The show will go on.
JAY-Z’s Made in America Festival will stay in Philadelphia, the city’s mayor announced on Monday (July 23) after what he called a “productive” meeting with Roc Nation.
Mayor Jim Kenney and Roc Nation Chief Operating Officer Desiree Perez agreed to keep the festival at the Benjamin Franklin Parkway this year and for years to come.
“I am greatly appreciative everything that Made in America has done for the City Philadelphia and I remain committed to its continued success,” said Mayor Kenney. “The Made in America festival belongs in Philadelphia – the birthplace 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.”
Roc Nation’s Perez added, “We are happy to announce the Made in America festival will continue at the heart 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 the city.”
Just last week, a spokesperson for Major Kenney told local site BillyPenn.com that this would be Made in America’s last year at Benjamin Franklin Parkway, citing complaints from neighbors along the parkway.
The announcement caught Roc Nation and festival partner Live Nation f guard. The next day, JAY-Z responded in an open letter in the Philadelphia Inquirer. “We are disappointed that the Mayor the City Philadelphia would evict us from the heart the city, through a media outlet, without a sit-down meeting, notice, dialogue or proper communication,” he wrote. “It signifies zero appreciation for what Made in America has built alongside the phenomenal citizens this city.”
Kenney quickly responded after the op-ed was published, calling the incident an “unfortunate misunderstanding” and said he was “working with Roc Nation and Live Nation to resolve this issue.”
Now in its seventh year, the 2018 Made in America festival is set to take place Sept. 1-2 at Benjamin Franklin Parkway with performances from Nicki Minaj, Post Malone, Meek Mill, Miguel, Janelle Monáe, Diplo, Alessia Cara, and more.