The Roots Picnic Music Festival concert is curated by the band The Roots. It is a celebration of music native to Philadelphia as well as music performed by friends of the group. Every year, the band also serves as backup to headlining performers or plays a few songs of its own whether they are some of its classics or newly released. In 2019, The Roots headlined the event to celebrate the 20th anniversary of its album, Things Fall Apart. Past performers have included Pharrell, Lil Wayne and Solange.

Celebrating the Musical Roots of Philadelphia

The Roots band was formed in Philadelphia, in 1987, by Tariq “Black Thought” Trotter and Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson. Both artists have had their good share of success within the music industry as a band and as solo artists. The band continues to be the house band for the The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon, for example. It created The Roots Picnic Music Festival in 2008 to celebrate local music, food and art as well as fashion while having conversations that impact society. It is an opportunity to enjoy the top talent in hip-hop and R&B in addition to other music genres. Local Philadelphia artists who are well-known in the area or who are just getting their start are showcased, too. Thanks to the success of the event’s first few years, the festival is now considered a reunion for attendees, artists and vendors that has a positive impact on the community. For many, it cannot be missed.