"We are just thrilled to have Beyonce join us for our 'Coming Home' party as one of the headliners of the Essence Music Festival with what we know will be a one-of-kind performance at the Louisiana Superdome," said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications Inc. "As a groundbreaking artist with peerless talent, Beyonce is leading what is certain to be an exciting and unique Festival line-up ... what better way to welcome Festivalgoers back to New Orleans!"

Taking the music world by storm with her mega-star girl group, Destiny's Child, Beyonce made her mark in 2003 with the success of her solo debut, Dangerously in Love. Widely lauded as one of the world's biggest R&B stars, her appearance marks the first time Beyonce hits the Essence Music Festival stage as a solo artist. Her multi-platinum super group, Destiny's Child, performed for a sold-out crowd at the last Festival in New Orleans in 2005.

"I have performed at the Essence Festival with Destiny's Child and remember it as one of our best concerts. I am so honored to perform at the Essence Festival as a solo act upon its return to New Orleans, post Katrina," commented Beyonce. "Essence has been a true believer in the rich heritage of this amazing city and its wonderful people. My family's roots are deep in this area so this will be a wonderful reunion for us as well."

Beyonce will "Come Home" with ESSENCE to celebrate the 13th annual Essence Music Festival's return to its original home of New Orleans, after relocating temporarily to Houston in 2006 following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. More exciting and talented performers will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale immediately at ticketmaster.com, (800) 488-5252. For updates on performers, hotel accommodations, ticket prices and weekly promotions log on to http://www.essence.com.

The 2007 Essence Music Festival is produced by Essence Festivals in association with Festival Productions Inc. - New Orleans and AEG Live. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). ECI is also the publisher of ESSENCE magazine. ESSENCE, after 36 years, continues to be the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women.

Labels: Beyonce