Party Train to New Orleans "Essence Festival 2012"

Superdome Stages:

	ARETHA FRANKLIN The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival® is excited to celebrate The Power of Our Voice with the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin who last performed at the Festival in 2005. ESSENCE® will honor the iconic singer with "The Power Award" during her performance Festival weekend. Congratulate our Power Award recipient here.
	MARY J. BLIGE Without a doubt, Mary J. Blige is a Festival superstar, having had the most appearances by any female artist on the mainstage of the ESSENCE Music Festival®. Mary J. will excite her devoted fans this weekend with her unparalleled musical talents. She's the only artist with GRAMMY wins in R&B, Rap, Pop and Gospel—a total of nine. In 2010 Billboard magazine ranked her as the most successful R&B female artist of the past 25 years. With new music, movie roles, fragrances and her non-profit organization FFAWN, Mary J. reigns supreme. Tell us why you love Mary J. here.
	STEVE HARVEY Steve Harvey began doing stand-up comedy in the mid-1980s. Harvey's multi-faceted career in TV, movies, radio and books includes currently hosting Family Feud and the Steve Harvey Morning Show, and authoring two bestsellers, Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man and Straight Talk, No Chaser. The movie adaptation Think Like a Man hits theaters in March, and Harvey will also host a daytime talk show, launching in the fall. What are you looking forward to hearing Steve Harvey talk about? Tell us here.
	REV. AL SHARPTON Rev. Al Sharpton is one of the nation’s most renowned civil rights leaders and the founder and President of the National Action Network (NAN). President Barack Obama has praised him as “the voice of the voiceless”. Tell us what you’re looking forward to hearing from Rev. Al here.
	CHARLIE WILSON The Festival is excited to bring this timeless music icon back to New Orleans. "Uncle" Charlie Wilson is the blueprint on which other artists have based their style. From his breakout as a member of the Gap Band to his latest solo album, Just Charlie, Wilson has been a remarkable artist whose life story is as inspiring as his music. Overcoming personal struggles, Wilson rebounded and landed on top with his impeccable vocals, uplifting lyrics and broad range of musical genres. Tell us why you love to party at the Festival with "Uncle" Charlie here.
	BIG SAM'S FUNKY NATION Big Sam's Funky Nation engages and delights audiences across the country with their high-energy performance and showmanship and will surely bring that to the Festival stage. Hailing from New Orleans, Big Sam always entertains audiences with his exhilarating brand of high-voltage funk, rock, jazz, and hip-hop, termed "NoladelicPowerfunk." Big Sam's Funky Nation has wowed crowds at major festivals and events, including the New Orleans Jazz Heritage Festival, SXSW and countless others. Big Sam's Funky Nation has also been featured on LIVE! with Regis & Kelly and, more recently, in HBO's original series Treme. A Big Sam show is one not to be missed. Do you love seeing bands perform? Tell us here.
	DRU HILL The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival® is excited to have R&B group DRU HILL join us for this year's event. Stay tuned for more info on this platinum-selling, award winning group.
	ERIC ROBERSON Singer, songerwriter and producer Eric "Erro" Roberson has developed a musical mix of soul, R&B, house, hip hop, jazz and rock that has allowed him to release seven independent albums, garnered him top awards and nominations, the opportunity to work with major artists including Jill Scott, Musiq Soulchild, 112 and Will Smith, and the chance to tour all over the world. His originality, electric live performances, impressive freestyles, genuine humility and ability to connect with people through his music have earned him the respect, appreciation and support of fans everywhere. Tell us here if you're a fan of Eric Roberson.
	ESTELLE Grammy Award–winning vocalist Estelle returns to the Festival in 2012. In just a few short years, Estelle has become a mainstay on the charts and a red carpet celebrity. With her highly anticipated new album, All of Me, releasing in early 2012, this West London native will give fans an in-depth look into her soul. The lustrous songs will flawlessly demonstrate the richness of her musical history, from hip-hop to R&B, from European techno to pop. Estelle continues to dedicate herself to a myriad of philanthropic organizations. Her charitable work includes support to women and disadvantaged youth worldwide, disaster relief and a relentless fight against AIDS. How did you get introduced to Estelle's music? Tell us here.
	FANTASIA Fantasia is bringing her soulful songs and empowering spirit back to the ESSENCE Music Festival® for a third time. This American Idol winner triumphed with her third album, Back to Me, featuring the single "Bittersweet," which won her a GRAMMY for Best Female R&B Vocal Performance. But her talent keeps growing—as an actress, author and as a reality star. Share your favorite Fantasia role here.
