Essence Music Festival 2010

Mary J. Blige
The Queen of Hip Hop Soul
There's little, if any, denying that Mary J. Blige is one of the greatest singers of our time. The proof is in the consistent number one albums and singles, six Grammy awards, seven multi-platinum records and nearly 20 years of love from her devoted fans, critics and fellow artists. Since her 1992 debut, the modern classic What's the 411, all the way to 2009's stunning Stronger with Each Tear, the reigning Queen of Hip Hop Soul has helped to redefine R&B and, perhaps more importantly, has used her gift to lift spirits, touch lives and bring her heart, soul and truth to millions around the world.

Alicia Keys
NYC-born Alicia Keys performs an inspired musical hybrid of soul, hip-hop, jazz and classical music from all different generations and disciplines. Throughout her career, Keys has earned numerous accolades. In addition to twelve Grammy Awards, she's nabbed eleven Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Award's, three World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MTV Europe Awards, two Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards, three BET Awards, fourteen NAACP Image Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, two People's Choice Award, one My VH1 Award and more. Undoubtedly, Alicia Keys is an evolving artist who has claimed ownership of her future. "My music allows me to speak freely," she says. "It doesn't have a beginning or ending because it's an integral part of my ongoing journey."

Earth, Wind & Fire
The Band That Changed the Sound of Black Pop
One of the most musically accomplished, critically acclaimed and commercially popular funk bands of the '70s, Rolling Stone once described the almighty Earth, Wind & Fire as the band that "changed the sound of Black pop." Formed in Chicago in 1969, the group has been fusing multiple genres into their own unique sound for 40 years and has built a reputation for groundbreaking live shows. Since their breakthrough, multi-platinum album in 1975, Earth, Wind & Fire has won ten Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and has sold over 90 million albums worldwide.

Keri Hilson
R&B Perfection
There's not much Keri Hilson can't do. At age twelve, the Atlanta native discovered her talent for singing and composing her own songs, working so tirelessly at her craft that by age 18, she was arranging and engineering tracks in every local recording studio. Today, this Grammy Award-nominated R&B singer and vocal arranger boasts songwriting credits on hit singles of everyone, from Beyonce to Britney. In 2009, Hilson took center stage with the release of A Perfect World. This genre-obliterating production of Polow da Don and Timbaland showcases Hilson's indomitable songwriting skills as well as her breathtaking vocal talents, proving, once and for all, it's her time to shine.

Gladys Knight
Empress of Soul
The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed number one hits on the pop, R&B and adult contemporary charts, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. Her expressive, powerful voice-one of the most instantly recognizable and beloved in popular music-became the prototype for two generations of singers from Jennifer Holliday to Alicia Keys, and her work with the Pips is revered as some of the best soul music of all time.

LL Cool J
Hip Hop Legend
What began for LL Cool J in the nascent, burgeoning rap and hip hop scene of the '80s, has now seeped throughout the musical and cultural phenomenon that is today's hip hop. All the while, this multi-talented superstar has remained a musical and cultural force, a living icon and a significant, relevant artist still turning out the hits. Exploding onto the scene in 1984, he is the first rap artist to amass ten consecutive platinum-plus selling albums. A talented actor, author, recording artist, two-time Grammy Award winner and NAACP Image Award winner, he continues to display his wide range of talents in his projects and, after more than two decades, shows no signs of slowing down.

Raphael Saadiq
Chameleon. Trailblazer. Superstar.
From his early days as a member of multi-platinum R&B innovators Tony! Toni! Tone! to his work as a Grammy Award-winning producer for the likes of Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo, Earth, Wind & Fire, John Legend, Joss Stone and Macy Gray, Raphael Saadiq has always been a chameleon and a trailblazer. A modern-day blend of '60s soul and R&B's old-school roots, his two solo albums have garnered a combined eight Grammy nominations, further heightening Saadiq's respect amongst his peers and solidifying his status as one of modern music's most dynamic talents.

Jill Scott
Upfront, In-Your-Face and Always Real
When Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, poet and actress Jill Scott feels it, she sings it. Upfront, in-your-face and always real, she uses her own distinctive poetry to breathe life into words, digging deep within to bring forth the accompanying emotion. It is this authenticity that has endeared Scott to legions of adoring fans. With an abiding, profound commitment to lyrical honesty and musical integrity, she has forged a musical path beyond compare. And now, with her latest release, The Real Thing, Scott is poised to provide yet another cause for celebration among those who live for the real.

