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Multi-Talented, One to Watch
My good friend Sharika Mahdi-Neville is really making moves. We’ve been friends for many years and I’ve interviewed her before but if you missed it, click here. She is so fun loving and a sweetheart that I had to update some ‘new’ accomplishments she now holds under her belt. Recently I was invited in her home and the weekend of my visit was an eventful one for her. She was working and taking part in the 2013 ESSENCE Festival all weekend long at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Sharika has always remained diligent in her work but when ESSENCE took notice to honor her with their very first annual Art Marketplace Award (along with a nice check) you know things just got real, lol. There were plenty of creative work showcased but even more meaningful when ESSENCE only honored four people, not only was she the youngest but the only female as well. It came in such a shock because she was totally unaware of the accolade.
Sharika posing for Urban Crush before being presented with her ESSENCE Award 




When I visited her home, I instantly fell in love with the creative colorful artistic loft where she resides. Sharika gave a tour of her studio where she creates her masterpieces, but this was just a portion of what she owns. Her studio had a NOLA jazz/musical vibe flowing all around. I couldn’t wait to see the rest of her work at the Convention Center.




I’ve learned that the building occupies many talented musicians, other visual artists and many others involved in the performing arts. There was a production in progress taking place while I was there (cameras, stage, huge screens etc.). The hallways were filled with so much art deco from many artists. It was a nice vibe and great inspiration for those in the field.

Sharika (lower right) All in a days work! (pic: UrbanCrush)
 
S/O to actress Satin Mitchell who stopped by to Congratulate Sharika on her award (pic: Urban Crush)
The much talked about movie ‘The Butler’ set to open in theaters August 16, 2013 is another experience she recently had. Being on the set with Oprah Winfrey, Terrance Howard and just an amazing cast would make anyone cherish the moment. We’ll keep an eye out to see if she makes the final cut. Click here for more info and to watch the movie trailer. And it was a pleasure meeting Satin Michell who recently worked on another filming project with Sharika that's in the works. We'll keep you posted as it develops.

Showing various angles of the Art Bangles and love the Art coin purse. CUTE! (pic: Urban Crush)
Before I go I just have to show this beautiful custom-made Art Bangle along with this cute colorful Giclee Art coin purse. There were many styles and colors to choose from. They will be coming soon but click here --> www.artbysharika.com for more of her work and items. Order one or several (as a gift) you’ll love it!

My hat’s off to you lady and Congratulations again. Thank you (and Carlos) for being such gracious hosts, love ya,lol. By the way, love this one too,lol.
STEP INSIDE MY VISIT TO NEW ORLEANS...WHAT A GOOD TIME!
Hi all! Just want to share my (first time) trip to New Orleans. It’s a great place for the family or just hanging out with friends. Recently a friend of mine and her husband showed me around while giving some NOLA history. There was so much to do and experience that I couldn’t get it all in, so I must do a round two in the future, lol. What fun I had, check it out…
I ingested the Southern vibe through my journeys via Magazine, Canal and Bourbon St. (around the city in general). The streets were filled with one-of-a-kind boutiques selling jewelry, antiques, clothes etc. I saw plenty of local bars, casual coffee shops and trendy restaurants. Either catch a pedicab, the bus or hop on The St. Charles Ave. streetcar. The architectural buildings with their historic charm were a pleasant sight. New Orleans is the home of America’s first gambling casino, Harrah’s. So try your luck...if you feel lucky. Harrah's also has a multi-million dollar theater as well as Harrah's Hotel.

 We roamed around Jackson Square, I seen fortune tellers among other things. Here you can have your portrait drawn on the spot, see mimes and hear local musicians play and entertain all for free. We wondered acrossed from the historic St. Louis Cathedral... just beautiful. All the sight seeing struck up an appetite.
Many restaurants here are known for their cajun/creole/seafood dishes,but still have a variety for even the pickiest eaters. We checked out a couple restaurants before settling on Ralph & Kacoo’s, The Seafood Restaurant. The atmosphere was very relaxing but inviting. Upon entering I noticed not one but two pianos (both facing each other) while both being played simultaneously. There were several birthdays that night and a live crowd chiming in singing ‘happy birthday’ then the two piano players broke into the Stevie Wonder’s version as well, lol. This is what we ordered.
Fried Crab fingers, Soft-shelled Crab, Stuffed Crab and steamed vegetables
 


