One of Philadelphia’s hardest working and most well-known groups celebrates the beginning of Summer again this year.
For six years now The Roots have been helping Philadelphia kick off their Summer along the Delaware river by bringing together a well-balanced lineup of hip-hop and indie acts, both young and old, to Festival Pier. Aside from headlining their own party every year, The Roots also lend themselves to many of the artists as the house band. This generous offer results in some special, unique, and one-time-only performances.
After expanding to 2 days last June, The Roots Picnic is back to just a single day this year. June 1st The Roots bring together another group of artists to make up for one of the most well-rounded lineups to date. It has a little something for everyone. From newcomers such as one of New York’s fastest growing talents Joey Bada$$ and producer turned rapper Hit-Boy, to legends like Naughty By Nature and DJ Premier, the hip hop portion of the festival is very deep. Others include the Seattle’s Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, who currently own the number #1 on Billboard’s Hot 100 list, and the man behind “All Gold Everything,” Trinidad Jame$.
Other than hip hop, the lineup includes a handful of artists that balance out the mix. Brooklyn’s soft yet incredibly powerful and emotional crooner How To Dress Well is scheduled to play, as is one of 2012’s breakout indie artists Grimes. Producer and champion of the MPC, Araabmuzik as well as the hip-hop infused jazz pianist Robert Glasper, will take the stage. Solange, who released an amazing EP with the help of Dev Hynes late last year, will be in attendance to show that her sister isn’t the only talented Knowles sister.
Headlining alongside The Roots this year is Gary Clark Jr. Heralded by many to be the next big thing in Blues, Clark recently put out his first major label album Blak and Blu last year. The record debuted at #6 on the Billboard 200 chart as well as #1 on the Blues chart.
Just as years past ?uestlove, Black Thought, and company have put together another not-to-be-missed day. While it might not be the biggest festival, the lineup is still impressive given its size.
Tickets are currently on sale now through Ticketmaster/Live Nation and are $39.50 (with a $12.50 added on for “ticketing fees.”) If you’re looking to save yourself some money, pick up your tickets at the box office of the TLA Theatre to get them free of service charges.
