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 amplify and enhance the Philadelphia Music Industry by Suzann Christine Henry and Kerri Park
Mission
The Original 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 add it to the. Creative PHL Calendar as a Music Event
Meet the Task FOrce
​​​Dani Allen (Formerly Ensemble Arts)
Emeka Anusionwu (Commerce Dept)
Kaisha Blackstone (Drexel University)
Richard Clark (PYO Music Institute)
Brianna DeMayo (Taste Creators)
Helen Eaton (Settlement Music School)
Pam English (English B Creative)
Val Gay (Creative Philadelphia)
Mary Javian (Curtis Institute of Music)
Ramon Jones (Recording Academy)
Frank Machos (The Mann Music Center)
Scott Mirkin (ESM Productions)
Johnny Montina (MGR- Tierra Whack)
Chill (Eric) Moody (Nicethings Music)
Bernie Resnick (Bernard M. Resnick, Esq., P.C.)
Leslie "Freeway" Pridgen (Freedom Thinkers Academy)
Hiruy Tirfe (TIRFE MUSIC WORLD LLC)
Subcommittee Members
Education
Jessica Zweig (Play On Philly)
Jonathan Edwards (FamFrequency Productions
Rebecca Bolden (Project 440)
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Permanance Policy & Funding
Amani Cunningham (Hiphopsince1987)
Katie Hanford (East Passyunk Ave BID)
Ronn Ash (Philadelphia Music Heritage Council /PHL music)
Theo Aronson (Ooh La La Recordings)
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Marketing & Campaigns
Pamela English (English B Creative / Urgensee Press)
Aaron Merkin (Groundwork Operations, LLC & Corner Store Collective, LLC)
Branford Jones (They Have The Range)
Gloria Domina (Thirteen Butterflies Productions)
Iron Solomon (Corner Store)
Julia Ostrovsky (Drexel Alum)
Kayla Thomas (Drexel University Music Industry Student)
Programming
Sister Taleah Taylor (City of Dreams/Level Up Philly)
Theo Aronson (Ooh La La Recordings)
Philly Music Month
David Edwards (Silent Philly / Home Base Pa / Rhythm & Beats Powered by Sag)
Logan Brooks (Fourteen 37 SOUND)
Medina Oyefusi (Stumble Media Group)
Melvin Powell (Sync Production Group x Black Soul Summer)
Miasha Walters (Live Nation)
Sam Katz (History Making Productions LLC)
Siani Wiggs (Siani Leigh PR)
