Philadelphia Celebrates Independence Day With The Roots, Chrisette Michele, Goo Goo Dolls, Philadelphia Orchestra & Philly Pops

Note for note, there is no place like Philadelphia over the Fourth of July weekend. While music fans will enjoy three consecutive nights of free outdoor concerts featuring top-name talent, fireworks aficionados will be dazzled by two back-to-back nights of dazzling pyrotechnics. It all adds up to one easy-on-the-wallet Wawa Welcome America Fourth of July weekend.

To catch every song and every sparkle, visitors can book affordable overnight packages at visitphilly.com. Here's a look at the weekend's playlist:

-- In what has become a favorite annual event, Peter Nero and the Philly Pops return to Independence Mall to kick off the long weekend with a free, lively concert. In the shadows of Independence Hall, crowds enjoy picnic dinners along with the showmanship of the Grammy® Award-winning artist. Thomas Jefferson himself will make an appearance to read the stirring words he penned 234 years ago. July 2, 8:30 p.m. Independence Mall between 5th & 6th Streets and Market & Chestnut Streets, (215) 409-6600, constitutioncenter.org.

-- On Saturday, the music moves to the waterfront when Wachovia, A Wells Fargo Company, presents the Philadelphia Orchestra Free Neighborhood Concert at Penn's Landing. The show will feature the world-famous orchestra in an alfresco performance, along with a special appearance by an unusual guest conductor, the Phillie Phanatic. Once the last notes have faded, all eyes on both the Camden and Philadelphia sides of the Delaware River will focus on the skies for a dazzling fireworks display with the theme Heat. Attendees who guess the correct number of heat-related references in the soundtrack will win seats to the Fourth of July concert and fireworks. July 3, 8:00 p.m. Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 928-8801, delawareriverevents.com

-- The Roots bring their funky hip-hop riffs to their hometown for the second Fourth of July in a row, while the Goo Goo Dolls hit the stage with their alt-rock hits. Chrisette Michele and Chuck Brown also lend their stylings to the festivities. Then, it's a mega-fireworks tribute to The Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave. July 4, 8:00 p.m. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. (215) 683-2200, welcomeamerica.com

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