The Essence Music Festival returns to New Orleans on July 5th with an all star line up for the first time since Hurricane Katrina displaced the annual event temporarily to Houston, TX.

Ciara, Ludacris, Ne-Yo, The O’Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, Robin Thicke and Steve Harvey who all have recently been added to the performance roster will join headliner Beyonce, Chris Brown, Lionel Richie, Mary J. Blige and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly at the three day event.

“Ciara, Ludacris, Ne-Yo and Robin Thicke are amazing performers, new to the Essence Music Festival stage and we’re so thrilled to have them,” says Michelle Ebanks, president, Essence Communications Inc.

“The O’Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill, along with Steve Harvey are all a part of the Essence Music Festival family and we welcome them back to New Orleans for our coming home celebration.”

The annual celebration will also kick off with a star-studded opening night gospel extravaganza.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale immediately at ticketmaster.com. A portion of the proceeds will support the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools in New Orleans. For updates on performers, hotel accommodations, ticket prices and weekly promotions log on to essence.com.

Schedule of performances:

THURSDAY, JULY 5 – Main Stage

Gospel Opening Ceremony

Ciara

Ludacris

The O’Jays with Keith Sweat and Johnny Gill

FRIDAY, JULY 6 -Main Stage

Robin Thicke

Steve Harvey

Chris Brown

Beyonce

SATURDAY, JULY 7 – Main Stage

Ne-Yo

Lionel Richie

Mary J. Blige

Maze featuring Frankie Beverly