Philly Music Fest returns for its seventh year for seven nights in a city-wide festival October 9th-15th, 2023. Taking place in six independent venues, PMF is a non-profit organization founded by a local husband and wife team, Greg and Jenn Seltzer, who are dedicated to supporting and highlighting the thriving local music scene, then donating profits to music education programs to secure the next generation of Philadelphia artists, after paying all artists and venues.
This year’s lineup includes Kurt Vile & The Violators, Marian Hill, Schoolly D, Mo Lowda & The Humble, Tigers Jaw, Algernon Cadwallader, Charlie Hall, Sadurn, Gladie, Knifeplay, Trap Rabbit, Ryan Gilfilian, Chris Forsyth, Julia Pratt, Purling Hiss, Emily Robb, Grocer, Huey, The Cosmonaut, Church Girls, Sophie Coran, Yowler, Florry, The Cheddar Boys, and Moustapha Noumbissi. Venues participating in 2023 include World Café Live, Johnny Brenda’s, Ardmore Music Hall, Milkboy, Solar Myth and Underground Arts.
“Sun Ra Arkestra blew my mind at Ardmore Music Hall shortly before the pandemic and I've been excited to play there ever since," says Kurt Vile. “It’s a thrill to be able to put two nights of shows together there: one with a Philly icon, Schoolly D, whose voice is just unbelievable, my favorite classic voice from Philly, so deep that it just cuts right through into your brain and soul. I can’t believe we get to play with Schoolly, he was the first person I requested actually… when I heard he agreed I definitely lost it a little bit. It’s just a Philly family affair all around, baby. See you all there in October, my people!"
Recognizing Kurt’s deep commitment to music education, relentless advocacy for Philadelphia and an incredibly diverse musical palate, Philly Music Fest worked directly with Kurt Vile to curate a lineup that reflects Kurt’s passion, taste and dedication to Philadelphia.
“Our genre is Philly” -- Philly Music Fest features Jazz, Rock, Hip Hop, Pop, Punk, Bluegrass, Folk, and Americana artists from Grammy winning, national touring acts to emerging artists. In 2022, after compensating the musicians and venues, Philly Music Fest donated $100,000 to local music education programs (including, Rock to the Future, Beyond the Bars, Musicopia, and Settlement Music School). Including payments to musicians and venues, as well as the donation of profits, PMF estimates the aggregate annual economic impact of PMF to be approximately, $400,000.
“There are a multitude of critical components in a successful music economy, including recording studios, independent venues, record labels, affordable housing and jobs in hospitality, but the epicenter must be incredible musicians and PMF is designed to support and highlight both our current musicians, while simultaneously focusing on music education for kids - as today’s kids are the next generation of Philly musicians,” says PMF producer, curator and founder, Greg Seltzer. “In addition to the seven-night run of shows in October, PMF hosts music industry networking and information sessions throughout the year, in collaboration with WXPN, bringing in national experts to educate and assist Philadelphia grow a music industry (branded as “Inside Hustle”). The next iteration of Inside Hustle will take place on October 14, 2023 at REC Philly.”
"Both of us grew up singing in the chorus in our Philly area school and are forever indebted to the lessons we learned in that time - we're grateful for the opportunity to give back through Philly Music Fest and can't wait to be back home to play some of our favorite tunes!" Marian Hill’s Jeremy Lloyd and Samantha Gongo exclaim.
Philly Music Fest’s impact has grown each year. In 2017, the non-profit donated $15,000 to music education programs in the city. In 2018, the total increased to $25,000, then $40,000 in 2019, $50,000 in 2020, $75,000 in 2021 and $100,000 in 2022. Recipient programs include Rock to the Future, Girls Rock Philly, Settlement Music School, Musicopia, Beyond the Bars, Philadelphia Youth Orchestra, Live Connections, and Play on Philly. In addition to the donations directed to music programs for kids, PMF deployed over 330 micro-grants in 2020 and 2021 to local musicians and venue staff struggling as a result of COVID-19.
“To the young artists and seasoned musicians of Philadelphia, our hometown is a very special place to burgeon -- from Stan Getz, The Disco Biscuits, Teddy Pendergrass, yours truly Schoolly D, and everything in between,” says hip hop pioneer, Schoolly D. “PMF is planting seeds for the next generations of talent that will change the world -- cause that’s what we do, yo!”
Tickets for all seven PMF shows go on sale at 10:00 AM on May 5, 2023 at PMF’s website and the website of each venue. In each of the past three years, almost all PMF shows have sold out, evidencing the demand and support for PMF and the amazing musicians and venues in Philadelphia.
Find Philly Music Fest Online:
Official: https://phillymusicfest.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHLMusicFest/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/phillymusicfest/
