Essence Music Festival Tickets

Essence Music Festival News and Information Beyonce, Maxwell, Anita Baker, John Legend, Al Green, Solange, Robin Thicke and En Vogue will headline the 15th Anniversary of the Essence Music Festival taking place July 3rd through 5th 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.

A full schedule of events is still pending, but the weekend's entertainment also includes Teena Marie, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Eric Benet, Raphael Saadiq, Zap Mama, Lalah Hathaway, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Brand New Heavies, Jonathan Slocumb 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, Hill Harper, Roland Martin, Donna Brazile, Tom Joyner and Ledisi. 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.