John Legend, Boyz II Men coming July Fourth

Declaring Philadelphia's Fourth of July "the premier event anywhere," Mayor Nutter announced yesterday that R&B artists John Legend and Philadelphia's Boyz II Men would be the top acts at the city's festivities.

"We plan to dazzle with a fine array of activities" for the Sunoco Welcome America Fourth of July festival, Nutter said at a news conference at the Independence Visitor Center. "Between June 28 and July 6, we will have concerts, fireworks, a parade and a tremendous amount of educational programming, and we're bringing back to Philadelphia just plain old fun."

Legend, a five-time Grammy-winning vocalist, a pianist, and a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania, is to perform the evening of July 4 in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Boyz II Men, who have sold more than 60 million records and received several Grammys, are scheduled to appear the evening of July 5 at the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing.

Fireworks are to follow both concerts.

Nutter said the festival showcased Philadelphia and brought about $100 million into the city.

"Millions of people come here . . . so we get a tremendous amount of benefit for spending virtually very little money," he said. "It brings a sense of partnership and relatedness among people."