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The Ultimate Party Weekend July 4, 5, 6

New York, NY (May 29, 2008)–Saturday, July 5 will mark a special night during the 2008 Essence Music Festival, as the stars of R&B and soul music will align, creating a “one night only” experience to celebrate the legacy of Ms. Patti Labelle, it was announced today by Essence Communications Inc. The all-star tribute will include the original members of the LaBelles, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, Irma Thomas, Ledisi, Ruby Amanfu and more.

“It is an honor for us to have Ms. Patti Labelle, a living legend, grace our stage during the 2008 Essence Music Festival,” says Michelle Ebanks, president of Essence Communications Inc. “This will be a very special performance in the history of the Essence Music Festival as the original members of the Labelles, Angie Stone, Chrisette Michele, Ledisi and more come together for a stellar celebration of a voice that is timeless.”

Grammy-award winning soul diva Patti Labelle has enjoyed one of the longest-living careers in contemporary music. With timeless classics including “Lady Marmalade”, “New Attitude” and “On My Own” spanning over four decades, the Philadelphia native is critically acclaimed as the Queen of R&B and soul music.

Patti Labelle, original members of the Labelles, Sarah Dash and Nona Hendryx, Irma Thomas and Ruby Amanfu join previously announced Essence Music Festival performers Rihanna, Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Chris Rock, Keyshia Cole, Chris Brown, Jill Scott, Morris Day and The Time and Maze featuring Frankie Beverly.

The Essence Music Festival Superlounges will feature: Big Sam’s Funky Nation and the New Orleans Funk Soul Explosion; Terence Blanchard; Peabo Bryson; Mint Condition; Raheem Devaughn; Grandmaster Flash; Gill Scott-Heron; Lyfe Jennings; Kermit Ruffin’s Tribute to Louis Armstrong; Ledisi; Irma Thomas and the Professionals; Irvin Mayfield and the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra; Chrisette Michelle; Nicholas Payton Quintet; Preservation Hall Jazz Band’s Gospel Revival; Rebirth Brass Band; Christian Scott; Solange; and Marva Wright.

Tickets for the evening concerts are on sale immediately at ticketmaster.com or (800) 488-5252. To find performance dates for your favorite artists, hotel accommodations, ticket prices and weekly promotions log on to Essence: Homepage.