On the road: Essence Fest, Pat Benatar, Randy Travis

New Orleans’ three-day Essence Music Festival starts July 4 in the Superdome, featuring Kanye West, LL Cool J and comedian Chris Rock. Tickets start at $56. For more info, click here. Pat Benatar and her guitarist-husband Neil Giraldo have toured relentlessly, performing classic rock regulars such as “Heartbreaker” and “Hit Me with Your Best Shot.” The Grammy-winning and recently Rock and Roll Hall of Fame-inducted team will play Biloxi’s Hard Rock Live July 4-5. Tickets start at $40. 8 p.m. All persons under 21 must be accompanied by an adult 30 years or older. Randy Travis has had a storied career with hit country songs, an acting résumé and a late boost from his recent Christian-themed albums. His latest album, Around the Bend, is scheduled for release July 15. For those who can’t wait, he plays July 5 at Delta Downs in Vinton. Tickets start at $45. 21 and up. 8 p.m.