The Essence Music Festival continued to beef up this year’s lineup of stars, adding singer/pianist Alicia Keys as a headliner at the Independence Day weekend festival. Keys released her fourth studio album this past December, riding on the success of her guest turn on the Jay-Z hit, Empire State of Mind.

Alicia Keys. Photo by José Goulão.

Keys was not the only big national act announced this morning though, with Trey Songz, Arrested Development, Estelle, Lalah Hathaway, LL Cool J, Mary Mary, Mint Condition, Monica, Sam & Ruby, and War all added to the 2010 Essence Music Festival lineup.

Essence Fest always has a strong local artist presence, and this year is looking to be no different. There are some familiar local Essence faces and, unsurprisingly, a lot of horns, with Big Sam’s Funky Nation, DJ Soul Sister, Hot 8 Brass Band, Irma Thomas, Irvin Mayfield and NOJO, Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk, Leo Jackson and the Melody Clouds, Kermit Ruffins and the Barbecue Swingers, Little Freddie King, Rebirth Brass Band, Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs, and Soul Rebels Brass Band all now slated to perform.

Tickets are on sale now for the festival, which takes place July 2-4 in the Superdome.