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Essence Music Festival - New Orleans, Louisiana

The 2008 Essence Music Festival is right around the corner. 2007 marked the return to New Orleans after the 2006 Essence Festival took place in Houston, Texas due to Hurricane Katrina.

Below is a listing of the concert lineup for each day. Check back for updates not only on the concerts but the events outside of the Superdome after the concerts end.

Friday July 4, 2008
MAIN STAGE 
Host: Jonathan Slocumb
Kanye West
Chris Brown
Rihanna
J. Holiday
SUPER LOUNGE 
BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION FEATURING NEW ORLEANS FUNK AND SOUL EXPLOSION
TERENCE BLANCHARD
PEABO BRYSON
GRANDMASTER FLASH
MINT CONDITION
REBIRTH BRASS BAND
CHRISTIAN SCOTT
EMPOWERMENT SEMINARS
The Essence Music Festival hosts three full days of dynamic speakers at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. No tickets needed
EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR - DAY 1
TYLER PERRY AND FRIENDS

Opening Remarks
Angela Burt-Murray

HOST
Jonathan Slocumb

ESSENCE Music Festival® Welcome
Michelle Ebanks

City Of New Orleans Welcome
Mayor C. Ray Nagin

A City of New Orleans Special Presentation to Tyler Perry
Mayor Nagin Presents Key to the City to Tyler Perry

Conversation with Tyler Perry - Audience Q & A
Moderated by: Tanika Ray

Announce "House of Payne" Contest

World Premiere
"The Family That Preys" Trailer

Leading Ladies Talk About The Representation of Black Women In The Media
Keisha Knight Pulliam, Lynn Whitfield, Cassi Davis, Tasha Smith
Moderated by: Tanika Ray

Honoring Local Heroes
Introduction
Patrik Bass

Relationships
Michelle McKinney Hammond, Big Boom
Moderated by Donna Richardson Joyner

Episode Premiere - House of Payne

Conversation with "House of Payne"
Lance Gross, Cassi Davis, Lavan Davis, Rueben Cannon, Larramie Doc Shaw
Moderated by: Cori Murray

TBS "House of Payne" Contest Winners.

Saturday July 5, 2008
MAIN STAGE 
Host: Jonathan Slocumb
Patti LaBelle
L.L. Cool J
Jill Scott
Musiq Soulchild
SUPER LOUNGE 
IRVIN MAYFIELD JAZZ ORCHESTRA
LYFE JENNINGS
KERMIT RUFFINS BAND
SOLANGE KNOWLES
LEDISI
CUPID
EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR - DAY 2

RECLAIMING THE DREAM

HOST
Roland Martin

Louisiana State Welcome
Lt. Governor Mitch Landrieu

Opening Remarks
Reverend Al Sharpton

Education: Addressing Failing Schools and the Achievement Gap
Dr. Bill Cosby and Dr. Poussaint
Moderated By: Wendy Wilson

Conversation with the Family of Sean Bell and Reverand Al Sharpton
Nicole Paultre Bell, William and Valerie Bell and Reverend Al Sharpton
Moderated by: Roland Martin

Taking Back Our Community & Classrooms
Introduction
Patrik Bass

Keynote Address
Tom Joyner

Finding Solutions
Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Jabali Sawicki, The Excellence Charter School,
Dr. Robert M. Franklin, President of Morehouse College
Moderated by: Soledad O'Brien

AIDS: The War on Women
"Sometimes I Cry"
Sheryl Lee Ralph

State of the Black Family Finding Solutions
Ed Gordon, AA Father/Daughter Initiative/Journalist
Rose Rock, Celebrity Foster Mother/Author, Cheryle Jackson, President, Chicago Urban League, Hill Harper
Moderated by: Dawn M. Baserville

Keynote Address
"The Power of Us"
Bishop TD Jakes

Election 2008: "My Message to Black America"
Why Your Vote Counts

Sunday July 6, 2008
MAIN STAGE 
Host: Jonathan Slocumb
Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly
Mary J. Blige
Chris Rock
Keyshia Cole
Morris Day & The Time
SUPER LOUNGE 
RAHEEM DEVAUGHN
CHRISETTE MICHELE
NICOLAS PAYTON
PRESERVATION JAZZ HALL BAND'S GOSPEL REVIVAL
IRMA THOMAS
GIL SCOTT-HERON
EMPOWERMENT SEMINAR - DAY 3
AN AFTERNOON OF PRAISE, WORSHIP & INSPIRATION

HOST
Mikki Taylor

Trin-I-Tee 5:7

Opening Affirmation
Reverend Al Sharpton

Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing

Greater St. Stephens Full Gospel Baptist Church Choir / Greater St. Stephens Karar Liturgical Dancers

"Be Not Weary"
Co-Pastor Debra Morton - Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church

Musical Performance
Regina Belle

Worship and Praise
Bishop Paul S. Morton - Greater St. Stephen Full Gospel Baptist Church

"The Testimony You Have Been Waiting To Hear"
Introduction
Patrik Bass

Dr. Juanita Bynum

Musical Celebration
Tye Tribbett and Greater Anointing

Closing Remarks
Angela Burt-Murray.

Past Articles
Heart of the City Tour
CIAA Baketball Tournament
2008 NBA All-Star Weekend - New Orleans, Louisiana
Super Bowl XLII - Phoenix, Arizona
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