#Star-studded Roots Picnic goes virtual to feed your soul and spirit

Like most festivals, the Roots Picnic — Philadelphia’s annual party in the park thrown by “The Tonight Show” band — has been spoiled by the coronavirus concert kibosh.

But while the annual event won’t take over Fairmount Park in the City of Brotherly Love — the hometown of the Roots — the music and the message will carry on from the virtual stage on Saturday.

In fact, the lineup for the 13th Roots Picnic — which will stream on YouTube — is serving up a host of performances and celebrity appearances to feed your soul and spirit. Even former first lady Michelle Obama is getting in on the fun and fellowship, co-hosting the festivities with the Roots’ Questlove and Black Thought.

Among those firing up music on the grill will be SZA, H.E.R., Roddy Ricch, Lil Baby and, of course, the Roots themselves. Meanwhile, stars such as Kerry Washington, Janelle Monáe, Lin-Manuel Miranda and Tracee Ellis Ross will stop by to drop some nourishment.

This year’s Roots Picnic will partner with Obama’s When We All Vote organization to raise awareness of the importance of voter registration. There will be a call to action for viewers to register throughout the broadcast.

“Historically, Questlove and Black Thought have always been very active participants in the voting process,” said Shawn Gee, manager of the Roots and president of Live Nation Urban, one of the event’s executive producers. “Our goal is to aggressively impact change, and we’re going to have some fun while doing so.”