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Su-Jit Lin
Su-Jit Lin once left her native New York on a whim and a gut feeling and has yet to regret the spontaneous shift that has led her to one of the most amazing and character-rich cities in the world.…
Su-Jit Lin once left her native New York on a whim and a gut feeling and has yet to regret the spontaneous shift that has led her to one of the most amazing and character-rich cities in the world. A cum laude Tulane University graduate, majoring in History and English, she has found it impossible to stay away from the one place that’s managed to capture her heart and speak to her spirit: New Orleans. Residing uptown, working downtown, and writing for Where Y'At Magazine smack dab in the middle of the Garden District, she takes full advantage of everything in between – or at least tries desperately to keep up with the frenzied activity! Pastimes include freelance writing and editing, travel, painting, music, her dog, and excuses to wear a scarf. Most importantly, she loves with a deep passion good food and drink, and all things New Orleans … even the poisonous caterpillars that seem programmed to find her year round.
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Essence Fest Lineup
The most important question for any music festival is, of course – who’s playing? And this summer, for the biggest hip-hop and R&B bash in the city, Essence Fest, the star-studded list is enough to blind you.
Friday, July 4 (known to some as Independence Day; known to others as the kickoff to a fantastic and inspired musical weekend) is the date that J Holiday, the beauty from Barbados, Rihanna, her rumoured paramour Chris Brown, and the artist and diva extraordinaire Kanye West take the stage. This is a leg of Kanye's raved-about Glow in the Dark tour, so it's going to be a huge production in one of the most highly regarded tours of the year.
On Saturday, July 5, Musiq, rock-hard LL Cool J, newlywed (again) Jill Scott, and living legend Patti Labelle perform. Ms. Labelle’s appearance will be featuring a reunion with Labelle members Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, as well as additions of Angie Stone, Ledisi, Chrisette Michele, Irma Thomas, and Ruby Amanfu.
The Sunday, July 6th lineup wraps it all up with entertainment provided by Morris Day, the ever-soulful Keyshia Cole, comedic talent by Chris Rock, and the uber-talented Mary J. Blige. Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly will also be taking part of that day’s show.
Basically, no matter what night you choose to attend, you better be ready to bust out in goosebumps and tears, as incredible performances are pretty much a guarantee. Even if some artists are not QUITE as gifted as others (no offense – Rihanna is distinctive, but always sounds a little dead …) and some are not QUITE as A-List, the ones that are will be sure to knock your socks off. Prepare to be blown away.