The Essence Festival gets underway later this summer, and organizers have just revealed the night-by-night line-up of performers for the event’s 20th anniversary celebration, which will be held at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans during Fourth of July weekend.
Prince will kick off the festivities alongside special guest performers beginning Friday, July 4 on the main stage while Eve, King, Stephanie Mills, Leela James, Naughty by Nature, Kevin Ross, Estelle and Greta Prince will perform at the event’s intimate Superlounges.
On Saturday, concertgoers will enjoy main stage performances by Mary J. Blige, Jill Scott, Ledisi and The Roots, as well as separate shows from 112, Marsha Ambrosius, Michelle Williams, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Tevin Campbell, Liv Warfield, PJ Morton, Doug E. Fresh and Kourtney Heart.
Closing out the event, Charlie Wilson, Lionel Richie, Erykah Badu and Tamar Braxton will serve as the headlining acts on Sunday night while Robert Glasper will play the smaller venue alongside K. Michelle, Raheem DaVaughn, Sevyn Streeter, Elle Varner, August Alsina, Sebastian Mikael, Amel Larrieux and The Original Pinettes.
In addition, gospel star Yolanda Adams will be honored with an all-star tribute at Essence’s Empowerment Experience, which will include appearances by Donnie McClurkin, Rev. Al Sharpton, Steve Harvey and Iyanla Vanzant. Additional performers will be announced at a later date. Comedian Nephew Tommy will serve as the host of three-day event.
