Essence Music Festival

Essence Festival Back Home In New Orleans : The super Essence Festival, celebrating African-American music and culture returned to New Orleans in 2007. It's always over the Fourth of July weekend. The festival attracts nearly 200,000 of the best-dressed, fun-loving, talented,and committed people in the nation. You will hear the largest gathering of African-American musical talent in the U.S., as well as listen to some of the top-notch speakers in empowerment seminars.

Superdome Stages: Whether you like soul, R&B, Hip Hop, or anything in between, you can find it here at Essence Fest in the Superdome. The schedule for 2008.

Superlounges: In prior years, the Superlounges featured such legends as Bobby Blue Bland, Jeffery Osbourne, the Wailers, and Carl Thomas. The Hip Hop band The Roots, Floetry, Mint Condition, and Carl Thomas were on hand, among others.

Seminars: Empowerment seminars were hosted by personalities such as playwright David Talbert, Rev. Marsha Dyson, and Rev. Andriette Earl.

Marketplace: The Essence Fest Marketplace at the New Orleans Convention Center features African-style arts and crafts, New Orleans Creole Food, clothing, art, jewelry, etc.

Get your tickets in advance: Tickets prices this year are $56, $67, $72 FLOOR SEATS: $83, $110 Tickets sell fast because this is a popular festival. So get them early for Essence Festival 2008Or Ticketmaster or call (800) 488-5252

Get a hotel reservation: There are hotels in the area that are designated as official Essence Music Festival hotels. Here are the top picks.