THE ROOTS KICK OFF PHILLY’S BLACK MUSIC MONTH CELEBRATION

June Concerts Are Music To The Ears Of Those Looking For
A Harmonious Summer Weekend

PHILADELPHIA, May 7, 2009 – This June, Philadelphia will celebrate Black Music Month with events and shows featuring many genres of music, including jazz, hip hop, rap and more. Started in 1979 with the help of the city’s famed songwriter and record producer Kenny Gamble, Black Music Month in Philly kicks off on June 6 with the second annual Roots Picnic, an all-day concert that culminates with a performance by Philly’s famed hip-hop group turned Late Night with Jimmy Fallon house band, The Roots.

Black Music’s Philly Roots:

There would be no 1970s soul, no R&B, no disco, without Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. Their smooth, gospel-driven sound combined with sophisticated, precise musical arrangements and socially conscious lyrics paid off with 175 gold and platinum albums and 80 number one pop singles. Today, Gamble and Huff’s Philadelphia International Records maintains a catalogue of more than 3,000 recorded songs, which are often sampled by recording artists like Angie Stone, Nellie, Jay Z and others. What’s more, the city’s music scene continues to thrive thanks to artists like The Roots, Santigold, Jill Scott and Jazmine Sullivan who have made names for themselves not just in Philadelphia but nationally and internationally.

Black Music Month Happenings:

Saturday, June 6, 2009:

• The Roots Picnic – The pioneering—not to mention Grammy^® Award-winning—hip-hop band brings together artists from various genres to the Philadelphia waterfront for a day of music and fun. In its second year, the picnic includes all-star performances by Philadelphia’s own Santigold, Writtenhouse, Back to Basics, TV on the Radio, The Black Keys, Public Enemy and others. Tickets start at $47.50. Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 928-8801, delawareriverwaterfrontcorp.com

Sunday, June 14, 2009:

• Odunde African-American Festival Weekend – For 34 years, thousands of people have celebrated the arrival of the Yoruba New Year in Philadelphia. One of the city’s largest street fairs, Odunde features live music and dance performances, vendors from around the globe and palate-pleasing foods inspired by African and African-American cultures. Free. 23^rd & South Streets, (215) 732-8510, odundeinc.org

Friday, June 19-Sunday, June 21, 2009:

• West Oak Lane Jazz & Arts Festival – This popular three-day festival—now in its sixth year—features all types of jazz alongside visual artists, craft vendors and more. This year’s lineup features Billy Paul, Jeffrey Osbourne, WAR, Average White Band and two mystery performances by world-famous artists. Free. 7100-7400 blocks of

Ogontz Avenue, (877) WOL-JAZZ, westoaklanefestival.com

Musical Sunday Brunches:

• Warmdaddy’s – This Philadelphia institution celebrates the food, culture and music of the South. Radio personality CeCe McGhee, also known as “The Afternoon Angel of Praise,” hosts the Sunday Gospel Brunch, which showcases today’s hottest gospel performers and savory grub. 1400 Columbus Boulevard, (215) 462-2000, warmdaddys.com
• Relish – Relish serves up fine traditional and modern Southern cuisine and showcases the best in live jazz. The fantastic jazz brunch on Sunday provides an entertaining—and delicious—end to the weekend. 7152 Ogontz Avenue, (215) 276-0170, relishphiladelphia.com

Music All Year Long:

Philly’s music scene thrives not only during Black Music Month, but all year long. For those interested in checking out jazz any time of the year, there’s Ortlieb’s Jazzhaus and Chris’ Jazz Café, both hosting live performances nearly every night of the week. For outdoor concerts under the stars, music lovers can head to Penn’s Landing and The Mann Center for the
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