Seafood Gumbo
 
 Fetticini Alfredo Shrimp and lumped crabmeat. The rolls here were so moist, yum.
Oh don’t forget to grab a bag of Beignets (french donut) from the famous Café Du Monde. No one warned me of the huge crowd or the black t-shirt for that matter. Although the line was not wrapped around the corner like I hear (the norm), but it was like a standing room only situation. It’s a must to eat these while they are ‘hot’. As soon as I grabbed one out the bag and took a bite, both my friend and her husband tried to warn/stop me. I found the powdered sugar they generously coat on Beignets, all over my black t-shirt. I was a mess and it did not easily wipe off either. Yep, I’m a tourist, lol!
The 24-7 nightlife on Bourbon St. really comes to life. So much energy as we walked through the crowds, hearing a mixture of music (a lot of jazz as well) blasting from every angle. I seen a little bit of everything, from super hero’s to hanging alligators. As always the streets were filled with party-goers, drinks and fun. Loved her Angela Davis inspired huge afro (upper left). There were people up top ready to give away beads for whoever wanted to earn them. I saw plenty of novelty/souvenir shops, bars/clubs and all in between. I noticed the purple mask at a shop and had to get it (first picture shown above).

Yep this night was a touring success and I will go back. Maybe catch one of several tours, go on a day cruise, grab a po boy and take in some museums. Oh and visit The Mahalia Jackson Theater...Either way it goes, "Les Bon Ton Roule", (Let the good times roll!!) 
***Click like if you liked this post. Have you visited NOLA? What was your experience?
***And shout out to my friend Sharika Mahdi-Neville and her husband Carlos for all your generousity and hospitality...you know how we do,lol
***All pics:URBAN CRUSH
A GOOD OL' TIME!!!!!
Finally, my last ESSENCE Festival post, whew, lol! Let’s see who else showed Urban Crush some love. I must give more shout outs and show a little more footage.
 
Thanks to Jackie Joyner-Kersey and Dr. Ian Smith for showing Urban Crush much love! I will get the book. xoxo (Continue for more pics/video) 
 
Shout outs also goes to Marnice Miller, IL (upper left), Officer Kevin ‘thebowtiekid’ Boswell, it was great talking with you and thanks for looking out for me. Cute pic of your son, awww and did a great impression of Kevin Hart, lol. Kisha Foster, stripped dress- cute bracelet and Keisha Williams- cute dress (center) nice meeting you ladies also. Latolya Wright and Tarvett Standley (upper right) it was nice meeting you and hope that you had a great time. Ayanna Riser (lower right) loved the creative tie-dye shirt, very fun.


Gold Medalist Jackie Joyner-Kersey (upper left) and Physician, author Dr. Ian Smith (upper right). Radio personality (V103.3) The Ryan Cameron Morning Show (lower left), who is extremely funny, hey Ryan. It was great seeing you on The Wendy Williams Show. Shouts out to Host, Author, Actor, Director (ok Jason I’m out of breath, you need a post/article all by yourself, lol) Jason “JBoy” Carey (lower right). I appreciate and loved the chat. 

Shouts to Kearsen Etheridge (South Carolina), Mike, and Ebony Kirby of Washington, DC. It was great meeting you all.
TVONE’s R&B Diva’s Chante Moore (left), Chante Moore, Monifah and Lil Mo (upper right) and Monifah (lower right)
Check out this Michael Jackson impersonator as he performs a medley- Jam, Billie Jean, Smooth Criminal and Black & White.

Shout out to these ladies, Tracy Ball and Amber Rhea Allen (upper left) and to Bern Nadette Stanis (Thelma from GOOD TIMES). I had the pleasure of speaking with her and we laughed about how she couldn’t run from Thelma even if she tried and it’ll be on her tomb stone, lol. She told Urban Crush how although she went out for the role of Thelma that she never thought that she would get it, but it was mainly out of fear. Due to her mother pushing her to put aside her fears, she landed the role of Thelma at age 16. We got deeper into our chat about stepping out on faith, don’t let nothing hold you back and blocking your blessings. Thank you Bern Nadette for the lengthy chat. I still watch Good Times which currently airs on TVONE. Don’t we love some Thelma, lol
Demetria McKinney of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne (lower right) it was great talking with you as well. The GAIN booth was passing out samples of their Fireworks scent booster and wanted to take a pic with me, lol.

