2009 Essence Music Festival Lineup
In 1995, the Essence Music Festival began as a one-time celebration of the 25th-year anniversary of Essence magazine, and this year the festival is celebrating its 15th-year anniversary (as well as the inauguration of President Obama).
On the bill this year for one of the nation’s largest events to celebrate black music/culture are Beyoncé, John Legend, Al Green, and Teena Marie.
Essence Music Festival is to take place July 3-5, and include a tribute to Bishop T.D. Jake (the Dallas pastor who gave the sermon in Washington during inauguration). During the festival musical performances take place in the evenings, and free empowerment seminars are given during the daylight hours.
Also performing are Salt-N-Pepa, Eric Benet, Robin Thicke, Anita Baker and Ne-Yo. And according to the president of Essence Communications Inc., , there may be more musicians added to the schedule.
Because it is the festival’s anniversary, they are offering a 15% discount on select tickets through Friday (tomorrow) – general admission ranges from $51 to about $175. In 2007, when the festival returned to New Orleans after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, about 200,000 people attended. Last year even more people attended: about 270,000.
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