Trey Songz
The New Sound of R&B
Since his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz has artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. His first two albums, I Gotta Make It and Trey Day, yielded a trio of top ten singles. When one of these hits garnered Songz a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in him by Atlantic Records' late founder Ahmet Ertegun, who once touted Songz as one of "the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the company 60 years ago." Now, with the recent release of Ready, Songz is more than ready to claim his rightful place in the pantheon of R&B greats.

Charlie Wilson
The De-Facto Father of New Jack Swing
Four-time Grammy-nominated singer, R&B icon Charlie Wilson has always known how to bring the party. The consummate performer, Wilson's star shined brightly both as lead vocalist for the pioneering group The Gap Band as well as on his solo outings. During his reign at the top, Wilson scored his highest debut on the Billboard 200, when Uncle Charlie, his fourth solo album, landed in the number two spot. Anyone familiar with the rhythmic repertoire of The Gap band can hear traces of Wilson in the contemporary voices of present-day R&B royalty. Proving to be a champion in an R&B league of his own, Wilson has been aptly dubbed "the de-facto father of new jack swing."

DJ Soul Sister
The Queen of Rare Groove
With a flair for the rare, DJ artist, veteran radio programmer, party promoter and tastemaker DJ Soul Sister has been rocking parties and radios since 1994. Four times voted "Best DJ in New Orleans" and showcased in numerous high-profile magazines, this multi-talented artist has thrown down her vinyl-only, seamlessly-blended funk/soul/rare groove/discotheque/jazz fusion/true school hip hop sets everywhere, from Los Angeles to London. Today, she continues to produce and promote events, DJ parties, write music reviews, interview artists, host her own radio show and inspire people around the world.

Arrested Development
The Return of the People's Music
Deftly fusing soul, blues, hip hop, and Sly & the Family Stone-influenced funk with deeply political, socially conscious lyrics, Arrested Development first burst onto the scene in 1992 with their Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum debut 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of.... Now, nearly 20 years later, their genre-defying music still resonates with audiences worldwide, offering a deep human connection through sonic celebration. Their message is simple, yet profound-individuals cannot wallow in their oppression, but instead must fight to rise above it.

Big Sam's Funky Nation
Driving Force of Urban Funk
Since 2001, Big Sam's Funky Nation has been searing its uniquely funky mark onto the New Orleans music scene. Led by trombone powerhouse, Big Sam Williams, the band has toured across the country and around the world, spreading their high-energy musical manifesto and igniting crowds with their legendary funk fests. From the Big Easy to the Big Apple, San Francisco to Miami, the UK, Paris-and countless points in between-the band's massive funk grooves and explosive performances have been taking audiences on a high-voltage musical journey like no other.

Chrisette Michele
Soulful Songbird
Almost overnight, R&B singer/songwriter Chrisette Michele went from small-time performer to one of Def Jam's brightest stars. In 2006, her effortlessly versatile singing voice colored with Billie Holiday-esque inflections of vocal pop and jazz caught the attention of Def Jam executives, who had her signed to the label that same year. Her album debut I Am followed in the summer of 2007. Of the release, Michele says "my goal was to create a seamless album that mixes soul and pop in a way that will have people coming back to again and again." And, to Michele's delight, they certainly have.

De La Soul
Hip Hop Pioneers
At the time of its 1989 release, De La Soul's debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, was hailed as the future of hip hop. With its colorful, neo-psychedelic collage of samples and styles, the band's seminal rap masterpiece paved the way for a steady stream of "alternative" rap groups. In the years that followed, De La Soul's discography traced a unique path, from collaborations with Mos Def in 1996 to winning a Grammy Award for their appearance on Gorillaz' "Feel Good Inc." in 2005. Now, 20 years after Posdnuos, Trugoy the Dove and Maseo helped to redefine the world of hip hop, these edge-cutting innovators are still rocking a beat and moving the crowd like no one else.

Hot 8 Brass Band
Keeping the Funk Alive
For over a decade, The Big Easy's Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans' street music. Infusing their performances with the soul and energy that has made the Crescent City's music so beloved, the group deftly blends hip-hop, jazz and funk styles with traditional New Orleans brass sounds. Performing annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as well as world and jazz festivals across the U.S. and Europe, this bevy of trombone, saxophone, trumpet, tuba, snare and bass drum players, was recently featured in Spike Lee's documentary When the Levees Broke.

