Hoagie Nation kicks off the summer concert series at Penn's Landing

PHILADELPHIA (WTXF) - For people who opted for staying close to home this holiday weekend, nothing was better than spending the evening at Hoagie Nation at Festival Pier listening to headline artists Hall and Oates.

Penn's Landing played host to an afternoon and evening of music. Pop and soul artists were on tap for the second annual Hoagie Nation festival.

"Train is great. Fitz and the Tantrum were great. Hall and Oates are what brought me here. Philly's native guys," said Matthew Culbertson.

It's about the music and the lineup featured 8 bands on three stages.

"I hope the people embrace it. We're sure going to enjoy being back here for Memorial Day and make it an annual stop in Philadelphia. If that's the way it turns out. Got some great food, got some amazing music and I think that's pretty good," said musician John Oates.

"I'm a long-time fan. I used to play eight tracks of Hall and Oates in my bedroom," said Stacey Joseph.

And, the food - food trucks, food vendors and a free hoagie tasting session with Philly's top delis competing for the best hoagie.

"Dietz and Watson does a great job promoting and everybody loves music. It's great for business. We see a bump in productivity and people come in the store," AJ Dougherty, of Marinucci's Deli, said.

Fans came from far and wide for food and music, choosing Philly over the beach.

"I live down in the Delaware beaches, so I made the trip up. All the traffic was going the other way to the beach. I was coming the opposite way, it was perfect," said Chelsea Astarova.

Hoagie Nation is the kickoff to a series of summer music at Penn's Landing.