The 2007 Essence Music Festival [ tickets ] will return home to New Orleans July 5-7 and Beyonce [ tickets ] will be on hand for the celebration.

The headlining performance will mark Beyonce's first Essence Fest appearance as a solo artist. She performed in front of a sold-out crowd with Destiny's Child at the 2005 event.

"We are just thrilled to have Beyonce join us for our 'Coming Home' party as one of the headliners of the Essence Music Festival with what we know will be a one-of-kind performance at the Louisiana Superdome," Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks said in a statement. "... what better way to welcome festivalgoers back to New Orleans!"

Following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina, the Essence Fest temporarily relocated to Houston in 2006. Beyonce said it would be an honor to help welcome the event back to New Orleans.

"Essence has been a true believer in the rich heritage of this amazing city and its wonderful people," she said in a statement. "My family's roots are deep in this area so this will be a wonderful reunion for us as well."

More performers will be announced in the coming weeks at the Essence magazine website.

The Essence Music Festival is billed as the nation's largest annual African-American event celebrating Black music and culture.