SAVE THE DATES! Free music and fun on Tap this summer

PHILADELPHIA (April 12, 2011) – Mayor Michael A. Nutter announced today that four time Grammy award-winning band The Roots will headline Philly’s Fourth of July Jam during Wawa Welcome America! The band and their Musical Director ?uestlove will be performing their set as well as sets with special guests Earth, Wind and Fire, Michael McDonald, Estelle, Sara Bareilles, DJ Jazzy Jeff and more on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. The concert will also include a special tribute to the 40^th Anniversary of Gamble and Huff’s iconic Philadelphia International Records, “The Sound of Philadelphia.”

“Philly’s Fourth of July Jam is one of the many reasons why Philadelphia is the place to be to celebrate July Fourth,” said Mayor Nutter. “There truly is a musical act for everyone, and a few surprises are even in store. You don’t want to miss this concert, on the last and biggest night of Wawa Welcome America!”

The all-star cast of musicians will perform nearly every genre of music from R&B and hip hop to rock and funk for the largest free concert in America, followed by a spectacular fireworks show, with the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a dramatic backdrop.

Musical Director ?uestlove states, “We are excited to help put together such a great show! Philly’s a natural fit for the Fourth of July concert– The Fourth of July on the Parkway should be what New Year’s Eve in Times Square is to New York.”

Additional big-name entertainment is scheduled throughout Wawa Welcome America!, June 24 – July 4, 2011. Popular jazz and blues musicians, including Aaron Neville  and Gerald Veasley, will take the stage at Penn’s Landing during Taste of Philadelphia, the Festival’s signature culinary event June 24 – June 26.  And, starting off the amazing Festival is a showcase concert at The Dell Music Center in Fairmount Park featuring Nancy Wilson. It takes place on Thursday, June 23 and is a ticketed event.

For more Wawa Welcome America! event highlights visit www.welcomeamerica.com.

Wawa Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace, Philadelphia, and is produced by Welcome America, Inc. For more information, please visit www.welcomeamerica.com.