Mariah Carey, Kendrick Lamar & Maxwell Headline The 2016 ESSENCE Festival


Essence-Festival-Ciara-Mariah-Carey-Kendrick-Lamar-Maxwell
Photo Credit: ESSENCE

Things are once again going to be hot this Fourth of July weekend in the Big Easy. ESSENCE Magazine is set to bring yet another edition of its ESSENCE Festival to New Orleans this summer, and it looks to be one of its most star-studded events yet. Top-lining the annual festival will be none other than music megastars Kendrick Lamar, Mariah Carey and Maxwell. With his To Pimp A Butterfly dominating the musical conversation last year and his moment-making GRAMMYs performance, K. Dot was a shoe-in to headline, as are living legends Carey and Maxwell, whose blackSUMMERS'night should be out or just dropping right around that time (if he isn't crying wolf...again).

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But of course it's not just those big three that are making NOLA sizzle. Also coming along for the ride are a slew of performers that you've just gotta see. Leon Bridges, Jeremih, Lion Babe, The Internet and Dej Loaf will all be gracing a stage at the festival for the first time. Meanwhile you can count Andra DayBJ The Chicago Kid, Charlie Wilson, Ciara, Daley, Digable Planets, Doug E. Fresh, Eric Bellinger, Estelle, Faith Evans, Jidenna, Judith Hill, Kelly Price, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, Lalah Hathaway, Mali Music, MC Lyte, New Edition, Robert Glasper Experiment, St. Beauty, The Brand New Heavies, Tyrese, Tink and V. Bozeman among the number of performers as well — and this is just the first round of announcements. Sheesh.

Of course in addition to the musical performances, the festival will feature seminars, meet-and-greets, wellness events and a plethora of other things to keep you busy all weekend long. In other words, for the 22nd year in a row, it's this summer's hottest ticket. For more about the festival, including a full list of performers and ticket and accommodation info, visit the festival's website and follow their social media pages on Facebook and Twitter. Will we see you there?

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