WXPN Musicians On Call bringing bedside music to Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehab patients
Registration for our WXPN 5k Run for Musicians On Call is now open! Sign up to run or walk in the Oct. 18 event to directly support WXPN Musicians On Call’s mission of bringing music to hospital bedsides across the Philly region.
Adam Weiner | Photo by Paige Walter
In our ongoing mission to spread the joy of music to the masses, WXPN Musicians On Call has expanded in 2026 by welcoming the Philadelphia area’s first rehabilitation hospital to the program, giving its patients bedside entertainment.
Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Thursday became the 10th regional healthcare facility to join WXPN Musicians On Call, and the launch event featured local rocker Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie performing for patients and caregivers, as well as remarks from stakeholders.
“People feel the pulse, they feel the rhythm,” Weiner said after playing at the facility. “They don’t even notice their foot starts tapping, they don’t even notice they start to groove with the music.”
One patient who saw Weiner’s performance asked him if he could tip him.
“I said, ‘you can tip me with your smile,’ which he certainly did,” he said. “I hope we gave them something to get them through the day and lighten their mood. [WXPN Musicians On Call] is a very beautiful thing and I’m happy to be part of it.”
“WXPN Musicians On Call has been bringing local musicians and live music to patient bedsides throughout our region for over two decades,” WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay said. “We are delighted to extend that service to Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation as part of the important healing work happening there.”
Since WXPN and Musicians On Call teamed up more than two decades ago, nearly 163,000 patients, family members, and caregivers throughout the Greater Philadelphia region have experienced the healing power of live music through the program. The national Musicians On Call program has brought music to more than 1.25 million people over its 27-year history, too.
Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation COO Thomas Smith said music can play a major role in one’s recovery after the onset of a disability.
“Examples include assisting with recovery from communication disorders such as aphasia, or improving mood and overall well-being by reducing stress and anxiety, impacting an individual’s adaptation to disability,” he said. “Also, music can provide a sense of connection and normalcy during what can be a very challenging time.”
Pete Griffin, Musicians On Call President and CEO, said the partnership will ensure patients and caregivers have uplifting and harmonious environments during the recovery processes.
“Expanding into a dedicated rehabilitation setting allows us to support patients in an entirely new way,” he said. “Rehab patients often face a long, demanding road to recovery, making the emotional and mental benefits of live music incredibly impactful.”
Lucy Watts Stidfole, a music therapist at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation, said WXPN Musicians On Call perfectly supplements the facility’s therapy program.
“We don’t have the ability to see every patient all the time,” she said. “So this opportunity allows us to collaborate with other musicians who can bring music after therapy hours to our patients’ bedside — as well as in a community setting — and use it to support our patients’ wellness.
Over the past few years, WXPN host Mike Vasilikos has witnessed firsthand how impactful these bedside performances can be for patients.
“Every room you walk into is a different story,” he said. “And the range of emotions can swing from room to room. But what strikes me about every performance — is the connection to the music. The healing power music can have. And, also, reminding people that they’re not alone.”
In addition to therapeutic facets, the WXPN Musicians On Call performances at the facility will help patients return to activities they love, like seeing live music.
“The performances will provide opportunities for us to share practical tips and guidance to our patients on how to safely and confidently attend live music events as they transition back into their communities,” Smith said.
While Thursday marked WXPN Musicians On Call’s kickoff at Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation, it also marked the start of registration for our annual WXPN 5k Run for Musicians On Call! The benefit event, which also includes the Funky Miler Walk, will take place Oct. 18 both in person at Penn Park and virtually. Proceeds from the event directly support the WXPN Musicians On Call program.