No plans to reschedule Kirk Franklin’s canceled concert, Wawa officials say
The iconic gospel artist says he’s disappointed by the cancelation due to inclement weather but promised to return to his Philadelphia fans soon.
Before gospel singer Kirk Franklin could take the stage at Sunday’s “Gospel on Independence” concert, the show was canceled due to severe weather.
The concert, scheduled for 7 p.m., at Independence Mall was initially postponed because of lightning and thunder detected in the area.
Wawa Welcome America officials, who organized the concert, said there were plans to restart the show, but it was ultimately canceled due to inclement weather.
There are currently no plans to reschedule Franklin’s show.
Franklin, however, found a way to greet fans as he briefly stood on top of an SUV as the crowd exited Independence Mall.
A downpour started shortly after his departure.
In a video posted on his Instagram page, Franklin explained his intention to put on an “incredible concert” in Philly. “I was really excited about it,” he said in a video with the caption, “I need the weather to repent! LOL! 😂❤️🙏🏽."
“People were really disappointed,” he wrote. “But I need you to know that I’m more disappointed because I was really, really, really ready to go. I love Philadelphia. I’ll get back, man. I can’t let Philly down like that.”
Fans, who stood for hours awaiting Franklin’s arrival, also shared his disappointment.
“My feet still hurting from standing out there waiting,” one fan commented under Franklin’s Instagram post.
Not all of Franklin’s interactions with fans on Sunday were as jovial.
In a now-viral social media video, Franklin is seen arguing with an attendee, who urged the singer to “repent” for his sins. Otherwise, he and his wife, Tammy Franklin, are “going to go to hell,” the attendee threatened.
Franklin attempted to confront the unidentified man, but was held back by several security guards.
The man was eventually escorted out of the venue by law enforcement officers.
Before the show’s cancelation, fans enjoyed the opening performances and food vendors at Sunday’s event at the Independence Mall, which was a part of this week’s lineup of Wawa Welcome America Festival events and concerts.
The festival’s celebration of the nation’s 250th birthday will continue with Tuesday’s Philadelphia Orchestra’s Pride concert, Thursday’s “Salute to Service” concert, and Friday’s Pops on Independence concert.
On July 4 “One Philly: Unity Concert for America” will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Featuring Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott, the Roots, and other big-name performers, that show is not a part of Wawa Welcome America but counts Wawa among its sponsors.
For more information, visit july4thphilly.com.
