Opting to work on Independence Day, Rihanna took the stage to perform at the Louisiana Superdome during the 2008 Essence Music Festival on Friday (July 4).

The New Orleans based festival, which kicked off yesterday and runs until Sunday, “celebrates black music and culture and moved to Houston in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina smashed New Orleans. It returned in 2007, and organizers say Essence is now re-establishing its place in the city.”