So i know its summer and everybody would love some cheap (free would be better) entertainment. Well thanks to Sunoco (I will never be thanking them for anything again thanks to gas prices, but lets keep it positive) Welcome America has a great schedule of things to do up to the Fourth of July and I belive they are mostly free. Check out the schedule below (I highlighted the events that look really cool to me in red!)
Saturday, June 28, 2008 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Go 4th & Learn
Kids play with musical instruments and learn how to scat jazz from Scat Cat at World Cafe Live. Every child participating will receive a gift bag with a book and other goodies. 3025 Walnut Street, (215) 222-1400 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Strongman Competition
Strong men and weight lifters from around the U.S. haul concrete cylinders, pull trucks and lift thousands of pounds as they compete for prizes. Phil Pfister, winner of the 2006 World's Strongest Man competition and the first American to hold that title since 1982, will be among the competitors. Eakins Oval at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway 6:00 p.m.
Saturday Night Alive
Clap and sing hallelujah with the Grammy-nominated Wilmington Mass Choir and the Sharon Baptist Church Mass Choir at Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. Then stick around for a showing of the comedy film First Sunday. Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 629-3200 9:00 p.m.
Philly @ the Movies –
Rocky Rocky is the perfect start to the Philly @ the Movies film series. Film-lovers can pack their own popcorn, pick a spot on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and cheer for Philly's favorite boxer. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway Sunday, June 29, 2008 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Go 4th & Learn
At Franklin Square, kids can romp around, play games and hear professional storytellers regale them with entertaining stories about America's past. Each child attending will receive a gift bag with a book and other goodies. Afterwards, parents can treat their youngsters to a ride on the carousel or a golf game on the 18-hole miniature golf course featuring pint-sized versions of some of the region's iconic landmarks. 6th & Race Streets, (215) 592-7273 2:00-6:00 p.m.
Strongman Competition
Strongmen and weight lifters from around the U.S. haul concrete cylinders, pull trucks and lift thousands of pounds as they compete for prizes. Phil Pfister, winner of the 2006 World's Strongest Man competition and the first American to hold that title since 1982, will be among the competitors. Eakins Oval at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway 9:00-11:00 p.m.
Philly @ the Movies –
Happy Feet The free movie series continues with dancing, singing and all-around happy penguins. With seating on the pier by the Battleship New Jersey and a backdrop of the Philadelphia skyline, this viewing is as family-friendly as it gets. 62 Battleship Place, Camden, NJ, (866) 877-6262
Monday, June 30, 2008 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Go 4th & Learn
Kids won't know what to do first at City Hall's Dilworth Plaza—climb inside the helicopter, talk with William Penn or paint the colorful monster mural. Every child participating will receive a gift bag with a book and other goodies. Market Street between 13th & 15th Streets, (215) 683-2200 9:00-11:00 p.m.
Philly @ the Movies
12 Monkeys With scenes shot in Philadelphia and Bruce Willis as the lead, this gripping futuristic science fiction thriller keeps viewers in suspense from the first frame to the last. Blankets, lawn chairs and snacks are welcome during this evening of nail-biting fun at City Hall's Dilworth Plaza. Market Street between 13th & 15th Streets, (215) 683-2200
Tuesday, July 1, 2008 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Go 4th & Learn
Storytellers give kids get the scoop on Ben Franklin while they enjoy the interactive movie What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin? at the Free Library of Philadelphia. Each child attending will receive a gift bag with a book and other goodies. Montgomery Auditorium, 1901 Vine Street, (215) 686-5322 9:00-11:00 p.m.
Philly @ the Movies –
The Shawshank Redemption Tim Robbins and Morgan Freeman co-star in one of the great prison break/buddy flicks of all time, showing for free at the Eastern State Penitentiary, which in its day had its own share of prison breaks. Cinema fans can bring lawn chairs, blankets and popcorn to nibble on while they root for the wrongfully imprisoned Robbins to make a clean escape. 22nd Street & Fairmount Avenue, (215) 236-5111
Wednesday, July 2, 2008 10:00 a.m.-12:00 noon
Go 4th & Learn
Kids explore the world of possibilities through storytelling, crafts and interactive performances at the Abbosford Community Center. Each child attending will receive a gift bag with a book and other goodies. 3226 McMichael Street, East Falls 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Philly @ the Movies
The Bucket List Morgan Freeman and Jack Nicholson gallivant around the globe, sharing crazy adventures as they live out their dreams. Seating is available at the Philadelphia Senior Center. 509 S. Broad Street, (215) 546-5879 3:00 p.m.
Cops and Kids:
Turning the Corner At the Police District Building, budding artists can help neighborhood youth and police officers from the 22nd and 23rd districts create a large-scale mural developed by Cesar Viveros that depicts the bond between police officers and the community. There will be music and entertainment throughout the afternoon. 17th Street & Montgomery Avenue 6:30-10:30 p.m.