Irma Thomas
Soul Queen of New Orleans
Grammy Award-winning singer Irma Thomas first carved out her place on the R&B scene as a teenager in the 1950s with the hit "You Can Have My Husband (But Please Don't Mess With My Man)," but is probably best known for her influence on the Rolling Stones' "Time Is on My Side", modeled after Thomas' own version of the chart-topper. While others of her generation have settled quietly into retirement, Thomas' reputation has grown throughout the years. One of the Crescent City's greatest and most enduring R&B musical ambassadors, she is well regarded as the long-reigning "Soul Queen of New Orleans".

Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Musician Extraordinaire
At a mere 32 years old, Irvin Mayfield has established himself as one of the most decorated and recorded jazz musicians of his generation. Mayfield is a versatile trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger and recording artist, as well as a passionate spokesman for the rich history and cultural significance of jazz and the city in which it was born. Appointed by the U.S. Senate, Congress and other governmental agencies as the cultural ambassador for both the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans in 2003, his name has become synonymous with the still-unfolding legacy of America's only indigenous music and its unique, celebratory style.

Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk
The Future of New Orleans Funk
What started as a side project in 2003, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk is now lauded as the future of New Orleans funk. Weaving a vocal and musical tapestry from key members of Dave Matthews & Friends, Trey Anastasio, Jewel and the Neville musical families, Dumpstaphunk transcends all ages and styles, creating a free-flowing approach to their art. The band's music incorporates drops of Sly & the Family Stone and Meter-esque jams as well as a diverse array of influences into a spicy musical gumbo-a recipe that's creating a new standard for an entire genre.

Joe
The Casanova Crooner
Premier soul man Joe Lewis Thomas, known to his fans simply as "Joe", is a seven-time Grammy Award-nominated R&B singer and record producer. His third album My Name Is Joe has sold more than three million copies, climbing to the top of the R&B album charts and reaching number two on the Billboard 200. Once nicknamed "the Casanova crooner" by Hip-Hop Soul magazine, Joe's newest release Signature showcases his incomparable musical and vocal talents, reaffirming his rightful place in the world of music.

Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers
The Spirit of the Big Easy
While much has been made of his vital role in the founding and shaping of the ReBirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins has become a respected bandleader, writer, singer and musician in his own right. After leaving ReBirth, Ruffins formed the Barbecue Swingers, was signed to a solo deal by Justice Records and released three CDs that have since become jukebox staples in the Crescent City. Blending jazz, funk, standards and hip hop, his musical style resembles the melting pot that is New Orleans, and his charisma, both onstage and off, reflects the spirit and energy of this great city.

Lalah Hathaway
Creating a Legacy of Her Own
When your last name is Hathaway, there is a certain degree of attention that inevitably follows you, especially in the world of music. As the daughter of Donny Hathaway, one of soul music's eternal legends, the expectations placed upon Lalah's career have been extraordinarily high. In spite of such pressure, this Grammy Award-nominated songstress has blazed her own trails, becoming a staple on jazz and R&B radio and spending half of her life in the musical spotlight.

Laura Izibor
It's Got to Be Real
"The foundation begins with soul," explains 22-year-old singer/songwriter/producer Laura Izibor of her passionate, piano-guided songs. With her music, Izibor continues the lineage set out by artists like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott-artists who merge a reverence for the traditions of early R&B with a thoroughly modern sensibility. After one listen to the powerful, honey-tinged vocals on her debut album, Let The Truth Be Told, one thing's for sure-for Laura Izibor, it's got to be real.

Leo Jackson and The Melody Clouds
An Enduring Musical Legacy
With their soaring vocals and perfect harmonies, Leo Jackson and The Melody Clouds are unequivocally one of the finest gospel groups to ever emerge from New Orleans. Founded in 1965 by the late Leo Jackson Sr., this prodigious group of soulful singers harkens back to the classic gospel groups of yesteryear. These days, The Melody Chords Clouds can be found traveling the globe, spreading the gospel through music across the country and around the world.

Little Freddie King
Keeping The Blues Real
Although Little Freddie King patterned his name and playing style after his role model Freddie King, the man with "Little" in his moniker is truly an original. Leaving his native Mississippi in the 1950s to move to the music Mecca of New Orleans, King brought the indigenous blues of the Mississippi Delta with him. It has stayed with him ever since, as he has continued to hone his raw sound over the decades. From his explosive live performances, listeners come away stunned, saying King's blues may not be pretty, but they are undeniably real.

