Roots To Headline Philadelphia’s ‘Wawa Welcome America’

Announced earlier this week, the yearly free concert is the culmination of “Wawa Welcome America!” – a series of events taking place during the days leading up to the musical grand finale.

There’s a lot of hometown flavor at the July Jam.  While The Roots have appeared at several past Jams, this year marks the first time the Philadelphia band has topped the lineup.

The days before the concert are filled with various family activities.  For example, June 27 is family day at Liberty Place on Chestnut Street where activities include celebrating the 150th anniversary of the very first reading of “Alice In Wonderland.” Free movie showings include the July 1 viewing of “Rocky,” which features several scenes shot in Philadelphia. “The Sixth Sense,” written and directed by Philly native M. Night Shyamalan and filmed throughout the area, will be screened July 2.

Then there’s “Wawa Hoagie Day” which honors the troops and includes a salute to local and national heroes with hoagies distributed free to the crowd, reminding us of those immortal words uttered by the late Warren Zevon – “Enjoy every sandwich.”  The July 2 event includes an appearance by Food Network Chef Robert Irvine and performances by “The Voice” contestants Matthew Schuler and Audra McLaughlin.

Fourth Of July activities on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway include the Party On The Parkway and its many activities, entertainment and games, such as Pogopalooza –  the world championship of extreme pogo, and the U.S. Olympic Committee’s Road To Rio tour.

The 4th Of July Jam begins at 7 p.m. and runs to 11 p.m. concludes with a spectacular fireworks display. Head over to WelcomeAmerica.com for more info.