Beyonce // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Beyonce was among many performers who took the stage Friday night (Jul 3) in New Orleans during Day 1 of the 2009 Essence Music Festival. The Coca-Cola sponsored event also saw performances from Ne-Yo, John Legend, and others. Continue reading for lots of pics from day one of the event and keep checking back as we upload photos from the entire weekend!

Beyonce // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Beyonce // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Beyonce // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Beyonce // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Ne-Yo // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Ne-Yo // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Ne-Yo // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

John Legend // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

John Legend // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) John Legend // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) John Legend // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) John Legend // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Salt N Pepa // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Salt N Pepa // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Solange // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Solange // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Gabrielle Union & Sanaa Lathan // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

LisaRaye // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Queen Latifah & Holly Robinson Peete // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Eva Marcille // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Estelle // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Alesha Renee, Idris Elba & Shaun Robinson // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Keri Hilson // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1) Keri Hilson // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Chris Paul & Dwyane Wade // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

Holly Robinson Peete & Ginuwine // 2009 Essence Music Festival (Day 1)

PHOTOS: WIRE IMAGE / GETTY IMAGES

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