Music Legends to be honored at Phillies African American Heritage Celebration presented by The Sound of Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 25

WHAT: Music legends The Three Degrees, The Ebonys, Bob Pantano (98.1 WOGL) and Lois Fernandez (founder of the annual ODUNDE Festival) will take to the field to be honored with the Phillies Gamble & Huff Community Partnership Award during the 11^th annual Phillies African American Heritage Celebration presented by The Sound of Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park. Plus:

• Prior to the game: The Three Degrees will perform on-field and Bob Pantano will throw out the ceremonial first ball. Also, the national anthem will be sung by local powerhouse vocalist The Amazin' Grace Little.
• In-game Performances: ODUNDE365 and The Ebonys.

The event is held in partnership with Philadelphia International Records and in honor of Black Music Month. It also pays tribute to music pioneers and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame legends Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff, founders of Philadelphia International Records. Festivities take place before that evening's game against the Miami Marlins.

WHEN: Wednesday, June 25, 6:30 p.m.

WHO:

• The Three Degrees: The longest-running female vocal group in history! Most notably, The Three Degrees are the renowned voices (along with MFSB) in the legendary song "TSOP," which was used as the opening for the iconic and historic dance show "Soul Train." For over three decades the group has been performing together, with hits including: "When Will I See You Again," "Dirty Ol' Man," "Year of Decision," and "Take Good Care of Yourself," along with countless others. 
   
• Bob Pantano: Host of the Saturday Night Dance Party in Philadelphia on 98.1 WOGL. Bob is a South Philadelphia native and started the Saturday Night Dance Party in 1977, making it the first and longest-running radio dance party in the nation, now in its 37^th year. It still airs today every Saturday night live from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

• Lois Fernandez: The founder of ODUNDE, Inc. was born and raised in South Philadelphia. The dream of Odunde grew out of a 1972 trip to Africa, and from this inspiration, she organized and created the ODUNDE Festival in 1975. Since then, the annual ODUNDE Festival has had a tremendous impact on the City of Philadelphia's economy, tourism industry and cultural scene.
   
• The Ebonys: Formed in the late 1960s in their hometown of Camden, NJ, The Ebonys made their mark on the music world with such hits as "You're the Reason Why," "Determination," "Do you Like the Way I Love You," "It's Forever," and "I Believe."

  Past Phillies Gamble & Huff Community Partnership Award recipients include: Evelyn "Champagne" King, Bunny Sigler, Dexter Wansel, The Futures, The Trammps, The Jones Girls, Chubby Checker, Jerry Butler, Dee Dee Sharp, Kevin Eubanks, Billy Paul, the Delfonics, the Soul Survivors, Teddy Pendergrass, Jerry Blavat, Boyz II Men, Patti LaBelle and D.J. "Jazzy Jeff" Townes.

  For a full line-up of events, please visit www.phillies.com/themenights.

  WHERE:           Citizens Bank Park