Wawa Welcome America brings culture, music, and community to The Dell

Philly Unites at The Dell for Black Music Month Celebration

Wawa Welcome America has become a signature celebration in Philadelphia, and this year’s June 29th event at The Dell Music Center delivered a full day of joy, culture, and togetherness. Hosted by Laila St. Clair and curated by Philly’s own Dyana Williams, the event was a vibrant celebration of Black Music Month—complete with live performances, community engagement, food, family fun, and unforgettable vibes.

Family Fun and Festivities From Start to Finish

The Dell Music Center was transformed into a cultural hub for the day. Therefore, offering something for every age group and interest. Roller skating, yoga, line dancing, food trucks, and local vendors made for a festival atmosphere that radiated summer energy.

DJ Aktive, one of Philly’s most respected DJs, controlled the soundscape with style and veteran energy. Whether hyping the crowd or blending classics and modern hits, his presence added a hometown vibe that kept the event flowing all day long.

The diverse lineup of activities reflected the city’s vibrant identity. “Greats on Shakes” showcased unique talent and athleticism. Meanwhile yoga led by Karen Taylor Bass brought a peaceful, grounding energy to the space. Line dancing lessons with Kenny Johnson got all generations moving, proving that music and motion truly unite communities.

Families strolled between food trucks serving up everything from soul food to vegan delights, while kids played games, made crafts, and took part in dance contests. The all-ages fun created a wholesome, energetic vibe that felt like a true celebration of the city’s unity and resilience.

Philly’s Own Freeway Ignites the Stage

When it comes to representing Philadelphia, Freeway never misses. Known as one of the city’s greatest ambassadors, he opened the musical portion of the day with pure fire. Freeway knows how to turn a crowd up, and his performance reminded everyone why he’s still so beloved in the city that raised him.

From State Property classics to solo heat, Freeway’s set was heavy on nostalgia and full of hometown pride. The moment “Roc The Mic” dropped, the crowd lost it. Easily one of the most iconic Philly rap anthems of all time, the track set the tone. And of course, no Freeway show is complete without “What We Do”—a timeless banger that Philly holds close.

Freeway’s ability to command the stage after all these years speaks volumes about his legacy. His presence at city events is a given, but he never phones it in. At The Dell, he showed once again why he’s a staple of Philly music culture.

Kindred the Family Soul Brings Neo-Soul Magic

The show continued with a deeply soulful performance from Kindred the Family Soul, a duo that has long embodied the spirit of Philly’s Neo-Soul movement. Signed to the legendary Hidden Beach Recordings, Kindred’s unique chemistry and genuine artistry shined through on every track.

They performed a mix of fan favorites, but the moment “Far Away” rang through the venue, the crowd hit another level. It was a moment of unity, with fans singing every lyric:

Far away from here / Far away from here / Just jump in a taxi cab, pack our bags and get away fast.

The live instrumentation, authentic vocals, and shared emotion made this performance one of the most touching parts of the evening. In the middle of the city, Kindred helped us all escape—if only for a few minutes.

Musiq Soulchild Headlines With a Timeless Set

Closing out the day was Philly legend Musiq Soulchild, who brought nothing short of a headline-worthy performance. As one of the pioneers of the Neo-Soul era, Musiq’s music resonates across generations, and he pulled out all the stops for his hometown crowd.

Hits like “Halfcrazy,” “Love,” “Just Friends (Sunny),” and “Don’t Change” hit with full emotional weight, sung word-for-word by the audience. Watching Musiq in full form, with smooth vocals and effortless stage command, was a reminder of just how deep his catalog runs—and how well it holds up.

His blend of smooth, heartfelt lyrics and soulful delivery felt tailor-made for The Dell’s open-air setup. The warm summer night became even more meaningful with each record. As the city skyline glowed in the background, fans swayed, danced, and reminisced to the sounds of a Philly original.

Musiq also took time to reflect between songs, giving Philly its flowers and expressing gratitude for the continued support. It’s that genuine connection that makes his performances feel less like concerts and more like heartfelt reunions.

An Event That Showed Philly At Its Best

This Wawa Welcome America event was more than a concert. It was a celebration of culture, community, and connection. From the thoughtful curation by Dyana Williams to the diversity of activities and talent, the day offered something for everyone—while still keeping the spotlight on Black music and artistry.

The Dell Music Center proved once again why it’s one of the city’s most beloved venues. Easy to navigate, filled with smiling faces, and supported by flawless organization, it was a perfect backdrop for this type of event. Vendors showcased local businesses, families danced together, and generations connected over music.

You could feel the spirit of unity in the air, from the seniors dancing to old-school soul to young kids singing along to the hits their parents grew up on. The intergenerational joy was a reminder that music has the power to transcend time and bring people together.

Final Thoughts: A Win for the City of Brotherly Love

Philly showed out, and Wawa Welcome America delivered. This wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. A moment that reminded everyone of what makes the city great: the people, the culture, the pride, and the music.

Whether you were roller skating with your kids, grabbing something from a food truck, or vibing out to Musiq Soulchild under the summer sky, one thing was clear—this day was unforgettable. Wawa Welcome America created memories that will last long after the music faded.

Salute to the city, the artists, and the community that made this event more than worth the visit. This is how you celebrate summer in Philadelphia.