Stars come out for Essence
Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson headline weekend’s Essence Music Festival in New Orleans
STORIES By John wirt
Music writer
August 23, 2012
The Essence Music Festival returns to New Orleans for its 18th year in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. More than 422,000 attended last year’s festival.
The 2012 music lineup includes Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, D’Angelo, Fantasia, Trey Songz, Mary Mary, Kevin Hart, Ledisi, Eve, Marsha Ambrosius and many more.
Music will be performed on the Superdome’s main stage as well in the festival’s superlounges.
The Essence Empowerment Experience, held throughout the weekend at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, will feature many speakers, including CNN anchors Fredricka Whitfield and Soledad O’Brien; comedian Steve Harvey; and model Beverly Johnson.
Tickets
Single day tickets are $50- $300 per person per night. Weekend packages range from $150-$900 per person. For more information and tickets visit http://www.essence.com/festivals/2012/essence-music-festival.
Empowerment Experience
Open to the public, no ticket is required.
Ernest N. Morial Convention Center doors open at 9 a.m. Pre-show from 9 to 11 a.m. Opening remarks at 11 a.m.
Nightly lineup
- e_SHrSFriday, July 6: Charlie Wilson, D’Angelo, Trey Songz, Keyshia Cole, The Pointer Sisters, Marsha Ambrosious, Q. Parker & Super Jay, Khris Royal, Kindred The Family Soul, Vivian Green, Stephanie Mills, Gary Clark Jr., Rebirth Brass Band, SWV, Goapele
- e_SHrS Saturday, July 7: Mary J. Blige, Kevin Hart, Ledisi, Mary Mary, Tank, Eric Roberson, Teedra Moses, The Stylistics, Robert Glasper, Dru Hill, The Original Pinettes Brass Band, Stephanie Mills, Big Sam’s Funky Nation
- Sunday, July 8: Aretha Franklin, Fantasia, Kirk Franklin, Melanie Fiona, Carl Thomas, Alex Boyd, Eve, The Stooges Brass Band, Estelle, Luke James, Raheem DeVaughn, Bridget Kelly