PHILADELPHIA, May 21, 2008 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- After the success of its Penn's Landing premiere in 2007, FAM JAMS! returns for a second exciting "I Can't Believe They're FREE, Can't Miss Concert Weekend for All Ages." Presented by Independence Blue Cross, this jam-packed weekend features some of the youngest rising stars in concerts for all-ages. On Saturday, July 26 and Sunday July 27 from 1:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., visit the Great Plaza at Penn's Landing, located on Columbus Boulevard at Chestnut Street for headline concerts, activities for kids, and an all around family-friendly experience. Enjoy this exclusive opportunity to see some of the best young artists in the business for free!
Up-and-coming artist Bianca Ryan opens the FAM JAMS! weekend on Saturday, July 26th. Thirteen year old Ryan has excelled in the entertainment world for most of her life. Surprisingly, however, she began competing not as the powerhouse singer she has become, but as an award-winning tap dancer. Confident in her dance abilities, her father encouraged her to audition for Star Search. To his surprise, Bianca took the stage without tap shoes and belted out Aretha Franklin's "Think" instead. Ryan's newfound talent earned her a coveted spot on the show. Her next big break came three years later when she blew away another set of unsuspecting judges - this time at her America's Got Talent audition. Ryan went on to win the show in 2006, thus jump-starting her track to stardom.
Over the past few years, Ryan has worked with some of the most respected record labels and producers, most notably her five-album contract as the first American artist with SYCOmusic, run by Simon Cowell as part of Columbia Records. Cowell, known as one of the toughest critics in the business, claims, "Bianca Ryan is potentially one of the best singers I have ever heard in my life."
Buzzbee and the crew from B101 radio will be on hand to host the day's events on Saturday. WBEB 101.1 FM (B 101) is an adult contemporary radio station broadcasting in the Philadelphia market. Founded in 1963 by David L. Kurtz, B-101 is credited with many industry firsts. Owned and operated by Jerry Lee, it is the only independently owned station that has enjoyed consistent Top 10 ratings for decades.
Another multitalented youth hits the stage on Sunday, July 27th. Keke Palmer has distinguished herself in both the acting and singing arenas. At age nine, Palmer made her on-screen acting debut as Queen Latifah's niece in BarberShop 2 - Back In Business. As she developed her craft, she dazzled in roles in television (Medicine, Cold Case, ER, and Law & Order SVU), the Emmy-nominated made for TV movie entitled, The Wool Cap, her own Disney Channel series, Keke & Jamal, and two LionsGate family movies - Madea's Family Reunion and Akeelah and The Bee. For her talent, Palmer has been recognized with an NAACP Image Award nomination for Best Actress in a Movie Made for Television, as well as a Screen Actors Guild Nomination in the Best Leading Actress category. Yet on the Penn's Landing stage, Palmer showcases her other impressive talent - her voice. This Atlantic Records recording artist personalizes her up-tempo R&B tracks and inspirational love songs with a youthful exuberance that makes her tunes unforgettable. Her debut album, "So Uncool," hit stores in September 2007.
Sunday, July 27th features another acting/singing dual talent, Demi Lovato. After entering the acting world at age six as Angela on Barney & Friends, Lovato went on to guest star roles in Prison Break, Split Ends, and Just Jordan. Lovato became a household name as she expanded her acting talent on the Disney Channel in As the Bell Rings, Sketchpad, and Camp Rock. While Lovato has proven herself an on-screen talent, she also dominates on the concert stage. This singer/songwriter will tour with last year's FAM JAMS! favorite, The Jonas Brothers, in their 2008 summer "Burning Up" Tour.
Radio Disney personalities will host the day's events on Sunday, July 27 with coordinating themed games and prizes. "Radio Disney AM 640 is very excited about Penn's Landing's commitment to providing great quality family entertainment to Philadelphia area residents for Free. We are very proud to be supporting the FAM JAMS! concert series and look forward to being a partner for many years to come," comments Director of Marketing, Jenny Michele.
Radio Disney is the No. 1 destination for kids, tweens and families on the radio. It is available to 97% of the U.S. on over 50 terrestrial radio stations and through most of South America. In the U.S., it is also available on: RadioDisney.com, XM and Sirius satellite radio, iTunes Radio Tuner, digital cable television's Music Choice channel, XM/DIRECTV and mobile phones. Kids, tweens and families can also download Radio Disney programming via the iTunes Music Store. Radio Disney brand extensions include multiple Radio Disney Jams CDs from Walt Disney Records.
FAM JAMS! is proudly sponsored by CBS 3. CBS 3 (KYW-TV) is part of CBS Television Stations, a division of CBS Corporation. Admission is FREE for all FAM JAMS! concerts.
Public Programming at Penn's Landing would not be possible without our presenting sponsor Independence Blue Cross and the continued support of PECO, Bank of America, Pennsylvania Lottery, Live Nation and the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation, all of whom are committed to serving the Greater Philadelphia community.
Penn's Landing Corporation is the non-profit organization responsible for funding and producing public programming on the Great Plaza, Philadelphia's Delaware Waterfront Park. Independence Blue Cross is the presenting sponsor of the 2008 Summer Season at Penn's Landing. All events produced by Penn's Landing Corporation are FREE to the public and on the Great Plaza, the heart of Penn's Landing, Philadelphia's premier riverfront entertainment destination.
For more information and event details, please call (215) 922-2FUN or visit www.pennslandingcorp.com. The Penn's Landing Corporation website is a virtual resource for the waterfront which can help visitors plan to easily park, play and stay all day at Penn's Landing.
The Penn's Landing Corporation logo is available at http://www.primenewswire.com/newsroom/prs/?pkgid=349