Wyclef Jean, Fat Joe, and Funk Flex | Contributed Photos
JERSEY CITY, NJ — One of the region’s most anticipated Fourth of July annual celebrations is ready to take off with a blast in Jersey City for an unforgettable day of family, music, and community spirit. Jersey City Night Market will host popular food vendors and family activities along the Hudson River waterfront for the fourth consecutive year.
This year’s free concert will feature Grammy winner Wyclef Jean, a Haitian rapper, musician, and singer who emigrated to the U.S. at nine. He will be up on stage at 8 p.m., preceded by Fat Joe, an American rapper of Latino descent from the South Bronx, at 7 p.m. Funk Flex, an American DJ, record producer, and host on New York City’s Hot 97 radio station, will return to DJ at 6 p.m.
Beginning at 9:25 p.m., the legendary Fireworks by Grucci will light up the sky over the Hudson River to conclude the celebration.
Mayor Steven M. Fulop takes the Jersey City Fourth of July Festival and Fireworks to a new level of community experience each year. “Fat Joe, Funk Flex, and Wyclef Jean are music legends in their own right,” he said. 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.”
Local talents will perform the front act before the main performances to warm up and excite 100,000 residents and visitors from all over the tri-state area.
The grand finale will be Jersey City’s fireworks, conducted by Guinness World Record holder Fireworks by Grucci. The fireworks will launch from two barges 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.
Fireworks by Grucci is a sixth-generation, family-owned and operated fireworks company with a prominent reputation. It has performed at eight U.S. Presidential Inaugurations, the Olympic Games, and the World’s Fair. Grucci also earned the Guinness World Record for the “largest fireworks display” ever recorded.
“We are incredibly proud to promote Jersey City artists who will get the unique chance to share the stage with such renowned musicians,” added Christine Goodman, Director of Jersey 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 Fulop administration collaborated with the Exchange Place Alliance, MMFB Productions, and Jersey City Night Market to put together this annual event, which allows a diverse community to experience a day of music, patriotism, and spectacular fireworks. The event also includes an incredible taste of a variety of food choices, from Filipino BBQ to brick-oven pizza to desserts like hand-crafted macaroons and chocolate-covered bacon.
As in the past, 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. Anyone attending the event is strongly encouraged to arrive by foot, bike, or public transportation, as parking will be minimal. The city’s July 4thNJ.com website provides more information on the event, transportation, directions, and what to bring.
