The Budweiser Made in America Festival, otherwise known as Jay-Z's festival, is a socially conscious, home-grown festival that descends on Philadelphia from August 31 - September 1 this year. The festival, while only in its second year, has a clear, mindful focus. To bring people, a free-spirited attitude, and social issues together in one place, all to the beat of some incredible music. At last year's Made in America, flyers were passed out, activist booths flourished, and there was a spirit of change in the air. No doubt Jay-Z and his team will infuse this year's event with the same spirit, while at the same time treating festival-goers ears to some of the best hip-hop, EDM and rock acts on the scene right now. Here are 2 emerging artists and 1 established act that we think are worth checking out.
WHO: Robert DeLong
WHAT: Budweiser Made in America Festival
WHEN: Sunday, 9/1
WHERE: Benjamin Franklin Parkway - Philadelphia, PA
WHY: Emerging young talent Robert DeLong has been on the radar ever since he dropped his eclectic and addictive album Just Movement earlier this year. Full of innovative sounds and catchy synth loops, the album embraces the electronic genre while still managing to encompass a completely unique sound of its own. And DeLong's live performances are not to be missed. He singlehandedly works vocals, drums, guitar, the synth and more -- and as he moves back and forth between his equipment onstage in a flurry of florescent lights, his energy is contagious. He is surely a must catch act at MIA this year.
WHO: AlunaGeorge
WHAT: Budweiser Made in America Festival
WHEN: Sunday, 9/1
WHERE: Benjamin Franklin Parkway - Philadelphia, PA
WHY: Fresh off their heels of their acclaimed debut album release, UK act AlunaGeorge is another artist not to miss at Made in America. Duo Aluna Francis and George Reid deliver fresh, futuristic pop with an edge, and cite a wide range of influences -- from Flying Lotus to Van Morrison. They don't disappoint live either. Reid quietly works production in the background while Francis hypnotizes the audience into a frenzy with her airy, bubblegum vocals... all set to a backdrop of an intricate light show. AlunaGeorge is about to make a splash in the US music scene, so don't miss them at MIA this year.
WHO: The Gaslight Anthem
WHAT: Budweiser Made in America Festival
WHEN: Sunday, 9/1
WHERE: Benjamin Franklin Parkway - Philadelphia, PA
WHY: They aren't new to the music scene, but Gaslight Anthem is still an act not to be missed live. The rock veterans and New Jersey natives consistently deliver a killer, high-energy show with a punk-Americana sound that encapsulates the vibe of the festival perfectly. Sets are filled with raucous sing-alongs, hilarious anecdotes from lead singer Brian Fallon, and wild dancing. It's the reason why The Gaslight Anthem has such a massive and loyal following of fans, and why they are a must-see at MIA this year!