International Cherry Blossom Festival

The International Cherry Blossom Festival was founded by Carolyn Crayton in 1982 and is held in Macon, Georgia every spring. Macon, known as the "Cherry Blossom Capital of the World," has around 300,000–350,000 Yoshino Cherry Trees that bloom around the city in late March every year. The festival, held to coincide with the typical blooming period, lasts for ten days and features events for people of all ages.
American rapper Lupe Fiasco was scheduled to perform on March 22, 2024, as part of their Nightly Concert Series lineup at the Coca-Cola Entertainment Stage."Lupe Fiasco". Cherry Blossom. In February 2024, it was announced the cancellation of his performance.
== Biography ==
Chicago-born, Grammy Award-winning rapper Lupe Fiasco gained national attention with his 2006 album Food & Liquor, which helped cement a new wave of Chicago rappers in the national conversation. Revisit the album that put Lupe Fiasco on the map, and changed the course of Chicago hip-hop forever. The independent rapper who parted ways with his former label, Atlantic Records, following the release of 2015's Tetsuo & Youth, is pegged as one of the most gifted lyricists and visionaries to grace the mic. Rising to fame in 2006 following the success of his debut album, Food & Liquor, Lupe has released six acclaimed studio albums; Drogas Light, released in 2017 on his own label, 1st & 15th. These albums have netted 3 platinum singles, 3 RIAA Gold Certifications, 12 Grammy nominations and one Grammy Award in 2008 for his infectious single, "Daydreamin," feat Jill Scott. With a trilogy of albums set for 2018 and beyond, Lupe is at his creative peak as an artist. Most recently, Drogas Wave released on September 21st, 2018 via 1st & 15th. His efforts to propagate conscious material helped solidify him as GQ's Man of the Year in 2006, and garnered recognition as a Henry Crown Fellow.
While musical genius and ingenuity are at the forefront of Lupe's achievements, the artist extends his innovation to projects that aim to foster creative discourse and opportunities in underprivileged and impoverished communities. As the co-founder and co-owner of community initiatives such as, We Are M.U.R.A.L, The Neighborhood Start-Up Fund, Society of Spoken Art, and Studio SV, Lupe Fiasco proves that he is more than just a mouthpiece for change, but a committed facilitator of intellectual community discourse and outreach."Cherry Blossom Festival Announces Lupe Fiasco as Nightly Concert Series Headliner". Cherry Blossom. December 14, 2023.
== Background ==
On December 14, 2023, the festival's organizers announced their third headlining act, Lupe Fiasco, to celebrate fifty years of hip hop."Lupe Fiasco at the Cherry Blossom Festival". Facebook. December 14, 2023.
On February 4, 2024, it was announced by the event organizers that Fiasco pulled out due to "unforeseen circumstances."Cox, Jeff (February 4, 2024). "Lupe Fiasco Cancels Cherry Blossom Festival Concert Due to 'Unforeseen Circumstances'". WGXA.
== Date ==
Date	Date 	Time 	City 	Venue
Fri 	March 22, 2024	8:00 – 10:00	Macon, GA	Carolyn Crayton Park
== Gallery ==
File:International Cherry Blossom Festival 2024 (Lupe Fiasco).jpg
== References ==
Category:2024 live performances
Category:Canceled events
Category:Festivals