Mary Mary
Redefining Gospel Music
Sisters Erica and Tina Campbell are pioneers in the contemporary gospel movement. Together, as Mary Mary, they have pushed the envelope by redefining the boundaries of gospel and blurring its ties to hip-hop and R&B. Although their music has been popular among both Christian and mainstream audiences, God is present in every song the groundbreaking duo produce. Their latest offering, The Sound, debuted in the number seven spot on the Billboard 200, remaining on the chart for an entire year, and has monopolized the top position on Billboard's Gospel Albums listing for more than sixth months.

Melanie Fiona
The Girl's Got Soul
Bridging past and present with a harmonious blend of classic soul samples, singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona's music reveals a sweet push-and-pull between countless elements of herself. At once Canadian and Caribbean, strong and sexy, contemplative and joyous, her songs artfully meld new school hip-hop and R&B with old school soul, tinges of West Indian reggae and plenty of sass. Despite the many moods and musings of Fiona's music, there is one defining element-a soul as deep as the musical heritage that comprises it.

Mint Condition
Keeping It Old School
After five critically-acclaimed studio albums, over a dozen hit singles, multiple world tours and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the business, Mint Condition is a rarity in today's music scene-their generation's lone example of an "old school" R&B band that now serves as a model for many of their peers. Their classic approach coupled with lead singer/drummer Stokley Williams' agile and emotive tenor has built the group a dedicated and ever-growing fan base. The band's modern, infectious soul grooves fringed with Latin and jazz and buoyed by fiery dashes of rock and funk have been igniting crowds for over 20 years.

Rebirth Brass Band
A New Orleans Institution
The Rebirth Brass Band is more than a band-they are a New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the now-infamous Frazier brothers, they have evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to rocking festivals and stages all over the world. Although committed to upholding the time-honored tradition of brass bands, the group regularly incorporates modern music into their shows. Their signature brand of heavy funk has not only won over several generations of music lovers, it has become the soundtrack to an entire city. In the wake of the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Rebirth Brass Band is the undisputed leader of the pack.

Sam & Ruby
Destined for a Higher Purpose
Nashville-based duo Sam & Ruby gently blend R&B, folk and pop into a sound so immediately warm and welcoming that falling in love with their music is a foregone conclusion. Ruby Amanfu boasts a sophisticated, soulful voice with gospel-like conviction. Her vocal style beautifully complements Sam Brooker's relaxed, confident approach-his voice balanced somewhere between the bar room and the back porch. Destined for a higher purpose, this gifted duo continue to give people what has been given to them... life, love, loss, understanding, forgiveness, hope. And amazing music.

Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs
Transcending Musical Genre
Take the former frontman of the Rebirth Brass Band, a Grammy Award-winning guitarist and some of the finest musicians in the Crescent City and you have Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs. Blending rock, funk, jazz and hip hop, their music, albeit progressive, never sways too far from the traditional styles of the funky sound started in New Orleans. Their debut CD, appropriately entitled Box Who In?, is a bold statement against being categorized. Regardless of genre, however, the band is certainly making its mark, spreading their musical message throughout the country and well beyond.

Soul Rebels Brass Band
A New Tradition in Soul
If jazz music is the heart of New Orleans, then the Soul Rebels' music is the blood that pumps through it. In 1993, when the group shared a stage with the Neville Brothers, Cyril Neville christened them, saying, "Hey, you're a brass band, but y'all got funk and soul. Y'all are like soul rebels." Combining elements of hip hop with a traditional brass band sound, their deep, soulful grooves provide a smooth foundation over which rap verses and horn solos alike can flourish and grow.


