Date: July 4-6, 2008, $56-$110

For the second year in a row, the Essence Music Festival [ tickets ] will return to its New Orleans roots for the 14th annual celebration of African-American music and culture. The three-day event features big-name acts like Rihanna, Keyshia Cole, Mary J. Blige [ tickets ] and Patti LaBelle. Empowerment seminars and an arts & crafts marketplace add flavor to the festival.

Read Essence Music Festival news at LiveDaily

Lineup (subject to change):

• Keyshia Cole
  
• Rihanna
  
• Chris Brown
  
• Kanye West [ tickets ]
  
• Musiq
  
• LL Cool J
  
• Jill Scott [ tickets ]
  
• Mary J. Blige
  
• Chris Rock
  
• Morris Day and the Time
  
• Maze featuring Frankie
  
• Big Sam's Funky Nation featuring New Orleans Funk and Soul Explosion
  
• Terence Blanchard
  
• Peabo Bryson
  
• Gil Scott-Heron
  
• Grandmaster Flash
  
• Mint Condition
  
• Rebirth Brass Band
  
• Christian Scott
  
• Irvin Mayfield Jazz Orchestra
  
• Lyfe Jennings
  
• Kermit Ruffins Band
  
• Solange Knowles
  
• Ledisi
  
• Raheem Davaughn
  
• Funky Meters
  
• Chrisette Michele
  
• Nicholas Payton
  
• Preservation Jazz Hall Band's Gospel Revival
  
• Irma Thomas