Adam Blackstone’s got so many awards and accolades that he could easily “go Hollywood.” His bonafides include Musical Director for the Superbowl LVII Halftime show starring Rihanna, Rihanna’s 2023 Academy Awards performance, and a 2022 Emmy for Pepsi Superbowl LVI Haftime Show (the epic one with Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Mary J. Blige, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, and 50 Cent). But the native son of Philly is returning home for the final leg of his “Legacy Experience” at the Roots Picnic from June 3-4th.
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Adam Blackstone has been the man behind the success of the biggest artists, bringing their visions to the stage with expert choreography of the songs, sounds, and rhythms of their live musical performances. Now, the musical director turned artist, who released his LEGACY album in 2022, is ending a whirlwind run of his Legacy Experience Tour this weekend at The Roots Picnic in Philadelphia.
It was at the University of the Arts in Philadelphia where he honed his skills. However, returning to Philadelphia is no easy task for the NAACP Image Award winner.
“I can sing and play to a stranger, but when my mom is there,” Blackstone said with an anxious smile.
The musical genius explains that while the City of Brotherly Love may not be his place of origin it plays an integral part in his success and he has plenty of family and friends in the area.
Blackstone says the pressure is on, “They make me nervous. I’m not going to front. I want to impress the people I love.”
He goes on to interpret the sentiment stating, “It means that I care, so I am okay with that (nerves).”
The audience is just one place for familiar faces for the artist. He will be joined onstage by Mary Mary to perform, Biggest, Greatest Thing, a song off of Legacy.
The tour kicked off just 4 months ago on February 2nd. During the time Blackstone attended multiple award ceremonies including the Emmys and put in overtime hours as a co-music director for the Super-Bowl Halftime performance. One would think the music director would be taking time to himself as the tour comes to an end, but that is not the case.
Blackstone let out a gasp and shares his upcoming roster of appearances, “I have some great things in store after Roots Picnic. I have the CNN Juneteenth Special, the BET Awards, July 4th in Philly… we going up.”
Besides catching Adam Blackstone at The Roots Picnic, festival-loving fans have more in store this summer at EssenceFest in July and Governor’s Ball in June amongst a plethora of outdoor music events nationwide.
