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

2013 Essence Festival Nightly Line Up!

ESSENCE 2013-"SIZZLING!"

(NEW ORLEANS, LA.)---The 2013 Essence Music Festival Line-up is almost set!  Which night will you rock out to some of the best in R&B, Hip Hop and Neo-Soul?  Essence Music Fest in New Orleans, Louisiana is more than an event, it's a reunion.  Some of the hottest performers in the world descend on "The Big Easy" leaving their mark in the most memorable way.    
 

Gina Brown & Anutha Level Performing July 4th

ALL NEW:  My girl Gina Brown officially kicks off the party with an "explosive" performance July 4th.  Be sure to join the "Empress of New Orleans" and Mayor Mitch Landrieu as they welcome thousands to this colorful hot bed for fun and entertainment.

VISION/VOICE/VARION is also gearing up to bring you another exciting year of "all things Essence!" VVV...."your all access pass to some of the hottest musical performances this summer!"  Stay close!

Singer Trey Songz & Varion Walton-Photo By-"E" Photo

"Red Carpet Ready!"

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

Kevin Hart, Tank, and Tyrese Love Charlie Wilson's Performance at the 20...

                ESSENCE FEST "REWIND!" 

*Video courtesy of P. Music Group

Check out this video shot by "E" of Elpwe's Photography. There's so much talent in this one frame of video.  I truly feel privileged to have witnessed this impromptu comedy show first hand.  

It’s hard to believe Charlie Wilson and Kevin Hart had never seen each other’s work before Essence Music Festival 2012.  In the video Kevin who is hanging out with R&B crooners Tyrese and Tank immediately started to “roll” out the jokes the moment he saw Charlie Wilson stepped out of a security vehicle backstage. Elpwe Ray did an incredible job capturing the essence of Uncle Charlie influencing the “next generation of entertainers” in this 2 minute clip.

Comedian Kevin Hart and Varion Walton

Kevin Hart is one of the funniest guys on the circuit  today and it was really cool meeting him. I got a chance to ask him one or two questions backstage.  I loved his natural, honest response when I asked if he is often amazed about his new found success?  "Hell yes!" 'If anyone had told me it would be this big  I wouldn't have believed it,'  Hart said.

This tenacious comedian who is often the butt of "pocket sized" jokes is casting a really "big" shadow in Hollywood these days. Tinseltown is still buzzing about his standout performance in Steve Harvey's movie "Act like a Lady, Think Like A Man.                     

                                                                                

This summer he served up a few more laughs and raised a few eyebrows during his performance at the Essence Music Festival.  It would appear organizers who have long billed Essence as a weekend for “family reunions” weren't quite ready for the "R" rated version of Kevin Hart’s stand up routine.  Let’s face it, the guy cusses like a sailor.  It’s definitely not a show for children.

Kevin is no dummy, he knows when “take the polish off the shine”.  I remember Kevin Hart's humble beginnings on Myspace, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.  He spent several years posting his standup routines on the internet.

Look at him now. Today Kevin Hart is considered one of Hollywood’s leading men, picking up a BET Award for “Best Actor.”  He is also hilarious as the new “pitchman” in those unforgettable Ford Explorer commercials.


Here's to this pint size comedian who is an awesome example of never giving up on your dream and always believing in yourself, despite your shortcoming.

A TASTE OF ESSENCE MUSIC FEST WITH "E"

(New Orleans, LA.)--He tells a story through his photographs.Those photographs truly come to life when he's "unleashed" on the red carpet!  His eye is keen, his sense of the glamour has him as one of the most sought after "celebrity photographers" of our time. Elpwe Ray aka "E" is the man "behind the camera" capturing a moment in time never to be forgotten.

Working as P. Music's house photographer, "E" had all access to R&B Singer Charlie Wilson and many other celebrities including The "Queen of Soul" Aretha Franklin at Essence Music Fest 2012.  Check out more of his work at www.elpwesphotography.com

ALL ACCESS: ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL-COMEDIAN J. ANTHONY BROWN

(New Orleans, LA.)  Comedian J. Anthony Brown was just one of the familiar faces in the Ernest Morial Convention Center this past weekend during the Essence Music Festival.  In addition to a brief "meet and greet" with fans of The Tom Joyner Morning Show,  J. Anthony Brown was also a special invited guest for the Empowerment Community Seminars.

Tom Joyner Morning Show J. Anthony Brown

After meeting with more than 500 screaming fans, "the morning show funny man" decided it was time to "rib" his convention neighbor R&B singer Charlie Wilson.  Wilson, who had a booth nearby was signing autographs and taking orders for his "Uncle Charlie Wilson" signature line of hats.   While the fedora is popular among the men,  J. Anthony Brown just couldn't pass up an opportunity to strut his stuff in a "wide brim" red floral hat.  He and Charlie shared a few laughs and posed for a few pictures.

I don't know if Charlie realized J. Anthony was serious about his selection. He thought it would definitely be "an ice breaker" each week in Tom Joyner's Red Velvet Room.   One word sums up this shot of the day..."hatitude", but in the worse way!  Great to chemistry between the two carries over in and outside of the studio.   

Grammy Award Winner  Charlie Wilson and Comedian J. Anthony Brown

ESSENCE RECAP-FRIENDSHIP: Charlie Wilson and Marvin Winans

(New Orleans, LA.)  July 7, 2012--Talk about "sweet reunions!" I had the privilege of witnessing and capturing the reunion of two old friends.  R&B crooner Charlie Wilson headlined Essence Music Festival 2012.  In addition to three generations rocking out to his music, "Uncle Charlie" also met and personally greet thousands of fans eager to get their hands on his signature hats.  Much to Charlie's  surprise, that included the legendary Marvin Winans of the first family of "gospel music," The Winans. Both men, legends in their own right were humbled by the sweet reunion.  

Timeless is the one word that not only describes their careers, but their friendship!

WHAT'S HOT!! Charlie Wilson Gets 2 Grammy Nods

(Los Angeles, CA.)  It was a big night for Kanye West and Adele, but I'm especially excited for "Uncle Charlie Wilson"on his two Grammy nods for R&B Performance as well as Best R&B Song for "You Are".  Charlie you're definitely stepping into your season, again!  No doubt you, photographer El-pwe Ray and the entire writing, producing and management staff at P. MUSIC, INC. are on cloud 9.  Way to Go!!!!

R&B Sensation Charlie Wilson and Varion Walton-Essence 2011
(Photo Courtesy: Photographer El-pwe Ray aka "E", Elpwe's Photography)

"All Things Essence"--Charlie Wilson on The Sirius XM/Ford Stage

( New Orleans, LA.) July 1- "Timeless" is the one word that best describes R & B Legend Charlie Wilson.  Before taking center stage at this year's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans,  first Charlie gives hundreds of his adoring fans a preview of the big night on the Sirius XM/"Heart and Soul" Stage.

"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.