The 2009 Essence Festival kicks off Friday night in New Orleans, and singer Lionel Richie says the celebration of black music and culture will be a comfort to a community still reeling from Michael Jackson’s death, according to an Associated Press report.
According to the AP, Richie, who had been friends with Jackson for many years, says going to New Orleans for Essence is a homecoming of sorts that will soothe him and the other performers and give them a chance to regroup.
The festival, held at the Louisiana Superdome and Morial Convention Center beginning tonight will include a tribute to Jackson, as well as performances by Richie, Beyonce, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Anita Baker and others.
The tribute is still in the planning stages, according to organizers, but it will be a focal point of the three-day event.
MusicVixen says...
Having a tribute to Jackson is fine, but being subjected to (bad) MJ cover songs all weekend will get boring quickly.
