NEW YORK, May 3, 2011 -- ESSENCE proudly announces the night-by-night line-up for the 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL with performances by an exciting roster of artists, including but not limited to, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Chaka Khan, New Edition, and Trey Songz.  Additional performances will be announced soon for the 17th annual festival, which takes place July 1, 2, 3 in New Orleans honoring "The Roots of R&B."

"The Essence Music Festival is privileged to have over forty artists spanning the R&B, funk, soul, classics, hip-hop and neo-soul genres gathering to celebrate the Roots of R&B this Fourth of July weekend," says Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks. "We are looking forward to three nights of amazing performances, featuring an all-star cast of trailblazers such as El Debarge and New Edition; legends such as Chaka Khan and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic; and fan favorites like Mary J. Blige and Trey Songz.  There will be even more exciting performers announced soon!"

The 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL night-by-night line-up (as of 5/3) is as follows:

Friday, July 1: Jennifer Hudson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal and Cherrelle, Soul Rebels Brass Band, Tank, Miguel, Mavis Staples, Irma Thomas

Saturday, July 2: Kanye West, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Chaka Khan, El Debarge, Eric Benet, Timothy Bloom, Mint Condition, Hot 8 Brass Band, Stephanie Mills, Charmaine Neville Band, Naughty by Nature, To Be Continued Brass Band

Sunday, July 3: Mary J Blige, New Edition, Trey Songz, Kem, Hal Linton, Kourtney Heart, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Rebirth Brass Band, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Trin-i-Tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, Shamarr Allen and The Underdawgs

For those who have not yet purchased weekend passes for the 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, single day tickets go on sale today and are priced from $50 to $1,000 per person per night.   Meanwhile, weekend packages ranging from $135 to $2,250 per person continue to offer music fans the best way to enjoy a full three days of entertainment, empowerment, community and special offers.

Throughout the weekend, EMF attendees are invited to free daily ESSENCE Empowerment Experience featuring some of the biggest names in entertainment and the nation's most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders. The matching of the daytime experiences with top-level live music during the evenings, all set against the classic backdrop of New Orleans, makes for a truly unique weekend and a celebration of culture unlike any other in the world.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest updates and to sign up for the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL newsletter, visit http://www.essencemusicfestival.com.   Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencemusic #EMF2011 and become a fan of 2011 Essence Music Festival on Facebook.

The presenting sponsor for the 2011 Essence Music Festival is Coca-Cola.  Major sponsors include Coors Light, CoverGirl Queen Collection, Ford, McDonald's, Olay, Pantene, Tide, U.S. Army, Verizon and Walmart; official sponsors include CNN, My Black is Beautiful, State Farm, TNT and Visa Pre-Paid.

The 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI).