In the vibrant music scene of Philadelphia, an eagerly anticipated event is set to make its mark once again. Philly Music Fest (PMF) will return in October for its ninth edition, expanding its reach and showcasing a diverse lineup of local and emerging artists. With nine shows across independent venues throughout the city, this year's festival promises to be more extensive than ever before. Headliners include Matt Quinn from Mt. Joy, punk band The Wonder Years, and a yet-to-be-announced surprise act. Through this expansion, PMF aims not only to celebrate established musicians but also to provide a platform for up-and-coming talent.
This year’s iteration of Philly Music Fest marks a significant milestone as it broadens its scope with two additional performances compared to previous years. Festival co-founder Greg Seltzer expressed his vision for PMF to become "the best week of music in Philly" annually. The festival will feature headline acts performing at smaller venues, offering fans intimate experiences they wouldn't typically get at larger concerts. Furthermore, PMF continues its tradition of supporting local music initiatives by raising funds for educational programs within Philadelphia.
The festival kicks off on October 13th with a double-night performance by the mystery headliner at Ardmore Music Hall. Following this, various venues such as Underground Arts in Callowhill will host The Wonder Years over two nights—October 17th and 18th—with different supporting acts each evening. Other highlights include Greg Mendez headlining at Johnny Brenda's in Fishtown on October 15th alongside 22º Halo and Soup Dreams, and World Cafe Live hosting dual-stage events featuring Matt Quinn and Grace Gardner downstairs, while Black Buttafly and Archawah perform upstairs.
As the festival progresses into its final days, audiences can look forward to a range of genres being represented. For instance, jazz enthusiasts will enjoy a show at Solar Myth with Nazir Ebo and Daniel Villareal on October 19th, whereas metal aficionados might prefer attending MilkBoy Chestnut Street for performances by Deadguy, Lastima, and ShyGodwin on the same day. Additionally, American Idol finalist Catie Turner will grace the stage at Fallser Club in East Falls supported by Chioke and The Lunar Year.
Philly Music Fest remains committed to giving back to the community that has nurtured so many musical careers. Over the past four years, the festival has raised $100,000 annually toward music education efforts within Philadelphia. Tickets for this year's festivities go on sale starting Friday morning via the official PMF website or directly at participating venue locations. Fans are encouraged to secure their spots early to partake in what promises to be another unforgettable celebration of Philadelphia's rich musical heritage.