Earth, Wind & Fire and The Roots to usher in Philadelphia’s 4th of July

Philadelphia’s July 4th festivities will be mixing hip hop and soul.

“Earth Wind and Fire in Philadelphia for the Fourth of July,” said Mayor Michael Nutter, announcing the marquee act for the July 4th party on the Parkway. Performer Michael McDonald will also be on the bill, all backed up by the Roots, a Philadelphia group that is currently the house band on Jimmy Fallon’s late night TV show. Roots drummer Ahmir ?uestlove Thompson says they want to make Welcome America a great music festival.

“One of our dreams has always been to curate a real music festival for Philly, so what Lallapalooza is for Chicago we really want to bring that idea to Philadelphia and curate a real music festival, this is only the beginning,” said Thompson.

City Representative Melanie Johnson says there will also be a special movie preview during the celebration: Transformers 3.

Though tied to July 4th, the festival starts on June 23rd with Nancy Wilson performing at the Dell Music Center .