ESSENCE FEST CELEBRATES MAGAZINE’S 40TH ANNIVERSARY
Essence Fest at Morial Convention Center
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Essence Magazine, a monthly journal dedicated to Black women, and Grammy award-winning performers, including Mary J. Blige, Gladys Knight, Alicia Keys, Jill Scott, LL Cool J and Earth, Wind and Fire, are returning to the Superdome in New Orleans to celebrate the occasion. Music icon and legend Janet Jackson in concert stands to be the once-in-a-lifetime event that headlines the recording artists at the three night music festival from July 2nd through the 4th.
Nephew Tommy from the Steve Harvey Show (WBLS radio) hosts the center stage concerts at the Dome that feature Janet Jackson commanding the main stage just after 11:00 until1:00 a.m. on Friday night. Keep in mind, however, that all concerts begin at 7:00. On Friday, July 2nd Monica kicks it off with her vocal power and signature sound followed by Raphael Sandiq, DJ Soul Sister, Charlie Wilson and closing with Jackson.
On Saturday night Keri Hilson starts the show. The headliners are a fantastic trio, with rapper LL Cool J, Gladys Knight and Alicia Keys treating the audience with their famously entertaining performances. The final concert on Sunday begins with Trey Songz followed by the incomparable Jill Scott, a two-time Festival artist; Mary J. Blige, a veteran Essence Festival star, and ending with the timeless band, Earth, Wind and Fire. For the first time Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will not close out the series.
On the Superlounge stages in the Dome rising and veteran r&b artists perform Friday through Sunday night. Among them are gospel duo Mary, Mary, Chrisette Michelle, New Orleans’’ own Big Sam’s Funky Nation and War on Friday night; on Saturday soul singer Joe, Mint Condition, and DeLa Soul; and Sunday’s roster features Lalah Hathaway, Estelle and Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs.
The free Empowerment seminars at the Convention Center on Friday focuses on love and relationships. Panels range from “Black Men Uncensored: Part I. The Games, The Lies, The Truth” to “Informed and In Charge: Sex in the Era of HIV” with guest speakers and commentators, actor and author Hill Harper, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Kirk and Tammy Franklin, Steve Harvey, Lamman Rucker, Rodney and Holly Robinson Peete, Judge Penny Brown Reynolds and Dr. Celeste Watkins Hayes.
For the first time in Essence Fest history the singular focus of the Saturday sessions is education. Dr. Bill Cosby returns as a keynote speaker. An exemplary panel of experts discuss, “The State of Education.” With the new initiatives like charter schools, federal “Race to the Top” funds, and changing teacher evaluation and performance standards, black parents need to stay informed about their options for improving their children’s education. Among the panelists are Dr. Steve Perry, Dr. Julianne Malveaux, Bishop T.D. Jakes, NEA Secretary Rebecca Pringle, Dr. Andre Perry, actress and mother Jada Pinkett Smith and National Urban League president, Marc Morial.
Sunday’s program brings high praise and worship to the Convention Center through the concert performances of Marvin Sapp, Karen Clark Sheard, Pastor Shirley Caesar and Tye Tribett among others. An artist’s bazaar provides a rich collection of original paintings, sculptures, Afrocentric fashions, and jewelry available for purchase.
For tickets and hotel information, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com.
