The Essence Music Festival ‘Coming Home To New Orleans’ in 2007

(October 25, 2006) The Essence Music Festival, the nation's largest annual African-American event celebrating Black music and culture, is 'Coming Home' to New Orleans on July 5-7, 2007 to present the biggest names in entertainment for three nights of exhilarating performances, it was announced today by Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. and Mitch Landrieu, Lt. Governor, State of Louisiana.

Louisiana Governor Kathleen Blanco, New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin, ESSENCE Editor-in-Chief Angela Burt-Murray, and ESSENCE Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor were also on hand to commemorate the agreement.

The announcement marks the return of the 13th annual Festival to its original home, since relocating temporarily to Houston in 2006 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. The homecoming of the world renowned "party with a purpose" is expected to bring more than 200,000 visitors to the City of New Orleans and will benefit the local and state economy; including businesses that employ local residents - many of which are still in recovery post-Katrina.

"ESSENCE is proud to join with the State of Louisiana in support of the City of New Orleans and bring the Essence Music Festival back home, where Festivalgoers can once again experience the richness of New Orleans' culture — including distinctive music, traditions, and cuisine celebrated with old-fashioned southern hospitality," said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. "Continuing the longstanding tradition of outstanding music, culture and community, the Essence Music Festival's return to New Orleans in 2007 is not to be missed!"

The New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Center Bureau will serve as the host organization for the 2007 Essence Music Festival.

The newly-restored Louisiana Superdome will host three fantastic nights of live performances by the biggest names in entertainment, and during the day, the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will house the free and open-to-the-public Essence Cares Empowerment Seminars, as well as the popular Essence Marketplace.

"The Essence Music Festival is coming home. Essence's return to Louisiana sends the signal to the world that we are back in business," said Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu. "This major event, which attracts over 200,000 visitors each year, will be a shot in the arm for our economy and the thousands of small businesses and employers that rely on tourists."

Landrieu added, "I would like to thank the Essence Host Committee – without their hard work and determination we could not have brought Essence back to Louisiana in 2007."

The Essence Host Committee was formed by Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu and includes: Angele Davis, Secretary, Department of Culture, Recreation and Tourism; Steven Perry, President/ CEO, New Orleans Metropolitan Convention and Visitors Bureau; Doug Thornton, Regional Vice President, SMG; Sandy Shilstone, President/ CEO, New Orleans Tourism Marketing Corporation; Bill Langkopp, Executive Vice President, Louisiana Hotel and Lodging Association; and Toni Rice, President, Multicultural Tourism Network.

Log on to http://www.essence.com for updates on tickets, performers, and hotel accommodations, as well as weekly promotions.


Go to Target Market News homepage

 

_________________________



Click here to read more

________________________

The African-American
Book Publishing Authority

Now in its seventh year of publication, Black Issues Book Review is the only nationally distributed magazine devoted exclusively to covering the latest news and reviews on black books. BIBR also provides up-to-date news on forthcoming author signings, book fairs and book clubs.
Want this issue? Get it with your new subscription.
Click Here

A TARGET MARKET NEWS PUBLICATION
________________________

 12th Annual Edition Available 
Latest 'Buying Power' report shows black consumers spending more on home life

As the American economy continues to move sluggishly, African-American households are curtailing their spending in many categories, including food, clothing and basic household items, while investing more in home repair, home entertainment and consumer electronics. Although they are trimming back, black consumers are still spending more than their white counterparts on most of these products.
Story and statistics continued
_________________________

  SUBSCRIBE TODAY! 


The trade publication for
in-depth coverage of Black
Consumer Marketing
and Media news