	FRED HAMMOND Fred Hammond made his foray into the music business as the bass player for the Grammy Award winning gospel group, The Winans, in 1980. Two years later he formed Commissioned and in 1994 Hammond went solo and introduced urban-flavored praise and worship music. He is one of gospel's top-charting artists and earned half dozen gold, platinum records for hits such as "We're Blessed" and "No Weapon.” His current CD is God, Love & Romance. What's your favorite Fred Hammond song? Tell us here.
	GOAPELE The Festival is happy to have singer/songwriter Goapele join us in New Orleans. Dubbed the "spiritual love child of Sade and D'Angelo," Goapele seamlessly blends genres while refusing to be limited by the "neo-soul" tag. Embraced from the outset by critics and fans alike, Goapele has carved the perfect niche for herself by creating music that fuses jazz, soul and hip-hop with her own beautiful poetry, as showcased on her recent release, Break of Dawn. Tell us the first time you heard Goapele's music here.
	KEYSHIA COLE Platinum-selling R&B artist Keyshia Cole returns the ESSENCE Music Festival® stage for what will surely be an electric performance. Stay tuned for more information on this Festival fan favorite.
	KINDRED THE FAMILY SOUL The new Philadelphia Sound will come alive when Kindred the Family Soul takes the stage at the 2012 Festival. The down-to-earth, spiritual, young married duo (and parents of six) have managed to steadily build a devoted following with their unique mix of soulful R&B-and hip-hop-minded grooves, conscious lyrics and refreshingly honest songwriting. Their chemistry, showmanship and songwriting often bring about comparisons to such iconic duos as Ashford and Simpson, Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell, and Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway. Kindred the Family Soul's new CD, Love Has No Recession, paints stories of love and devotion, the human struggle, redemption, perseverance, social consciousness and family values. What other famous musical duo does Kindred the Family Soul remind you of? Tell us here.
	LEDISI This New Orleans–born singer/songwriter is always a special treat for Festival attendees and this year will be no exception. This GRAMMY Award nominee has been performing around the world with her latest CD, Pieces of Me, which is bursting with songs of love, intimacy and self-assurance—all delivered by an unmatched voice at the top of its game. Be prepared to be blown away by her powerful and inspiring live performance. Share your favorite Ledisi song here.
	LUKE JAMES Multi-talented singer and songwriter Luke James hails from New Orleans and embodies a creative versatility and seductive allure that’s prime for music today. James relocated to Los Angeles where he promptly began singing background for Tyrese and honing his songwriting skills penning songs for Chris Brown, Justin Bieber, Brittney Spears, Keri Hilson and Brandy. James took flight as a fervent singer in his own right and prepared for his solo debut Made to Love. His lead single, “I Want You” is packed with complex rhythmic breaks and melodic shifts that showcase James’ phenomenal soul-drenched vocal range. Are you looking forward to seeing Luke James at the Festival? Let us know here.
	MARY MARY Ever since siblings Erica Campbell and Tina Campbell broke through in 2000 with the pioneering crossover hit "Shackles (Praise You)," the chart-topping sister act has never wavered from defying convention to fulfill its mission: sending uplifting messages through music and words that are relatable to everyone. More than ten years later, Mary Mary has earned three GRAMMY Awards, two American Music Awards, an NAACP Image Award and a BET Award thanks to such hits as "Yesterday," "Heaven" and "God in Me." The "Mary Mary way" sounds just as fresh and innovative on the duo's sixth album, the aptly titled Something Big, featuring the lively lead single, "Walking." What's your favorite Mary Mary song? Tell us here.
	CONGRESSWOMAN MAXINE WATERS Congresswoman Maxine Waters is considered by many to be one of the most powerful women in American politics today. She has gained a reputation as a fearless and outspoken advocate for women, children, people of color and the poor. Elected in November 2010 to her 11th term in the House of Representatives in the 35th District of California, Congresswoman Waters represents a large part of South Central Los Angeles and area communities. She serves on numerous subcommittees as well on the House Committee on the Judiciary. An integral member of the Congressional Democratic Leadership, Congresswoman Waters serves as a Chief Deputy Whip and as a member of the Steering & Policy Committee. Tell us here if you’re looking forward to hearing from Rep. Waters. here.
