Music
The World’s First Public Orchestra Launches in Philadelphia
When you think of an orchestra, you probably think about Beethoven, Mozart, and other dead European men. You probably see a maestro in tails presiding […]
A Bunch of Philly Teens Are Touring the Country With Jon Anderson, Founder of the Rock Band Yes
At the beginning of September, when teens and teachers ask that ubiquitous start-of-the-school-year question “So, what did you do this summer,” the responses tend to […]
An Oral History of the Sound of Philadelphia
In 1971, a lyrically gifted singer-songwriter from South Philly and a classically trained pianist from Camden launched Philadelphia International Records (PIR), a Black-owned hitmaking label […]
Jazmine Sullivan on What It’s Like Singing the National Anthem at the Super Bowl
If you were one of the 96.4 million people who tuned into the Super Bowl earlier this month, you probably caught a somewhat unorthodox version […]
15-Year-Old Montco Girl Somehow Makes the Perfect Christmas Song for 2020
When a friend of mine reached out to me on Thursday to tell me I just had to hear this new Christmas song by some […]
Who Knew That Singing Telegrams Would Be One of COVID’s Big Success Stories?
What do you do when you’re a musician/music teacher whose gigs/classes have all dried up thanks to COVID? Well, if you’re West Philly non-binary performer […]
A Philly-Born Singer’s New Music Video is a Sweet Celebration of His Wedding
It’s been almost two years since Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben and actress Jen Jacob got married at Radnor Valley Country Club. But their Big Day […]
Center City Music Venue to Reopen This Weekend — Without a Live Audience
Prior to 2020, Philadelphia music venue Chris’ Jazz Cafe had presented 500 performances every year for the last couple of decades, with sometimes as many […]
This Silent Guitar Has a Headphone Jack for Stealthy Home Jam Sessions
Though it’s striking enough to hang as a piece of art, the Yamaha Silent Guitar has way too many impressive features to let it sit […]
Three Old-School Hip-Hop Acts to Catch in Philly This Week
Long before Kanye found Jesus, these acts dominated the charts. See them all this month. Snoop Dogg Around since: 1992 Song you undoubtedly know: “Gin […]
Sheer Mag Singer Tina Halladay on Owning Your Masters and Getting Stiffed by Spotify
The Rundown Age: 34 CV, abridged: Lead singer of Sheer Mag (2014-present); singer, Mohawktown (2013-2016); B.A., liberal arts, SUNY Purchase (2004-2008). Latest record: A Distant […]
Is Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom” Actually About Philly?
When Elton — sorry, make that Sir Elton — plays his farewell shows in Philadelphia on November 8th and 9th at the Wells Fargo Center […]
With 36 Hours of Woodstock, WXPN Leads an Aural Trip to the ’60s
The attempted reincarnation of the Woodstock music festival for its 50th anniversary was officially abandoned in late July, after a failed last-ditch proposal by festival organizers […]
The 25-Year-Old Camden Trumpeter Who’s Taking the Jazz World by Storm
I’m going to use two phrases: “trumpet player” and “jazz club.” What immediately comes to mind? Chances are you’re imagining some old guy onstage playing […]
A Lower Merion Teen Is Competing Against the World’s Greatest Young Pianists
Seventeen-year-old Bala Cynwyd resident Avery Gagliano is one of six competitors from around the world left in the prestigious Cliburn junior competition, which seeks to […]