New Orleans, La. is gearing up for their 19^th year of ESSENCE in the “Big Easy.”

Today, the magazine released word that “over 30 of music’s most respected artists,” including  Jill Scott, Maxwell, Keyshia Cole, New Edition, Brandy, LL Cool J, Mint Condition, Charlie Wilson, Bridget Kelly, and pastor Donnie McClurkin would grace the stage over the 2013 ESSENCE Music Festival weekend.

“We feature the world’s top performers each night across eight live music stages and we bring the ‘page to the stage’ by bringing ESSENCE magazine to life at the Convention Center during the day,” stated Michelle Ebanks, ESSENCE’s Communication President.

In between the star-studded performances, Reverend Al Sharpton, Rep. John Lewis and Dr. Steve Perry will serve as speakers during the ESSENCE Empowerment Experience, which is slated to “will uplift festival-goers through daily seminars on healthy living, career and work advice, education reform, civil rights, relationships, style, beauty and more.”

“The ESSENCE Festival combines music, entertainment, culture, community, empowerment and inspiration to create a completely transformative experience across four full days that you won’t find anywhere else on the planet,” said Ebanks.

You can purchase your ticket for the Fourth of July event here.

Will you be present in NOLA with ESSENCE this summer?