Essence Music Fest 2013 - "There's Nothing Like It!

GOT PLANS FOR JULY 4th?     

The Essence Music Festival will host some of the world's top brands and deliver a jammed-packed weekend of interactive fan experiences and excitement, starting with the NEW Princess of Southern Soul--Gina Brown.

Don't miss your chance to watch the pages of Essence Magazine come to life as fans engage with editors,  A-List celebrities and the some of the "biggest names in news and entertainment!"

(New York, NY)—There are less three weeks to go until the nation’s largest African American gathering of music and culture converges upon the city of New Orleans from July 4-7. This year, the 19^th annual ESSENCE Festival features a musical line-up that is second to none, including Beyoncé, Maxwell, New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Brandy, Jill Scott and more. Attendees can also expect appearances from world-renowned speakers, authors, innovators and celebrities for the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, as well as an opportunity to engage with the world’s most esteemed brands.

Top global brands will come together for a weekend of great music, rich cultural experiences, delicious samples, make-overs, vehicle test drives, celebrity meet and greets and more.  From Presenting Sponsor Coca-Cola to major sponsors Walmart, Ford, McDonald’s, My Black Is Beautiful, Verizon and State Farm fans will experience unmatched consumer engagement each day at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center and throughout the city of New Orleans. Official sponsors MSNBC, Coors Light, TV One and Visa Prepaid will also turn up the heat with even more innovative and exciting ways to connect with Festival-goers.

"VISION/VOICE/VARION" will be front row and center stage as The 19th Annual Essence Festival hosts some of the 'worlds top brands and delivers a jammed-packed weeked of interactive fan experiences and excitement.  For the first time ever, VVV will bring you the 4th of July "Family Reunion Day!"  One of the featured artists will be none other than Vision/Voice/Varion favorite Gina Brown.  Gina joins Doug Fresh, Tweet and dozens of other nationally renowned recording artist on Independence Day.  The variety of music promises to be a "blast" for the entire family to enjoy.                        

New Orleans Own--Gina Brown 

The ESSENCE Center Stage in the Convention Center is at the epicenter of everything Hot Right Now at the ESSENCE Festival throughout the weekend. Attendees will connect with our ESSENCE editors and favorite celebrities who will be on full display on the ESSENCE Center Stage each day. Our exclusive category, vendor and media partner participants will have an opportunity to interact with the ESSENCE reader and showcase their brand message through live moments. In addition, our attendees will have a chance to engage with celebrities and personalities in the Fan Zone as well as buy official merchandise, ESSENCE subscriptions and official ESSENCE branded photos.

For more informaiton about the latest news about The EssenceFestival-visit:  http://www.essence.com/festival 

ALL NEW: NEW ORLEANS' OWN GINA BROWN SLATED TO KICK OFF ESSENCE MUSIC FEST 2013

ESSENCE MUSIC FEST-FIRST EVER "FAMILY REUNION DAY!"

(New Orleans, LA.)--Gina Brown's got a secret, but I'm spilling the beans!  That's right, ALL NEW my girl and best friend will be one of the featured artists kicking off the annual ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL in New Orleans. This year event organizers announce the first ever "Family Reunion Day!" Essence Fest 2013 features Beyonce', Charlie Wilson, Maxwell, New Edition-just to name a few.  But, before these legendary artists can take center stage, first you'll be rocked out of your seat and dance in the isles with New Orleans' rising star Gina Brown.

Gina Brown, featuring Anutha Level will kick off the "four day music festival July 4th with a day designed with families in mind.  The fire works July 4th will not be limited to the skyline of downtown New Orleans, but with some of the best local artists "The Big Easy" has to offer. 

It's going to be explosive!  Essence Music Fest kicks off July 4th and ends on my birthday July 7th!  YES! You know I'm over the moon because I will spend another birthday and another season covering one of my favorite events with one of the hardest working women in the industry, Gina Brown.

