Essence Music Festival

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Essence Music Festival

Essence Music Festival opens in New Orleans

Tank performs at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Saturday, July 7, 2012.

Ledisi performs.

Chaka Khan speaks during a graduation of the Chaka Kahn Foundation's Super Life Transformation class that the singer established for women affected by Hurricane Katrina during the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Saturday, July 7, 2012.

Mary Mary performs.

Mary J. Blige's coat was so shiny, she had to wear shades.

Graduates listen during their graduation from the Chaka Khan Foundation's Super Life Transformation class that the singer established for women affected by Hurricane Katrina.

The second day of the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans brought D'Angelo to the stage. It was his first major concert appearance in 12 years.

D'Angelo and his eight-piece band launched into their dense stew of funk, soul and R&B.

Crooner Trey Songz thrilled the crowd with his sexy tunes.

The female crowd was responsive to Trey Songz' lyrics.

Ex-Gap Band leader and now solo entertainer supreme Charlie Wilson closed out the show with his captivating dance moves and his Gap-era hits like "You Dropped a Bomb on Me."

Opening day of the Essence Music Festival was all about recognizing rising stars., including Disney Channel star Coco Jones.

Among the night's featured acts were The OMG Girlz.

Jones' dynamic set included a cover of "1, 2 Step," the hip-hop song recorded by Ciara and Missy Elliott.

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Tank performs at the Essence Music Festival in New Orleans, Saturday, July 7, 2012.

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