Updated
Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jul 4
Christina Aguilera, Will Smith Headline 5 p.m. Philly July 4 Unity Concert
Updated
Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jul 4

Christina Aguilera, Will Smith Headline 5 p.m. Philly July 4 Unity Concert

3 articles · Updated · NBC Philadelphia · Jul 4

Summary

  • Philadelphia’s free “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” began at 5 p.m. ET on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, with Christina Aguilera, Meek Mill, Jill Scott and the Roots leading the July 4 lineup.
  • Gates, scheduled to open at 3 p.m., did not open until about 4 p.m., but the city said Friday the rain-or-shine event would proceed as planned.
  • Will Smith and DJ Jazzy Jeff appeared as special guests with the Roots, while Wanda Sykes hosted and local figures including Gillie Da King and Wallo 267 were also set to appear.
  • An 11:30 p.m. fireworks display over the parkway is scheduled to follow the concert, extending Philadelphia’s Independence Day celebration late into the night.

Insights

Can Philly's 250th anniversary show rival the legendary 1.5 million-person Live 8 concert held on the same grounds?
What is the true cost of staging the largest concert in America for its 250th anniversary celebration?
How will a 700-person crew protect 50,000 fans from a 100-degree heatwave at today's massive concert?