New York, NY - Organizers of this year's Essence Festival in New Orleans say they are bringing more than 30 chart-topping musical acts to the stage.
Some of the big name performers include Jill Scott, Maxwell, New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole, LL Cool J, Brandy, Bridget Kelly, Big Daddy Kane, Blackstreet, Jody Watley, Leela James, Les Nubians, Mint Condition and more artists who have yet to be announced.
Essence Fest goers will also get a chance to hear from over 50 speakers at various empowerment seminars. They include the Rev. Al Sharpton, Rep. John Lewis, Dr. Steve Perry and others.
Empowerment seminars are usually held during the day and cover a wide variety of topics from health and beauty to career and education.
This year the event is debuting a new name that organizers say reflects the expanded cultural focus.
"The decision to rebrand The Essence Festival was a natural progression for this one-of-a-kind event, which has become a July 4th weekend tradition over the past 19 years," says Michelle Ebanks, Essence Communications President. "The Essence Festival combines music, entertainment, culture, community, empowerment and inspiration to create a completely transformative experience across 4 full days that you won't find anywhere else on the planet. We feature the world's top performers each night across 8 live music and cultural stages and we bring the 'page to the stage' by bringing ESSENCE magazine to life at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center during the day."
Essence Festival also has an all-star gospel tribute planned with Pastor Donnie McClurkin and Tramaine Hawkins.
The 19th annual festival in New Orleans is planned for July 4 - 7, 2013.
2013 Essence Festival performer Jill Scott (AP Photo/Matt Sayles)
