2010 ESSENCE Music Festival, New Orleans, LA
Friday, July 2 – Monday, July 5
The ESSENCE Music Festival is annual music festival celebrating contemporary African American music and culture. It is the largest event celebrating African American culture and music in the United States. It has been held in New Orleans, Louisiana every year since 1995 except for 2006, where it was held in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina. ESSENCE Music Festival, known locally as ESSENCE Fest, is sponsored by ESSENCE magazine, a magazine aimed primarily towards African-American women, and presented by Coca-Cola®.
My Role as a Moms Panelist
As a member of the 2010 Walt Disney World Moms Panel and a Disney Vacation Club member, I discussed Walt Disney World Parks, Disney’s Dreamers Academy, and Disney Vacation Club. I also discussed vacation planning and answered questions about travel to Walt Disney World. I assisted with the hourly Raffle of wonderful Princess and the Frog and Mouse Ears prizes.
Highlights of My Experience
I was given ample opportunity to take a break from our booth and attend the free seminars and performances held at the Convention Center. During the Festival, I attended the Informed and In Charge: Sex in the Era of HIV seminar with Sheryl Lee Ralph; the Where Do We Go From Here? seminar with Reverend Al Sharpton; An Educational Keynote by Bill Cosby; The Secret Life of Our Teens seminar with Hill Harper; and An All-Star Gospel Salute to Kirk Franklin, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Bishop Paul & Pastor Debra Morton featuring Dr. Juanita Bynum, II and several Gospel choirs.
I had the opportunity to eat delicious, authentic, New Orleans and Louisiana cuisine. I had Barbecue Shrimp with Rice, Jambalaya, Gumbo, German Chocolate Cake, Pralines, Apple Cobbler, and Strawberry Lemonade. I also enjoyed complimentary McDonald’s shakes and Coca-Cola’s Coke Zero and Gold Peak Tea.
I shopped the ESSENCE Marketplace & Art Expo that was a few steps away from our booth. I was able to purchase unique and handcrafted items, as well as ship larger items home via the onsite USPS.
I was able to see the Ford Booth from our booth and they featured several music artists and celebrities, including El Debarge, Kirk Franklin, Trey Songz, Idris Elba, Mary Mary, and more.
I could see the Coca-Cola Booth next to our booth and I watched Chef G. Garvin cooking demonstrations, as well as, several renditions of the Cha Cha Slide and Cupid Shuffle.
Laura, so graciously, took me to NOLA Restaurant for dinner. NOLA’s is Chef Emeril Lagasse’s restaurant located in the French Quarter. My mouth is still watering!
My family and I attended the Sunday, July 4th Concert featuring Trey Songz, Jill Scott and Mary J. Blige.
This was my first visit to New Orleans, Louisiana and my first Essence Music Festival. I met and worked alongside wonderful and energetic Disney Cast Members.
Princess Tiana, as Disney’s first African-American Princess, is an inspiration to young ladies and to all African-Americans. I was proud to witness the profound effect her presence had on everyone, especially the little girls. Most importantly, I had the opportunity to talk about Disney for 3 days!
I enjoyed every minute of this Magical experience!
