Essence Music Festival Tickets

2010 Essence Music Festival News Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, Earth, Wind and Fire, Keri Hilson, Gladys Knight and LL Cool J will headline the 16th Anniversary of the Essence Music Festival taking place July 2nd through 4th in New Orleans.

The top hip hop and R&B festival in the country highlighting African-American culture, the event will feature more than just performers - it involves empowerment seminars and celebrations during the day, followed by performances from some of the top names in hip hop at night.

The full schedule of events is already lined up, with Monica and Little Freddy King kicking things off at 7 p.m. on July 2, and Janet Jackson taking the stage at 11:20 p.m. to close out the first day of the festival. The rest of the weekend's entertainment includes Jill Scott, Trey Songz, Charlie Wilson, DJ Soul Sister and many more.

Things will be just exciting at the festival during the day with a full schedule of seminars on tap from prominent African Americans representing all walks of life. Some of the featured speakers include Bill Cosby, Rev. Al Sharpton, Jada Pinkett Smith, Hill Harper and more. Panel discussions will cover a topics ranging from politics and spiritual guidance to community development and personal empowerment.

The festival began in 1995 as a one-time festival to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Essence Magazine and has since turned into one of the most inspirational and entertaining events of the summer. Over the years, performers have included Alicia Keys, Beyonce, Luther Vandross, Stevie Wonder, Prince, The Isley Brothers and Yolanda Adams, among many more.