Philadelphia
The Original Music City Task Force
The City of Philadelphia was declared The Original Music City on May 29th, 2025
The declaration was introduced by Councilman Isaiah Thomas
A spearheaded effort to put Philadelphia back on the map by Suzann Christine Henry and Kerri Park
Mission
The Philly is a Music City Task Force exists to strengthen, promote, and protect Philadelphia’s diverse music ecosystem consisting of artists, musicians, radio, creatives, promoters, venues, educators, organizations, and businesses. We work to influence legislation, budget priorities, and infrastructure to ensure that music remains a central part of Philadelphia’s culture, identity, and future.
By highlighting our rich historic legacy and empowering our robust music community, we will honor Philadelphia’s place as The Original Music City and demonstrate how prioritizing music drives equity, innovation, and inclusive prosperity for all.
Philly Music
Month
On May 29th, 2025 The City Council of Philadelphia designated May as Philly Music Month. This is a city wide celebration.
If you are looking to celebrate Philly Music Month and you have an event amplifying music or the industry, please tell us how you will celebrate our music? Let us know by filling out this form.
Meet the Task FOrce
Suzann Christine Henry (Chair)
Kerri Park (Chair)
​​​Dani Allen
Emeka Anusionwu
Kaisha Blackstone
Mont Brown
Richard Clark
Joe Conyers
Brianna DeMayo
Helen Eaton
Michael Fichman
Val Gay
Marjorie Goldberg
Nas Haddad
Carvin Haggins
Charlie Hall
Sophie Heng
David Ivory
Patty Jackson
Mary Javian
Ramon Jones
Matt Kerr
Tommy Joyner
Kristen Kurtis
Tre Lambert
Nan Latona
Ash Mac
Frank Machos
Scott Mirkin
Johnny Montina
Chill (Eric) Moody
Desiree (Dezzie) Neal
Maggie Poulos
Bernie Resnick
Leslie "Freeway" Pridgen
Hiruy Tirfe
Gerald Veasley
Dyana Williams
Patty Wilson Aden
Rasheid Amon
Subcommittee Members
EducatioN
Jonathan Edwards (FamFrequency Productions
Rebecca Bolden (Project 440)
Jessica Zweig (Play On Philly)
Permanance Policy & Funding
Katie Hanford (East Passyunk Ave BID)
Ronn Ash (Philadelphia Music Heritage Council /PHL music)
Amani Cunningham (Hiphopsince1987)
Marketing & Campaigns
Branford Jones (They Have The Range)
Kayla Thomas (Drexel University Music Industry Student)
Pamela English (English B Creative / Urgensee Press)
Gloria Domina (Thirteen Butterflies Productions)
Julia Ostrovsky (Drexel Alum)
Andrei Francis Diageo
Monique Bonney (Mo.B. Outside)
Calvin Hunter (Cal and Company)
Bill Lowe (Silent Philly)
Golan Perry (SLVS Group, LLC)
Eddie Brown (Eclectic Spark)
Lynette Cohen (Hey Mayor Lyn)
Imani Briscoe (Imani B. & Co.)
Aaron Merkin (Groundwork Operations, LLC & Corner Store Collective, LLC)
Programming
Sister Taleah Taylor (City of Dreams/Level Up Philly)
DJ Waters (DJDJ STUDIOS LLC)
Theo Aronson (Ooh La La Recordings)
Philly Music Month
David Edwards (Silent Philly/ Home Base Pa/ Rhythm & Beats Powered by Sag)
Siani Wiggs Siani Leigh PR
Melvin Powell (Sync Production Group x Black Soul Summer)
Sam Katz (History Making Productions LLC)
Medina Oyefusi (Stumble Media Group)
Logan Brooks (Fourteen 37 SOUND)
Miasha Walters (Live Nation)