NEW YORK — Multiple Grammy Award-winning, recording artist, actress and songwriter Janet Jackson will now add another first to her iconic career when she makes her Essence Music Festival debut this Fourth of July weekend–July 2, 3 and 4–in New Orleans as the third and final headliner. Janet Jackson will perform on July 2, the opening night of the Essence Music Festival. The announcement was made last week in celebration of Janet’s iTunes release of “Nothing” the theme song she performs, co-wrote and co-produced for Tyler Perry’s Why Did I Get Married Too?opening nationwide April 2, 2010.
Janet Jackson is an Academy Award nominee, who has also sold over 100 million records worldwide and is one of the best selling artists in contemporary music. She joins Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys on a bill that features some of today’s greatest African-American artists. This marks the superstar’s first-ever appearance at the annual event and Janet Jackson’s first full performance since her 2008 concert at Madison Square Garden in New York.
“This year’s Essence Music Festival line-up is headed up by three of the most talented and powerful women in music today,” said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. “With the return of both Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys, and the first-ever performance from Janet Jackson, I can’t think of a better way to celebrate Essence’s 40th anniversary.”
This year’s multi-generational list of Essence Music Festival 2010 performers not only celebrates ESSENCE’s 40-year commitment to music, but also honors the local music of New Orleans. The full list of acts confirmed for this year’s weekend-long celebration of music, culture and community–set for July 2, 3 and 4–is as follows: Alicia Keys, Arrested Development, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, DJ Soul Sister, Estelle, Hot 8 Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Irvin Mayfield and NOJO, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Lalah Hathaway, Leo Jackson and the Melody Clouds, Little Freddie King, LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Mary Mary, Mint Condition, Monica, Rebirth Brass Band, Ruben Studdard, Sam & Ruby, Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Trey Songz and WAR.
In addition to adding Jackson to the bill, the Essence Music Festival can now confirm actor, writer, comedian, and entrepreneur Thomas W. Miles II–known to millions of radio listeners as “Nephew Tommy” on the number one syndicated rated radio show, The Steve Harvey Morning Show–as the master of ceremonies for the Essence Music Festival’s nightly concerts at the Louisiana Superdome. Prior to developing his career as a radio personality, Tommy was chosen as the exclusive opening act to tour with the legendary Luther Vandross for three years. Throughout his career, Tommy has built a following as a stand-up comic and his comedy shows are sellouts in venues across the country.
For additional information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the Essence Music Festival, visit www.essence.com/festival.
Leave a Comment