Though many will be waiting with baited breaths for Beyonce to grace the ESSENCE mainstage, the rest of us will need something to do. From getting your church on at the ESSENCE Empowerment All Star Gospel Tribute to Tramaine Hawkins and Donnie McClurkin, or later tonight with CHURCH at the Dragon’s Den. On this day in 1912, the Grabow ‘Lumber War’ shootout left 37 wounded and 3 dead. Now, more to do this Sunday.

Many feared the Super Bowl blackout would sully New Orleans’ national reputation, but it appears Beyoncé still trusts the locals to put on a good show. The Queen has chosen St. Aug alumn Luke James to join her on her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour in Europe, set to kick off Wednesday, April 24, in Paris, France.

Get ready to slide into the soulful culture of New Orleans’ rich heritage at the Audubon Zoo this weekend at the 10th Annual Soul Fest. In this celebration of African American culture, attendees will enjoy two days of live performances by local jazz, R&B, and gospel artists, Greek Stomp shows, and some of the best soul food in the city. Of course, Audubon's incredible animal exhibits will stay open throughout the fest. 

The year in New Orleans music was full of Grammys, viral videos and unfortunate losses. It all adds up to a historically insular music scene on the verge of getting the national recognition it's always deserved. We look back at 2012 and look ahead to 2013:

Another New Orleans-born star is on the rise, but you won’t find Luke James with a trumpet or a trombone. The pop and R&B singer has already opened for Beyonce, and he’s written songs for the likes of Justin Bieber and good old Britney Spears. Now, he’s featured on NBC’s new show Real Music Live. Here’s the video, his performance begins about three minutes into the thirty minute episode.

Today, we return to the headphones once again. Aura Fedora of local podcast Backstage on the Bayou catches up with a New Orleans R&B singer you may not have heard yet. But, you will. Mercury Records artist Luke James talks about coming up in the Crescent City, guesting on a Beyonce video and touring with Robin Thicke.