US – The 13th Annual 2007 Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola celebrates its homecoming to New Orleans July 5, 6 and 7 with the biggest names in entertainment and the nation’s most dynamic speakers, authors and leaders.

Mainstage performances for the 2007 Essence Music Festival presented by Coca-Cola include: Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Ciara, Steve Harvey, Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley, Ludacris, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Ne-Yo, The O’Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Lionel Richie, Kelly Rowland, Robin Thicke, Smokie Norful and Vanessa
Bell-Armstrong.

Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton will participate in the ESSENCE CARES Empowerment Seminars on Friday, July 6. Running concurrently with the main-stage performances in the Superlounges: Anthony David, Angie Stone, Chuck D and Public Enemy, Common, Elizabeth Withers, Jermaine Paul, Kenny Lattimore and Chante Moore, Kindred; Lyfe Jennings, MC Lyte, Mint Condition, Najee; Nuttin but Stringz, Pieces of a Dream, Rachelle Ferrell; Rahsaan Patterson; Rebirth Brass Band, Roy Anthony & Legit with Cupid, Ruben Studdard, Slum Village, and Sunshine
Anderson.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale immediately at ticketmaster.com at (800) 488-5252. A portion of the proceeds will support the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools in New Orleans. For updates on performers, hotel accommodations, ticket prices and weekly promotions log on to http://www.essence.com.