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Essence fest returns to Nawlins
Urban music festival forced to relocate to Houston by Hurricane Katrina will return to the Big Easy for at least the next three years.
The wrath of Hurricane Katrina still hovers over New Orleans, but the city's vibrant culture is rebuilding.
Jamie Foxx at the 2006 Essence festival.
That effort got a shot in the arm today when Essence Communications said that its annual Essence Music Festival was returning to New Orleans after Katrina forced it to relocate to Houston. The city signed a three-year deal to host the event, outbidding Houston, which tried to keep the festival.
The annual Fourth of July weekend event is known for a mix of hip-hop, R&B, and soul performances. Its artists roster in recent years has included Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige, LL Cool J, Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, and Erykah Badu.
"New Orleans is just the obvious choice. It is just the perfect city with phenomenal venues," said Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications, which publishes Essence magazine and owns the festival. "It's also important for the festival to participate in the rebirth of this city."
Essence started the event in New Orleans in 1995 to celebrate the magazine's 25th anniversary.
Next year's festival will be held July 5, 6, and 7. Tickets go on sale November 3. The lineup of performers has not yet been announced.
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