2023 Made in America festival in Philadelphia canceled
UPDATE: Made in America ticket holders "freaking out" after cancellation
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The 2023 Made in America music festival in Philadelphia has been canceled because of "severe circumstances outside of production control," organizers said.
"Made in America has a legacy of delivering exceptional experiences for music fans and concert goers," Made in America said in a tweet, "and it is our commitment to always deliver a top-tier festival experience."
Local leaders are staying pretty quiet, so far, but people were shocked to hear the news.
The event was scheduled to be held on September 2 and 3, and was supposed to be headlined by SZA and Lizzo.
— Made In America Festival (@MIAFestival) August 8, 2023
In a statement, officials said the decision was "difficult and has not been made lightly nor without immense deliberation."
Ticket holders for the 2023 festival will be refunded at the point of purchase, organizers said.
Businesses and people CBS News Philadelphia spoke with said the announcement is a major blow.
"We depend a lot on that. Made in America is good. You bring a lot of crowds -- a lot of beer [and] a lot of sandwiches," Jose Rios, a cook at Corner Deli.
"I think it's one of a kind of a festival, music concert that goes on here in Philly. So, I know a lot of people enjoy themselves. It brings a lot of money into the city. So, it's definitely going to be a disappointment for a lot of people," said Jairus Martin, who attended the 2022 Made in America.
"I'm disappointed to hear that the 2023 @MIAFestival will not be taking place. 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," Mayor Jim Kenney wrote in a tweet.
I’m disappointed to hear that the 2023 @MIAFestival will not be taking place. 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. https://t.co/J2EReRjnK2
— Mayor Jim Kenney (@PhillyMayor) August 8, 2023
Both Kenney and Made in America promoters said they expect the concert to return to Philadelphia in 2024. The mayor's office also said organizers did not give the city any further details as to why they had to cancel the event.
The festival has been an annual event, run by Jay-Z's Roc Nation, since 2012 except in 2020, when the festival was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.