Christina Aguilera and Will Smith are to headline a special concert marking America’s 250th anniversary.
On Thursday, officials announced that the six-hour free event, titled One Philly: Unity Concert For America, will be held at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia on 4 July.
Wanda Sykes has been tapped to host the spectacle.
In addition to Aguilera and Smith, the show will include appearances from The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air star’s hip-hop collaborator, DJ Jazzy Jeff, as well as the likes of Jill Scott, The Roots, Seal, State Property, Kathy Sledge, and Infinity Song.
“The free event is open to the public and will unite music fans from across the country for a multi-genre, multi-generational celebration of American music, democracy, culture, and community as the nation commemorates its 250th anniversary,” a representative praised.
Hosted by the City of Philadelphia, producers teased that the show will be the “largest free concert in America”.
The gig will culminate with a fireworks finale over the Philadelphia Museum of Art and skyline just before midnight.
“Our Fourth of July concert is a historic homecoming for many of our City’s brightest stars,” added 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!”
A number of festivities will take place over the next month to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the U.S. Declaration of Independence.
