Made In America | photo by John Vettese for WXPN
Made In America will remain on the Ben Franklin Parkway, says Philly Mayor’s office
Made In America is remaining in the heart of the Philadelphia. The future of Jay-Z’s annual music festival was in doubt last week, as word got out that the city did not want it located on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway beginning in 2019. But following a national backlash, both parties have come to an agreement, announcing today that the festival will remain in place at the foot of the Art Museum Steps.
A statement from Mayor Jim Kenney’s office this afternoon says that he met with Desiree Perez of festival producer Roc Nation and “are committed to addressing operational and community challenges associated with this large-scale event.”
“The Made In America Festival belongs in Phladelphia — the birthplace of our country,” Kenney says in the statement. “I’m optimistic that we can turn an unfortunate misunderstanding into a positive outcome and an even stronger event.”
“After a candid and constructive discussion with the Mayor, we are confident any miscommunication is corrected, and we are proactively addressing any concerns,” adds Perez.
This year’s edition of the Made In America Festival takes place Saturday, September 1st and Sunday, September 2nd and features headlining sets from Meek Mill, Post Malone, Nicki Minaj and Janelle Monae. More information can be found at the XPN Concert Calendar.