Big Easy ready to entertain

Now is the time to visit New Orleans. Yes, the hurricanes have taken their toll on the "Big Easy" but the city has earned that moniker for a reason.

Although the apartment buildings on the outskirts are still in pretty rough condition, the French Quarter looks as good as it ever did.

Yes, that was a bit of sarcasm. The French Quarter will never win an award as the cleanest tourist attraction, but it just might win one for most resilient. Most of the shops and bars were open for business and most natives were happy to see an influx tourists recently for the Essence Music Festival. New Orleans was flooded with affluent tourists July 7 when I was there.

Additionally, the Essence Music Festival at the Louisiana Superdome was a blast. The three day event featured acts like Mary J. Blige, Ludacris, Beyonce, Ciara, Steve Harvey, Ne-Yo, Lionel RIchie, Rebirth Brass Band and many others on five different stages. Hip Hop act Public Enemy was my personal favorite.