The big news on Friday, the first night of the 2010 Essence Music Festival, was Janet Jackson’s only show of the year—and the extravaganza of S&M choreography that highlighted it. Friday’s schedule was chock full of top-notch performances though, including locals Little Freddie King, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Irma Thomas and Irvin Mayfield, plus Monica, Raphael Saadiq, Charlie Wilson, Arrested Development, Chrisette Michele, Mary Mary and War. Check out David Dennis’ review of the first night of Essence Fest (or Saturday and Sunday nights), and the photos by Kim Welsh below.

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