What are some of the memories you have of Essence Fest?

I actually attended the first Essence [in 1995] and have been practically every year since then. My mother used to be one of the event planners. I’ve seen Prince, Stevie [Wonder], Beyoncé, all these wonderful acts, plus a lot of local performers in the Superlounges such as, of course, Rebirth [Brass Band].

One of the memories that consistently develops is that it’s a long weekend with three days of back-to-back conce...