The Roots, a Philly-based hip hop group, are set to join the Dillo Day lineup, said Andrea Hart, one of Mayfest’s co-chairs, on Tuesday afternoon after receiving verbal confirmation from the group.

“The Roots have a broad-based appeal, and it was a band that we were already interested in,” said Hart, a Medill sophomore.

The act was announced after Motion City Soundtrack, one of the bands recently added to Dillo Day, canceled on Monday, Hart said, although The Roots aren’t necessarily a replacement. Mayfest organizers expect to receive the contracts on Wednesday.

“[There was] a lot of finagling and praying,” Hart said. Because of the limited time left, Mayfest was willing to spend much of its remaining money on The Roots.

Mayfest is also sending out another offer to a local band that has a “good buzz” about them, Hart said.

Updated at 2:30 a.m.: Mayfest organizers are “hopefully” sending out the contract booking the band on Wednesday, said Medill senior Liz Korutz, Mayfest director of concerts.

Updated at 3:15 a.m.: The Roots are tentatively scheduled to play mid-afternoon, several Mayfest organizers said.

Related: A look at how Mayfest booked The Roots and how that presents production issues with Dillo Day less than four days away.