‘Essence’ Magazine Launch Party for Next R&B Superstar

I attended the fabulous launch party for Essence magazine’s “Next R&B SuperStar” talent competition held at the Woodruffs Art Center on Sunday, March 20. The room was filled with beautiful exotic flowers, pink decor, candles, performing artists, ambiance and well-dressed Atlantans. Waiters offered champagne, wine and cranberry spritzer. Asian cuisine was provided by A Legendary Event, and everything was superb. Celebrity sightings during the night included “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Cynthia Bailey and her boo, Peter; Chanita Foster and her husband; V103 radio show host Frank Ski; singer Q Parker and his lovely wife; actress Terri Vaughn; Comedian Steve Harvey and his wife, Marjorie; many other socialites; and the host of the evening, Pebbles.

Pebbles looked amazing, and I was very flattered that, after she took pictures on the red carpet, she remembered me from a few years ago and said, “Hey, Tami, how are you?” She has a great memory. Her son, Aaron Reid, and his sister, Ashley, hit the carpet a few minutes later. Aaron told me he was working on a solo album.

I also chatted with Robert Townsend’s daughter, Skylar, who told me she was a student at Spelman. What a cutie-pie! The evening was spectacular, and I’m sure they were still there partying the night away. But Pink Suga had to get home because I had to be up extra early! Enjoy the pictures provided by Paras Griffin and myself. The kick-off for the Essence “Next R&B SuperStar” auditions will be held here in Atlanta on Saturday, March 26, at 14th Street Playhouse. –tammie reed

For more information go to www.essencemusicfestival.com/rbstar