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Event by Rouse Travel Management
Lionel Richie, Frankie Beverly and Maze, Ryan Leslie, Melanie Fiona, Charlie Wilson and Little Freddie King have just been added to the line-up for this year’s ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, set for this July 3, 4 and 5 in New Orleans. These acts join the already announced line-up of talent that includes Beyoncé, Maxwell, Anita Baker, Al Green, John Legend, Keri Hilson, Robin Thicke, Salt-N-Pepa, Ne-Yo, Raphael Saadiq, En Vogue, Eric Benet, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Teena Marie, and more than 30 acts (the full day-by-day line-up will be announced in the coming weeks).
This year, the weekend-long 15th Anniversary celebration of music and empowerment will conclude with a special ESSENCE ICONS TRIBUTE to Frankie Beverly and Maze, the group who have closed the annual New Orleans festival since its 1995 inception. This one night only event will feature a gathering of stars of R&B and soul music who will come together to honor the legacy of Frankie Beverly and Maze. A full list of talent for this special performance will be announced in the coming weeks.
The updated acts:
Frankie Beverly and Maze: For nearly thirty years, Frankie Beverly and Maze have created a sound that is distinctive, passionate, creative, original, soulful, honest and powerful. The group continues to be one of the most requested at music festivals throughout the world drawing major crowds and have earned a reputation for having one of the best live shows in R&B. Frankie Beverly and Maze have closed the show for the past 14 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL’s including 2006’s post-Katrina festival in Houston.
Lionel Richie: This global superstar is also an Academy Award and Grammy Award-winning American singer, songwriter, record producer who has sold more than 100 million records.
Charlie Wilson: As the former lead singer of the funkadelic brotherly trio, the GAP Band, Charlie Wilson is known as one of the most familiar voices in R&B music. His new CD, UNCLE CHARLIE, was released in February and debuted at #2 on the Billboard Top 200 and #1 on the Billboard Hip Hop/R&B Chart and includes the #1 single, “There Goes My Baby.” In addition, Wilson is currently on the road starring opposite Robin Givens and Mel Jackson in the touring gospel play "Save Me From My Secrets." More information can be found at www.unclecharliewilson.com <http://www.unclecharliewilson.com/>
Ryan Leslie: Singer/producer Ryan Leslie’s self-titled debut album was released this past February. Billboard magazine said, “With its smooth melodies (‘Just Right’), fresh beats (‘Diamond Girl’) and effortlessly suave lyrics (‘Quicksand’), the album satisfies from beginning to end.”
Melanie Fiona: Singer/songwriter Melanie Fiona’s debut album The Bridge reveals a sweet push-and-pull between countless elements of herself. United by a singular passion, Melanie Fiona’s sound bridges past and present with an artistic and consistent blending of classic soul samples. It’s all held together by a unique quality, something that is innately her, much like the other artists she mentions as influences: Bob Marley, Sade, and Patsy Cline.
Little Freddie King: An acclaimed international blues artist/American roots guitar player from New Orleans. His live performances have enthralled audiences at music festivals throughout North America and Europe.
“From Lionel Richie to Charlie Wilson and Ryan Leslie, we have worked hard to create a musical line-up that’s appealing to all of our fans,” said Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc. “As the Essence Music Festival line-up has come together, we are thrilled to once again confirm Frankie Beverly and Maze as the act to close out our 15th anniversary celebration. We’re looking forward to another great weekend of music and empowerment.”
For additional information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com <http://www.essencemusicfestival.com/> . General admission daily tickets are available for $51, $67 or $79; floor seats are $92 and $121; Gold Circle tickets are $173; all plus applicable service charges. To purchase tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-277-1700.
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We saw Maxwell in concert at the Borgata in Atlantic City. Awesome! He leaves you desiring more, more, and still more music from him. That is why we are searching for tickets, trying to purchase tickets to his concert in North Carolina. Maxwell is a true artist, with a tight band; and he has a humble spirit. During the concert, he was surprised that Ms. Aretha Franklin was in the audience. He acknowledged the presence of the Queen of Soul and then, asked her for permission to perform in front of her in his usual sensual manner. Yes, he acted like mild manner Clark Kent, and not Superman. We really enjoyed his humbling, respectful spirit, but, he did get down. And, the ladies enjoyed every minute of Maxwell. Ladies were going to the stage to just touch Maxwell, to get hugs, and he did oblige them. Even the men (yes, there were real men in the audience) were singing and crooning to the Maxwell's music. One guy said, "he is a true entertainer with classic music for all generations." His opening song, "Get To Know You," had everyone singing and grooving.
Go see a Maxwell concert, and you will not be disappointed.