ARTISTS
	MAIN STAGE Mary J. Blige The Queen of Hip Hop Soul There's little, if any, denying that Mary J. Blige is one of the greatest singers of our time. The proof is in the consistent number one albums and singles, six Grammy awards, seven multi-platinum records and nearly 20 years of love from her devoted fans, critics and fellow artists. Since her 1992 debut, the modern classic What's the 411, all the way to 2009's stunning Stronger with Each Tear, the reigning Queen of Hip Hop Soul has helped to redefine R&B and, perhaps more importantly, has used her gift to lift spirits, touch lives and bring her heart, soul and truth to millions around the world. Alicia Keys NYC-born Alicia Keys performs an inspired musical hybrid of soul, hip-hop, jazz and classical music from all different generations and disciplines. Throughout her career, Keys has earned numerous accolades. In addition to twelve Grammy Awards, she's nabbed eleven Billboard Music Awards, five American Music Award's, three World Music Awards, three MTV Video Music Awards, three MTV Europe Awards, two Nickelodeon Teen Choice Awards, three BET Awards, fourteen NAACP Image Awards, seven Soul Train Music Awards, two Soul Train Lady of Soul Awards, two People's Choice Award, one My VH1 Award and more. Undoubtedly, Alicia Keys is an evolving artist who has claimed ownership of her future. "My music allows me to speak freely," she says. "It doesn't have a beginning or ending because it's an integral part of my ongoing journey." Earth, Wind & Fire The Band That Changed the Sound of Black Pop One of the most musically accomplished, critically acclaimed and commercially popular funk bands of the '70s, Rolling Stone once described the almighty Earth, Wind & Fire as the band that "changed the sound of Black pop." Formed in Chicago in 1969, the group has been fusing multiple genres into their own unique sound for 40 years and has built a reputation for groundbreaking live shows. Since their breakthrough, multi-platinum album in 1975, Earth, Wind & Fire has won ten Grammy Awards, four American Music Awards, been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of Fame and has sold over 90 million albums worldwide. Keri Hilson R&B Perfection There's not much Keri Hilson can't do. At age twelve, the Atlanta native discovered her talent for singing and composing her own songs, working so tirelessly at her craft that by age 18, she was arranging and engineering tracks in every local recording studio. Today, this Grammy Award-nominated R&B singer and vocal arranger boasts songwriting credits on hit singles of everyone, from Beyonce to Britney. In 2009, Hilson took center stage with the release of A Perfect World. This genre-obliterating production of Polow da Don and Timbaland showcases Hilson's indomitable songwriting skills as well as her breathtaking vocal talents, proving, once and for all, it's her time to shine. Gladys Knight Empress of Soul The great ones endure, and Gladys Knight has long been one of the greatest. Very few singers over the last fifty years have matched her unassailable artistry. This seven-time Grammy winner has enjoyed number one hits on the pop, R&B and adult contemporary charts, and has triumphed in film, television and live performance. Her expressive, powerful voice-one of the most instantly recognizable and beloved in popular music-became the prototype for two generations of singers from Jennifer Holliday to Alicia Keys, and her work with the Pips is revered as some of the best soul music of all time.
	LL Cool J Hip Hop Legend What began for LL Cool J in the nascent, burgeoning rap and hip hop scene of the '80s, has now seeped throughout the musical and cultural phenomenon that is today's hip hop. All the while, this multi-talented superstar has remained a musical and cultural force, a living icon and a significant, relevant artist still turning out the hits. Exploding onto the scene in 1984, he is the first rap artist to amass ten consecutive platinum-plus selling albums. A talented actor, author, recording artist, two-time Grammy Award winner and NAACP Image Award winner, he continues to display his wide range of talents in his projects and, after more than two decades, shows no signs of slowing down. Monica Raphael Saadiq Chameleon. Trailblazer. Superstar. From his early days as a member of multi-platinum R&B innovators Tony! Toni! Tone! to his work as a Grammy Award-winning producer for the likes of Mary J. Blige, D'Angelo, Earth, Wind & Fire, John Legend, Joss Stone and Macy Gray, Raphael Saadiq has always been a chameleon and a trailblazer. A modern-day blend of '60s soul and R&B's old-school roots, his two solo albums have garnered a combined eight Grammy nominations, further heightening Saadiq's respect amongst his peers and solidifying his status as one of modern music's most dynamic talents.
	Jill Scott Upfront, In-Your-Face and Always Real When Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, poet and actress Jill Scott feels it, she sings it. Upfront, in-your-face and always real, she uses her own distinctive poetry to breathe life into words, digging deep within to bring forth the accompanying emotion. It is this authenticity that has endeared Scott to legions of adoring fans. With an abiding, profound commitment to lyrical honesty and musical integrity, she has forged a musical path beyond compare. And now, with her latest release, The Real Thing, Scott is poised to provide yet another cause for celebration among those who live for the real. Trey Songz The New Sound of R&B Since his recording debut in 2005, Trey Songz has artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&B music of the decade. His first two albums, I Gotta Make It and Trey Day, yielded a trio of top ten singles. When one of these hits garnered Songz a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in him by Atlantic Records' late founder Ahmet Ertegun, who once touted Songz as one of "the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the company 60 years ago." Now, with the recent release of Ready, Songz is more than ready to claim his rightful place in the pantheon of R&B greats. Charlie Wilson The De-Facto Father of New Jack Swing Four-time Grammy-nominated singer, R&B icon Charlie Wilson has always known how to bring the party. The consummate performer, Wilson's star shined brightly both as lead vocalist for the pioneering group The Gap Band as well as on his solo outings. During his reign at the top, Wilson scored his highest debut on the Billboard 200, when Uncle Charlie, his fourth solo album, landed in the number two spot. Anyone familiar with the rhythmic repertoire of The Gap band can hear traces of Wilson in the contemporary voices of present-day R&B royalty. Proving to be a champion in an R&B league of his own, Wilson has been aptly dubbed "the de-facto father of new jack swing."
	DJ Soul Sister The Queen of Rare Groove With a flair for the rare, DJ artist, veteran radio programmer, party promoter and tastemaker DJ Soul Sister has been rocking parties and radios since 1994. Four times voted "Best DJ in New Orleans" and showcased in numerous high-profile magazines, this multi-talented artist has thrown down her vinyl-only, seamlessly-blended funk/soul/rare groove/discotheque/jazz fusion/true school hip hop sets everywhere, from Los Angeles to London. Today, she continues to produce and promote events, DJ parties, write music reviews, interview artists, host her own radio show and inspire people around the world.

