Essence Fest Draws More Than 422,000 Attendees

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) - More than 422,000 people took part in the 2011 Essence Music Festival held over the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans, festival organizers said.

For three days, thousands gathered for nightly concerts inside the Louisiana Superdome and free daily empowerment and community-based events at the city's convention center where the festival, presented by Coca-Cola, celebrated its 17th anniversary.

Citywide hotel occupancy was in the mid-90 percent range or higher throughout the weekend.

This year's attendance ... certainly underscores the significance of the Essence Music Festival as the place where we all come together to celebrate culture and connect to our community, Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks said.

Ebanks also said the festival's popularity shows its significance as a one-of-a-kind platform for entertainment, information and inspiration.

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