WXPN Announces Two Free Concerts Celebrating Philly Anthems: November 11 & December 10 at WXPN

New Project Commissioned Original Songs From Nationally Recognized and Emerging Philadelphia Artists Including Christian McBride, Devon Gilfillian, Eliza Hardy Jones, Eric Bazilian and more.

Today, WXPN announced two free live concerts at 3025 Walnut Street celebrating the rollout of Philly Anthems. Supported by The Pew Center For Arts & Heritage, the project inspired 13 original songs from five nationally recognized artists including Christian McBride, Devon Gilfillian, Eliza Hardy Jones, Eric Bazilian, and Lady Alma alongside eight emerging Philadelphia artists, with compositions that reflect the enduring themes of freedom and independence.

Taking place on November 11 (Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30pm), the first performance features Eric Bazilian, Eliza Hardy Jones, Moustapha Noumbissi, The Flying Vees (24 Hour Song Challenge winner),The Bul Bey, and Second Star. Tickets are available to RSVP HERE.

Taking place on December 10 (Doors at 7:00pm, Show at 7:30pm), the second performance features Devon Gilfillian, Lady Alma, Sug Daniels, Grace Gardner, Black Buttafly, and JR Everhart. RSVP link will be available at xpn.org at a later date.

Today’s announcement follows the release of thirteen tracks shared by acclaimed and emerging Philadelphia artists, including Devon Gilfillian’s hopeful “Ways To Go,” Christian McBride’s “Pick A Card,” Lady Alma’s dancefloor-ready “Liberty,” Eliza Hardy Jones’ poignant “America the Beautiful,” and Eric Bazilian’s introspective “Better Times.” After initially commissioning twelve songs, WXPN also released a bonus track, “American Dream” from Second Star, a duo consisting of Alexis Cunningham & Eric Bazilian.

Ahead of the upcoming concerts, Devin Gilfillian says, “Being a part of the Philly Anthems project was incredible because it made me think of what makes me love Philadelphia, and this country, but also where I want to see growth. Philly is a city full of hard working folks that don’t take crap from anybody. Being from outside of Philly, I know how hard artists work to get up on stage, or to get their art recognized. People are tough, but once you’ve earned your trust, the community is so loyal and tight. I’m honored to get to work beside artists like Eliza Hardy Jones, Black Buttafly, and the legend Eric Bazilian on this project. I’m so proud to be included, and proud to be from Delco (iykyk). I can’t wait to come home and sing and celebrate these songs live with you.”

About the shows, WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay says, “We saw Philadelphia’s Semiquincentennial as an opportunity to celebrate local artists and music. We are excited to share the results with our Philly Anthems concerts. It’s inspirational to see so many Philadelphia artists come together to create something new, each bringing their own perspective to the ideas of freedom and independence our country was founded on. We’re looking forward to celebrating the artists who make this a special music city.”

Philly Anthems is the fourth and final component of WXPN’s Soundtrack to America’s 250th initiative, which also includes The Philly 250, World Cafe’s Sense of Place: Philadelphia, and Sound of History. Together, the projects celebrate Philadelphia’s musical legacy and the artists and music that continue to shape the city.

With all 13 Philly Anthems songs out now, the project will culminate with the release of a 13-song vinyl album on Record Store Day 2027.

Download Graphic HERE / Photo Courtesy of WXPN