News

from EURweb.com

The 2008 Essence Music Festival will host an all-star tribute concert to celebrate the legacy of R&B veteran Patti LaBelle.

"Essence Icons Celebrate Patti LaBelle," to be held Saturday, July 5, will include the original members of LaBelle (Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx), as well as Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, Irma Thomas, Ledisi, Ruby Amanfu and others.

“It is an honor for us to have Ms. Patti LaBelle, a living legend, grace our stage during the 2008 Essence Music Festival,” says Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc. “This will be a very special performance in the history of the Essence Music Festival as the original members of LaBelle, Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi and more come together for a stellar celebration of a voice that is timeless.”

Previously announced Essence Music Festival performers throughout the July 4th weekend include Rihanna, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Keyshia Cole, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Morris Day and The Time and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale at ticketmaster.com or (800) 488-5252. To find performance dates for your favorite artists, hotel accommodations, ticket prices, weekly promotions and volunteer opportunities for the 2008 Essence Music Festival log on to www.essence.com/emf.