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Made In America

“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women are merely players.”- William Shakespeare

What is usually a scenic parkway filled with cars, pedestrians and landmarks such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art; the mile-long Benjamin Franklin Parkway in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was transformed into the music festival of all music festivals. Budweiser’s “Made In America Festival” (which partners with Hip-Hop mogul Jay-Z) took place Labor Day weekend on September 5th and 6th. This year was the 4th year of the festival selling out at 50,000 tickets and Beyoncé and Toronto-born crooner, The Weeknd, headlined the festival. With big screens placed conveniently around the festival, MIA streamed live on Tidal and included five live stages: Skate stage, Tidal stage, Freedom stage, Liberty stage and the Rocky stage.

beyonce and the weeknd

Day one began with Earl Sweatshirt giving a laid-back but energetic performance while Hip-Hop legends De La Soul shut down the main Rocky stage. Meek Mill attempted to “turn-up” but his set had technical difficulties however the crowd screamed when he brought out his leading lady and rapper Nicki Minaj performing their song “All Eyes On You”. Beyoncé gave a stellar performance with multiple costume changes and skits ending her jam-packed hour and a half set with “Single Ladies”. Day two featured Fabolous opening with a skit from Philadelphia native Kevin Hart and getting the crowd going with “Lituation”. Dressed in a red, white and blue New Era cap and sporting seven gold necklaces, the Brooklyn native brought out Philly natives Yung Guns and Freeway. Future gave a rowdy performance with the crowd rapping every word and J. Cole engaged with his audience rapping hits from his Platinum and latest album 2014 Forest Hills Drive but took it back to Friday Night Lights.

J Cole MIA 2015

Budweiser’s Made In America Festival 2015 was the epitome of what a music festival should be. It was organized, jam-packed with over 20 groups and artists and it expressed the importance of embracing diversity. Time was taken seriously between transitioning performances and people were able to drink, smoke, and eat great food from all cultures while listening to dope music. The atmosphere was focused on living life to the fullest.

“Sweet Jesus, we made it in America.”

-Nikki J.

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About Author

Bri Jackson. Southside, Columbus-raised. Raspberry Arizona Tea Drinker. OSU Graduate. Writer. "My recipe for life is not being afraid of myself, afraid of what I think or of my opinions."-Earth Kitt

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