Essence Festival

Some big acts are headlining at this year's Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, the annual showcase of African-American musical talent that brings some very big names to a city that isn't easily impressed by superstar musicians... but any one of Janet Jackson, Mary J. Blige, The Roots, Erykah Badu, Jill Scott, Daniel Caesar, H.E.R., or many other acts would be sure to sell tickets. In additional to offering superb music, the festival provides inspirational and business-related seminars as well as arts markets to showcase the work of African-American writers, craftsmen and women, and visual artists. essence.com/festival.