What a year in music it has been as Philadelphia celebrates its 250th birthday.
All year long, WXPN 88.5 has provided the backdrop to the nation’s birthday bash in the form of Philly Anthems — 13 original songs from five nationally recognized artists, alongside eight emerging Philadelphia music acts, all reflecting on themes of freedom and independence.
WXPN is gathering all those great musical talents and splitting them into two shows on Nov. 11 and December 10.
And it’s all free if you reserve a spot at xpn.org.
“It’s inspirational to see so many Philadelphia artists come together to create something new, each bringing their own perspective to the ideas of freedom and independence our country was founded on,” said WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay. “We’re looking forward to celebrating the artists who make this a special music city.”
Here’s how it breaks down: The Nov. 11 show (doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30) includes Eric Bazilian of the Hooters, Eliza Hardy Jones, Moustapha Noumbissi, The Flying Vees (24 Hour Song Challenge winner), The Bul Bey and Second Star.
The Dec. 10 show (doors at 7 p.m., show at 7:30) features Devon Gilfillian, Lady Alma, Sug Daniels, Grace Gardner, Black Buttafly and JR Everhart. RSVP link will be available at xpn.org at a later date.
All 13 artists’ songs on Philly Anthems have been released and the project will culminate with the release of a vinyl album on Record Store Day 2027.
Gilfillian offered “Ways to Go” as one of the highlights to the record. Gilfillian moved to Nashville in 2013 to rebuild homes for low-income people with AmeriCorps. Just a few years later, he released his debut self-titled EP, of gospel-inspired blues-rock, followed by a major label debut in 2020. His Delaware County roots bleed through his contribution to Philly Anthems.
“Being a part of the Philly Anthems project was incredible because it made me think of what makes me love Philadelphia, and this country, but also where I want to see growth,” Gilfillan said. “Philly is a city full of hard-working folks that don’t take crap from anybody. Being from outside of Philly, I know how hard artists work to get up on stage, or to get their art recognized. People are tough, but once you’ve earned your trust, the community is so loyal and tight. I’m honored to get to work beside artists like Eliza Hardy Jones, Black Buttafly and the legend Eric Bazilian on this project. I’m so proud to be included, and proud to be from Delco (iykyk). I can’t wait to come home and sing and celebrate these songs live with you.”
World Stage closing
The venue formerly known as World Stage, which is located at 3025 Walnut St., announced it was hosting its final show on Oct. 31.
WXPN released a statement that its upcoming shows, including Philly Anthem concerts, will not be affected and will take place at the venue as planned.
“Following reports that World Stage will cease operations after Oct. 31, WXPN wants to assure listeners that our previously scheduled events at the venue will continue as planned,” the station said. “This includes all scheduled Free At Noon concerts, the Thank A Member Karaoke Party and Philly Anthems concerts. We look forward to continuing to welcome our listeners and members here at WXPN 3025 Walnut Street.”
World Stage President and CEO J. Sean Diaz said in a statement that the venue is working with its ticketing partner to issue refunds for non-WXPN events scheduled after Oct. 31. Diaz said the team is seeking to relocate shows and private events that will be canceled due to the closure.
Save the Date(s)
For the ninth time, Sexton Sideshow will be hosting A Tribute to Oh Brother Where Art Thou? on Dec. 18 and 19 at the Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Episcopal Church, 927 Water St.
A personal favorite movie flick, Oh Brother Where Art Thou is the quirky 2000 film produced by Coen Brothers Joel and Ethan, staring George Clooney, John Turturro and Tim Blake Nelson. The satire comedy drama loosely follows the Odyssey and features incredible folk music throughout the journey that will be performed on stage at Gloria Dei.
Sexton Sideshow events, created by Paula and Jim Minacci, help raise money for the historic Gloria Dei church.
Stay tuned for more on this event. ••
