Mary J. Blige, Kanye West to headline Essence Fest

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NEW ORLEANS (AP) — Fan favorites Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, Jill Scott and rapper Kanye West are among the headliners for the 2011 Essence Music Festival.

The 17th annual New Orleans festival will celebrate the roots of rhythm and blues.

Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc., says the lineup also will include Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Stephanie Mills, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O’Neal & Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Kelly Price, M.C. Lyte and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic.

More artists will be added later to the lineup. The festival is July 1-3 at the Louisiana Superdome.

A number of local stars, including Irma Thomas, Kourtney Heart, the Charmaine Neville Band and Rebirth Brass Band also are scheduled to perform.

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Copyright 2011 The Associated Press.