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Made in America 2012

Artist-curated music festivals are nothing new -- The Roots had a Picnic, the Disco Biscuits had a Camp, and Metallica had... Orion. So what makes Made in America so special? To be honest, they had me at Jay-Z. That's the thing about these artist-curated festivals -- it depends on how you feel about the curator (did I mention I love Jay-Z?).

But if you were to dismiss Made in America simply because you're not a fan of hip hop, you'd be making a huge mistake. While there are some acts on the bill that come as no surprise (Roc Nation artists Santigold, Rita Ora, Wale, and Meek Mill come to mind), others feel like they came out of left field, in the best way possible (hello… Pearl Jam???), and a few... well, let's just say there's something for everyone.

The festival also scores points for its location in the heart of Philly. It may seem like an odd choice for Jay-Z, who is practically the face of Brooklyn, but Philadelphia is actually the perfect backdrop, given the festival's all-American theme (in mentality, not necessarily in performers). "Philadelphia's one of the most iconic cities: Declaration and the whole bit," the artist told Rolling Stone, "I feel like I've done enough in New York where I feel I could branch out a bit, and she won't get mad at me so much. And it's a short trek from New York, so…"

… get your ass to Philly.

If you need help planning your trip, CID Entertainment has you covered with travel and VIP packages, and be sure to check out the rest of our travel guide for insights and travel recommendations in the City of Brotherly Love.
-- Marjana Jaidi

Photo: Jay-Z at All Points West 2009, by Oliver Correa

Festival Line Up

Saturday, September 1:
Jay-Z, Skrillex, Miike Snow, Calvin Harris, Maybach Music Group (Featuring Rick Ross, Wale, and Meek Mill), Passion Pit, Gary Clark Jr. D'Angelo, Dirty Projectors, Janelle Monae, Prince Royce, Michael Woods, Otto Knows, Savoy

Sunday, September 2:
Pearl Jam, Drake, Chris Cornell, Jill Scott, Run DMC, Afrojack, Odd Future, Alesso, The Hives, X, Santigold, DJ Shadow (DJ Set), Betatraxx, Rita Ora, Burns, The Knocks