The Essence Festival: Bringing Al Green, Beyoncé, And Teena Marie Together At Last

Dan Gibson | January 30, 2009 10:45 am

Wouldn’t it be great if Coachella took a few booking cues from their Southern (indoor) counterpart, the Essence Festival? There is one act crossing over from the desert lineup (New Orleans natives the Knux), but really, how great would a Teena Marie set in the tents be? More interesting than Steve Aoki, that’s for sure. Thankfully, if the economy hasn’t drained your savings yet, you can attend both fests—Coachella’s in mid-April, while Essence is over July 4 weekend. The lineup, as announced so far, is below the cut; if you can’t get excited over the possibility of seeing Al Green, Beyoncé, Maxwell, Janelle Monae, and En Vogue over one weekend, I fear for your soul.

Beyonce Maxwell (“This Woman’s Work”):

Anita Baker Al Green John Legend Solange Robin Thicke En Vogue (“Hold On”):

Teena Marie (“Lover Girl” on Solid Gold:)

Eric Benet Janelle Monae Raphael Saadiq Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings Zap Mama The Knux Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars Irvin Mayfield Lalah Hathaway Blind Boys of Alabama Marva Wright Big Sam’s Funky Nation Preservation Hall Jazz Band Brand New Heavies Dan Dyer DJ Soul Sister Keri Hilson Rebirth Brass Band Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ace Jonathan Slocumb

The Essence Music Festival [Official site]