NEW ORLEANS (July 6, 2009)--Lionel Richie got a little help from his former band-mates to close out the weekend's Essence Music Festival.

Members of The Commodores joined him on stage to sing several of heir hits, including "Brick House" and "Just to be Close to You."

The crowd remained on their feet through the nearly two-hour set and Richie's encore of "All Night Long."

The final night of the festival stretched well into early Monday morning at the Superdome, with performances by Richie, En Vogue, Teena Marie, Al Green and Maze, featuring Frankie Beverly.

Beverly and Maze have closed out the event each of the past 15 years.

New Orleans Mayor Ray Nagin presented Beverly with the city's crystal star award.

Beverly, 62, simply said "thank you" and returned to doing what he does best, singing: "Now, we're gonna wear you out some more!"

Sunday’s events started with inspiring gospel at the Morial Convention Center, along with honors for Bishop T.D. Jakes, the Dallas pastor who gave the sermon for President Barack Obama's inauguration.