Mariah Carey. Kendrick Lamar. Puff Daddy. Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds. What do they have in common? They are among the Grammy Award-winning recording artists headlining at this summer’s Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, July 1-3 at the Superdome. Iconic songstress Carey leads the weekend of concerts with her signature performance on the main stage, Friday, July 1. Rappers Lamar and Common as well as R&B crooners Tyrese, Andra Day, Charlie Wilson, New Edition, Faith Evans, Maxwell and Ciara take to the Dome stage for nightly concerts throughout the weekend.
There’s even more live music because that list does not include the array of talent showcased in the Superlounges on the upper floors of the Dome. During breaks in main stage performances festival goers can check out favorite artists up close. Among them are MC Lyte, Cyril Neville, Lalah Hathaway, The Internet, Lady Leshurr, Digable Planets and The Brand New Heavies.
During the day the Essence Empowerment Conference continues its legacy of inspiring workshops and seminars at the Morial Convention Center. Speakers include U.S. Secretary of Education Dr. John B. King Jr.; journalists Melissa Harris-Perry, Soledad O’Brien and Cheryl Wills; political leaders Mayor Tony Yarber of Jackson, Miss., and Sen. Karen Carter Peterson of Louisiana; and advocates Sybrina Fulton, the Rev. Al Sharpton and Dr. Steve Perry. Celebrities who are participating in seminar panels are Tyra Banks, Yolanda Adams, Phaedra Parks, Tina Knowles and screen actress Tichina Arnold, among others. All workshops are free and open to the public.
Tickets to the nightly concerts are reasonably priced for a full night of entertainment from 6:30 p.m. to 11p.m. or later some nights. There is more to enjoy, such as day parties, cruises along the Mississippi River and the McDonald’s 365 Annual Awards at the Convention Center July 1. Visit Essence.com for more information.