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Essence Music Festival 2012

Hey, ladies. Has anyone ever been to New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival? A friend of mine recently asked if I would like to go but I'm undecided. If any of you have been, do you have any suggestions or tips on anything? I.e. Places to hang out, places to mingle, etc

Thanks!

Tags: 2012, Essence, festival, music

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Permalink Reply by MS. UCAN NEVA GET ENUFF!! on June 4, 2012 at 12:14pm

I've never been but this will e my first time as well. I know I will be at the casino though.

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Permalink Reply by BlkButtafly on June 4, 2012 at 1:27pm

I'm trying to get semi-excited about going lol. I have no official plans yet except for the festival on Friday.

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Permalink Reply by Couture_QuiteJuicy on June 4, 2012 at 1:33pm

Essence Fest is all the way live!!! I had a awesome time a few years back... Harris Casino is def a must go and of course bourbon street... The concerts at the super dome was my least favorite but they were still pretty cool! Enjoy ladies!!! Man, I wish I was going... Lol...

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Permalink Reply by Sheli on June 4, 2012 at 1:45pm

I've gone twice and I LOVED IT!! It's so easy to find something to get into. The Convention Center always has something going on (free concerts, celeb meet&greets, & give away), then the Riverwalk mall is right next to it, there a couple sites that have a list of free daytime parties going on, Bourbon Street was always crowded and had something happening, there are a LOT of parties at night hosted by celebrities. I don't know if I'm going this year, if I do it'll be a last minute decision.

Last year there was a riverboat comedy cruise, I wanted to do it, but it sold out quick.

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Permalink Reply by Jae Nei on June 4, 2012 at 4:07pm

Essence is great. And as mentioned, it really is easy to find things to get into. It all depends on what you like. People will be advertising and promoting all types of events so it's just a matter of choosing. My one suggestion is to either find lodging nearby or to cab it wherever you go. Driving in the city during Essence is a migraine. I usually stay with a friend and we cab it everywhere we go. The best thing is to "make friends" with a certain cabbie and have them at your disposal pretty much all weekend.

Last year I attended the midday boat cruise party on the Creole Queen. Look into that. Those are pretty fun. I also the comedy brunch party. Lots of fun, lots of networking (both business and personal).

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Permalink Reply by BlkButtafly on June 4, 2012 at 4:22pm

Thanks everyone! I'm keeping all of this in mind and passing it on to my friend also.

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Permalink Reply by Lemieux on June 4, 2012 at 6:50pm

Hello I'm a native and current resident.

Well most will be at the casino at Masquerade. Also a good spot to eat is Ernst Cafe which is couple blocks across from the casino. Whales aka ballers hang out there. Also there's the American sector to eat, Metropolitan (The Metro) is a nice upscale who's who club its in the area, down St Charles is The Effiel Society- which is uber upscale artsy club also a who's who but with an artistic twist. Howlin Wolf a nice jazz/blues/neo soul spot which at times host other genres cool crowd goes there. Its also near the casino. Republic another nightclub upscale couple blocks away. The Court of Two Sisters Creole dining upscale courtyard. Also around howlin wolf there's Latin spots which are fun and Mulates a cajun restaurant with live music and dance. Anywhere on Frenchmen is amazing for blues,jazz, house/ambient/trance, and artsy clubs. Musicians, artist, and actors tend to frequent there (its our little hide out). And tons of underground (anything goes) clubs I don't suggest unless you're into bdsm etc lol. Also Decatur is a nice street with lounges and such.