Homecoming king

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After 14 months of playing Young Simba in the national tour of "The Lion King," Cody Wise is back home ready to entertain his native city.

The 13-year-old is one of the scheduled entertainers for Sunoco’s Welcome America! Fam Jams free concert series July 5 at Penn’s Landing. The resident of the 2400 block of South Eighth Street is singing his original music combined with some cover songs.

"The best part of performing is having fun and seeing people’s reactions. I feel like I’m in a trance when I see people scream or react," Wise said during a Monday morning interview at his home.

The concert, which in previous years included the Jonas Brothers and Demi Lovato, is part of the week-long party honoring the nation’s birthday. The celebration is taking place June 26 through July 5 and features music, fireworks and a parade to recognize 233 years of independence.

Other performers at the Fam Jams event are tween stars Nat and Alex Wolff and Meaghan Martin.

"I can’t wait to meet them," Wise said.

Meeting new people and visiting different places are things he loves about the business. The youngster has worked with Sean Hayes and Jane Krakowski in "Damn Yankees" and Kanye West and Adam Levine of Maroon 5 in the "Heard ‘Em Say" music video.

Now that he’s finished seventh grade with honors at the Philadelphia Performing Arts Charter School, 2600 S. Broad St., Wise has more time scheduled in the recording studio. In addition to providing vocals for his own CD, which he hopes will be ready to drop later this summer.

Wise began his career at just 6 weeks old, starring in an Independence BlueCross BlueShield commercial. That was just the beginning for the dancer/singer/actor.

"I learned so many things from South Philly," Wise said. "Everyone here has talent."

Parents Andre and Tina are huge supporters of the arts and of their son’s career.

"We put about 1,000 miles on the car every week going back and forth to the recording studio," Tina said of the regular commutes to New York City. "It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s a great way for a young person to meet people. The community has been so supportive."

Although he’s been around the country on tours and movie auditions, Cody says his biggest inspiration is right in his own house.

"My sister Cheyenne always accomplishes everything she wants to do and I always try to copy that," Wise said.

Whether it’s playing Young Simba in "The Lion King," or singing for his hometown fans, Cody Wise enjoys performing.

Besides joining Martin and the Wolff brothers from 1 to 5 p.m. July 5, the family plans in taking in some of the other festivities like the 11th Annual Super Scooper All-You-Can-Eat ice cream event at Penn’s Landing July 3 to 5 from noon to 5 p.m. All proceeds from the $5 admission fee benefit the Joshua Kahan Fund and Children’s Hospital Oncology Division in an effort to fight pediatric leukemia. For such a small fee, patrons can forget the diet and enjoy treats from Ben and Jerry’s, Edy’s, Bassetts and the Philadelphia Water Ice Company.

"We always go to the ice cream festival," Wise said. "That’s what me and my sister always like."

"Penn’s Landing also is hosting a number of the week’s other celebratory events, including A Taste of Philadelphia from June 26 to 28 where guests can some of the city’s finest cuisine. Admission is free, but individual prices per sample may vary. Fourth of July wouldn’t be complete without fireworks lighting up the night sky. This year, Penn’s Landing features a concert by Grammy-nominated R&B songstress Angie Stone, followed by those bright sky explosions 8 p.m. June 27.

Another opportunity to enjoy some musical entertainment is with the Peter Nero and the Philly Pops. The sixth annual "Pops on Independence" features the Grammy-winning musical stylings of Nero, the Pops and the Voice of the Pops in a patriotic concert at Independence Hall, 8:30 p.m. July 3.

In a collaborative effort with the Sunoco Foundation, the Philadelphia Mural Arts program is sponsoring "This We Believe," a citywide mural arts program which features several community paint days taking place 1 to 3 p.m. July 1 at Rittenhouse Square, Logan Circle, Washington Square and Franklin Square.

Three days later, an 11 a.m. parade featuring the voices of Lauren Hart and Disney star Joey Page, along with marching bands, fire departments and members of the active military strolling through the streets of historic Philadelphia. Afterwards, at the Independence Visitor Center, 10,000 Tastykakes are going to be distributed as part of the Happy Birthday America celebration.

The highly-anticipated Sweet Sounds of Liberty, Concert presented by Sunoco, tops things off 8:30 p.m. July 4. on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway at Eakins Oval, where nine-time Grammy Award-winner Sheryl Crow is headlining. Her major hits include "If It Makes You Happy," "All I Wanna Do" and "Soak Up the Sun." Another fireworks celebration, which is a Wise family tradition, will close things out.

"We always go sit on the bridge and watch the fireworks every year," Wise said.

For more information on the Welcome America! activities, visit www.welcomeamerica.com.