This year, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of Essence magazine, the festival is presenting three female headliners who are icons emblematic of the Essence brand -- Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys and Mary J. Blige.

Jackson closes the main stage at Essence Fest on July 2, preceded by Charlie Wilson, Raphael Saadiq and Monica. Keys shuts down the Dome on July 3, with Gladys Knight, LL Cool J and Keri Hilson. On July 4, hear Blige plus Earth Wind and Fire, Jill Scott and Trey Songz. DJ Soul Sister spins vinyl between acts on the main stage.

The superlounge schedule includes Chrisette Michele, Irma Thomas, Arrested Development, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Mary Mary, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, War and Little Freddie King on July 2.

Matthew Hinton / The Times-Picayune...but Frankie Beverly, seen here at the Dome in 2009, and Maze won't be.On July 3 in the superlounges, hear Laura Izibor, Sam & Ruby, De La Soul, Kermit Ruffins & the Barbecue Swingers, Mint Condition, Leo Jackson & His Melody Cluds, Joe and the Rebirth Brass Band. The final-night superlounge acts on July 4 include Estelle, the Hot 8 Brass Band, Lalah Hathaway, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Ruben Studdard, Shamarr Allen & the Underdawgs, Melanie Fiona, the PJ Morton Band and the Soul Rebels Brass Band.

Single day Essence tickets go on sale Thursday, May 6, priced at $53 to $212. Three-day packages are also available, priced at $159 to $636 per person. Go to essencemusicfestival.com for more info

Complete lineup:

Friday, July 2: Main stage: Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson, Raphael Saadiq, Monica. Superlounges: Chrisette Michele, Irma Thomas, Arrested Development, Big Sam's Funky Nation, Mary Mary, Irvin Mayfield & the New Orleans Jazz Orchestra, WAR, Little Freddie King, Ruben Studdard.

Saturday, July 3: Main stage: Alicia Keys, Gladys Knight, LL Cool J, Keri Hilson. Superlounges: Laura Izibor, Sam & Ruby, De La Soul, Mint Condition, Leo Jackson & Melody Clouds, Joe, Rebirth Brass Band, Soul Rebels Brass Band.

Sunday, July 4: Main stage: Mary J Blige, Earth Wind & Fire, Jill Scott, Trey Songz. Superlounges: Estelle, Hot 8 Brass Band, Lalah Hathaway, Ivan Neville's Dumpstaphunk, Shamarr Allen and The Underdawgs, Melanie Fiona, PJ Morton Band, Kermit Ruffins & the BBQ Swingers.