Labor Day Concert in City of Brotherly Love

Standing with Philadelphia’s mayor Michael Nutter on the steps of the city’s art museum, (steps which Rocky fans are sure to recognize) New York-born rapper Jay-Z announced his intention to host a two-day music festival in the City of Brotherly Love. Featuring up to thirty acts, played across three stages at Fairmount Park on the 1st and 2nd of September, the “Budweiser Made in America” festival will include a range of genres, from rap to rock, R&B to Latin. Up to 70 percent of the acts are reportedly confirmed, and if Jay-Z has his way the program will include a performance by President Barack Obama.

While the lineup has not been announced as yet, the rapper assured fans that the program will “embody the American Spirit”. Jay-Z will be a major attraction and will be performing on the first night. Mention was made of Philadelphia-based The Roots and London-based Michael Kiwanuka. Grammy winning hip-hop group The Roots are renowned for their jazzy sound. The group’s current members include Black Thought on vocals, Hub on bass, Kamal on keyboard, Captain Kirk on guitar and percussionist Knuckles. Their debut album, Organix was released in 1993 and let to a contract with DGC records. Following a list of successes and near-successes, Jay-Z worked with them on his 2002 MTV Unplugged album. In 2005 The Roots released volumes 1 and 2 of Home Grown! The Beginner’s Guide to Understanding The Roots, and their album Game Theory was released in August 2006. Their first concept album Undun, was released in December 2011.

Referring to Philadelphia as having iconic status, Jay-Z noted in a post-announcement interview that the concert presented an opportunity for music-lovers to have two great days listening to some amazing music and discovering new bands. Proceeds of the concert will reportedly benefit United Way – a nonprofit organization representing a coalition of charitable organizations that identify and attempt to resolve urgent community issues, while making changes in communities through partnerships with local authorities. Ticket go on sale on May 23 – so get yours and have a great time, while supporting a worthy cause.