New York, NY (Top40 Charts/ ESSENCE Magazine) Award-winning and multi-platinum superstars Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, Jill Scott, and
Trey Songz lead the initial all-star roster of many returning favorites for the eagerly-anticipated 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL this July 1, 2 and 3 in New Orleans. The trailblazing artists are a part of a stellar group of established and emerging artists who continue to honor "The
Roots of R&B" including Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men,
Stephanie Mills,
George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic, Macy Gray, Dwele,
Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mint Condition,
Kelly Price, M.C. Lyte and New Orleans talent including Irma Thomas, Kourtney Heart, Rebirth Brass Band, Charmaine Neville Band, and TBC Brass Band.
"Essence is proud to present our most beloved and rising talent across all R&B categories for our first announcement. We listen to our audience and the performers in our first roll-out are the musicians they want to see under one roof over the Fourth of July weekend," said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. "Our mission this year was to celebrate community through the prism of the art form that continues to tell our reader's stories: R&B. From the Main Stage to the Super Lounge, we've assembled an unforgettable roster of talent who provide a snapshot of this music's ability to connect with audiences unlike few genres. Stay tuned. We have additional names to come. This is going to be an Essence Music Festival that attendees will talk about for a long time!"
Now in its 17th year, the ultimate destination for entertainment and inspiration hosted over 400,000 attendees last year. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th Anniversary of ESSENCE magazine has now grown into one of the country's "Top 10 Leading Brand Events" by Advertising Age. The ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture. Throughout its history, the Festival has featured an array of performers including Alicia Keys, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Destiny's Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, The O'Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, among others.
For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit http://www.essence.com/festival. Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencemusic No EMF2011 and become a fan of 2011 Essence Music Festival on Facebook.
The presenting sponsor for the 2011 Essence Music Festival is Coca-Cola. Major sponsors include Coors Light, CoverGirl Queen Collection, Ford, McDonald's, My Home Made Beautiful, Olay, Pantene, U.S. Army and Walmart; official sponsors include My Black is Beautiful and Visa.
The 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI).
