In this week’s roundup, we feature past winners and a finalist from World Cafe Live’s fantastic Beta Hi-Fi, a competition among nine bands (chosen from hundreds of submissions) to win cash and other career-boosting prizes. Not to mention the title, which belongs to many Philadelphia bands you’ll recognize for going far in their careers. Tickets to Beta are free for audience members, so come down and see the next round of bands battling for the win. And check out some of the past champions below.

Arthur Thomas and the Funkitorium – Full Set (XPoNential Music Festival 2021)

XPN Fest ’21 favorites Arthur Thomas and the Funkitorium took home the title years ago. Thomas himself returns to host the competition, and keep the audience’s spirits high.

Ceramic Animal – “Tangled” (Free at Noon Concert)

Doylestown’s Ceramic Animal is also a past Beta Hi-Fi winner, and went on to collaborate with The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach on their fourth studio album Sweet Unknown.

Great Time – Full Set (XPoNential Music Festival 2021)

Beta Hi-Fi winner and judges Great Time recently relocated to Los Angeles, but Philly will always claim this experimental pop-rock group as our own.

Alyssa Garcia – “It’ll End With You” (Live on WXPN Local)

Finalist ’23 Alyssa Garcia joined WXPN Local in studio back in April to promote a festival she helped organize, the Asian American Pie Festival at World Cafe Live.

The Districts – “Bold” (XPoNential Music Festival 2016)

And finally, the first winners of the Beta Hi-Fi competition: The Districts. Their influence in Philly and beyond is undeniable, and is surely what every competitor is striving for.

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This week’s YouTube Roundup is made possible with support from Rafferty Subaru. Subaru Loves the Earth.