	SUPER LOUNGE Arrested Development The Return of the People's Music Deftly fusing soul, blues, hip hop, and Sly & the Family Stone-influenced funk with deeply political, socially conscious lyrics, Arrested Development first burst onto the scene in 1992 with their Grammy Award-winning, multi-platinum debut 3 Years, 5 Months & 2 Days in the Life Of.... Now, nearly 20 years later, their genre-defying music still resonates with audiences worldwide, offering a deep human connection through sonic celebration. Their message is simple, yet profound-individuals cannot wallow in their oppression, but instead must fight to rise above it. Big Sam's Funky Nation Driving Force of Urban Funk Since 2001, Big Sam's Funky Nation has been searing its uniquely funky mark onto the New Orleans music scene. Led by trombone powerhouse, Big Sam Williams, the band has toured across the country and around the world, spreading their high-energy musical manifesto and igniting crowds with their legendary funk fests. From the Big Easy to the Big Apple, San Francisco to Miami, the UK, Paris-and countless points in between-the band's massive funk grooves and explosive performances have been taking audiences on a high-voltage musical journey like no other. Chrisette Michele Soulful Songbird Almost overnight, R&B singer/songwriter Chrisette Michele went from small-time performer to one of Def Jam's brightest stars. In 2006, her effortlessly versatile singing voice colored with Billie Holiday-esque inflections of vocal pop and jazz caught the attention of Def Jam executives, who had her signed to the label that same year. Her album debut I Am followed in the summer of 2007. Of the release, Michele says "my goal was to create a seamless album that mixes soul and pop in a way that will have people coming back to again and again." And, to Michele's delight, they certainly have.
	Estelle De La Soul Hip Hop Pioneers At the time of its 1989 release, De La Soul's debut album, 3 Feet High and Rising, was hailed as the future of hip hop. With its colorful, neo-psychedelic collage of samples and styles, the band's seminal rap masterpiece paved the way for a steady stream of "alternative" rap groups. In the years that followed, De La Soul's discography traced a unique path, from collaborations with Mos Def in 1996 to winning a Grammy Award for their appearance on Gorillaz' "Feel Good Inc." in 2005. Now, 20 years after Posdnuos, Trugoy the Dove and Maseo helped to redefine the world of hip hop, these edge-cutting innovators are still rocking a beat and moving the crowd like no one else. Hot 8 Brass Band Keeping the Funk Alive For over a decade, The Big Easy's Hot 8 Brass Band has epitomized New Orleans' street music. Infusing their performances with the soul and energy that has made the Crescent City's music so beloved, the group deftly blends hip-hop, jazz and funk styles with traditional New Orleans brass sounds. Performing annually at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival, as well as world and jazz festivals across the U.S. and Europe, this bevy of trombone, saxophone, trumpet, tuba, snare and bass drum players, was recently featured in Spike Lee's documentary When the Levees Broke.
	Irma Thomas Soul Queen of New Orleans Grammy Award-winning singer Irma Thomas first carved out her place on the R&B scene as a teenager in the 1950s with the hit "You Can Have My Husband (But Please Don't Mess With My Man)," but is probably best known for her influence on the Rolling Stones' "Time Is on My Side", modeled after Thomas' own version of the chart-topper. While others of her generation have settled quietly into retirement, Thomas' reputation has grown throughout the years. One of the Crescent City's greatest and most enduring R&B musical ambassadors, she is well regarded as the long-reigning "Soul Queen of New Orleans". Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra Jazz Musician Extraordinaire At a mere 32 years old, Irvin Mayfield has established himself as one of the most decorated and recorded jazz musicians of his generation. Mayfield is a versatile trumpeter, bandleader, composer, arranger and recording artist, as well as a passionate spokesman for the rich history and cultural significance of jazz and the city in which it was born. Appointed by the U.S. Senate, Congress and other governmental agencies as the cultural ambassador for both the State of Louisiana and the City of New Orleans in 2003, his name has become synonymous with the still-unfolding legacy of America's only indigenous music and its unique, celebratory style. Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk The Future of New Orleans Funk What started as a side project in 2003, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk is now lauded as the future of New Orleans funk. Weaving a vocal and musical tapestry from key members of Dave Matthews & Friends, Trey Anastasio, Jewel and the Neville musical families, Dumpstaphunk transcends all ages and styles, creating a free-flowing approach to their art. The band's music incorporates drops of Sly & the Family Stone and Meter-esque jams as well as a diverse array of influences into a spicy musical gumbo-a recipe that's creating a new standard for an entire genre.
	Joe The Casanova Crooner Premier soul man Joe Lewis Thomas, known to his fans simply as "Joe", is a seven-time Grammy Award-nominated R&B singer and record producer. His third album My Name Is Joe has sold more than three million copies, climbing to the top of the R&B album charts and reaching number two on the Billboard 200. Once nicknamed "the Casanova crooner" by Hip-Hop Soul magazine, Joe's newest release Signature showcases his incomparable musical and vocal talents, reaffirming his rightful place in the world of music. Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers The Spirit of the Big Easy While much has been made of his vital role in the founding and shaping of the ReBirth Brass Band, Kermit Ruffins has become a respected bandleader, writer, singer and musician in his own right. After leaving ReBirth, Ruffins formed the Barbecue Swingers, was signed to a solo deal by Justice Records and released three CDs that have since become jukebox staples in the Crescent City. Blending jazz, funk, standards and hip hop, his musical style resembles the melting pot that is New Orleans, and his charisma, both onstage and off, reflects the spirit and energy of this great city. Lalah Hathaway Creating a Legacy of Her Own When your last name is Hathaway, there is a certain degree of attention that inevitably follows you, especially in the world of music. As the daughter of Donny Hathaway, one of soul music's eternal legends, the expectations placed upon Lalah's career have been extraordinarily high. In spite of such pressure, this Grammy Award-nominated songstress has blazed her own trails, becoming a staple on jazz and R&B radio and spending half of her life in the musical spotlight.
	Laura Izibor It's Got to Be Real "The foundation begins with soul," explains 22-year-old singer/songwriter/producer Laura Izibor of her passionate, piano-guided songs. With her music, Izibor continues the lineage set out by artists like Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott-artists who merge a reverence for the traditions of early R&B with a thoroughly modern sensibility. After one listen to the powerful, honey-tinged vocals on her debut album, Let The Truth Be Told, one thing's for sure-for Laura Izibor, it's got to be real. Leo Jackson and The Melody Clouds An Enduring Musical Legacy With their soaring vocals and perfect harmonies, Leo Jackson and The Melody Clouds are unequivocally one of the finest gospel groups to ever emerge from New Orleans. Founded in 1965 by the late Leo Jackson Sr., this prodigious group of soulful singers harkens back to the classic gospel groups of yesteryear. These days, The Melody Chords Clouds can be found traveling the globe, spreading the gospel through music across the country and around the world. Little Freddie King Keeping The Blues Real Although Little Freddie King patterned his name and playing style after his role model Freddie King, the man with "Little" in his moniker is truly an original. Leaving his native Mississippi in the 1950s to move to the music Mecca of New Orleans, King brought the indigenous blues of the Mississippi Delta with him. It has stayed with him ever since, as he has continued to hone his raw sound over the decades. From his explosive live performances, listeners come away stunned, saying King's blues may not be pretty, but they are undeniably real.
