Listen Live
97.9 The Box Featured Video
CLOSE

 

 

Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West, and Trey Songz named as headliners for Essence Music Festival

A bevy of celebrities have been named as headliners for this year’s 2011 Essence Music Festival including Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Kanye West and Trey Songz.

This July 1, 2 and 3 in New Orleans, the artists will be part of a stellar group that continues in Essence’s theme to honor “The Roots Of R&B.”

Also performing will be Boyz II Men, Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Stephanie Mills, George Clinton And Parliament Funkadelic, Macy Gray, Mavis Staples, Tank, Mint Condition, Kelly Price, Alexander O’Neal & Cherrelle.

Speaking on the upcoming festival, Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. released a statement saying,

“Essence is proud to present our most beloved and rising talent across all R&B categories for our first announcement. We listen to our audience and the performers in our first roll-out are the musicians they want to see under one roof over the Fourth of July weekend.

Our mission this year was to celebrate community through the prism of the art form that continues to tell our reader’s stories: R&B. From the Main Stage to the Super Lounge, we’ve assembled an unforgettable roster of talent who provide a snapshot of this music’s ability to connect with audiences unlike few genres.

Stay tuned. We have additional names to come. This is going to be an Essence Music Festival that attendees will talk about for a long time!”

The ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is the nation’s largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture.

Throughout its history, the Festival has featured an array of performers including Alicia Keys, Al Green, Aretha Franklin, Beyonce, Chaka Khan, Destiny’s Child, Earth, Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Jamie Foxx, John Legend, The Isley Brothers, Lionel Richie, Luther Vandross, Maxwell, The O’Jays, Prince, Stevie Wonder, Toni Braxton, Patti LaBelle and Yolanda Adams, among others.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit http://www.essence.com/festival. Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencemusic #EMF2011 and become a fan of 2011 Essence Music Festival on Facebook.