June marks the 45th anniversary of Black Music Month in Philadelphia. Many black music legends got their start in Philadelphia, from Patti Labelle to Tierra Whack. Events and performances throughout June will honor Black musicians and culture.
Corinne Bailey Rae at Parx Casino
Corinne Bailey Rae released her first critically acclaimed soul album in 2006. This June, she is holding a Plum Red Lipstick tour to celebrate the release of her fourth studio album, “Black Rainbows.” The two-time Grammy Award winner is returning to North America in support of her album. She will appear at the Xcite Center, Parx Casino, on June 21st at 8 pm.
The British singer has enjoyed a low-key yet successful career composing music for movies and television. She has collaborated with well-known artists such as Paul McCartney and Mary J. Blige.
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie at the Wells Fargo Center
A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie is an American songwriter, singer, and rapper. He is sure to light up the stage on June 18th at the Wells Fargo Center with his charisma and catchy hooks. He made waves with his breakout hit “Still Think About You” which featured on his 2016 debut mixtape. He went on to release the 3x platinum “Drowning feat. Kodak Black.” “Jungle” and “Timeless” are two of his singles that went platinum. He was nominated for the 2018 BET Awards for “Best New Artist.” His album ‘Hoodie SZN’ spent two weeks as the number one album on the Billboard 200.
Janet Jackson at the Wells Fargo Center
Janet Jackson has had countless hits and given us some iconic music videos over the decades. You can see this veteran performer on stage on June 26th at the Wells Fargo Center. Her third album “Control” was her first hit album, selling 5 million copies in the U.S. alone. Her fifth album “Janet” was an even bigger success and sold 10 million copies in the U.S. The sixth album, “The Velvet Rope”, cemented her pop culture status. She is known for her elaborate stage shows, and Nelly will be her special guest on this occasion.
Juneteenth Parade & Festival
The Juneteenth Parade and Festival commemorates the date when the last slaves in Texas were freed. It will take place on Sunday, June 16th from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. More than 2,000 participants and over 24 floats parade down 52nd street in West Philadelphia with around 25,000 attendees watching. There is also an all-day marketplace in historic Malcolm X Park with over 250 vendors.
Wawa Welcome America
Wawa Welcome America is the largest Fourth of July celebration in America. It takes place from June 19th to July 4th, and you may want to travel to Pennsylvania just for this event that celebrates the founding of the nation. Free events take place across the city, including free admission to attractions and museums, live music events, etc. It all leads up to Independence Day. On this date, Kesha and NE-YO will play a free concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. After that, there will be fireworks display at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.
ODUNDE
The nation’s largest Black and African Cultural Fest will return from June 2nd to 9th. It fills the streets of Philadelphia’s Graduate Hospital neighborhood and takes place around a 15-block radius with the center at the intersection of 23rd and South Streets. The event starts at noon with a colorful procession from 23rd & South streets. R&B legend Drew Hill will perform on the main South Street stage at the end of the day.
The open-air festival is free to attend. Over 100 vendors and visitors from across the world come to take part. These include internationally recognized Caribbean and African performers as well as cultural leaders. You can enjoy good food with many vendors selling all kinds of Caribbean, African, and soul fairs.
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