NEW ORLEANS (AP) 鈥 Organizers of the Essence Festival of Culture have revealed that legendary soul group Maze featuring Frankie Beverly will be recognized during this summer's gathering with 鈥渁 star-studded tribute鈥 that will 鈥渉onor their final performance.鈥
Maze, which is currently on a farewell tour, was the closing act for the New Orleans festival鈥檚 first 15 years, beginning in 1995. The group last returned to the festival 鈥 the world鈥檚 largest celebration of 鈥 in 2019.
An Essence Fest social media video last week announcing the July 7 addition to the event鈥檚 lineup said Beverly鈥檚 long history with the festival will be celebrated, the .
It is unclear whether the appearance will see Maze perform a full or partial set or whether they'll be lauded by other artists singing their songs. An Essence spokesperson said additional details about Beverly鈥檚 participation will be revealed in the coming weeks.
Fans are asked to wear all-white that night, in keeping with the tradition of Beverly鈥檚 closing nights at Essence.
Beverly was one of several acts for the festival's July 5-7 nighttime concerts that were revealed recently. The announced roster also includes Janet Jackson, Charlie Wilson and TGT featuring Tank, Genuwine and Tyrese, among many others.
Maze's Essence Festival scheduled performance is a treat for fans who might have missed out on tickets to a sold-out May 25 concert that has been billed as Beverly's final New Orleans show before his impending retirement.
