2008 Essence Music Festival Starts Friday

Sounds like a fun time in New Orleans. Here is a bit about the festival courtesy of AP, You can find complete information at the Essence Music Festival Official Page (click the link) - AnOldieButAGoodie


2008 Essence Music Festival begins Friday
By STACEY PLAISANCE – 1 hour ago

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — From her rebuilt but not yet fully furnished home, Irma Thomas anchors her faith in the rebirth of New Orleans to the return of the Essence Music Festival.

The festival, which runs Friday to Sunday, celebrates black music and culture and moved to Houston in 2006 after Hurricane Katrina smashed New Orleans. It returned in 2007, and organizers say Essence is now re-establishing its place in the city.

An estimated 200,000 people attended the festival last year, supplying a needed injection of business into the city's hurricane-hammered tourism industry.

"The festival is so special to New Orleans," said Thomas, who's still trying to find furniture to replace the pieces lost when Katrina sent floodwater crashing through her home in August 2005.

Essence headliners this year include Jill Scott, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, LL Cool J, and Morris Day and The Time as well as Maze featuring Frankie Beverly. Maze has closed out the festival each year since its inception in 1995.

This year there will be a tribute to Patti LaBelle, the soul diva whose career spans four decades. Patti LaBelle released 10 solo albums and six with the group that bears her name, LaBelle.