The 411 On Philly 4th of July Jam 2013

America’s birthday party takes place in the heart of Philadelphia on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The all-ages concert attracts about 500,0000 people. With all of those fans, what are your chances of getting a good spot on the Parkway? When Pollstar talked to Philly Jam executive producer Scott Mirkin in 2011 he told us that “a pretty significant infrastructure change” was made two years earlier.

“We actually moved the location of the stage, which, I think, increased the unobstructed sight lines tremendously … We moved the stage 500 feet to the east on the Ben Franklin Parkway and that had a lot to do with the increased crowds,” Mirkin told Pollstar.

In addition to The Roots serving as the house band for their hometown’s big night, ?uestlove and Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter are the Jam’s musical directors.

“We are excited to be at the Philly 4th of July Jam ­ the biggest Independence Day concert around!” Trotter said. “You can expect a celebration packed with great artists right on the famous Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Where else should you be on the Fourth of July other than Philly?”

And of course, what 4th of July celebration would be complete without a fireworks display? The evening wraps with fireworks over the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

The Jam will be simulcast on VH1 and Palladia from 8-11 p.m. Eastern Time and live streamed on VH1.com.