Roots Picnic Coming To New York City With David Byrne, John Mayer & More

After nine installments in Philadelphia The Roots are expanding their the Roots Picnic festival to New York City. Today, Billboard announced the lineup for the inaugural NYC Roots Picnic which will be held October 1 and 2 in Manhattan’s Bryant Park.

The first night will conclude with a set combining the talents of The Roots with D’Angelo and John Mayer, while the second night which has been dubbed “A Love Letter To New York” will find The Roots backing Wu-Tang Clan, David Byrne and Nile Rodgers. Other acts on the bill include X Ambassadors, Trombone Shorty & Orleans Avenue, Swizz Beaths, Kevin Gates, Jeremih, Stretch & Bobbito, Deerhoof and EPMD.

“New York is a second home to us,” Roots drummer Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson told Billboard about the NYC Roots Picnic. “There’s going to be pop up shops there, really good curated food, comedy, DJ parties there and acts that you wouldn’t expect… We’re deeply involved in everything, from the grass area to the food you’re gonna eat to the music you’re gonna hear in between. We’re a part of all of that.” Jerrod Carmichael and Neal Brennan are among the comedians set to perform at the event.

Tickets go on sale this Friday, June 10 at 10 a.m. ET.

The Roots Picnic NYC 2016 Lineup

October 1

• The Roots
• D’Angelo
• John Mayer
• X Ambassadors
• Kevin Gates
• Jeremih
• Stretch & Bobbitto
• Everyday People feat DJ Moma
• Comedy Set from Jerrod Carmichael
• DJ Questlove
• Lady Leshurr
• Emily Wells
• Chargaux
• ​SMSHNG HRTS
• Chill Moody

October 2

• The Roots
• Wu Tang Clan
• David Byrne
• Nile Rodgers
• Trombone Shorty
• ​Swizz Beatz
• Deerhoof
• EPMD
• Black Thought’s Live Mixtape featuring Styles P x Royce da 5’9 x Freddie Gibbs and DJ J Period
• Echosmith
• Lil Uzi Vert
• Daniel “Bambatta” Marley
• Yuna
• Comedy Set from Neal Brennan
• DJ Jazzy Jeff
• Grits & Biscuits
• ​Bibi Bourelly