<http://schema.org/articleBody>
"R&amp;B singers Maxwell, Jill Scott and Brandy along with the classic rhymes of rapper LL Cool J kick off the 2013 Essence Festival's three-night concert series in the Superdome.The festival's first full day of empowerment seminars in the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center began with Steve Harvey hosting a live showing of \"Family Feud,\" followed by discussions on health and wellness and relationships.Panel discussions included insights from several celebrities, including actors Laz Alonso and Niecy Nash, and reality TV stars Kenya Moore of \"The Real Housewives of Atlanta,\" Shaunie O'Neal of \"Basketball Wives,\" R&amp;B singer Monifah of \"R&amp;B Divas\" and Roble (ROH-blay) Ali of \"Chef Roble and Co.\"Later Friday, the music takes center stage. Brandy opens at 7 p.m., followed by LL Cool J, Scott and Maxwell.Related:Essence Fest traffic updateEssence Fest opens July 4 with music, barbecueSign up for our email newsletters to get breaking news right in your inbox. Click here from your desktop computer to sign up; on our mobile website, use the drop down to the right to \"Get Email Alerts.\"11644120"^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.wdsu.com/article/maxwell-brings-sweet-falsetto-to-essence/3364179>