Jay Z Music Festival Cancellation Deals ‘Blow’ to City and Workers

Billionaire rapper and former drug dealer Jay Z’s annual “Made in America” music festival, which has taken place in Philadelphia every Labor Day weekend since 2012 (except for 2020), has been canceled this year in a “blow” to festival workers and the city’s economy itself, according to Fox News.

“Due to severe circumstances outside of production control, the 2023 Made in America festival will no longer be taking place,” the festival shared in a statement on social media. “This decision has been difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation. Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concert goers, and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience.”

“This is going to have a significant negative impact in regards to the stagehands yearly package,” Michael Barnes, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 8, told the Philadelphia Inquirer. “That piece of their overall yearly income has been factored in, so people count on that. For that to cancel within weeks of the concert is overly impactful to the live event and entertainment workers.”

“I’m disappointed to hear that the 2023 @MIAFestival will not be taking place,” tweeted Philadelphia’s Mayor Jim Kenney. “We’re grateful to the partners and festival goers who have contributed to this event’s incredible success over the years, and we look forward to bringing MIA back to the Parkway next year.”