Gina Brown- W&A File Photo

If you haven't been, just know there's nothing like ESSENCE FEST!  For more than 16 years this annual event has attracted music lovers from all around the world to the Crescent City and Gina Brown is definitely the entertainer to take it from hot to "sizzzlllling!" The addition of the "Family Reunion Day" is a great way to ensure there's something for everyone!

The addition of the "Family Reunion Day" is timely and what's a family reunion without "The Electric Slide, The Cupid Shuffle or The Wobble?" Brace yourself--ALL NEW 

The "G-Slide" a critically acclaimed single and line dance that's gaining Brown critical acclaim on the R&B and Southern Soul charts will be just one of the singles this New Orleans based entertainer will perform live.  "G's Spot" has been climbing the blues charts since November 2012 and Gina Brown is sure to take the party to"another level" as leads off what's being billed as "the event of the summer."  

ESSENCE MUSIC FEST-201---Photo: "E"Photo

Since 2010, 'VISION/VOICE/VARION" has been your exclusive "all access" backstage pass all of the exclusive interviews, red carpet arrivals, music and this year is no exception! Book your flight and purchase your tickets today, you won't be disappointed. ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL 2013...."it's going to be epic!"

CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS ON ESSENCE FEST and THE FAMILY REUNION WEEKEND:  http://www.essence.com/2013/04/18/essence-festival-announces-first-ever-family-reunion-day

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT ESSENCE FEST MUSIC LINE-UP:

http://www.essence.com/festival/schedule/artist

Beyonce Essence Fest

(NEW ORLEANS, LA.) -- If you haven't heard, The 19th Annual Essence Music Festival is going to be off the meter.  Here's hoping "Mrs. Carter" doesn't have an encore performance of "blowing out" the lights in the Super Dome for a second time at Essence!  Start making your plans now, it promises to be a "mind blowing" weekend!


CLICK HERE FOR ARTICLE AND ESSENCE FEST 2013 LINE-UP
Beyonce Essence Fest

Singing Legend Etta James Dead at 73

Etta James

(Riverside, California)--Her music timeless, her voice original! Today the world mourns the lost of one of the most iconic singers of our time. Blues singer Etta James died today in Riverside, California surrounded by her family.

She died from complications from leukemia. "She died with her husband, Artis Mills and he sons by her side," Lupe De Leon, her longtime friend and manager tells the Associated Press today in a press release.

She was diagnosed with leukemia in 2010 and also suffered from dementia and hepatitis C. James died at a hospital in Riverside just shy of her birthday.  She would have turned 74 Wednesday.

"This is a tremendous loss for the family, her friends and fans around the world", De Leon said.  "She was a true original who could sing it all- her music defied category."   I worked with Etta for over 30 years.  She was my friend and I will miss her always," Leon said.

Like so many, I was sad, but not surprised by her passing.  I'd been following her progress in the hospital for weeks and felt she cheated death when she was recovered and made it home.

During those weeks in the hospital I stopped and reflected on "my connection" to Etta James.  My best friend and singer Gina Brown on occasion served as her opening act. Gina's first concert with this blues legend was in San Francisco in 2006.  Gina shared with me stories of this "feisty" older woman who rolled around the concert hall in her motorized scooter never bothering to say "please or thank you." Perhaps after more than 40 years in the industry she felt she earned the right.

Though the latter years of her life were shrouded in controversy with President Barak Obama, singer Beyonce', her classic hit "At Last" and the 2009 Inaugural Ball, I found it ironic as the light of Etta James started to "dim", Gina Brown's star in the blues industry really started to shine. Just this year alone Gina Brown has been nominated as "best new artist" in several blues categories for her two singles, "We're Having A Party" and "The G-Slide".

Over the years Etta James became outspoken and defied "any category" when it came to her music, (she moved with the greatest of ease from R & B to Blues) I'm sure Gina Brown joins me in "thanking her" for opening the door for her, Beyonce' and countless others!

Thank you Etta for your "classic music".  I'd hoped you cheated after being administered final rites weeks ago, however today with your passing I'm reminded, "sometimes God gets us stronger for the journey!"  Rest in Peace!