So will you be going next year? If you've attended previously, what was your highlights? Please comment below, I would love to hear your thoughts.
*************************All pics/video: UrbanCrush****************
WORK HARD PLAY HARD!!!
This ESSENCE Festival event was so long, I thought it would never end, lol but oh so worth it. I'm still trying to recoup being a week later yet people are still talking about it. I guess that’s a good thing. I know next time to get more sleep, lol. Hey I'll take one for the team in order to give my Urban Crush readers all the details. I'll trying to get around to as many shout outs as I can, so if you don't see your pic...it's on the way:) Here are more recaps, shout outs, and footage.
Brandy, Janelle Monae (in her signature black & white) and Darren Henson (Stomp the Yard, SoulFood) on the ESSENCE main stage.
Shout out goes to Randi Sylve and Heather Ray for doing a great job on their ‘GREATER THAN AIDS’ awareness. It was great meeting you, NOLO in the house. Aretha Washington and the good laugh, “He ain’t nobody”, lol. Mike Allison-Williams, Philly, loved the convo. We need to have you on a panel representing for the men, lol. You made some good points. ( See who else was in the place..continue)



Here’s a recap of some of what went down. Demetria McKinney, Kevin Hart, Brandy, Trina and Traci Braxton, a fashion show, Lauren London and Dougie Fresh. Thanks Demetria McKinney for showing Urban Crush some love!

Shout out to Kym Jackson (left) who has a jewelry line, like on her wrists, uniqueurbanrocks.com, (plug, lol.) bring awareness to Asthma and Autism (some proceeds from sales go toward A and A), check out the site. Can I just say Sadaco Gray (left), Crystal Mullen (middle), and Evette Broussard (right), reppin’ Houston. I really loved the ESSENCE’s shirts. I know many wanted one but, next year you’ll be ready, right, lol. Great meeting you ladies and hope that you enjoyed yourself at your first Essence ever. I believe Crystal created the shirts, (am I right)? Hi Kaitlyn Morris (upper left) and Jasmine Roussell (upper right), it was nice meeting you two ladies and you can't imagine how you helped a lot of thirsty people, lol. Kaitlyn love your nails and twitter page, very fun!

I enjoy this dance battle between the old school (left side of screen) VS new school (right side). Check out Roland Martin (white suit), he know how to break away from CNN, TVONE or even his show Washington Watch. He broke it down,lol.Then they broke out with the wobble and added a ‘new’version as well. Much fun.
There were many fashion statements made at the convention center. I thought these ladies had a fab look. Hello ladies great meeting you. Ms. Joi Warner Dorsey (NOLA), Patricia Thomas,Texas, Tiffany Conner and Tiara Lee-Foster.
Did you enjoy this post? If so hit the "f" and share with your fb friends. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Make sure you join this blog (love the support) and follow me on twitter (@urbancrush101).
***********************ALL PICS/VIDEO: URBAN CRUSH************************
 
WHO/WHAT ELSE SHOWED AT ESSENCE: SHOUT OUTS 

The Essence Festival was a positive event and I had a boat load of fun (even though I was working). I’ve met some great and interesting people from many places, all turning on that southern hospitality charm. So let’s continue part 2 while I show some highlights as well as give some shout outs. And show some fun moments.
 Before the doors opened to the general public, there was a group warming up for some morning exercises near the ESSENCE main stage. That’s the way to start your day!
Later AJ Johnson, The AJ Zone, worked it out with the crowd. She is like a little energizer bunny. Thanks AJ for the giving Urban Crush a shout out and the ‘water advice’. AJ I am really trying to get more water intake but it’s hard, lol, but I will take your advice and truly follow it as long as I can. Then maybe I can be toned like you. (Continue reading) 

 
The ESSENCE Fashion Closet was a great guide for fashionistas on any level. Many attendees received a 1one 1fashion consultation as well as participate in the fashion panel. ESSENCE.COM Fashion Editor, Celia Smith gave tips and tricks for each person on how to looking their best. Attendees received a live Fashion Closet touchscreen experience as well.  
Shouts out to Natasha Felton (left) and Elosi Ikharo (right) for the great chat, it was great meeting you ladies.

Tasha Beltran is the sister of ESSENCE.COM Fashion Editor Celia Smith. If you’ve ever shopped or visited FOREVER 21 then you may seen her influenced style (she styled the Mannequins). Tasha is known to mix some masculine and vintage pieces in the mix with Doc Martins etc. Tasha love thrift shops and accustomed to receiving requests to style various people. Tasha posed for Urban Crush just before getting ready for a fashion show, loved this look.
AKA in the house, it was a pleasure talking with you (super nice), Ni’Ki Oliver and thank you.


