The ESENCE Music Festival, celebrating African-American music and culture, is always held over the Fourth of July weekend in New Orleans. In 2012 it will be on Friday, July 6th through Sunday, July 8th. 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.