Wawa Welcome America's main event is adding some bass to the musical lineup for the July 4th Concert and Fireworks in Philadelphia.
Adam Blackstone, a legend in the music business who has served as musical director for artists including Janet Jackson, Nicki Minaj and Justin Timberlake, will open up the free Wawa Welcome America Party on the Parkway concert featuring Demi Lovato and Ludacris, NBC10 exclusively announced Tuesday morning.
A New Jersey native -- he grew up in Willingboro -- who attended Philadelphia's University of the Arts, Blackstone began his music career as a session musician before he started touring the world. His website dubs him "The Man Behind the Music."
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Blackstone -- who recently released the "Legacy" album -- said he has attended many free July 4th concerts in Philly.
"To be a headliner for the first time as myself is so, so great," Blackstone told Philly Live's Aunyea Lachelle. "There's nothing like a good old July 4th BBQ, picnic and we're gonna make sure we bring that same energy out there on the parkway this year."
The multi-faceted bassist know something about playing in front of big crowds. He helped cultivate and curate the Super Bowl 54 Halftime Show featuring Jennifer Lopez and Shakira, according to his official biography. He has also worked on the Super Bowl Halftime shows for Rihanna, Dr. Dre/Snoop Dogg and Timberlake.
Blackstone also just took the stage at the 2023 Roots Picnic in Philadelphia.
"There's nothing like that and it happens to be here in Philadelphia with my brothers The Roots," Blackstone told Philly Live.
"On TV, radio or at a live concert at your favorite stadium, the Adam Blackstone sound has certainly permeated your eardrums," his official bio says.
Now you can hear it for yourself on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on July 4th.
