On Wednesday, July 2, a vibrant display of celebration, Red, White, & Blue To-Do will bring together museums, historic sites, and local businesses in America’s most historic square mile to honor our nation’s founding. This monumental occasion promises to be a memorable experience for all, featuring the Red, White, & Blue To-Do Pomp & Parade, festooned decor, concerts, games, extended visitation hours at area historic attractions, restaurant specials, and much more.
The Philadelphia Historic District will come to life with a carefully curated lineup of musical street performances in eight locations on the afternoon of July 2 between 2 and 6 pm.
Elfreth’s Alley will host three musical guests in our back garden. This event is FREE and there will be a cash bar with refreshments available.
Elfreth’s Alley Musical Performances:
Amadou Kouyate
Manding griot
3:15 - 4:00pm, Elfreth’s Alley
Amadou Kouyate is a master musician and oral historian, continuing a 150-generation legacy of Manding Diali from West Africa. Born in Washington, D.C., he performs on the 21-string kora and traditional drums like the djembe and koutiro, blending ancient songs with contemporary jazz and blues influences. His performances have graced stages from The Kennedy Center to Carnegie Hall, and he has collaborated with groups such as Sweet Honey in the Rock and the National Symphony Orchestra. As an educator, Kouyate has served as an artist-in-residence at institutions including the University of Maryland and UMBC, sharing the rich traditions of West African music and storytelling with students and audiences alike.
The Misfortunes
Irish music
4:15 - 5:00pm, Elfreth’s Alley
Hailing from the heart of Philadelphia’s vibrant Irish music scene, The Misfortunes bring the raw energy and rich tradition of Irish folk music to life. This trio—Patrick Carroll (Uilleann pipes, whistles), Steve Stanislaw (banjo, fiddle, vocals), and Tim Buchanan (guitar, mandolin)—first crossed paths at local trad sessions, where their shared love for the tunes naturally evolved into a band.
Patrick and Steve have been playing together for years, weaving intricate melodies and driving rhythms that capture the soul of Irish music. With Tim recently joining the fold, The Misfortunes have found a fresh dynamic, blending tight instrumentation with the spontaneity and storytelling at the heart of the tradition.
Dolphin and LaPrelle
Appalachian Ballads and Songs
5:15 - 6:00pm, Elfreth’s Alley
Elizabeth LaPrelle and Brian Dolphin are a married duo who share a love of bright vocal harmonies, eerie traditional songs, and heartfelt originals. Elizabeth is a world-renowned ballad singer and scholar from rural Virginia and Brian is a songwriter, producer, and ethnomusicologist who has studied folk music all over the world.
To learn more about Red, White, & Blue To-Do events and other musical performances, visit https://www.phlvisitorcenter.com/red-white-blue-to-do-philadelphia-pa.