2011 is shaping up to be a big year for black music on the festival circuit in the United States. The lineup for the 17th annual Essence Music Festival was announced and features such heavyweights as Kanye West, Mary J. Blige and Jill Scott amongst others.
The late Teena Marie's next concert would've been New Year's Day in Atlanta. Instead, the Fox Theatre will honor Marie's career with an impromptu tribute featuring previous headliners MAZE and Frankie Beverly, along with Johnny Gill and Stephanie Mills.
