(CelebrityAccess MediaWire) — As Essence continues to work closely with city and state officials to rebuild the city of New Orleans, The 2006 Essence Music Festival will be temporarily relocated to Houston. Plans are underway for the annual event, which will be held on July 1-3 at Reliant Park. A component of the 2006 Festival will be devoted to helping those affected by Hurricane Katrina. Tickets will go on sale December 1.
Known as "the party with a purpose," The Essence Music Festival is the nation's largest annual African-American event and gathering of musical talent in the world. The three-day multigenerational extravaganza offers free empowerment seminars during the day and performances at night. The Festival is produced by Essence Festival LLC, a subsidiary of Essence Communications Inc. — Bob Grossweiner and Jane Cohen
