A&E

Essence Fest expands lineup

by Walter Pierce

New additions announced Wednesday include Faith Evans, Tamia, Rachelle Ferrell and Mali Music. They join previously announced crowd pleasers: Anthony David, Big Daddy Kane, Bridget Kelly, Blackstreet, Jody Watley and Mint Condition.

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - R&B singer-songwriter Trey Songz, who has collaborated with hip-hop artists Jay-Z, Drake and others, has been added to this year's Essence Festival lineup.

The festival is scheduled for the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans.

On Wednesday, organizers also announced that Solange is joining the lineup that already includes her big sister, Beyonce.

Beyonce is headlining one of three night concerts during the festival, which runs July 4-7. It'll be Beyonce's second performance in the Superdome this year. She entertained a huge television audience during the Super Bowl halftime show earlier this month.

Other acts scheduled to perform are Jill Scott, Maxwell, New Edition, Charlie Wilson, Keyshia Cole, LL Cool J, Brandy and others.

New additions announced Wednesday to the intimate Superlounges - stages set up in the Superdome's massive corridors - will feature: Faith Evans, Tamia, Rachelle Ferrell and Mali Music. They join previously announced crowd pleasers: Anthony David, Big Daddy Kane, Bridget Kelly, Blackstreet, Jody Watley and Mint Condition.

As music concerts take place in the Superdome, seminars on education, health, civil rights and personal empowerment will be held at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. This year's speakers include Steve Harvey, the Rev. Al Sharpton, state Rep. John Lewis, D-Ga., an icon from the civil rights era, and best-selling author and relationship expert Iyanla Vanzant.