This is the first time you are performing at the Essence Festival. That seems surprising since it began 22 years ago. Why do you think you were invited now?

A long time ago, the Neville Brothers did a reception at the House of Blues for the people that put the Essence Festival together. Marc Morial was the mayor and he was there.

I never did understand what happened because when I first heard that the Essence Festival was coming to New Orleans, I got all excited about i...