Have you ever planned for something (concert, event, etc…), prepared yourself as best as you could, but when the moment finally got here, it didn’t work out? I feel like that has happened to me too often and this last time with Essence Festival in New Orleans, something that I have wanted to go to for years, is definitely going to change how I handle things from now on. I have literally been through every emotion possible since it happened on Saturday, and I am still going through it. It’s even made me really look at what I want to and where I want to go as a blogger/ writer…
*Cue Appropriate Mood Music*
What Had Happened Was…
It all started when I saw a flyer for an Essence Festival party being hosted by Michael B. Jordan, himself, posted by one of the many fan pages dedicated to him that I follow. I definitely thought it was too good to be true but since one of our Radio DJ friends was going to be there that night, I messaged him to see if it was legit (since there’s a lot of “promoters” out there) and he said that it was. So, I hit up my best friend and eventually bought tickets, VIP to be exact. I eventually got us a hotel for the night and everything. I was getting so excited, also a bit anxious, but still couldn’t wait to be able to see Michael and just be in one of my favorite cities during Essence Festival.
*Courtesy of Mr. Greg Johnson aka @Geewillie on Instagram*
The Day of Essence Festival and the Party…
After my girl and I drove 2 hours (not counting stops), in and out of rain, and finally made it to our hotel, we were both super excited, gradually getting nervous leading up to everything, but still good. Everything leading up to actually getting to the club was fun. But once we got to the line outside of the club, which was around 10:30pm, things changed. We both had heels on (and so did every other chick in that line of course) but I was still feeling good.
2 hours later, though, we were still in line, not moving an inch, and with no explanation from the security or the actual promoter who walked outside all non-chalant like everything was good. I was beyond pissed at this point, along with everyone else, and my girl was starting to not feel too good. We stayed for a little bit longer but everything was really starting to take a toll; my girl getting worse, and I’m fuming and don’t give a f*** anymore. So, we got an Uber and went back to the hotel. We ended up driving back home not long after.
I know that may not sound like an awesome or smart idea on my part but put yourself in my shoes. In the moment, it didn’t seem like their were other options. And it’s still super unprofessional to leave anyone, especially anyone who has PAID, outside for 2+ hours without ANY information. Girls were almost passing out from the heat & humidity.
Final Thoughts!
Between Friday & Saturday, I feel like I witnessed so much unprofessional-ism (Friday is a whole other story). Going to a lot of clubs and parties, working for a radio station, and knowing promoters from my area & other places; I have seen both sides. But after just those 2 days, I think it’s safe to say that I can see clearly why artists/ celebrities don’t want to come down here for shows, tours, appearances, etc… You really can’t trust a lot of these promoters.
It also makes me question our “obsession” with celebrities, since in some cases we literally pay to watch THEM have fun (especially for club events). As fans, are we really appreciated or are we just used because we’re how they make a living? And I don’t just mean the artists, but the promoters and people who put things together for the fans to see or be around our favorite celebrities.
I’m so heartbroken over this experience and can’t really blame anyone but myself (and maybe the promoter LOL) at this point. Because I was so upset, I didn’t even think to check if Michael B. Jordan was going to be at any other events on the Sunday, which he was, so I could get another chance. I guess I just wasn’t as prepared as I thought I was. So many different scenarios running through my head and I can’t help but to beat myself up over it (thanks anxiety). I spent so much time trying to overcome my anxiety to get to this event just for that to happen.
You are so interesting! I don’t think I’ve read a single thing like that before.
So nice to find somebody with genuine thoughts on this
issue. Seriously.. many thanks for starting this up.
This site is something that’s needed on the internet, someone with a little originality!
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