The 2012 Essence Music Festival kicks off in New Orleans

The 2012 Essence Music Festival began on Thursday in New Orleans.

The groundbreaking music festival, that had its' first run in 1995, is a staple celebration for African American music and culture.

Organizers also plan to hold seminars about crime, education, and the upcoming presidential election.

Despite all of this, Essence's main focus is music.

Festival goers can expect performances from Diggy Simmons, the OMG Girls, Mary J. Blige, Aretha Franklin, and more.

"It's the biggest black music festival in the United States. What an amazing platform to have the chance at that type of exposure," said Vivian Green, a singer who will be performing on Friday. "A lot of our fans are from small venues that we as artists don't always get to and this event allows us to reach them because the audience includes people from all over."

The festival will run until July 8.



 

Related articles

• Essence Music Festival 2012: 'Youth Day' Kicks Off In New Orleans - Huffington Post(huffingtonpost.com)
  
  
  
  

  ---

  
  
  


• 2012 Essence Music Festival Survival Guide (What You Need to Bring & Where You Need to Go)(styleblazer.com)
  
  
  
  

  ---

  
  
  


• 2012 Essence Music Festival LineUp(hot1041stl.com)
  
  
  
  

  ---