MADE IN AMERICA celebrated its 10th annual festival with a grand return.
Spirits were high on Day 1 as music lovers gathered in Benjamin Franklin Parkway, in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The first music festival held in Philadelphia since March 2020, the concert acted as a return to pre-COVID life, now with a year of pent-up energy associated.
Of course, no one wishes to return to the lockdowns, and festivals are under scrutiny as so many gather to one area, potentially creating super-spreader events. Made In America’s solution implemented CLEAR Pass, which asked concertgoers to have their COVID vaccines or recent negative COVID tests uploaded such that they can scan a QR code prior to entrance. It is a very 21st-century solution to a 21st-century problem, and smoothly integrated itself into the check-in process.
Across 3 stages, artists such as Lil Baby, Kehlani, Megan Thee Stallion, Young Thug, A$AP Ferg, Latto, and Baby Keem put on many performances that felt as though no one ever left. Many artists proudly shouted “we outside again!” as artists such as A$AP Ferg noted it was their first performance in almost 2 years. Of course, everyone made sure not to disappoint.
As is a festival staple, multiple guests artists came to show how much they missed the high-energy impact of festivals. Lil Baby brought out Philly native Lil Uzi Vert for a crowd-wining performance of XO Tour LLif3, and Megan Thee Stallion brought out Meek Mill to perform Dreams and Nightmares.
Overall, artists across the board stepped up their performances. It’s clear that no one missed the concerts more than the artists, as performers such as Megan Thee Stallion brought in a slew of backup dancers to accompany their moves. Even up-and-comers such as Baby Keem showed they are more than ready to shine in the new world.
Though we all continue to live through a world-changing pandemic, the energy festivals brought will continue to shine on.
