Philly Music Fest is Set to Return in October

Our genre is Philly. Philly Music Fest returns for a seventh year to spotlight this city's immense talent and to support music education programs in our area. The week-long event will host performances at multiple venues across the city and showcase a wide range of genres. 

PMF is a non-profit organization founded by husband and wife team Greg and Jenn Seltzer. Their mission is to highlight the thriving local music scene in Philadelphia, donating profits from their showcases to music education programs. Last year alone, $100,000 were raised for local programs, with Rock to Future, Girls Rock Philly, Beyond the Bars and Philadephia Youth Orchestra among the recipients.

A press release notes that "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."

Twenty-five bands with Philly-area roots are participating in the festival this year. The first two nights were curated with Kurt Vile, who said, "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… It’s just a Philly family affair all around, baby.  See you all there in October, my people!"

While artists are the core of our musical ecosystem, PMF recognizes the role that industry players have in our community: promoters, producers, managers, radio DJs and more help connect musicians to their audience. With this in mind, the festival will include an opportunity for industry pros and up-and-comers to connect at Inside Hustle. This event (which is free with advance RSVP) will feature a panel discussion followed by an expo-style information and networking session. Past participants include WMMR’s Sara, Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie, Marisa Dabice of Mannequin Pu$$y, Chill Moody and plenty more of Philly's own.

Dates and locations are below. More details can be found at PhillyMusicFest.com and on our Concert Calendar.

Kurt Vile, Schoolly D, Emily Robb at Ardmore Music Hall

Kurt Vile, Purling Hiss, Florry at Ardmore Music Hall

Marian Hill, Sadurn, Trap Rabbit, Ryan Gilfillian, Julia Pratt, Sophie Coran at World Cafe Live

Tigers Jaw, Yowler at Johnny Brenda’s

Mo Lowda & The Humble, Grocer, The Cheddar Boys, Moustapha Noumbissi at Milkboy on Chestnut Street

Inside Hustle, an industry networking event - RSVP required

Algernon Cadwallader, Knifeplay, Church Girls, Huey, the Cosmonaut at Underground Arts

Charlie Hall, Chris Forsyth at Solar Myth