Kanye West, Mary J. Blige, Trey Songz, and Jill Scott have neen confirmed as headlining acts for the upcoming 17th annual Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. Additional scheduled acts include Charlie Wilson, Fantasia, Boyz II Men, Stephanie Mills, Macy Gray, Dwele, Alexander O'Neal & Cherrelle, Mint Condition, Kelly Price, M.C. Lyte and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic. A number of local acts will also take part, including Kourtney Heart, Irma Thomas and the Charmaine Neville Band. The festival is scheduled for July 1st through 3rd at the Louisiana Superdome. Additional acts will be announced in coming weeks.