NBA All-Star weekend: 36 hours in New Orleans

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During the days prior to the 2014 NBA All-Star weekend, a devastating snowstorm hit much of the South and the East Coast. As a result, some travelers had to cancel their travel plans to New Orleans. Those who were able to make it to the Crescent city for NBA All-Star weekend  were greeted with great hoops, great parties, great food, and most important, great weather.


Rolling out covered several events during throughout the weekend. Here is a look at our 36 hours in New Orleans during NBA All-Star weekend.


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Friday

Kandi Burruss and Toya Wright kick off the weekend with day party


Noon

Kandi Buruss and Toya Wright kicked off NBA All-Star weekend by serving as hosts at Seagram’s Gin All-Star Brunch.

Held at the rooftop lounge of the Ritz-Carlton in New Orleans, the venue provided a spectacular view of the city. Attendees enjoyed a Cajun-style brunch while sampling Seagram’s Extra Dry, Lime Twisted, Pineapple Twisted and Red Berry Twisted gins.

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11 p.m

Rick Ross performs at Howling Wolf

Although the event started around 11 p.m., Rick Ross hit the Howlin’ Wolf stage shortly before 3 a.m.  In anticipation of his latest album, Mastermind, Ross gave fans a sneak preview of what he has to offer during a live concert during NBA All-Star weekend. Ross performed before a capacity crowd that included Keyshia Cole.

Saturday

11 a.m.

Under Armour/Hennessy Brunch

Under Armour and Hennessy held the Kicks and Grits brunch at Jax Bristo. Attendees enjoyed a Louisiana-style brunch and complimentary drinks provided by Hennessy.

Under Armour displayed several of their new apparel and sneakers as Mannie Fresh, DJ Trauma and DJ Mick Boogie provided the sounds.

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3 p.m.

LeBron James gives back to the New Orleans community

LeBron James stepped away from the fun and festivities of NBA All-Star weekend to give back to the community. James teamed up with Sprite to help renovate the Boys and Girls Club in Gretna, La.

Here’s what he had to say after the unveiling. “‘There’s] a lot going on during NBA All-Star weekend,” LeBron James said. “But I try to prioritize and do things that are a lot more meaningful. I got a chance to see the conditions of this place before and it was really bad. But to see the transformation is wonderful.”

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6 p.m.

All-Star Experience Music Panel

During the weekend, Anesia Williams (Aniesia Williams of GOTO Ladies) and this writer spoke on the All-Star Experience Music Panel with DJ Vlad of Vlad TV; Jamaal Bacheor of Hip-Hop Weekly;  David Dennis ofSmoking Section; and Scott Randell of The Source.

The panelists provided insight to independent artists on the best ways to deal with the media.

8 p.m.

NBA Slam Dunk Contest

The NBA All-Star Slam Dunk/Three-Point Shootout seems to be going through another identity crisis. In an effort to spruce up the affair, the dunk contest was a battle between the East and West dunkers. Although John Wall and Paul George both had impressive dunks, they never went head-to-head because they both on the East squad. In the end, this year’s slam-dunk contest was an anti-climatic event.

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11 p.m.

T.I. and Miguel host party and concert

T.I. and Miguel were the headlining acts at the Howlin’ Wolf. T.I. performed a string of his past hits and gave a taste of what’s to come as he prepares for his new album, Paper Work.

Sunday

Brunch at Lil Dizzy and Second Line Sundays

On Sunday, we traveled outside of the epicenter of the NBA All-Star to get a feel of the true essence of New Orleans. We visited Lil Dizzy’s in Treme and also caught Second Line Sundays in the 9th Ward.

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HBO’s ‘Game of Thrones’ party

Kevin Hart and Big Boi served as hosts at HBO’s “Game of Thrones” party during NBA All-Star weekend. Held at the Republic in New Orleans, the party was celebration of the upcoming season of the hit series which will premiere in April.

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