Wouldn’t it be great if Coachella took a few booking cues from their Southern (indoor) counterpart, the Essence Festival? There is one act crossing over from the desert lineup (New Orleans natives the Knux), but really, how great would a Teena Marie set in the tents be? More interesting than Steve Aoki, that’s for sure. Thankfully, if the economy hasn’t drained your savings yet, you can attend both fests—Coachella’s in mid-April, while Essence is over July 4 weekend. The lineup, as announced so far, is below the cut; if you can’t get excited over the possibility of seeing Al Green, Beyoncé, Maxwell, Janelle Monae, and En Vogue over one weekend, I fear for your soul.
Beyonce
Maxwell (“This Woman’s Work”):
Anita Baker
Al Green
John Legend
Solange
Robin Thicke
En Vogue (“Hold On”):
Teena Marie (“Lover Girl” on Solid Gold:)
Eric Benet
Janelle Monae
Raphael Saadiq
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings
Zap Mama
The Knux
Sierra Leone’s Refugee All Stars
Irvin Mayfield
Lalah Hathaway
Blind Boys of Alabama
Marva Wright
Big Sam’s Funky Nation
Preservation Hall Jazz Band
Brand New Heavies
Dan Dyer
DJ Soul Sister
Keri Hilson
Rebirth Brass Band
Trombone Shorty and Orleans Ace
Jonathan Slocumb
The Essence Music Festival [Official site]
I may not be excited about the line-up that you highlighted, but there’s PLENTY to like here from Janelle Monae to Rebirth Brass Band (of all groups). I definitely think this is more interesting that Coachella’s usual onslaught of “bands you need to know by tomm. in order to still be hip”.
Oh crap. I take it back, I take it back. I need glasses because I can’t read contractions. SORRY.