Cyrus Langhorne
The annual Philadelphia Made In American concert isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. The Philadelphia mayor and Roc Nation have announced the music festival won’t change venues next year.
According to Mayor Jim Kenney, his intent is to continue the summer tradition for years to come.
“I am greatly appreciative of everything that Made in America has done for the City of Philadelphia and I remain committed to its continued success. The Made in America festival belongs in Philadelphia – the birthplace of our country – and I’m optimistic that we can turn an unfortunate misunderstanding into a positive outcome and even stronger event. I look forward to working with Roc Nation and Live Nation, and maintaining this Philadelphia tradition for years to come,” Mayor Kenney said. (Hip Hop N More)
A Roc Nation executive has also confirmed Philly’s Benjamin Franklin Parkway will remain the festival’s go-to spot.
Desiree Perez, Chief Operating Officer, Roc Nation added: “We are happy to announce the Made in America festival will continue at the heart of the Philadelphia, the Benjamin Franklin Parkway for many years to come. After a candid and constructive discussion with the Mayor, we are confident any miscommunication is corrected, and we are proactively addressing any concerns. We are committed to bringing the best experience possible to Philadelphians and all music lovers as well as the continuing prosperity of the city.” (Hip Hop N More)
[Made In America: 5 Things You (Probably) Didn’t Know About JAY-Z’s Annual Music Festival]
Last week, a handful of Milwaukee officials formally reached out to JAY’s Roc Nation about moving the festival there.
Ald. Khalif Rainey and four other aldermen on Thursday sent a letter to Roc Nation, the company run by legendary music mogul Jay-Z, touting the “City of Festivals” as the perfect home for its annual musical event. “I and my community have known for years the entrepreneurial spirit and remarkable success of this event and admired particularly the way it built the foundations of this success in the minority community,” they wrote. The letter was signed by Rainey, Common Council President Ashanti Hamilton and Alds. Robert Bauman, Milele Coggs, and Russell W. Stamper II. (Journal Sentinel)
A few days ago, concert organization Live Nation stood up for JAY-Z and addressed the headline-generating drama.
Live Nation wholeheartedly supports Jay-Z and Roc Nation’s bid to keep the Made In America Festival at its home on the Ben Franklin Parkway. We have yet to hear a compelling or plausible explanation for why the festival cannot return to the site where it has successfully been housed for six years and generated $102.8M in positive economic impact to the city.
From Billie Holiday to Will Smith, Patti LaBelle, Jill Scott, The Roots and countless others, urban music is an indelible part of Philadelphia’s culture and history. By handicapping Made In America’s ability to bring the best show possible to the best site possible, this administration makes a statement about how it values the arts and plans to protect and expand the city’s vibrant musical heritage. (Statement)