	THE ORIGINAL PINETTES BRASS BAND The Original Pinettes Brass Band, the world's only all female brass band, was formed by Jeffery Herbert in 1991 and is composed of women born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and have been pressing their way in this male-dominated genre to make their mark. “Not even Hurricane Katrina could stop us from doing what we love,” said Janine Waters of the band. “The band members were misplaced after the storm hit. We were in six different cities not knowing if everyone (and their families) had made it out safely. But now, we are back like you never heard us before. The Original Pinettes Brass Band is here to stay...thank you, God!” The band is on a journey of becoming the best in the industry. Tell us if your looking forward to seeing The Original Pinettes Brass Band perform here.
	RAHEEM DEVAUGHN This singer/songwriter returns to the Festival as a Superlounge favorite. The son of renowned jazz musician Abdul Wadud, DeVaughn has been dubbed one of modern soul's most beloved artists. He's releasing his latest CD, The Love & War MasterPeace, and will be featured in his first acting role in Who Do You Love, a biopic about Chess Records. He also leads the DMV Movement, an artistic union of D.C.-Maryland and Virginia artists, and has partnered with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to produce a series of PSAs about HIV/AIDS prevention. Is Raheem one of your favorite artists? Tell us here.
	STEPHANIE MILLS Stephanie Mills has one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary music, an ultra soulful songstress whose onstage energy and power inspires standing ovations wherever she performs. She is a legend who, in over the span of a 25-plus year illustrious career, has distinguished herself as an actress and performer who is as at home on the Broadway stage as she is in the recording studio with a loyal and dedicated audience that has been with her all the way. Share your favorite Stephanie Mills song here.
	DR. STEVE PERRY Dr. Steve Perry, Principal of Capital Prep Magnet School in Hartford, Connecticut, praised by education experts across America. CNN education contributor, and his latest book Push Has Come to Shove transformative ideas on how to restore America’s schools. Author of the bestselling book Man Up!, a columnist at ESSENCE magazine, a frequent radio and television commentator, and sought-after speaker at colleges and education forums. What are you looking forward to hearing Dr. Perry talk about? Tell us here.
	THE STYLISTICS Soul legends The Stylistics will bring the classic Philadelphia Sound to the 2012 Festival. With their charisma, style and harmony, The Stylistics evolved into one of the best-selling soul groups ever. The quartet recorded a remarkable 10 straight Top 10 hits during the early 1970s, have been featured on more than 40 albums and have toured across the world for more than 40 years. The group captured the heart of the country with such chart-topping hits as the Grammy-nominated "You Are Everything," "You Make Me Feel Brand New," "Betcha By Golly, Wow," "Break Up to Make Up," "I'm Stone in Love with You" and "Hurry Up This Way Again." Share with us the first time you heard The Stylistics here.
	SWV The ESSENCE Music Festival® is proud to have SWV, one of R&B's top-selling female groups, join us for the 2012 Festival. Since their debut album in 1992, SWV has been at the top of the charts and winning awards for such hits as "I'm So Into You," "Right Here," "Downtown" and "Weak." Their recent reunion has put them on tour with Dru Hill, Salt-N-Pepa, Kelly Price and others. SWV is gearing up to release their first new studio album in over 14 years, so stay tuned! Tell us which SWV song you're most looking forward to hearing here.
	TANK Tank is one of the most recognizable names in modern R&B, known for his vivid storytelling and sensual love songs. He’s an icon in the making, with four albums and eight GRAMMY nominations under his belt. He’s also a singer who carries the torch of masters, while redefining R&B for a new decade. For singer/songwriter/producer Tank the secret to his success with such hits as "Maybe I Deserve" and "Please Don't Go" is simple: he remains true to who he is, as a man and an artist. Tell us your favorite Tank song here.
	VIVIAN GREEN Singer/writer/pianist Vivian Green will share her amazing talents at the 2012 Festival. A classically trained pianist and vocalist, Green got her first songwriting credit for the song "Dear God," recorded by Boyz II Men, and has had success of her own with the hits "Emotional Rollercoaster" and "Gotta Go, Gotta Leave." She has shared the stage with Maxwell, Teena Marie and Chaka Khan. She's portrayed Billie Holiday in the movie De-Lovely, appeared in the TV series American Dreams and wrote the music for David E. Talbert’s stage play Love in the Nick of Tyme. Green recently released her third CD, Beautiful. Are you looking forward to seeing Vivan Green perform? Tell us here.