Mayor Nutter announces headliners for two concerts at Philadelphia’s Sunoco Welcome America! Fourth of July festival
Revelers in town for Sunoco Welcome America.’, Philadelphia’s annual Independence Day celebration, can enjoy two evenings of free concerts during the festival, which runs from Saturday, June 28 through Sunday, July 6.
Five-time Grammy winner John Legend will take the outdoor stage at the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Friday, July 4. And the next evening, Saturday. July 5, four-time Grammy winners Boyz Il Men will perform at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, along the Delaware River waterfront. Both concerts will be followed by spectacular fireworks displays.

“Our headlining entertainers for the July 4`h and July 5th concerts truly have a remarkable Philadelphia flavor; reflecting our city’s rich enduring history and contributions to the music industry,” said Mayor Michael A. Nutter. “We are proud to welcome John Legend; an adopted Philly favorite, and our hometown singers, Boyz II Men, who are accomplished performers and ill be great additions to our exciting schedule of Sunoco Welcome America! activities this 5ummeT.”

Musician John Legend said he is enthusiastic about performing on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4. “Philadelphia is one of the soul music capitals of the world, and I’m proud to have spent several years living there as a student at the University of Pennsylvania. Some of my earliest fans and supporters are in Philadelphia, and I’m thrilled to return there for the July 4th concert.”

John Legend and Boyz II Men promise to be a premier draw for the Sunoco Welcome America! festival, said Melanie Johnson, City Representative for the City of Philadelphia, responsible for producing the festival.

“John is a wonderful stage presence who will keep the many thousands of people who turn out for the July 4 evening concert enthralled,” Johnson said. “And having our homegrown Boyz II Men return to Philadelphia to celebrate America’s birthday in America’s birthplace will be a real treat to all. their fans here who have grown up listening to their music.”

Since his 2004 inaugural album, Get Lifted, John Legend has redefined R&B with a sound that is smooth, smoky, personal and crowd-pleasing. With his new album, Once Again, the University of Pennsylvania graduate delves deeper into topics, emotions and events that touch everyone’s lives, and his success is reflected -in the scope of his broad fan base. Legend will take the stage following a parade that winds up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Visitors will want to spend the night so they can be on hand the next day when Boyz II Men perform a family-friendly concert at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing. Phihy’s hometowners, Boyz II Men, have sold more than 60 million records, making them the most popular R&B male vocal group ever. Those who attend the Penn’s Landing concert for the entertainment can indulge their taste buds all through the afternoon and during the event at the popular Taste of Philadelphia, a festival of culinary treats from many of the city’s great eateries. Following the performance will be another eye-popping fireworks show over the Delaware River.

For more information about these events and for a look at the full nine-day schedule, visit www.americasbirthday.com Visitors celebrating America’s birthday in its birthplace can take advantage of the Philly Overnight® Hotel Package, Including a two-night stay, free parking and a Philly’s More Fun’”’,’ teddy bear. The package is available at more than 30 hotels and is bookable online at vvww.gophila.com.

Sunoco Welcome America! is a multi-day festival that celebrates America’s birthday in America’s birthplace and is produced by Welcome America, Inc.