The 2011 Essence Music Festival taking place this weekend hosted a Belvedere VIP Lounge which attracted a long list of celeb appearances including VIP guests, as well as several performers from the festival.  In attendance were, Jennifer Hudson, singer Ledisi, Nene Leakes (Real Housewives of ATL), singer Kem, actor Hosea Chancez (BET’s The Game), Rocsi, (106th and Park), and actor Lance Gross, in addition to many others.

The Lounge also allowed for several of the guests to partake in a “Charity Celeb Bartending Challenge”, where attendees, Hosea Chancez, Rocsi and Lance Gross mixed and served the official drink of the festival, “The Belve Peach Essence”, to fans and other VIP guests.  The charity effort was to help contribute donations to The Red Cross of New Orleans.

Belvedere Vodka, which is the world’s first super premium vodka, is establishing a deeper relationship in New Orleans historic culture with their role as exclusive spirit sponsorship of the 2011 Essence Music Festival, taking place from July 1st to the 3rd.

Look for more pictures after the break:

Photo credit: Belvedere Vodka