	Mary Mary Redefining Gospel Music Sisters Erica and Tina Campbell are pioneers in the contemporary gospel movement. Together, as Mary Mary, they have pushed the envelope by redefining the boundaries of gospel and blurring its ties to hip-hop and R&B. Although their music has been popular among both Christian and mainstream audiences, God is present in every song the groundbreaking duo produce. Their latest offering, The Sound, debuted in the number seven spot on the Billboard 200, remaining on the chart for an entire year, and has monopolized the top position on Billboard's Gospel Albums listing for more than sixth months. Melanie Fiona The Girl's Got Soul Bridging past and present with a harmonious blend of classic soul samples, singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona's music reveals a sweet push-and-pull between countless elements of herself. At once Canadian and Caribbean, strong and sexy, contemplative and joyous, her songs artfully meld new school hip-hop and R&B with old school soul, tinges of West Indian reggae and plenty of sass. Despite the many moods and musings of Fiona's music, there is one defining element-a soul as deep as the musical heritage that comprises it. Mint Condition Keeping It Old School After five critically-acclaimed studio albums, over a dozen hit singles, multiple world tours and collaborations with some of the biggest names in the business, Mint Condition is a rarity in today's music scene-their generation's lone example of an "old school" R&B band that now serves as a model for many of their peers. Their classic approach coupled with lead singer/drummer Stokley Williams' agile and emotive tenor has built the group a dedicated and ever-growing fan base. The band's modern, infectious soul grooves fringed with Latin and jazz and buoyed by fiery dashes of rock and funk have been igniting crowds for over 20 years.
	Rebirth Brass Band A New Orleans Institution The Rebirth Brass Band is more than a band-they are a New Orleans institution. Formed in 1983 by the now-infamous Frazier brothers, they have evolved from playing the streets of the French Quarter to rocking festivals and stages all over the world. Although committed to upholding the time-honored tradition of brass bands, the group regularly incorporates modern music into their shows. Their signature brand of heavy funk has not only won over several generations of music lovers, it has become the soundtrack to an entire city. In the wake of the sometimes-stringent competition amongst brass bands, Rebirth Brass Band is the undisputed leader of the pack. Sam & Ruby Destined for a Higher Purpose Nashville-based duo Sam & Ruby gently blend R&B, folk and pop into a sound so immediately warm and welcoming that falling in love with their music is a foregone conclusion. Ruby Amanfu boasts a sophisticated, soulful voice with gospel-like conviction. Her vocal style beautifully complements Sam Brooker's relaxed, confident approach-his voice balanced somewhere between the bar room and the back porch. Destined for a higher purpose, this gifted duo continue to give people what has been given to them... life, love, loss, understanding, forgiveness, hope. And amazing music. Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs Transcending Musical Genre Take the former frontman of the Rebirth Brass Band, a Grammy Award-winning guitarist and some of the finest musicians in the Crescent City and you have Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs. Blending rock, funk, jazz and hip hop, their music, albeit progressive, never sways too far from the traditional styles of the funky sound started in New Orleans. Their debut CD, appropriately entitled Box Who In?, is a bold statement against being categorized. Regardless of genre, however, the band is certainly making its mark, spreading their musical message throughout the country and well beyond. >
	Soul Rebels Brass Band A New Tradition in Soul If jazz music is the heart of New Orleans, then the Soul Rebels' music is the blood that pumps through it. In 1993, when the group shared a stage with the Neville Brothers, Cyril Neville christened them, saying, "Hey, you're a brass band, but y'all got funk and soul. Y'all are like soul rebels." Combining elements of hip hop with a traditional brass band sound, their deep, soulful grooves provide a smooth foundation over which rap verses and horn solos alike can flourish and grow. War MORE MAIN STAGE AND SUPER LOUNGE ARTISTS TO COME.

HOME TICKETS HOTELS ARTISTS SEMINARS SPONSORS MARKETPLACE

ARTISTS

MAIN STAGE

SUPER LOUNGE

MORE MAIN STAGE AND SUPER LOUNGE ARTISTS TO COME.