*Essence Festival 2016 kicks off this weekend in New Orleans, and Sunday will bring a special purple-flavored treat to attendees.
Organizers announced the addition of a New Orleans-themed Prince tribute during the festival’s closing night with Prince’s band – The New Power Generation — along with Larry Graham, Marsha Ambrosius, Kelly Price, D-Nice, and Doug E. Fresh.
The stars will be joined by NOLA staples Luke James, Stooges Brass Band, and The Roots of Music. Additionally, a ceremony featuring other unnamed “special guests” will follow directly after.
“Essence Festival had a very special relationship with Prince, who headlined our 20th anniversary event in 2014 with a performance that was truly legendary,” organizers stated Tuesday. “Like the rest of the world, we shed purple tears after his passing in April.”
Full Essence Fest 2016 Schedule:
Friday, July 1
11:45 p.m. to 1 a.m.: Maxwell
10:10 p.m. to 11:20 p.m.: New Edition
8:50 p.m. to 9:50 p.m.: Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds
7:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.: Tyrese
6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.: Faith Evans
6:15 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.: Avery Wilson
Superlounge performances: Digable Planets, Daley, Eric Bellinger, Lion Babe, The Internet, Tweet, Estelle, Mali Music, V. Bozeman, Kelly Price, Zakes Bantwini, and Sky Wanda.
Saturday, July 2
11:00 p.m. to 12:15 a.m.: Mariah Carey
9:10 p.m. to 10:40 p.m.: Charlie Wilson
8:30 p.m. to 8:50 p.m.: Common
7:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.: Jeremih
6:45 p.m. to 7:15 p.m.: Estelle
Superlounge performances: Doug E. Fresh, Tink, Jidenna, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, St. Beauty, Lalah Hathaway, Judith Hill, Wizkid, and Lady Leshurr.
Sunday, July 3
11:15 p.m. to 12:30 a.m.: Puff Daddy & The Family
9:40 p.m. to 10:55 p.m.: Kendrick Lamar
8:35 p.m. to 9:20 p.m.: Ciara
7:45 p.m. to 8:15 p.m.: Andra Day
7:00 p.m.: Prince tribute
Superlounge performances: MC Lyte, Dej Loaf, Cyril Neville, Leon Bridges, Kehlani, New Breed Brass Band, Robert Glasper, BJ The Chicago Kid, The Brand New Heavies, and Little Simz.
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