The Roots set to rock the Parkway for Wawa's Welcome America celebration

Featured performers at this year's
July 4th Jam. From l-r, John Mayer
Ne-Yo, and Demi Lovato.

          The 4th Annual Wawa Welcome America celebration is set to take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway commemorating our nation's birthday this Thursday, July 4th. The festivities kicked off yesterday and continues through the end of the week, with free film screenings, concerts, exhibits, food festivals and more happening in and around the Philadelphia area. The week is highlighted, but does not conclude, with the Party on the Parkway and the 4th of July Jam and fireworks display.
          The Ben Franklin Parkway plays host to live entertainment, interactive activities, games, and food vendors from 12-7 P.M on Thursday, making way for the "Largest Free Concert In America"- the 4th of July Jam that night. Headlined by the Roots and hosted by comedian and Philly-native Kevin Hart, the band is joined by a stellar lineup of special guests including John Mayer, Demi Lovato, Jill Scott, Ne-Yo, Grace Potter, and J. Cole. The event is expected to draw close to 500,000 spectators, who will be treated to a fireworks display at the close of the concert. The week of free fun, activities and music is sure to be memorable- it will be my first time down at the Parkway for the holiday, and I hope to post a recap of the day's events by the end of the week. For more information on the events click here.

~TJM