NEW ORLEANS ? Newly engaged queen of soul Aretha Franklin is headlining this summer's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, and its other top performers include Mary J. Blige, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole and others.
The event, scheduled for July 6-8, is billed as one of the largest gatherings of black artists in the country. As in years past, musical performances will be held at the Superdome while seminars with influential speakers, artists and authors will take place at the city's convention center.
Also performing are Ledisi, SWV, Dru Hill, Raheem DeVaughn, Estelle, Vivian Green, Kindred the Family Soul, Luke James, Eric Roberson, The Stylistics and Big Sam's Funky Nation, among others.
Steve Harvey, the actor, comedian and best-selling author of the relationship advice book, "Think Like a Man," will be one of the festival's highlighted speakers. Others include the Rev. Al Sharpton, Democratic U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters of California and author Steve Perry.
This will be Franklin's third time performing at Essence. Franklin, who became engaged over the holidays to longtime friend Willie Wilkerson, performed the festival's inaugural year in 1995 and again in 2005. She is expected to be honored this year with the "Power Award."
This year's festival will culminate with a tribute to gospel stars Fred Hammond and Mary Mary.
Essence Fest began in 1995 as a one-time event celebrating the 25th anniversary of Essence magazine. The festival is organized by Essence Communications Inc., a media company with a presence in publishing, live events and online services. The company's flagship publication is Essence magazine, the lifestyle magazine geared for black women.
Now in its 18th year, the festival has hosted an array of performers over the years, including Alicia Keys, Al Green, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, the Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, the O'Jays, Prince, Rihanna, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton and Patti LaBelle.
Organizers say last year's festival drew more than 422,000 attendees. In an effort to give back to the festival's host city, Essence is partnering with the City of New Orleans to benefit initiatives to help its youth.
anita hill penn state football schedule carrier classic j edgar hoover j edgar hoover jonathan papelbon jonathan papelbon
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.