The day-by-day line-up for the 15th anniversary of the critically-acclaimed ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL–set for July 3, 4 and 5 in New Orleans–has now been confirmed. The three nights will wrap up with performances from Beyoncé and John Legend on Friday, July 3, Maxwell and Anita Baker on Saturday, July 4 and Lionel Richie and an all-star ESSENCE ICONS TRIBUTE to Maze featuring Frankie Beverly on Sunday, July 5 (the full day-by-day line-up is below). Each night of this weekend-long celebration of music and empowerment will conclude with performances from more than 30 acts which bring together the festival’s well-known mix of heritage artists, new chart-topping acts and local New Orleans favorites. In addition, the entire weekend of musical performances will be MC’ed by Jonathan Slocumb.

The 2009 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL day-by-day line-up (as of 3/26) is as follows:

Friday, July 3: Main stage: Beyoncé, John Legend, Ne-Yo, Salt N Pepa, DJ Soul Sister, Superlounges: Eric Benet, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, Solange, Sierra Leone Refugee All Stars, Keri Hilson, Marva Wright, Big Sam’s Funky Nation, Preservation Hall Jazz Band Revue, Dwele DJ Captain Charles, DJ Jubilee, DJ Dynamite Dave Soul and DJ EF Cuttin.

Saturday, July 4: Main stage: Maxwell, Anita Baker, Robin Thicke, Charlie Wilson, Jazmine Sullivan, DJ Soul Sister, Superlounges: Ledisi, Janelle Monae, Zap Mama, Irvin Mayfield, Dan Dyer, Little Freddie King, DJ Captain Charles, DJ Jubilee, DJ Dynamite Dave Soul and DJ EF Cuttin.

Sunday, July 5: Main stage: Maze featuring Frankie Beverly, Lionel Richie, Al Green, Teena Marie, En Vogue, DJ Soul Sister, Superlounges: Raphael Saadiq, Lalah Hathaway, Melanie Fiona, Ryan Leslie, Blind Boys of Alabama, The Knux, Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ave All Stars, Rebirth Brass Band, DJ Captain Charles, DJ Jubilee, DJ Dynamite Dave Soul and DJ EF Cuttin.

At the same time, single day tickets for the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL go on sale Friday, March 27 at 9:00 AM (ET) and range from $51-$200. Meanwhile, weekend packages ranging from $153-545, continue to offer music fans the best way to enjoy a full three days of music.

For additional information about ticket sales, accommodations and the latest news about the ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL, visit www.essencemusicfestival.com. To purchase tickets, go to www.ticketmaster.com or call 800-277-1700.

The 2009 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL is executive produced by Essence Festivals LLC and produced by Rehage Entertainment. Essence Festivals LLC is a division of Essence Communications Inc. (ECI). The 2009 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL sponsors include Presenting Sponsor Coca Cola; Major Sponsors: Covergirl, Ford, McDonald’s, Pantene, Queen, U.S. Army and Walmart; and Official Sponsors: COORS, CNN, My Black is Beautiful, Southwest Airlines and TBS.