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The Roots Celebrate Independence Day With Pre-Party At The Piazza

By Hadas Kuznits

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The Roots are celebrating Independence Day early with a pre-party at the Piazza in Northern Liberties.

Brandon Pankey, one of the organizers of the first The City event, says the party at the Piazza was the brainchild of The Roots, who wanted to host a pre-party to the big 4th of July Jam on the Parkway.

"Musical acts, we have about 11. Vendors, we have probably 17, and then we also have 7-8 food trucks here as well," Pankey explains.

Pankey also says this event is free, and they plan to make it an annual party.

"We wanted a family fun event the day before July 4th's large, massive event on the Parkway. We wanted something more intimate, and something that represented the City of Philadelphia, so we wanted something called 'The City,' where we could bring out vendors, and bring out food trucks from around the city to give it that Philly feel. And we wanted to bring out local acts who could perform, and who are on the verge of being the next great acts," Pankey says.

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