America’s 250th anniversary celebrations this summer may carry mixed emotions, but Christina Aguilera, Will Smith, DJ Jazzy Jeff, The Roots, Jill Scott, Seal, State Property, Kathy Sledge, Infinity Song, and several additional special guests are set to honor both the occasion and Philadelphia’s historic role as the birthplace of the nation during “One Philly: Unity Concert For America.”
The six-hour live concert will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on Saturday, July 4, with Wanda Sykes serving as host. The event will be free and open to the public.
“Our Fourth of July concert is a historic homecoming for many of our city’s brightest stars,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “By uniting the vision of our mayor’s office and so many other city leaders, the global broadcast and production of Scott Mirkin, and the unmatched musical legacy of the Roots and Live Nation Urban, the ‘One Philly: Unity Concert For America’ will celebrate the soul of Philadelphia and the spirit of our nation on a truly global scale. There is no place to be other than Philly on July 4th!”
The event is being hosted by the City of Philadelphia and produced by ESM Productions, with Scott Mirkin, Shawn Gee, and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson of The Roots serving as executive producers. Organizers expect “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” to become the largest free concert in the United States, ending with a fireworks spectacular over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the city skyline shortly before midnight.
“The concert is designed as a nonpartisan celebration of unity, diversity, and democracy — bringing together voices, perspectives, and performances that reflect the richness of the American experience across generations and genres,” the official announcement stated.
“Over the years, we’ve had the opportunity to produce some of the biggest live events in the world, and every experience has prepared us for a moment like this,” said ESM founder Scott Mirkin. “To help create a celebration for America’s 250th anniversary — in Philly, where the country’s story began — is an incredible honor. Our goal is to deliver a production experience that feels both global in scale and deeply rooted in the spirit of Philly. From the live broadcast to the performances on the Parkway, we’re building something that we hope audiences in the city and around the world will never forget.”
Event Schedule
3:00 PM — Gates Open
5:00 PM – 11:45 PM — Main Concert Event
11:45 PM — Fireworks Finale over the Philadelphia Museum of Art & Skyline