http://www.essencemusicfestival.com/

july 3-5

who's going this year? we need to start making plans and reservations to secure cheap flights & a room.

i plan on going thursday night - monday morning (to secure the room we want. lol.)

Still undecided, but if I go this year...it won't be for the concerts (did you see that line-up?

I would love to go just to visit Nawlins (Which I could never get enough of...those beignets, various tours...and need to go to more parties this time) and attend some of the conferences...

Teena Marie?
EnVogue *they are my girls...but how long has it been?

Beyonce and Ne-Yo are the strongest on the line-up.

**I'm tryna to get to L.A this year too

this year i want to go to the conferences and go on a bayou tour. i would also like to see beyonce and ne-yo's stage show...

but LA

I def. want to go back... not sure if I can though. Depends on when I start working again.

Did ya'll ever make those beignets?

Was it easy?

i still have 2 boxes of beignets. imma fry some up this weekend for my bday. it's REAL easy.

i just applied for a CC where i can earn points for plane tix. i don't know why i didn't do it sooner. I also signed up for 2 hotel programs to earn points for free rooms. (marriot and IHG brands.)

with all of the travel that i'm doing between now and 7/4, i should be able to book a nice free labor day weekend trip w/my kids.

if you want to travel a lot, i suggest that you try and remain brand loyal and sign up for the programs - it helps. on my puerto rico trip i had a free room upgrade, free breakfast daily, a free movie, and a fruit basket and water delivered my 2nd day.

i also get a free night every year and should be able to use that for nawlins. i have to read the fine print.

i've been a lot of places, but now i want to double back and take the girls with me so i can show them certain things. i do want to get to california, the middle east, and go on a couple of cruises within the next 2 years.

chicago i would do in a weekend so i don't really count that as a vacation. but it would be a great summer getaway trip.

The nightly line up has been confirmed for the 2009 ESSENCE Music Festival presented by Coca Cola. Beyoncé, John Legend, and Ne-Yo kick off the Festival Friday night. Maxwell, Anita Baker and Robin Thicke take the stage Saturday; Lionel Richie and Teena Marie close out Sunday with our salute to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly with musical tributes and a performance by the legends themselves.

Plus many more of your favorite artists on the Main Stage and in the SuperLounges each night.

Single tickets go on sale TOMORROW morning Friday, March 27th, but to ensure you've got the best seats each and every night, weekend packages are also available.