Kicking off in New Orleans is this year’s Essence Festival. The lineup is complete with a mix of old school and new school artists to ensure an eventful celebration of music. Headliners include Maxwell, New Edition, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Tyrese, Faith Evans, Estelle, and that’s just the first night.
The event starts with showcases and workshops on June 30, and then from July 1 to July 3 it’s nothing but music. Performances are split within the Superdome between the Mainstage and the Superlounge. The Mainstage and the floor of the Dome will be ticketed, while the smaller Superlounges are held in surrounding event spaces and are standing – room only. Here is a night by night line up of what to expect:
- Friday, July 1
Mainstage: Maxwell, New Edition, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds, Tyrese, Faith Evans, and Estelle
Superlounge: Digable Planets, Daley, Eric Bellinger, Lion Babe, The Internet, Tweet, Estelle, Mali Music, V. Bozeman, Kelly Price, Zakes Bantwini, and Sky Wanda
- Saturday, July 2
Mainstage: Mariah Carey, Charlie Wilson, Common, and Jeremih
Superlounge: Doug E. Fresh, Tink, Jidenna, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. Beauty, Lalah Hathaway, Judith Hill,Wizkid, and Lady Lesshurr
- Sunday, July 3
Mainstage: Kendrick Lamar, Puff Daddy & The Family, Ciara, and Andra Day
Superlounge: MC Lyte, Dej Loaf, Cyril Neville, Leon Bridges, Kehlani, New Breed Brass Band, Robert Glasper, BJ The Chicago Kid, The Brand New Heavies, and Little Simz
Tickets are still being sold on Ticketmaster with starting prices at $133, and with this line up it will definitely be worth it.
