PHILADELPHIA, June 26, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- Celebrate America's birthday in America's birthplace at The Sound of Philadelphia concert at The Great Plaza at Penn's Landing on Saturday, July 5th at 7 pm featuring a tribute to Philadelphia's legendary hit-makers, Mr. Kenny Gamble and Mr. Leon Huff of Philadelphia International Records.
Mr. Kenny Gamble and Mr. Leon Huff will be in attendance to receive a special commendation from Mayor John F. Street who will honor them for their contributions to music and the City of Philadelphia.
"Known throughout the world as the birthplace of America, Philadelphia is also the proud birthplace of the 'The Sound of Philadelphia,' which sold millions of records, made superstars of artists and placed Philadelphia on the map as a musical mecca," said Mayor John F. Street. "The Sound of Philadelphia concert will pay tribute to this musical lineage and two of the men who showcased to the world the tremendous musical talent found in our great city. "
Concertgoers will enjoy performances by some of Philadelphia's finest artists including McFadden & Whitehead, Jean Carne, Bunny Sigler, Damon Williams, Grace Little and Dexter Wansel. As an added bonus, the winner from the Sunoco Welcome America! "It's a Wrap!" contest will also present their winning performance.
Philadelphia International Records was started by Gamble and Huff and is credited for some of the best music to come out of Philadelphia including songs like "Me & Mrs. Jones," "Love Train," "Family Reunion" and more. They have worked with a variety of Philadelphia artists including Patti LaBelle, Teddy Pendergrass and countless other musicians.
For their work, Gamble and Huff have received both national and local recognition in honor of their songwriting and producing talents including induction into the National Academy of Songwriter's Hall of Fame, receiving the Trustee Award from the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, and inclusion in the Philadelphia Music Foundation's Walk of Fame.
The Sound of Philadelphia concert begins at 7:00 pm and concludes with the Two Cities/Two States Fireworks Extravaganza. The concert will take place at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing located at Columbus Boulevard and Chestnut Street. For directions, log onto www.pennslandingcorp.com
For a detailed listing of dates, times and locations of Sunoco Welcome America! Festival events, log onto www.americasbirthday.com or call 800-537-7676.
The 2003 Sunoco Welcome America! Festival, occurring June 28-July 6, is produced by Welcome America, Inc., a non-profit organization with a mission to celebrate America's birthday in its birthplace, Philadelphia. The Festival attracts more than three million people each year through its variety of free events created to encourage civic pride, promote the City of Philadelphia and enhance the quality of life for residents of the region. For more information call 215-683-2200 or log onto www.americasbirthday.com
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at: http://media.primezone.com/prs/single/?pkgid=349