ESSENCE FEST WEEKEND KICKS OFF A CELEBRATION OF 'THE ROOTS OF R&B'
The ultimate women's empowerment, cultural celebration and black music experience --THE ESSENCE FESTIVAL -- get underway today. Multi-platinum superstar Jennifer Hudson will make her debut Festival performance, joined by R&B/Funk icon Chaka Khan and the reunion of New Edition at the 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL celebrating the "Roots of R&B" July 1 , 2 and 3 in New Orleans . Kem, Miguel, Naughty By Nature, Doug E. Fresh , Marsha Ambrosius , Mavis Staples , Eric Benet , Vanessa Bell Armstrong , Trin-i-tee 5:7 and Brian Courtney Wilson , Kanye West , Mary J. Blige , Trey Songz, Jill Scott , Charlie Wilson , Boyz II Men, Fantasia, George Clinton , Macy Gray and more round out an incredible performance line-up. "The ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is bringing together the world's best entertainers representing all genres of R&B -- from the inimitable Jennifer Hudson to the iconic Chaka Khan ," said Michelle Ebanks , President, ESSENCE Commu...