Ludacris, Beyonce to Perform at Essence Music Fest in New Orleans

(andPOP) - Beyoncé, Mary J. Blige, Lionel Richie and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly have confirmed for the Essence Music Festival, which takes place July 5-7 at the Louisiana Superdome.

Also on the bill so far are the O'Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Ludacris, Ciara, Chris Brown, Ne-Yo, Steve Harvey and Robin Thicke. This will be the first event in the Superdome since the New Orleans Saints defeated the Philadelphia Eagles to go to the NFC league championship last January. This season was a magical one for the Saints and for its fans, and the dome was very much a part of that magic as it was transformed from the site of tragedy to home of community bonding as everybody came together behind the Saints.

This year, a portion of the proceeds from Essence Music Festival supports the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools, schools that provide summer and after-school academic enrichment programs designed to improve students’ attitudes toward learning and boost their motivation to read. The Essence Festival’s fundraising efforts will help bring the Freedom Schools program to the Gulf Coast.