The Roots Picnic lineup announcement is arguably second to this year’s Eagles’ matchup at the Super Bowl when it comes to anticipated excitement. On Monday, February 17th, Questlove, co-founder of The Roots Picnic, did his annual roll out to announce this year’s lineup. Soon thereafter, music lovers near and far started calling it a can’t miss weekend of performances.
Here are 3 reasons why I think Roots Picnic 2025 is the best lineup in years:
- SO! MUCH! PHILLY! SOUL!
Of course I’m biased! Philly Soul Now is devoted to supporting and promoting Philly’s soul music scene. Check out this lineup of Philly based artists performing at this year’s picnic: DJ Aktive, Meek Mill, Jermaine Dolly, Snacktime, Kur, Leeyuh Neptune (Rec Philly’s Road to Roots Winner), Adam Blackstone, DJ Diamond Kuts, Rich Medina and Cosmo Baker! Also Philly based are fan favorite events All You Can Sing and Philly Black Pride which will be bringing the day party vibes. We are so excited to see Philly represented in such a big way this year. - The Beautiful Diverse Display of Black Music
Lenny Kravitz on the same bill as Meek Mill, Jermaine Dolly, Glorilla, and CeCe Peniston? Go Go, Gospel and Doo Wop? Where else are you going to get all of that in one weekend? Also beautiful to see is the love given to up and coming artists like Elmiene and Laila!, future legends like Tems and legacy artists like Musiq Soulchild who is celebrating 25 years of his classic album AIJUSWANASEING. There really is something for every die hard music lover this year.
And last but certainly not least… - D’Angelo.
Do I even need to continue? When’s the last time anyone in the US saw D’Angelo do a full set live since Black Messiah dropped a little over 10 years ago? This is like catching the Northern Lights. You want to be in position for this.
The Roots Picnic takes place at The Mann in Fairmount Park from May 31-June 1, 2025. Tickets are on sale now through therootspicnic.com. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter and follow us at @phillysoulnow on social media to find out what other events are happening surrounding the picnic that weekend.