Wednesday Night Out
Presented by the Philadelphia International Airport More than 15 talented Philly performers, including Philadelphia International Records artists Bunny Sigler, MFSB, Soul Survivors and others, will take to the four stages set up along the Avenue of the Arts and in The Kimmel Center to show why the city's arts scene is tops. Festival goers can also watch the creative process in action as artists set up their easels and create works of art on-site. Kids can get into the arts action with face-painting and other entertainment. Broad Street between Locust & Pine Streets
Thursday, July 3, 2008
11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.
Go 4th & Learn
Kids can time-travel through more than 300 years of Philadelphia history as a historian brings out artifacts and guides them along the world's largest map of the city at the Atwater Kent Museum. Each child who attends will receive a gift bag with a book and other goodies. 15 S. 7th Street, (215) 685-4836
2:00-8:30 p.m.
Fiesta on the Parkway
Dancing shoes are in order for a day of music, food, fun and dancing. Latin sensations DLG headline a show that also features N'Klabe and up-and-coming star Daniel Santa Cruz. Well-known local performers include Jimmy Jorge & the Latin Express, Carnival Yanga, El Danny, Bats N' Rome, El Himo Lola, Alo' Brasil and Dominic Martes. For the first time ever, the top professional dance teams of Atrium, La Luna, Fuego, Art in Motion and Bilongo Lodo Dancers will perform a colorful, hip-swaying Tribute to Salsa, while Taller Puertorriqueño entertains with colorful stiltwalkers, giant puppets and more. What's more, the NBA Nation Presented by T-Mobile and Kia Motors tour bus will roll into Philly with interactive games, videos of the 50 greatest NBA plays and other hands-on activities. Meet Latino baseball stars at the Fiesta de Jonron Tour, and be there for the Mas Domino activities. The Tribute to Salsa begins at 7:30 p.m. DLG performs at 7:50 p.m on the Gold Peak Iced Tea Stage.
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
8:00 p.m.
The Real Wedding of Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross
In real life, the city's well-known Benjamin Franklin (Ralph Archbold) and Betsy Ross (Linda Wilde) re-enactors fell in love and decided to get married. In a public ceremony with Independence Hall as a backdrop, Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter will officiate over the nuptials with the Grammy-winner Peter Nero and the Philly POPS providing the wedding march. The couple, attendants and several of their family and friends will don Colonial attire. Afterwards, while the couple enjoys a private wedding reception for their guests at historic City Tavern, the public can stay for the traditional POPS on Independence concert. Independence Mall, 5th & Chestnut Streets
8:30 p.m.
POPS on Independence
In what has become one of Sunoco Welcome America!'s most popular traditions, Grammy Award-winning Peter Nero and the Philly Pops will perform an evening of music in the shadows of Independence Hall. Guests can make a night of it with a picnic dinner, or they can arrive early for the first-come, first-served seats set up along Independence Mall to witness the wedding of Ralph Archbold and Linda Wilde, who are widely known for their portrayals of Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross.
Independence Mall, 5th & Chestnut Streets. From July 1-5, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will have extended hours for visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Additionally, no tickets will be required for entry into Independence Hall on July 4 and July 1, 2, 3 and 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
9:00-11:00 p.m. Philly @ the Movies –
Harry Potter & the Order of the Phoenix What's going on at Hogwarts? Lord Voldemort is plotting his return, his lackeys have infiltrated Hogwarts, and Harry, Hermione, Rupert and Dumbledore are in danger. Fans can bring snack and a blanket or lawn chairs and settle in for an evening of all-ages excitement at Northeast Philadelphia Airport. 9800 Ashton Road
Friday, July 4, 2008
10:00-11:00 a.m.
Independence Day Ceremony
Philadelphia's annual commemoration of American independence is bigger and better this year on Independence Mall. Among other program items, Mayor Michael A. Nutter will be on hand to acknowledge the achievements of the Best of the Class, graduating high school seniors who have earned recognition for their academic achievements and leadership. 5th & Chestnut Streets. From July 1-5, Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell Center will have extended hours for visitors from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Additionally, no tickets will be required for entry into Independence Hall on July 4 and July 1, 2, 3 and 5th from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
12:00 noon
Happy Birthday America!
Around here, it isn't a party until someone breaks out the Tastykakes. Visitors can feast on a cake made of 10,000 Tastykakes while they enjoy live entertainment, face-painting and other activities at the Independence Visitor Center. 6th & Market Streets, (215) 925-6101
12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Ice cream lovers can feast on as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they'd like at Penn's Landing. All it takes is a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund to indulge in ice cream from Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs, Edy's, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett's, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others. Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 629-3200
2:00 p.m.
Let Freedom Ring
At the Liberty Bell Center, descendents of those who signed the Declaration of Independence ceremonially tap the Liberty Bell, signaling the start of a nationwide bell-ringing. Between 5th & 6th Streets and between Market & Chestnut Streets
2:00-7:00 p.m.
