Comedians and social critics Paul Mooney and Dick Gregory, along with actresses Tempestt Bledsoe and Vanessa Williams are among the celebrities in New Orleans for the Essence Music Festival.
Mooney, who is best known for his writing for Dave Chappelle, also wrote for Richard Pryor and Redd Foxx. He introduced fans to favorite characters such as Homey D. Clown om Fox’s “In Living Color” and Negrodamas on “Chappelle’s Show.” He’s writen for Foxx on “Sanford and Son,” and “Good Times,” and Pryor for his “Saturday Night Live” appearances.
Gregory was discovered by Hugh Hefner and became a mainstay at the Playboy Club in Chicago. Gregory later appeared on The Tonight Show and other nationally televised programs. He became active in the Civil Rights Movement, and ran against Chicago Mayor Richard J. Daley in 1967.
Bledsoe is best known for her role as Vanessa on the long-running hit sitcom “The Cosby Show” and is trying her hand at another television comedy called “Guys With Kids” on NBC this fall. The show, produced by Jimmy Fallon, is about three 30-something new dads trying to hold on to their youth.
Singer and “Desperate Housewives” actress Williams isn’t headed to Essence to sing but rather to talk about her relationship with her mom, Helen, during one of a series of free panel discussions on family, love and relationships at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.
Essence Fest is one of the premier music festivals celebrating black culture and music. The Festival runs from July 5-8 in New Orleans, LA.