Performances From 'Made In America' Festival Brings About Unity

The Jay-Z organized two day Budweiser Made in America festival, (which benefited The United Way) turned the city of Philadelphia into the live-entertainment capital of America during The Labor Day Weekend. The event, which took place on four of the blocks of the Benjamin Franklin Parkway in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, had a lot to live up to. The event attended by 74,000 music fans was generally considered to be a success. The festival featuring 30 performers, went off without any major security hitches or violence. It gave a boost to the local economy while generating income for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses.

Maybe there is something special about the Parkway area in Philadelphia. Jay-Z singing his New York Empire State anthem in Philly with no backlash was no small feat. The concert area has been the site for the annual Fourth of July celebration featuring The Roots as well. This area was also the location of the now disbanded "Unity Day" Celebration sponsored by WDAS Radio. The Budweiser sponsored Made In America Festival had the feel and energy of Unity Day. The likelihood of a free Unity Day event returning is minimal; but at least for one weekend, many concert goers through Jay-Z's vision and the cost of a ticket, came together. In a way many Philadelphians fondly remember 'Unity Day.'

Check out some of the performances below: