliot, Erykah Badu and tons others were a few of the big names that graced the stage at the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome in downtown New Orleans. There were people everywhere! The fun was ever-flowing and it was a weekend that I will forever remember.
I comprised a list of 7 key reasons why you should go ahead and punch your ticket for next year’s Essence Music Festival. Check them out!
- Joyous Spirits
From the minute you take your first steps off of the airplane, a sense of joy and ecstasy will smack you in the face. The souls of New Orleans welcome you with a smile and vibrancy, giving you a sense of warmth that will keep you company your entire trip. Some cities you visit or big events you venture off to aren’t as welcoming but, feeling welcomed is one amazing feeling.
The city is landscaped with stand out camaraderie and hospitality, making you feel comfortable that the city won’t forsake you. Making your way out of the illustrious airport and into the cab, the driver will welcome you to the city and give you brief synopsis of every corner you turn.
It’s not just a New Orleans thing, it’s what the city does to people. Once you arrive to the Essence Festival, the melting pot of people all possess the same sense of jubilation and endearment. As you go from event to event, you are likely to engage in thousands of conversations with unfamiliar faces as well as be given some great food to try.
I love free samples, I’m here for that.
- Rich Black Culture
Essence Music Fest has seen continued growth since it’s conception in 1995 and has become a hotbed of African-American culture. With several conventions and expos, African-American culture will be on full display for your conception.
Whether it’s the best in throwback music, gospel, health and wellness, financial classes, fashion or amazing performances, you will be sure to be engaged in the culture! You will surely be amazed too!
Source: Josh Brasted / Getty
- Celebrity Presence
Ok, so this is one of the most fun opportunities surrounding Essence Music Fest; the Celebrity Presence.
Essence has grown to such monumental heights that it has become a stop for most of your favorite celebrities in the industry. Entertainers from all across the world venture to #NOLA every year for Essence Fest, some of not even performing but literally coming to enjoy the city and the events.
You could walk to one of your favorite restaurants and just so happen to sit next to one of your favorite reality stars. Or, you could just be walking back to your hotel from Bourbon Street and cross paths with your favorite singer! Anything is possible, get your camera ready!
- Diverse Event Listing
There is literally something for everybody to do during Essence Festival. The festival was designed to engage the participants with the idea of being helpful to whatever you need. If you are yearning for lively concerts, they got you. If you are in need of a spiritual revitalization, they got you. If you are looking for wellness improvement, they got you. There was literally a program or event for every one!
Seriously, one of my friends did yoga with a reality star!
- Amazing New Orleans Cuisine
So, I was a little handicapped in this department because of my allergies but New Orleans food is to die for. Even with my seafood and dairy allergies, I was still able to enjoy the food.
Source: Josh Brasted / Getty
I heard about the food years ago but now I know first hand that it is truly something special. Each cuisine is filled with flavor, just enough spice to be memorable and won’t hurt your pockets either!
6. Reasonable Pricing
Speaking of pockets and getting the most for your buck, you won’t go broke at Essence. Even the merchandise was reasonably priced, T- Shirts, bags, all types of souvenirs to help you remember the great event are all priced reasonably for you. Also, during the concert I spent $16 and got an adult beverage alongside a nice bowl of Gumbo (With no seafood because I didn’t want to die) and some chips. Gets no better than that!
Hotel pricing may spike depending on how soon or late you book your travel but for the most part, you get a bang for your buck with hotel rooms. Also, public transportation is available across the city as well as UBER taxi service.
- Endless Memories
To be honest, the memories you will make at Essence Fest are more than enough reasoning to take that trip! I connected with so many people from all across the country, from different walks of life and got to hear some amazing stories about New Orleans and their culture. I got to witness the legendary, Missy Elliot in rare form as well as got to taste some of the most amazing food!
#EssenceFest is live in New Orleans! @lordbrianjames is in the press room! #Happy4th A photo posted by Hot 96.3 #HOTRunsIndy (@hot963) on Jul 4, 2015 at 8:27pm PDT
@LordBrianJames (Twitter & Instagram)
