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Diana Ross to Open, Chance the Rapper to Close as 2017 Essence Festival Reveals Nightly Lineup

LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 31: Chance The Rapper performs on the Dylan Stage during day 2 of the 2014 Budweiser Made in America Festival at Los Angeles Grand Park on August 31, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Anheuser-Busch)

Making their first Essence Festival appearances, Diana Ross and Chance the Rapper will open and close the annual concert series, respectively, at the Superdome in New Orleans (June 30-July 2). Fellow headliner Mary J. Blige will command the stage on Saturday, along with a special all-female lineup of performers, as Essence Festival announces its full night-by-night schedule today.

Also filling out the roster are John Legend, India.Arie, Jill Scott, Solange, BJ the Chicago Kid, and many more. Comedian/actor Roy Wood Jr. from Comedy Central’s The Daily Show has been tapped as the main stage host. Single-night tickets also go on sale today. For more information, visit the festival’s official website.

Here’s the three-night slate for the 2017 Essence Festival, presented by Coca-Cola:

Diana Ross to Open, Chance the Rapper to Close as 2017 Essence Festival Reveals Nightly Lineup