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| Independence Day in Philadelphia The 14th annual Sunoco Welcome America! Festival will take place from June 27th to July 4th, producing the biggest, most exciting birthday party in the nation. This year the Sunoco Welcome America! Festival has a new executive director, Clifton Davis -- celebrated actor, singer and event producer. "This is a wonderful opportunity to build on the great work that has made Sunoco Welcome America! one of the world's biggest outdoor festivals, attracting nearly a million people, " Davis said. "Being in Philadelphia on July Fourth is like being in New York on New Year's Eve. After 14 years, Sunoco Welcome America! and the City of Philadelphia are poised to add even more flavor, more fun and more entertainment in 2006." The highlight of the weeklong summer event is the July 4th Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert and Fireworks, featuring R&B powerhouse Lionel Richie, a five time Grammy award winner (All Night Long, Truly, Hello, Endless Love). Ritchie is a former member of the classic R & B group, The Commodores ("Easy like Sunday Morning") and has sold nearly 100 million albums. He will be joined in concert by Fantasia Barrino (winner of the 2004 American Idol competition) and the Philly POPS. An inspirational concert on July 2nd spotlights the legendary Shirley Caesar and contemporary gospel chanteuse Dottie Peoples. Caesar holds numerous Grammy and is known as the First Lady of Gospel. On July 3rd, Latin music lovers will be dancing in the streets to the rhythms of Puerto Rico and Brazil starring salsa institution El Gran Combo and Brazilian percussionist Xande Cruz. Bringing back old favorites, revelers will be again be treated to the sounds of cool jazz at Arts on the Avenue; stirring renditions from Opera on the Square; Philadelphia's own Peter Nero and the Philly POPS; and Kid's Day. The Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade will be a crowd pleaser again this year with nearly 100 participating groups and featuring members of the world famous Cirque du Soleil. The festival includes three nights of fireworks. "The Sunoco Welcome America! Festival has been an important part of Philadelphia's Fourth of July celebrations for many years, " said Mayor John F. Street. "Under the new leadership of Clifton Davis, I am confident this year's festival will attract a multitude of people, offer world class entertainment and boost our City's and region's economy while celebrating the freedoms and liberties that make our nation great." write your comments about the article :: © 2006 Jazz News :: home page |