Essence Music Fest in New Orleans From July 6–8; Aretha Franklin, Mary J to Perform

The 2012 Essence Music Festival will be held at Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA. The festival will kick start on July 6 and will run through July 8.

Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin along with Perennial Essence favorites Mary J. Blige , Charlie Wilson and Fantasia have been tapped to headline the annual three-day festival, which is billed as one of the largest gatherings of black artists in the country. Franklin performed at the inaugural festival in 1995 and again in 2005.

The lineup also includes SWV, Dru Hill, Ledisi, Stephanie Mills, Raheem DeVaughn, Estelle, Goapele, Vivian Green, Kindred the Family Soul and Luke James. More acts are expected to be announced.

Weekend packages range from $120 to $1,500 and are currently on sale through Ticketmaster. Single day passes range from $50 to $500 through Ticketmaster, but are currently not on sale.