My man Blair Underwood was on the ESSENCE main stage promoting his new one hour series IRONSIDE (NBC). (sidenote: This is one well put together man, hot chocolate:D) Click here to see the trailer and more info.
  
 

Hey ladies, Kamilah (left) and Tiffany (right), hope you had a great time, Oklahoma in the house! Don't forget to join UrbanCrush for giveaways, contests etc. It was nice meeting you.
Stay tuned for more pics and video highlights from ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL. If you didn't get an opportunity to attend, next year will be here before you know it. Old school vs New school dance battle, a Michael Jackson impersonator and more in my next post.  Feel free to comment below...they are welcome:)         
****************Pics and Video: URBAN CRUSH******************
 ESSENCE 4TH OF JULY WEEKEND, IT WENT DOWN!!

This past weekend bought out people from all over to attend 'The 2013 Essence Music Festival' in New Orleans, LA. The celebs came out in full force (or should I say they really took over) to help entertain the over 400,000 people that visit each year.
ESSENCE agenda is to empower, inspire and to create positive change in the communities. There was something for everyone who attended. I was involved with so many things so this event had to be broken up in several post, so let’s take a look at some of the things that went down in the Big Easy (YOLO NOLA Baaabey)!!

The Convention Center had many main stages with various panel discussions and entertainment throughout the day. Here are some celebs who stopped by to give some helpful advice or just great interviews.



  Estelle speaking on the Walmart stage   

Steve Harvey giving the real on the State Farm stage.
  Nicole Ari-Parker with husband Boris Kodjoe on the Walmart Stage

Boris Kodjoe (:D), Kevin Hart, Trey Songz and even Brandy were among a slew of celebs who really pound the pavement being all over the place. One minute they're spotted at various functions at a hotel then the convention center and even the Superdome.
Many turned up for Kevin Hart's All White Party, while others showed up at the Wyndham Riverfront Hotel for Essence's African Pride 'Beauty & The Beat'. Either way it goes various locations had plenty of things going on and it's hard to be in fifty places at once so it was hoping around various locals. (sidenote: I didn't sleep for over two days but was running on pure adrenaline, unless it was sleepwalking, LOL!)


Kevin Hart with fans at the Verizon stage
 
Later Kevin Hart was spotted at the Convention Center (on a discussion panel) along with Jill Scott, Laz Alonzo and producer Will Packer. He was also filming for his 'A Day in the Life of Kevin Hart'. Can you say "HILARIOUS". (sidenote: Will Packer, we all are waiting on that 'THINK LIKE A MAN 2' it should be wrapping up now and Congrats on proposing to your girlfriend (of four years) on the Superdome stage. Love it!) 

Trina and Traci Braxton were there to talk about everything from baby Logan (Tamar’s son) while mocking how Tamar acted during labor (hilarious) and they brought a clip to promote their new season of Braxton Family Values, it’s going to be great.
 
 
  Lauren London and director David E. Talbert promoting the movie 'Baggage Claim'
Baggage Claim due out in theaters September 27, with an “A” list cast and great cameos I can’t wait to check this out, but take a peek at the trailer here.
 
 
My Black is Beautiful had many women looking their best with a mini makeover as well as a photo shoot. They gave away this ‘My Black is Beautiful’ bag with products and a t-shirt.  I met these lovely ladies who did a great job with makeup touch-ups. It was great meeting you ladies, Tiffany Brown and Lauren Hampton. You ladies look just as beautiful as you were making everyone else. (Thanks for the card Tiffany and I will keep you in mind). I also met a young lady who’s putting together a fashion blog and had several questions for me, so shout out to Benedria Smith and good luck with your blog (sorry I didn’t get a pic of you). 
 
(Products shown: My Black is Beautiful mirror, Clairol Beautiful Collection semi-permanent moisturizing hair color, Olay ultra moisture Body Wash with Shea Butter, Pantene truely Relaxed Oil Creme Moisturizer and My Black is Beautiful beauty recommendations guide).
 
(Part 2 post coming soon, video coming soon also)
 
Was this post informative? Have you ever attended The Essence Festival? I would love to hear about it. If you were at this one, what was your highlight? Comment below.
*****************************Video:IMDb.com***************************