New Orleans will play host to one of the biggest events in the African-American music calendar this weekend — and The Royal Gazette will be there to bring you all the news from the Big Easy.

We'll be in the thick of it at the Essence Music Festival, which was launched 15 years ago to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the magazine of the same name.

The event now attracts hundreds of thousands of people to its evening performances, free daytime activities, seminars and celebrity meet and greets.

And this year, some of the best names in black entertainment will be gracing the stage at the New Orleans Superdome, including Al Green, Beyonce, Anita Baker, Lionel Richie and En Vogue.

Organisers claim the festival is the "largest African-American music and empowerment event in the country" and expect more than 250,000 participants this weekend.

Tonight will see Beyonce on the main stage, along with John Legend, Ne-Yo, Salt N Pepa and DJ Soul Sister.

The so-called "superlounges" will have performances by Eric Benet, Keri Hilson, Solange and many more.

Tomorrow night will see performances from Maxwell, Anita Baker, Robin Thicke, Charlie Wilson and Jazmine Sullivan on the main stage, with Ledisi, Janelle Monae, The Knux and more in the superlounges.

Maze featuring Frankie Beverley will headline the main stage on the final night, Sunday, with other performers including Lionel Richie, Al Green, Teena Marie and En Vogue.

Ryan Leslie, the Blind Boys of Alabama, Lahlah Hathaway and more will perform in the superlounges.

But the festival weekend is not just about music. Free seminars by well-known motivational speakers are also on the menu from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

Speakers include Dr. Juanita Bynum, Roland Martin, Bishop TD Jakes, Bill Cosby, Steve Harvey, Lisa Wu-Hartwell from Bravo's hit show the Real Housewives of Atlanta and many more.

There will also be plenty of parties, including Essence Encore, hosted by Idris Elba and MC Lyte at The Metropolitan and featuring appearances from Doug E. Fresh, Salt N Pepa, Rich Girl, DJ Dummy and more.

For more information visit www.essencemusicfestival.com.