This year’s Essence Music Fest starts on Friday, July 1 with Ladies Night. Jennifer Hudson headlines a night that includes Fantasia, Macy Gray, Mavis Staples and Irma Thomas, along with Boyz II Men, Dwele, Alexander O’Neal and Cherelle, the Soul Rebels and Tank.

Jennifer Hudson

The festival’s night-by-night talent roster for the main stage and superlounges was announced today, and according to Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks. “The Essence Music Festival is privileged to have over 40 artists spanning the R&B, funk, soul, classics, hip-hop and neo-soul genres gathering to celebrate the Roots of R&B this Fourth of July weekend.”

On Saturday, July 2, Kanye West will perform along with Jill Scott, Charlie Wilson, Chaka Khan, El Debarge, Eric Benet, Timothy Bloom, Mint Condition, Hot 8 Brass Band, Stephanie Mills, Charmaine Neville Band, Naughty by Nature and the To Be Continued Brass Band.

Sunday, July 3, Mary J. Blige once again closes the festival. New Edition is also on the bill that night, along with Trey Songz, Kem, Hal Linton, Kourtney Heart, George Clinton & Parliament Funkadelic, Rebirth Brass Band, Kelly Price, Vanessa Bell Armstrong, Trin-i-Tee 5:7, Brian Courtney Wilson, MC Lyte, Doug E. Fresh, and Shamarr Allen and the Underdawgs.

Single day tickets are now on sale for prices ranging from $50 to $1,000 per person per night. Weekend packages are also still available and cost between $135 to $2,250 per person.