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2005 Chevrolet Essence Music Festival: The Cookout! Stephen Redmond, 07.04.05 Photos: Monica Morgan I have just two words when I think of the 2005 Essence Music Festival presented by Chevrolet -- family reunion. From the time I exited the airport you could feel the energy and love in the air. Whether it was eating stuffed shrimp at the world famous Pampy’s restaurant to walking the vivacious scene on Bourbon Street, you felt like you were at a cookout with your relatives back home. Essence celebrated 35 years in the magazine business by putting on a festival that was second to none. Beginning with the press conference , the weekend Essence affair was a deeply rooted, fashionably stated musical amazement. Although, the mood of the festivities was dampened somewhat by the passing of Luther Vandross. He has meant so much to the culture and the city of New Orleans. The musical guests showed their appreciation accordingly! Alicia Keys, John Legend, Aretha Franklin, Tina Marie, Kanye West, Destiny’s Child and two of my favorites, The Roots and Lyfe Jennings rocked the party appropriately. I really couldn’t imagine having a better time anywhere else. Chevrolet hosted Automotive Rhythms’ presence for the weekend as they really stood behind their theme “All Access.” Chevy General Manager, Ed Peper stated, “The Essence Music Festival is a remarkable event and we wanted to provide people with a ‘behind the scenes’ look at it.” Accordingly, we were given all access to the music venues, including the “music memorabilia tour,” which featured artists such as Lionel Richie, the Jackson Five and many others. This tour also showcased the talents of photographer Keith Major, who captured the theme of the “Essence Woman.” More so, the women flocked to the Chevy booth to see actor Boris Kodjoe of Soul Food. They loved every minute of it! Boris and wife Nicole Parker Kodjoe are Chevy spokespersons. The weekend was more complete with Chevy’s vehicle ride and drive, which gave the “America Revolution” the opportunity to launch their latest product, the new HHR, which is patterned after the original Chevy Suburban. Also available for test drives was my personal favorite, the 2005 Corvette convertible. In all, the Essence Music Festival was fun, involving and touching. Automotive Rhythms would like to thank Chevy, Essence and the city of New Orleans for being stellar hosts. The “All Access” theme definitely was fulfilled and we look forward to the cookout next year! Restyled Chevy HHR Beyonce Performs Boris & Stephen Boris Kodjoe & the Chevy HHR Brandy Destiny'sChild BET Radio's Crystal Shaw, Automotive Rhythms' Stephen Redmond & Stephanie Jaimie Brown & Boris Kodjoe Kanye West Performs EssenceCar Stephen & the Corvette Keith, Robert, Randy Payton, & Stephen Karen, Boris & Randi Rosie Perez, Terrance Howard & Macy Gray