HOLLYWOOD REPORTER-Revelers at Jay Z's Labor Day weekend Made in America festival might wonder how such a major music event in the center of downtown Los Angeles came together in only a few months without the usual bureaucratic red tape. Some longtime city observers point to an especially cozy relationship between MayorEric Garcetti, who made the event his passion project, and Live Nation, its producer.
The two-day event in Grand Park featuring Kanye West, John Mayer and others — an unprecedented L.A. outdoor concert in size, location and prominence — has generated controversy since it was announced in April. City Councilman Jose Huizar, a Garcetti rival whose district encompasses the park, had raised alarm about the impact of street closures and copious beer sales on residents and businesses.
Plus, according to newly revealed city documents, the LAPD had warned the mayor's office of potential damage to city property as well as possible issues with drugs and weapons — initially opposing the event because of the challenge.
Garcetti, however, was undeterred. As Jay Z put it at an April press conference, he "pulled this thing together in record time." (A source close to Jay Z says the two hatched the Grand Park plan during a Dec. 9 stop of his Magna Carter tour at Staples Center.)
Now, as up to 50,000 fans pay $200 each for a two-day pass, questions persist. Why did the mayor angle so hard for Made in America when a comparable event typically would require a months- or years-long approval process with no guarantee of success? And was proper due diligence pushed aside? (Read the rest here.)
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CityWatch
Vol 12 Issue 70
Pub: Aug 29, 2014
