Prince will open as the headliner of the 10th Annual Essence Music Festival. Although it was announced months ago that Prince would perform, it was expected that organizers of Essence would add additonal acts, as like in years past. Instead, the only other act on the bill of opening night is Morris Day and The Time.

Perhaps the organizers are capitalizing on Prince's popularity in 2004, and not needing to book additional acts. Tickets sales have been brisk, and the 72,000-seat Louisiana Supersome is expected to be be sold-out for opening night. Prince will be the first artist in Essence Music Festival history to play a night of the festival as the festival's only performer on the mainstage (Morris Day and Time Time are not "headliners", they'll just be there for cheese
and memories of 1984 ).

This will be Prince's first performance at the Lousiana Superdome in 19 years,("Purple Rain Tour") it's a large building to fill. : )

How can this be? Is he gonna play a solo set or ? This has not been on the list of Musicology shows and it is the day before Blackwell's daughter's funeral. He is listed on the Essence website as playing the 2nd though.

i would be very surprised if this performance goes off as planned.

The show will go. The show was announced in March 2004. Morris day and The Time were added just about 4 weeks ago.

This is posted on JB's guestbook:

The family is so proud of you. As you travel to New Orleans to play with "Prince" Friday night in memory of "Jia", just know we will be praying for your strength. Just remember "Jia" will be with Grandma Smith in heaven. I'll see you Friday. Thanks for letting Sheri and me stay at your home. Cousin Beverly Bradford and Sheri Bradford. I know "Jia' will be happy to know her daddy is playing her favorite song, "Purple Rain" in her memory. Stay strong.