"All Access"- 2011 Essence Music Festival-Day 1

(New Orleans, LA.)  July 1st--The first day at The Essence Festival is filled with fun, food and excitement.  More than 7 thousand people joined me at The Ernest Morial Convention Center for giveaways, seminars and a chance to "press the flesh" with some of the hottest artists and celebrities. Photographer El-pwe Ray one of the the most sought-after photographers captured the "essence" of the day and night.  We start things off with Carl Payne of The Martin Lawrence Show. 

We also encountered a brief meeting with Derek J, the high heel , stiletto wearing stylist to the stars.  Yes,  ladies I found myself with "shoe envy " for the first time in my life. Derek has turned heads on The Real Housewives of Atlanta and New Orleans was no exception.

Check out the shots of Keisha -Knight Pulliam of The House of Payne.  Let's just say little Rudy has certainly grown up. She is simply beautiful as she signs autographs with her " House of Pain"co-star  Lance Gross of the comedy sitcom.

Photos by: El-pwe Ray
"El-pwe's Photography"

One of the bigger highlights for me was seeing a taping of "Family Feud" with Steve Harvey.  He as mixing things up with two families from the New Orleans area .

We also got a sneak peek at Charlie Wilson's Friday night performance on The Ford stage.  Wow,   he took it to the stage pleasing fans of all generations.  The former lead singer of the Gap Band "burned rubber on screaming audiences from The Convention Center to the Super Dome until nearly 1am.  It's been a great weekend so far.  It's a lot of work, but I'm determined to give you more of what you love 24/7.  VISION/VOICE/VARION-your source for entertainment news.