Philadelphia natives The Roots are bringing their annual Roots Picnic concerts to their home away from home this weekend. WFUV DJ Eric Holland has a preview in this Sound Advice report.
It’s a great time to be a fan of The Roots. After playing the Lowdown Hudson Music Festival in July, they will be anchoring the first ever Roots Picnic in New York this weekend.
“We’ve always felt like this is kind of our second home," said Tariq "Black Thought" Trotter of The Roots. "You know, it’s a sister city to the city of Philadelphia. We’re honorary New Yorkers. Seven years and some change between 'Late Night' and 'The Tonight Show.' I mean, this has been a few years in the works but we felt like it was a part of the natural progression to bring this festival to what we call home now."
The Picnic was established in Philly almost a decade ago. It's remarkable for The Roots members lovingly curating the music and sharing the stage with many of the musicians they invite.
“It took us about 10 years or so but we’re finally able to have The Roots Picnic at a place where there’s grass, a lawn, where there’s grass on the ground," Trotter says.
The Roots Picnic here at Bryant Park stars The Roots, D’Angelo, and John Mayer on Saturday, while Sunday is billed as a love letter to New York. Wu-Tang Clan, Nile Rodgers and David Byrne will all backed by The Roots.