(PHOTOS) BET Hosts Screenings of ‘First Wives Club,’ ‘Tales’ and Other Events at Essence Festival in New Orleans

BET made its presence known at this year’s Essence Festival in New Orleans by hosting several events that spotlighted several current and upcoming shows slated to premiere on the network.

Among the events hosted by BET included an opening night reception, which featured an appearance by Ari Lennox, who performed such songs “Shea Butter Baby” and other of her top songs.

BET also held a screening of the new series “First Wives Club,” which will premiere this fall. The screening event also included a conversation with stars Ryan Michelle Bathe, Michelle Buteau and RonReaco Lee that was moderated by Sarunas J. Jackson.

A screening was also held of the new season of “Tales.” The screening also featured a performance from hip-hop violinist T-Ray.

To close out the weekend, the network hosted the House of BET Gospel DJ Mix featuring a performance by Jonathan McReynolds of “Sunday Best.”

See photos from the House of BET events below.

Sarunas J. Jackson

Ryan Michelle Bathe

Ryan Michelle Bathe and RonReaco Lee

Ari Lennox

Jonathan McReynolds

Mannie Fresh

DJ Millie

T-Ray

(Photos courtesy of BET)