NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Trey Songz. Jill Scott. Mary J. Blige. Earth,
Wind and Fire.

There was something for all ages at the Essence Music Festival
Sunday night as it closed its 16th annual celebration of
empowerment, enlightenment and entertainment in the Louisiana
Superdome.

“Mary Jane Blige tore it up,” said Kevia Stroder, of Richmond,
Texas. “That’s what’s up! No More Drama in my life.”

Stroder said Blige sang from the heart. “She gave her soul
during the performance and kept the crowd on their feet.”

The Grammy Award-winning singer had two surprise guests for the
audience: Trey Songz, who performed as the night’s opening act,
came back on stage and electrified the crowded Superdome even more
with their duet, “We Got Hood Love.”

T.I., known as the King of the South, later joined Blige on
stage for a few songs, elevating an already high-energy act when he
rapped on her song, “Good Love.”

“That brought me to my feet even more,” Stroder said. “When they
came out, I was like ‘Wow!’ It was a great experience.”

Jill Scott took the audience on a soulful trip, through a song
list that included “Crown Royal,” ”Long Walk,” ”Hate on Me,” and
“The Way You Love Me.”

“I really liked the different feel she did with it,” said
Brittany Reid of LaPlace, La. “She did this kind of opera version
and she had to laugh at herself because she knew she was doing it.
We were really feeling her.”

Earth, Wind and Fire was the three-day event’s last act and for
some, well worth the wait.

“This has been a long time coming,” said Seressa Allen of
Atlanta. “They needed to be here and they need to come back next
year.”

Earlier Sunday, spirit-filled worship rang through New Orleans’
convention center as part of a star-studded program honoring Pastor
Shirley Caesar, Kirk Franklin and Bishop Paul S. Morton and Pastor
Debra Morton of Greater St. Stephen’s Full Gospel Baptist
Church.

Thousands packed a seminar hall to hear Pastor Marvin Winans’
sermon and performances by Marvin Sapp, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Tye
Tribbett, Juanita Bynum and The Clark Sisters.

Michelle Walker, of Columbia, S.C., said everything about the
festival was awesome, from the uplifting and inspirational moments
at the gospel tribute to the useful information received at the
education summit and seminars on relationships.

“The spirit and atmosphere is so easy,” she said. “There’s
nothing negative about it. Total strangers are coming up to you and
embracing you. It’s a good way to spend the Fourth of July.”

“This has been an absolutely great and wonderful experience,”
said Angela Eubanks, of Durham, N.C., while standing in line at one
of the festival sponsors’ booths, steps away from the tribute area.
“There’s so much packed into just a few days.”

First-time festival-goer James Palmer, of Atlanta, watched
hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh perform on one stage in the convention
center while actor Boris Kodjoe signed autographs in an area
nearby. Both areas were surrounded by fans standing 10-to-12 deep.
“I think this is just an awesome event,” he said.

Of the acts he’d seen so far, Palmer said Janet Jackson’s
performance Friday night in the Louisiana Superdome was most
memorable for him. “I don’t think anyone is going to top that. I’m
definitely returning,” he said, smiling.

Jerome Lykes of New York, another first-timer, said he loved
Charlie Wilson’s act on Friday the most. “He’s gone through so much
in his life and to see him come through that adversity is really a
testament to those struggling with drugs or whatever and example of
look where I was and look where I am now,” he said.

Annette Cardoza, of Toronto, said this is the third time she and
her husband had experienced the festival.

“This is a way for us to embrace our people,” she said. “All of
this,” she said gesturing around the environment, “we don’t have in
Canada. Everyone’s happy to be around each other, happy to come
together. The unity is just amazing.”

Regina Tilley, 16, of Watson, La., said she, too, was having a
fabulous time.

“It’s a good way for people from all over to get together and
have a good time,” she said.

Tilley was at the festival’s marketplace with her mom, Theresa
Tilley, and 17-year-old sister, Stephanie.

Stephanie Tilley said the event is not just entertaining but
also cultural. “It really makes you proud of who you are as a black
person,” she said. “It’s an inspiration and one of the reasons why
we came to check it out.”

Throughout the event, fest-goers were treated to cooking
demonstrations by chef G. Garvin, book-signings by several renowned
authors and opportunities to experience Ford’s new line of
vehicles

Alicia Burbank, of Snellville, Ga., said the convention
atmosphere was a nice prelude to the closing night’s
performances.

“There’s such a family feel here where you can come and enjoy
yourself, stress-free, while supporting the businesses, whether
that’s food or retail,” she said. “There’s just enough activity to
keep you wanting more and making you want to come back so that next
time you can do something you didn’t have a chance to do this
time.”