NEW ORLEANS (AP) — R&B singer Trey Songz has joined the talent for the 2015 Essence Festival's opening night "Now Playing" concert on July 2. He'll share the bill with Christian rapper Lecrae and the show's other, previously announced marquee attraction, comedian Kevin Hart.
Last year's 20th anniversary Essence was the first to feature a separate "Now Playing" concert. Only the main stage in the Superdome is used during the show and only seats on the dome's floor and plaza level bleachers are available. Tickets range from $43 to $298, plus service charges, through Ticketmaster.
NOLA.com/ The Times-Picayune’s Keith Spera reports Songz's appearance will be his second in New Orleans in less than four months. On March 12, he'll co-headline with Chris Brown as part of their joint Between the Sheets Tour.
Other announced performers for the three main nights of the 2015 Essence Fest — July 3-5 — include Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Erykah Badu, Common, India.Arie, Mystikal and Trombone Shorty. Additional artists are expected to join the roster in the coming weeks.
In addition to the concerts in the Superdome, Essence includes free daytime seminars at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center.