Over 50,000 attendees enjoyed live musical performances, various panel discussions, vendors and beauty and health tips from the best Hollywood insiders, industry professionals and celebrities at this years the WBLS/WLIB/HOT 97’s Circle of Sisters 10th Anniversary Weekend in New York.

Attendees were able to hear from their favorite stars as they shared their perspectives on life . The weekend kicked off with Academy Award Winner Jennifer Hudson, Johnny Gill and Tyrese Gibson discussing what it takes to create a long standing career. Attendees were also given a rare opportunity to have a one-on-one panel with music legend Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds.  For the Hip Hop generation HOT 97’s Miss Info dished on all things gossip with former VJ and Television Personality turned Actress and NY Times Best-Selling Author, LaLa Anthony. 

During the weekend, reality TV star Yandy Smith announced that she and Mandeecees are expecting their second child to her fellow reality stars Elise Neal, Lisa Wu, Marlo Hampton and Mica Hugheson the Reality TV Panel. Celebrity couples Niecy Nash & Jay Tucker, Rebecca & Terry Crews and Tamela & David Mann shared their personal secrets for a lasting relationship. Tina Campbell, of the Grammy Award winning duo Mary Mary, spoke candidly about her troubled marriage, while the big screen heartthrob Actor Lance Gross jumped in the audience to field questions. Additionally, NY Times best-selling author Zane talked about her new novel, “The Other Side Of the Pillow.” And over at the health panel, Dr. Rachael Ross of The Doctors and her fellow panelists gave demonstrations and spoke frankly about having good sex and staying healthy.

Later, the fun continued at the main stage where Bravo TV’s Fashion Queens, Miss Lawrence and Bevy Smith, tried not to throw any shade on attendees; they had no problem with sharing why it’s wrong to do his and hers cleavage and their candidate for a fashion no-no was super couple Kanye West and Kim Kardashian. From We TV’s hit show LA Hair, Celebrity Stylist Kim Kimble gave the audience tips on how to re-create some of the Hollywood glam look at home.  She advised, “it’s about accessories, play with hair clips and extensions to maximize and transform a look.” She demonstrated on music icon, Bunny Debarge, of the Debarge family royalty. Project Runway’sKorto Momolu presented her line of dresses along with other local designers in the annual fashion show on the main stage, while R & B artist Tank performed his hit songs and previewed his new album Stronger.

In the exhibit hall, guests were able to meet and greet with some of their favorite WBLS, HOT 97and WLIB personalities at each sound stage area. The very popular HOT 97 Man Cave, presented byDello Russo in association with SIG, drew actors Lance Gross, Lorenz Tate and Terry Crews, who stopped by to visit morning show host Ebro Darden and thousands of attendees. Nearby at the Cooking Pavilion a full day of local restaurateurs and celebrity Chefs shared recipes and great food with attendees. The cooking pavilion, presented by Healthfirst, offered aspiring chefs the opportunity to mix and mingle with some of the best chefs our country has produced. Chef Melba Wilson taught children the importance of cooking and preparing healthy dishes. We found out thatBobby Brown really knows his way around the kitchen and his new BBQ sauce, part of the cooking line “Bobby Brown BBQ,” was a big crowd favorite. Bravo’s Top Chef Lisa Fernandes, CelebrityChef and Restaurateur Pat Neely, Food Network’s Chopped Danielle Saunders, and teen chefAlexandria Brooks of Food Network’s Chopped Teen Tournament gave those “want-to-be” chefs a taste and tips from their personal kitchens.

Saturday and Sunday did not end with just speakers and vendors! Attendees danced into the night at Saturday’s R&B concert that featured Faith Evans, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Tyrese, Johnny Gill and Mary Mary, and an After Party with Doug E. Fresh at B.B. King’s.  On Sunday morning a line formed around the convention center for the praise and worship service led by Bishop Hezekiah Walker. The spirits  of thousands were raised by Taffi Dollar as she shared uplifting inspiration to a standing room only convention hall.  Later that day, Circle of Sisters wrapped with the popular Gospel Explosion concert featuring over 10 acts including former Destiny Child’s singer Michelle Williams, Vashawn Mitchell, JJ Hairston, Kierra Sherd, Myron Butler and more.

Editor’s Note: Press Release by

 Lindsay Salandra

Publicist & Digital Communications Manager