Essence Festival’s Night-By-Night Schedule Released

NEW ORLEANS (AP) — The 2015 Essence Festival's schedule has been released and single-night tickets are now on sale.

NOLA.com/The Times-Picayune reports the annual event in the Superdome will kick off July 2 with comedian Kevin Hart's What Now? Tour also featuring Trey Songz and Christian rapper Lecrae.

On July 3, Charlie Wilson takes the main stage preceded by Kem and India.Arie. The festival's producers say the show will also include a tribute to New Orleans pegged to the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.

Usher will close the July 4th show, preceded by Missy Elliott, Erykah Badu, Common and newly added Beenie Man & The Zagga Zow Band.

The final night, July 5, will include rapper Kendrick Lamar, Mary J. Blige, Floetry and New Orleans' Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue