Essence Festival will welcome Diana Ross, John Legend, Mary J. Blige, Solange, Erykah Badu and many more will it returns to the Mercedes-Benz Superdome from June 30 to July 2.
Diana Ross at the Saenger Theatre in 2013. Photo by Elsa Hahne.
2017 will mark the first time that Ross has performed at Essence. The legendary singer and actress is best known for her time fronting beloved Motown girl group The Supremes, as well as a series solo hits in the ’70 and ’80s and roles in films like Lady Sings The Blues and The Wiz. She last took the stage in New Orleans in 2013, when she sold out the Saenger Theatre with a costume and hits-filled show.
Other artists on the Essence bill include Chaka Khan, India Arie, Doug E Fresh, Lalah Hathaway, Shaggy, Moses, Sir the Baptist, Lizzo and Jazmine Sullivan, plus local heros like Master P and Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue.
Interestingly, Charlie Wilson’s name is nowhere to be found on the initial Essence lineup. The R&B singer has performed at the event every since 2009, so his absence would mark notable change for the annual gathering. That could change in the near future, as festival organizers plan to announce more acts in the coming weeks.
The complete initial lineup can for Essence Festival 2017 can be found here. Tickets will go on sale Friday, December 16.
