The 2012 Essence Music Festival has added Gospel recording artists Kirk Franklin and rapper/actress Eve to its main stage roster. Other artists bound for the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in July are jazz, R&B and hip-hop keyboardist Robert Glasper, much-acclaimed blues-rock guitarist Gary Clark Jr. and blue-eyed contemporary soul singer Alex Boyd.
Additionally, the free Essence Empowerment Experience in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center has added a tribute to Gospel stars Fred Hammond and Mary Mary on Sunday, July 8, the final day of the festival.
Scheduled participants in the tribute include Yolanda Adams – who is also slated to perform at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival presented by Shell – Pastor Marvin Winans, Bishop Lester Love, Maurette Brown Clark, Tramaine Hawkins, Kim Burrell, Israel Houghton, Byron Cage and Tyronne Foster & the Arc Singers.
Eve, Glasper, Clark and Boyd are all Essence first-timers. They’ll join such previously announced acts as Aretha Franklin, Mary J. Blige, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Ledisi, Stephanie Mills and Keyshia Cole.
Tickets for the nighttime music festival in the Dome, July 6 to 8, are on sale now through Ticketmaster.
