It's confirmed: Roots to join July 4 fest

Mayor Nutter and organizers of the Welcome America! festival have confirmed that hip-hop band The Roots will join the bill at the July 4 concert on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The Daily News first reported the addition on Monday.

City Representative Melanie Johnson, who oversees the festival, said at a news conference yesterday that the hometown favorites, whose new album, "How I Got Over," debuts this month, will share the stage with Grammy-nominated R&B and soul singer Chrisette Michele and jazz-and-funk artist Chuck Brown.

The Roots, Brown and Michele open for headliners the Goo Goo Dolls in what Johnson called the "largest free concert in America."

Johnson also promoted the Patriot Pass, a discount program that provides 10 percent to 20 percent off food, clothing and more at 150 participating restaurants, retailers and attractions during the 11-day, Wawa-sponsored festival, which begins June 25.

To download the pass for free, to find a list of places that will accept it and for more information, go to www.welcomeamerica.com. The pass is also available at local Wawa stores.