By Kiarra Solomon
ABOVE PHOTO: Jay Z is surrounded by crowds of Philly fans taking photos and vying for a handshake.
(Photo by Bill Z. Foster)
On Monday, a DJ and a rapper stood on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art and announced a two-day festival designed to make Philadelphia’s Labor Day Weekend one to remember.
Mayor Michael Nutter, who has been known to DJ at political gatherings, and hip-hop mogul and business, man Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, announced the two-day Budweiser “Made in America” festival, which will take place on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway and at various venues along Fairmount Park during Labor Day Weekend.
Jay-Z , who will be putting the shows together and headlining one night of the festival, told the assembled media that the concerts are not only designed to push the culture forward, but also to benefit the city of Philadelphia through the donation of a portion of the proceeds to the United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania.
And if it all works out, the shows will “make my mama proud”, Jay-Z said.
“This Labor Day, we will not only make history but we’re benefiting a great organization,” he continued ‘Budweiser Made in America’ will encompass every genre of music, creating and showcasing the only genre that matters, ‘great music.’ [Budweiser and Live Nation] are going to produce an amazing two days of performances, and it’s great to partner with United Way again to support all of the positive work they do in the community.”
PHOTO: Mayor Michael Nutter and Jay Z share a laugh.
(Photo by Bill Z. Foster)
Because Philadelphia plays host to the world every year with the Wawa Welcome America festival and the concerts that it features, the city was an obvious choice for “Made in America”, Mayor Nutter said.
“Philadelphia is delighted to welcome visitors from around the country for a national music festival,” he said. “United Way has brought Jay-Z and Budweiser together to host this national event in the birthplace of America. We are excited to invite the musicians, sponsors, guests and festivals goers for a memorable weekend.”
The festival promises something for everyone’s musical tastes. From hip-hop to rock and roll, Latin music, and a possible appearance from the mogul’s superstar wife Beyonce’, the list of will be impressive. It’ll be announced on Monday, and Jay-Z says that about 70 percent of it has been confirmed. However, Rick Ross and Philadelphia’s own Meek Mill (who has recently signed to Jay Z’s Roc Nation Management company) confirmed their participation in the festival via the Hot 107.9 night show “The Home Team”.
Tickets for the music fest go on sale this Wednesday through Ticketmaster.com and Livenation.com. A limited number of two-day passes will be available for $99 (plus service charges). Fans of Budweiser’s Facebook page will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday. To become a Budweiser Facebook fan, please visit www.facebook.com/Budweiser.
The concert will also be streamed live throughout the country. Details on this will be announced at a later date.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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