       Award-winning, multi-platinum singer, songwriter and actress Beyoncé will once again grace the stage of the ESSENCE Music Festival as we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the biggest African-American music festival... |
    Maxwell has always done things his own way, so when it came time to introduce people to the music from his forthcoming album trilogy Black Summers' Night, he knew exactly... |
   For nearly three decades, Frankie Beverly & Maze have been creating music that is original and innovative, an instantly recognizable brand of music that has given the group a solid,... |
  John Legend will bring his mix of R&B, neo-soul and pop to the 2009 Festival. His award-winning hits and favorite grooves will have the Superdome swaying to the rhythm.... |
  She was the ultimate songstress at past Festivals and she's sure to be the consummate performer this year. Be sure to see if she sings your favorite hits.... |
   "Simplicity," Lionel Richie explains, "is the key to what I do." These are surprising, even shocking, words from an artist whose achievements, creatively and commercially have been... |
  Grammy-Award winner Ne-Yo, who has impressed audiences with his talents since his 2006 with his multi-platinum, chart topping debut, In My Own Words, is fed-up with the sloppiness of current... |
    R&B star Robin Thicke returns to the Festival to enrapture the crowd. This time he'll have even more chart-topping hit songs as he performs in his own soulful way... |
    Al Green's blend of R&B, soul, gospel and pop is the style that has thrilled millions of fans throughout his legendary career. Watch him own the stage at the 2009... |
 They were the first all-female rap crew, emerging in the late 1980s with "Show Stopper," an answer to Dougie Fresh's smash hit, "The Show." They weren't just the first, Salt-N-Pepa... |
   As one of the most familiar voices in R&B music, Charlie Wilson needs no introduction. The Tulsa, Oklahoma native and former lead singer of the funkadelic brotherly trio, the GAP... |
     It's been a few years since this Lover Girl has played the Festival and we're glad to have her back. Teena is sure to bring the classics that we still... |
      What's in a name? Well, if the name happens to include a reference to a musical genre, it could mean a whole lot. Jazmine Sullivan's mother remembers having a sense... |
  One of your favorite female groups (with chart-topping hits to prove it) will grace the stage at the Superdome. Get ready to hear the hit songs you love as the... |
  Benet is a veteran to the Festival stage and always a fan favorite. His blend of R&B and classic soul has allowed him to thrill Festival attendees with every performance.... |
   From her name to her music to her mission to the circuitous path that brought her to legendary Verve Records for her third album, Lost and Found, Ledisi is a... |
   Saadiq is an entertainer who continues to make Festival crowds feel good. He's a singer, songwriter and producer who makes music for the fans in his own unique rhythm.... |
     Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings are a perfect fit for the Festival and we're excited to have them back onstage. They are veterans in the music community with years of... |
  This breakout artist will make her debut at the Festival bringing her original style and critically acclaimed talent to the Superdome. Janelle is sure to take the stage by storm.... |
  Catch Lalah at this year's Festival — you'll know immediately that this daughter of music legend Donny Hathaway brings a soul-style all her own. She's a singer/songwriter who commands the... |
   Festival fans decided that Solange was one of the best acts in the Superlounges, so we had to bring her back. With the critical acclaim and heavy radio airplay from... |
    This group is world music personified, bringing the beat to the Festival's true music enthusiasts. Front woman Marie Daulne combines traditional rhythms and progressive sound like no one else. Be... |
  Don't ask her to define it. Singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona's debut album The Bridge reveals a sweet push-and-pull between countless elements of herself. At once Canadian and Caribbean, strong and sexy, ... |
      Near the turn of the 21st century, rebel forces attacked Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, forcing a panicked mass exodus to neighboring countries. Among the thousands who fled... |
  New Orleans native Irvin Mayfield will represent for the great city's jazz trumpeter legacy at the 2009 Festival. Check out this fast-paced jazz pioneer as he takes us on a... |
   "They tried to put me in a box—it's impossible!" Ryan Leslie proclaims as he opens his Top 40 R&B hit "Diamond Girl," the lead single from his... |
  Keri Hilson, who you may remember as the love interest in Usher's "Love in this Club" video, is one of the hottest new artists to hit the charts this year... |
  Be prepared for a soul revival as Texas native Dan Dyer charms the crowd at this year's Festival. He's a music vet with 20 years in the game and you're... |
  Gospel greats The Blind Boys of Alabama are sure to take us to church and beyond at the Festival. Their award-winning musical style stands the test of time and plays ... |
  Internationally known as The Blues Queen of New Orleans, Marva Wright will represent her hometown in what's sure to be a rivoting set of the blues, R&B, jazz and gospel... |
    If you want the real blues — and I'm not talkin' about some long-haired hippy beatin' on a National Resonator guitar or a mustachioed, Italian-suited slickster blowin' on a chromatic... |
  Formed in 2003, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk was initially put together by keyboardist Ivan Neville on a whim in order to perform a solo gig at the New Orleans Jazz and... |
  Experience southern hip hop with these New Orleans natives as they bring their unique style to the stage. The Knux are a self-produced group comprised of two brothers from New... |
    This cross-country touring band will bring on the funk to the Festival in the city that gave them their start. Get ready to break out a sweat as the band... |
      This native son of New Orleans has gone from playing on street corners to international stages but has not lost his roots. He's quickly (and easily) become a Festival favorite... |
  The Preservation Hall Jazz Band derives its name from Preservation Hall, the venerable music venue located in the heart of New Orleans' French Quarter, founded in 1961 by Allan and... |
  They are a Festival favorite who are sure to light up the stage with their one-of-a-kind energy and rhythm. Feel the tradition of New Orleans when they're live at the... |
  If you're like most who'll be at the Festival, you've never stopped loving The Brand New Heavies and have always kept them on your most-loved list. Be sure to catch... |
   She's known as the Queen of Rare Grooves and you'll find out why at this year's Festival. Listen out for beats known and unknown from this lady DJ twice-voted "Best... |
   Slocumb returns to keep the show moving and the crowd pumped. Be sure to check for him onstage as he brings your favorite artists and cool moments from our sponsors... |
  ESSENCE Music Festival, Volume One: Songs From Our Triumphant Return To New Orleans is a must-have CD featuring some of the brightest stars to perform on the Festival... |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
