Essence Music Festival

New Orleans, LA

Website: http://www.essence.com/festivals/2012/essence-music-festival

The annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans has been referred to as "the nation's largest annual African-American event celebrating Black music and culture" - and for good reason. More than 400,000 attendees pour into New Orleans every July for three days of music, seminars and networking events aimed at the African American community.

Essence Fest concerts are held in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and the nearby Ernest N. Morial Convention Center hosts educational workshops, inspirational lectures and seminars. Performers over the years have included Beyonce, Janet Jackson, Chris Rock, Kanye West, Patti LaBelle, Chris Brown, and LL Cool J. In 2010, Janet Jackson broke previous attendance records by selling out the Superdome to more than 72,000 fans.

Tickets available online. See website for all dates, times and locations.