Despite storms, Mary J. Blige, fireworks light up Welcome America in Philly
Mary J. Blige, Mandy Gonzalez, and Boyz II Men performed as part of the Wawa Welcome America Festival on the 4th of July.
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Mary J. Blige headlines the Welcome America concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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The seated section of the audience enjoys the music during the Fourth of July concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Mandy Gonzalez performs with the Philly Pops during the Fourth of July concert at the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Members of the audience in the seated section enjoy the music during the Fourth of July concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Paula Abdul (center) introduces Boyz II Men during the Fourth of July concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Boyz II Men perform during the Welcome America concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Boyz II Men perform during the Welcome America concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Members of the audience in the seated section enjoy the music during the Fourth of July concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Audience members upend their folding chairs in an attempt to avoid the worst of a heavy downpour between sets at the Welcome America concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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A downpour between sets soaks audience members during the July Fourth concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Audience members wait out the rain during the Fourth of July concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Under the clearing skies, Mary J. Blige takes the stage at the Welcome America concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Mary J. Blige headlines the Fourth of July concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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Members of the audience in the seated section enjoy the music during the Fourth of July concert on the Parkway. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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The Wawa Welcome America July Fourth concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway closes with a fireworks display. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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The Wawa Welcome America July Fourth concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway closes with a fireworks display. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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The Wawa Welcome America July Fourth concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway closes with a fireworks display. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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The Wawa Welcome America July Fourth concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway closes with a fireworks display. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
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The Wawa Welcome America July Fourth concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway closes with a fireworks display. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)
A heavy downpour interrupted the July Fourth concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, threatening to cancel the performance of headliner Mary J. Blige.
But fans held on, many holding their folding chairs above their heads to protect themselves from the torrents. They were rewarded with Blige’s energetic performance and a spectacular display of fireworks from the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
Other performances included Boyz II Men and Mandy Gonzalez with the Philly Pops.
The concert and fireworks cap six days of free events in the Welcome America Festival sponsored by Wawa.
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