This past year, the ultimate destination for entertainment, empowerment and culture celebrated its 17th anniversary over the 4th of July weekend in New Orleans with over 422,000 attendees. What began in 1995 as a one-time event to celebrate the 25th anniversary of ESSENCE magazine has now grown into one of the country's "Top 10 Leading Brand Events" by Advertising Age. Heralded by the New York Times, as "the premier festival destination for fans of rhythm and blues, pop and neo-soul," the ESSENCE Music Festival is the nation's largest annual gathering of African-American music and culture.

With some of the biggest names in entertainment and the nation's most influential speakers, artists, authors and leaders, the ESSENCE Music Festival has featured an array of performers over its 17-year history including Mary J. Blige, Chaka Kahn, Beyonce, Alicia Keys, New Edition, Kanye West, Gladys Knight, Prince, Janet Jackson, Aretha Franklin, Jennifer Hudson, Usher, Earth, Wind & Fire, Stevie Wonder, Pattie LaBelle, Yolanda Adams, Destiny's Child, Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson and many more.

For information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE Music Festival go tohttp://www.essencemusicfestival.com. Join the Festival community: follow us on Twitter @essencemusic #EMF2012 and become a fan of ESSENCE Music Festival on Facebook.

The 2012 ESSENCE Music Festival is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC, a division of Essence Communications Inc.