Music: Best Bets

June 28, 2014

Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Essence Music Festival returns to New Orleans with another impressive lineup. The likes of Mary J. Blige, Janelle Mone, the Roots, Jill Scott, Lionel Richie and Erykah Badu are on the roster this year, as well as headliner Prince. This is Prince’s first performance at Essence in 10 years.

Now that he has finally made amends with Warner Bros. earlier this year (remember that time he changed his name to a symbol to protest his contract with the label?), they are releasing an anniversary edition of Purple Rain and hinting at new material. There’s a good chance you’ll hear some of that during Essence.

He also collaborated with Janelle Mone on her latest album, and they both perform the Friday of the festival, so here’s hoping they do some onstage collabs as well.

Essence Music Festival is July 3-6 at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. essence.com/festival

ALSO THIS MONTH
JULY 12: One of the leaders in the local hip hop scene, Marcel P. Black, and guests perform at the Spanish Moon. thespanishmoon.com

JULY 15: Atlanta, Georgia-based indie rock band New Madrid brings its decidedly Southern sound to the Spanish Moon.

JULY 17: Keith Sykes and Richard Leigh perform and share stories about writing songs for the likes of Rosanne Cash, Jimmy Buffett, Guy Clark and more at the Manship Theatre. manshiptheatre.org

JULY 26: Legendary New Orleans bassist and founding member of the Meters George Porter Jr. brings along his own band, Runnin’ Pardners, for a funky show at the Varsity. varsitytheatre.com

ALL MONTH: Every Friday in July, the neighborhood block party Summer Beat brings local bands, including The Remnants and MJ & the Redeemers, to 4264 Capital Heights Ave. summerbeatbr.com

ALL MONTH: Every Saturday in July, Dixie Landin’ hosts popular performers for outdoor concerts, including country duo Montgomery Gentry, rockers Hinder and pop duo Karmin. bluebayou.com

IN NEW ORLEANS: The royal union that is Beyonce (Yonce if you’re nasty) and Jay-Z takes over the Mercedes-Benz Superdome July 20.