[Featured image: Made In America festival banner. Credit: Roc Nation]
I think we all knew that Jay-Z wasn’t going to take this one sitting down. Last week, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced that — since tourism is fine now — they wouldn’t be needing Made In America to continue its operations on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway next year. Given that the rise in tourism is probably because of MIA Fest, Jay & Co. returned fire, stating their disappointment and the fact that the city tried to stop this year’s event as well.
Now, both sides (with Roc Nation COO Desiree Perez representing MIA Fest) have come to the table, and “both parties have agreed to continue to host the festival along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway…and are committed to addressing operational and community challenges associated with this large-scale event.”
Here’s what Kenney is now stating (source):
“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.”
Perez followed that sentiment:
“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.”
Boom.
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