Essence Festival adds Maxwell, Al Green, Ne-Yo

Reuters, Jan 29, 2009 4:00 pm PST
Maxwell, Anita Baker, Al Green and Ne-Yo will join previously announced headliner Beyonce at the 15th annual Essence Music Festival this summer in New Orleans.

Also added to the lineup are John Legend, Robin Thicke, Salt-N-Pepa and En Vogue.

Organized by Essence magazine, the event is scheduled for July 3-5 at the New Orleans Superdome.

Rounding out the bill are Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Teena Marie, Eric Benet, Jazmine Sullivan, Janelle Monae, Raphael Saadiq, Sharon Jones and the Dap Kings, Zap Mama, The Knux, Irvin Mayfield, Lalah Hathaway, Blind Boys of Alabama, Ledisi, Marva Wright, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Brand New Heavies, Dan Dyer, DJ Soul Sister, Keri Hilson, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Rebirth Brass Band, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave.

In addition to its concerts, the Essence festival is known for its empowerment seminars, which are free and open to ticket-holders on a first-come, first-served basis. Among the personalities participating in these events are Bill Cosby, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Donna Brazile, Tom Joyner, Hill Harper and Donnie McClurkin.

This year's festival also will include a tribute to pastor/author T.D. Jakes featuring CeCe Winans and Marvin Sapp, among others.

Reuters/Billboard

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