Summary:
- The highly anticipated Made in America music festival in Philadelphia has been canceled, disappointing fans and sparking questions about the reasons behind the decision.
- Organizers cited severe circumstances outside of production control as the cause of the cancellation, leaving many surprised and upset.
- Ticket sales were reportedly poor, contributing to the cancellation announcement, which comes just over three weeks before the scheduled Labor Day weekend event.
- Mayor Kenny expressed disappointment over the cancellation, highlighting the festival's significance as a Philly tradition that celebrates music and raises awareness for social causes.
- Fans of artists like SZA and Lizzo, expected headliners for this year's festival, share mixed reactions, expressing a love for the artists but also a preference for spending Labor Day weekend with family.
- Concertgoers have been assured that they will receive refunds, and there are plans for the Made in America festival to return to Philadelphia next year, offering a glimmer of hope for the future.
One of Philadelphia's most anticipated music festivals is being canceled this year. Made in America announced the big event will not go on this play and the music festival was set to take over the Benton Franklin Parkway in about three weeks from now.
But that is no longer the case. NBC 10's Leah Ugo joins us live from the parkway with all the details. Leah? It definitely highly anticipated a big shocker to fans who were expecting to go. This announcement was made to social media earlier today. Organizers of the festival didn't give much info, just stating that due to severe circumstances outside of production control, it has been canceled.
Now a source close to NBC News tells us that ticket sales were not good. Now this announcement, as you said, Johnny, comes almost a little bit more than three weeks out from when this was slated to start on Labor Day weekend. Mayor Kenny also saying in a statement to NBC 10 that he's disappointed because since 2012 the MIA festival has become a Philly tradition where people can both celebrate music as well as bring attention to worthwhile social causes. Now some say that they are fans of SZA and Lizzo who were both expected to headline this, but they also say that they love Labor Day and this year, particularly, they wouldn't go to a concert on that weekend. Listen. That's bull crap. You know what I'm saying? That's wasting people time, money, you know.
I would be upset if I wanted to go. You know what I mean? I would definitely feel upset. So if we don't have no control, then we'll be going to. That woman you just heard from also stated that she loves SZA's music, but Labor Day for her is more of a holiday for traveling with family. You'll hear more from her tonight at 11 o'clock, but there is, I guess, some good news in terms of money. Concertgoers that online post states that all ticket holders will be able to get a refund and that MIA plans to return to the city of Philadelphia next year. We're live from Center City, Leah Uco, NBC 10 News.
The cancellation of the Made in America festival in Philadelphia has left fans disappointed and questioning the reasons behind it. While ticket holders may be relieved to know they can get refunds, the absence of the festival this year marks a departure from the city's annual tradition. As discussions continue about the circumstances leading to the cancellation, all eyes turn to next year with hopes of the festival's return.