This weekend an all-star line-up is slated to perform a free show.
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The 13th annual “Roots Picnic," which under normal circumstances would have attracted 40,000 fans to the Mann Center at Fairmount Park in Philadelphia, is going digital, and the line-up is epic.
The speakers include Michelle Obama, Janelle Monáe, Tracee Ellis Ross, Kerry Washington, Tom Hanks, Liza Koshy, Chris Paul, Elaine Welteroth, Lin-Manual Miranda, Deon Cole, Coach K, Wallo267 and Ghetto Gastro.
Popular hip-hop, R&B and gospel artists that will perform include The Roots, H.E.R, Lil Baby, Roddy Ricch, SZA, Kirk Franklin, Snoh Aalegra, D-Nice, Polo G, G Herbo, Musiq Soulchild and Earth Gang.
The virtual event is partnering with Obama's nonprofit, “When We All Vote,” with the goal of getting listeners and viewers signed up to vote. It will stream on The Roots’ YouTube channel on June 27 at 8 p.m. EST. Obama, Questlove and Black Thought will host the event that has a goal of reaching 500,000 eligible voters.
Contact this contributing writer at alexis.e.larsen@hotmail.com.
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