U.S. Senator Barack Obama Confirmed to Speak During Fourth of July Weekend at the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola in New Orleans

U.S. Senator Barack Obama Confirmed to Speak During Fourth of July Weekend at the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival Presented by Coca-Cola in New Orleans

Democratic Presidential Candidate to Address Nation's Largest Annual Gathering of African-Americans Celebrating Black Music and Culture

NEW YORK, June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. Senator Barack Obama has confirmed an appearance at the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans on Thursday, July 5, 2007, it was announced today by Essence Communications, Inc. The Democratic presidential candidate will address the nation's largest annual gathering of African-Americans celebrating Black music and culture at the Festival's opening night concert in the Louisiana Superdome.

After being displaced to Houston in 2006 due to the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the 13th Annual Essence Music Festival will celebrate its homecoming to New Orleans this July 5, 6, and 7 with the biggest names in entertainment and the country's most dynamic speakers, authors and leaders. In addition, the renowned "Party with a Purpose" has partnered with the Children's Defense Fund (CDF) to support education. A portion of all concert ticket proceeds will benefit the CDF Freedom Schools in New Orleans.

"We are delighted to welcome Senator Obama to the Essence Music Festival main stage Thursday night, July 5th, to address an audience of tens of thousands African-Americans from all over the country," said Michelle Ebanks, President, Essence Communications, Inc. "I am certain that our Festival-goers, who are 'Coming Home' to celebrate our culture and help support the children of New Orleans, will look to Senator Obama to provide insight and inspiration within the context of observing America's Independence Day."

"The presence of Senator Obama in the Superdome on opening night will have a tremendous impact on New Orleans and is sure to put joy and much-needed hope into the hearts of the people," added ESSENCE Editorial Director Susan L. Taylor.

"I look forward to joining Essence next month at a festival that's especially meaningful because this year, you're 'Coming Home'," commented Senator Obama. "And I also want to commend Essence for using its festival not just to host some of the nation's most talented musicians, and not just to celebrate the breadth of achievements by African-Americans, but to help rebuild and renew the greater New Orleans community."

Mainstage performances for the Essence Music Festival include: Beyonce, Mary J. Blige, Chris Brown, Ciara, Steve Harvey, Isley Brothers featuring Ronald Isley, Ludacris, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Ne-Yo, The O'Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Lionel Richie, Kelly Rowland, and Robin Thicke.

Tickets are available at ticketmaster.com, (800)-488-5252. For updates on performers, hotel accommodations, ticket prices and weekly promotions, visit http://www.essence.com/.

Sponsors of the 2007 Essence Music Festival include presenting sponsor, Coca-Cola; major sponsors Budweiser, McDonald's, Chevrolet, Sony, U.S. Army, Verizon and Wal-Mart; and official sponsors Geico, HBO, L'Oreal Paris, Southwest Airlines, TBS, Vaseline, and VH1 Soul.

The 2007 Essence Music Festival is produced by Essence Festivals in association with Festival Productions Inc. - New Orleans and AEG Live. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). ECI is also the publisher of ESSENCE magazine. ESSENCE, after 37 years, continues to be the preeminent lifestyle magazine for African-American women.

First Call Analyst:
FCMN Contact:

Source: Essence Communications, Inc.

CONTACT: Dana Baxter of Essence Communications, Inc., +1-212-522-1634,
dbaxter@essence.com

Web site:

http://www.essence.com/

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