Party on the Parkway
The action moves to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for an afternoon of music, entertainment and food. Kids can play free computer games or pop a few quarters into the arcade games. Radio stations will provide a soundtrack, and celebrants should arrive early to claim their spots for the Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade and Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert & Fireworks.
6:00-8:30 p.m.
Southwest Airlines July 4th Parade
Marching bands, dancers, patriotic figures and floats fill the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in grand Independence Day style, culminating with Broadway-style routines at the foot of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Everyone can enjoy the show thanks to giant video screens located at various points along the Parkway. The parade is divided into five segments: We Love Philadelphia – A City of Firsts; Love Where You Live; Love Where You Work; Love Where You Play; and Love How We Celebrate. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
8:30-11:00 p.m.
Sunoco Sweet Sounds of Liberty Concert & Fireworks
Five-time Grammy winner John Legend returns to Philly for an evening of smooth R&B followed by a colorful fireworks display above the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Philly's own Russell Tompkins, Jr. and the New Stylistics open the show on the Gold Peak Iced Tea stage with their sleek, smooth sounds and razor-sharp harmonies that made the world fall in love with Philly soul. Brilliant pyrotechnics by internationally acclaimed Zambelli Fireworks Internationale light the sky following the concert. Set to the theme The Melting Pot, USA, the show includes music from nations around the world and reflects the colors in each country's national flag. 26th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Saturday, July 5, 2008
10:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.
Journey to the Center of the Earth
Lucky contest winners can attend a pre-release screening of this classic's remake. On a special trip to Iceland, a scientist (Brendan Fraser) and his nephew get trapped in a cave. They soon discover that the only path to safety is through the center of Earth. Ticket contest sponsored by Metro, WMMR-FM, WBEN-FM and CBS 3. There will be two shows at The Bridge: Cinema de Lux Theatre, 230 S. 40th Street
11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Taste of Philadelphia
Hungry visitors can nosh their way through the weekend at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, sampling cuisine from some of the city's finest restaurants. Traditional picnic foods like burgers, corn on the cob and other Independence Day favorites round out the event. Food vendors will stay open throughout the concert. Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com
12:00 noon-9:00 p.m.
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Ice cream lovers can feast on as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they'd like at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. All it takes is a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund to indulge in ice cream from Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs, Edy's, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett's, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others. The ice cream pavilion will remain open throughout the concert. Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com
6:30-9:30 p.m.
Waterfront Concert & Festival
Philly's homegrown mega-stars Boyz II Men dazzle the crowds on the Pearle Vision stage with their slick dance moves and tight harmonies that sold more than 60 million records and made them the most successful R&B male recording group of all time. After the last notes fade at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, the skies over the Delaware River light up with a pyrotechnics display by the internationally acclaimed Zambelli Fireworks Internationale. The show's theme, Colors of Summer, includes summer music and the colors of a rainbow. Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street, (215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com
Sunday, July 6, 2008
11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Taste of Philadelphia
Hungry visitors can nosh their way through the weekend at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, sampling cuisine from some of the city's finest restaurants. Traditional picnic foods like burgers, corn on the cob and other Independence Day favorites round out the event. Food vendors will stay open throughout the concert. Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com
12:00 noon-6:00 p.m.
Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat Ice Cream Festival
Ice cream lovers can feast on as much of their favorite cold, creamy treat as they'd like at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing. All it takes is a $5 donation to the Joshua Kahan Fund to indulge in ice cream from Ben & Jerry's, Häagen-Dazs, Edy's, Breyers/Good Humor, Bassett's, Turkey Hill, Jack & Jill, Philadelphia Water Ice and others. The ice cream pavilion will remain open throughout the concert. Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Streets, (215) 629-3200, www.pennslandingcorp.com
Samantha Ronson dj'd and brought her girlfriend. I hear they were playing songs like Prince's "Kiss" and Bob Marley's "Could you be loved"....
Raheem Devaughn was there, Chrisette, Ne-Yo, Michelle Williams and even my lil homie Jurnee (in her new Sexy Look) lol
So if you were tuned in this past friday around 11:45 you heard an unfamiliar voice speaking about a very familiar situation. I invited Dr. Marc Lamont Hill (29 year old professor, Fox News political analyst, Philadelphia Metro news columnist and NORTH PHILLY native) to answer the question, "What the hell do I care about off shore oil drilling?" And boy did he answer that and more. Check HIM out
Just thought I would share this with the ladies...Im not as turned on as i thought i would be..You? I think its the face hes making
Alicia and her mommy hanging out in NYC last night! This pic takes me back to like 5 years ago when Alicia and her mom came to hang at the "Black Lily". That was a fun night! Alicia's moms knows how to paaarttttyyy lol
We went to our favortie resteraunt and had Lump Crab Reubens!! 
But the night before (more pics and video to come)....
Me, Renard and Sean McNabb. Thanks Sean!!! Another great year!!!
and I do...
