New Orleans, LA - Tens of thousands of visitors party with a purpose during the annual essence music festival. This year, the event took advantage of Champions Square for the first time, for a block party. That fun filled ambiance of the Essence Music Festival kicked up a notch with the addition a free festival block party.
New Orleans artists are represented with local rapper, D1 kicked off today's party in Champion's square.
Festival organizers say they wanted to find a way to connect with locals in a deeper way, and touch audiences who wouldn't normally attend the festival.
"We love it, said Qiana Taylor from New Jersey, "The music, the fun, talking, food is great, yeah, food is excellent."
Friday night in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, the main stage was electrified with performances by some of the hottest stars in R&B and soul.
"This is my first Essence Fest, it was actually a birthday present from my wife, and I thought we should make it a family affair. It's such a positive influence for our community, and especially for women. My goddaughter and my daughter with me, I thought this would be a tremendously positive experience for these two young ladies," said Isaac Washington from Atlanta.
"Essence is about black women and empowerment, and learning about some more empowerment to help us in our everyday life," said Melissa Lucas from Georgia.
About 400,000 people are expected through the weekend, with an estimated $100-million impact.
"Essence is an unbelievable partner of New Orleans, they love the city. This is their 17th time it has been in New Orleans," said Kelly Schulz with the New Orleans Visitors and Convention's Bureau.
Schulz says, at last check, hotel occupancy is about 97-percent full. Plus, with all the conventions and events planned in New Orleans this year, she expects tourism numbers to far surpass those from last year.
"And of course we're coming off a spring and a winter that have been spectacular with BCS, and the Final Four, and this series of events," said Schulz.
"I'm just so glad to be back with my people, my heritage, my sisters, my friends, just giving back to the city that has given so much, the Big Easy," said Charlene Thorbe from Georgia.
Friday night in the Dome. The main stage was electrified with performances by some of the hottest stars in R&B and soul, which included the Pointer Sisters, and Charlie Wilson.
