Three-time Grammy Award winner Wyclef Jean will headline Jersey City’s annual Fourth of July celebration next month on the city’s waterfront.
The entertainment lineup for the event also includes Fat Joe and DJ Funk Flex, Mayor Steve Fulop, the Office of Cultural Affairs and the Exchange Place Alliance announced Wednesday.
“Fat Joe, Funk Flex, and Wyclef Jean are music legends in their own right, and their performances will further elevate our Fourth of July festivities for an unforgettable day of family fun, music, and community spirit as we celebrate our nation’s independence,” Fulop said.
The celebration of America’s independence will also feature firework by Grucci, beginning at 9:25 p.m., officials said. Visitors will also be treated to the annual Macy’s fireworks display, which will be held in the Hudson River for the first time in 10 years.
“We are incredibly proud to promote Jersey City artists who will get the unique chance to share the stage with such renowned musicians,” said Christine Goodman, director of the city’s Office of Cultural Affairs. “After a day of good music, family fun, and lots of great food, Wyclef Jean’s performance and Grucci fireworks will undoubtedly be the main highlights, offering our community and visitors an unforgettable experience as we come together to celebrate our nation’s independence.”
The day-long celebration starts at noon with food vendors, family activities, and much more hosted by Jersey City Night Market along the Hudson River waterfront. The vendors will line Montgomery Street.
“The city’s support of small, local businesses is tremendous, and it is an honor to represent our city and its diversity,” said Alysis Vasquez, owner MMFB Productions and Jersey City Night Market. “Guests can expect incredible food ranging from Filipino BBQ to brick oven pizza to desserts like handcrafted macarons and chocolate-covered bacon.”
Funk Flex will take the stage at 6 p.m., followed by Fat Joe at7 p.m. and Jean, founding and guiding member of the Fugees, at 8 p.m. Local talent from Jersey City will take the concert stage ahead of the main performances to excite the crowds of 100,000 residents and visitors from all over the tri-state area.
The fireworks will be launched from two barges located in the middle of the Hudson River with a large viewing area along the waterfront. Spectators can watch the fireworks show along the Hudson River Walkway, from Grundy Pier to the Colgate Clock.
“The Exchange Place Alliance is proud to help host an event that brings together Jersey City’s diverse community for an unforgettable day of music, patriotism, and spectacular fireworks,” Exchange Place Alliance officials said.
More information can be located onthe city’s website at July4thNJ.com. Attendees are strongly encouraged to arrive by foot, bike, or public transportation, as parking will be extremely limited. Roads surrounding Montgomery Street along the waterfront will be closed for the duration of the event. Bike JC will also host a free bicycle valet at Exchange Place.
