For Penn students, the Budweiser Made in America festival is essentially the Labor Day weekend extension of NSO (New Student Orientation to incoming freshmen or non-Penn readers), the previous fun-filled weekend leading up to the beginning of classes. If you’re planning on staying on campus during Labor Day weekend, Made in America is undoubtedly where seemingly everyone will be.
Now in its fourth year, MIA, as the festival is affectionately known, has become a staple in the Philadelphia summer music festival scene. While last year’s festival also took place simultaneously in Los Angeles, this year, it will be a Philadelphia-only affair (although there was a Made in America-branded Mary J. Blige concert in New York City earlier this summer).
With Beyonce as the top headliner, 2013 attendees will find this year’s lineup especially similar to that of two years ago. For EDM fans, there’s Axwell & Ingrosso, the duo that previously worked together in the now-disbanded DJ group Swedish House Mafia with Steve Angello. Other highlights include The Weeknd, J. Cole, Bassnectar, Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, and even Nick Jonas. (Check out the full lineup here.)
So, how does this year’s lineup compare to those of previous years? If anything, the Jay-Z curated Made in America festival has proven itself to be consistent with the lineup again, showcasing a variety of artists across musical genres. Plus, the festival has provided a valuable boost to both the Philadelphia economy and brand, praises Mayor Michael Nutter. “We’re anticipating that it’ll be here for a number of years in the future,” Nutter says.
Tickets for Made in America, which will take place on September 5-6, are now on sale at Ticketmaster.com. Stay tuned for more coverage of the festival here at The Odyssey.




















