Tickets

7 NIGHTS

22 bandS

1 City

Non-Profit Music Festival Benefitting Philly Musicians & Music Education for Kids.

Our Genre is Philly. Each year we gather and celebrate a beautiful and talented music scene, but Philly Music Fest is a bit different than typical music festivals. By structuring Philly Music Fest as a non-profit and organizing the festival ourselves, we eliminate the need to pay producers and promoters. The result is that we pay our musicians well, host our shows only at independently-owned venues and then donate profits to local music programs educating the next great generation of Philly musicians.

You can help. When you buy a ticket to a PMF show, your money goes directly to the musicians and venues, then PMF donates profits to music education programs. In addition to buying tickets, we welcome donations of any amount - big or small. Together we can support Philly’s music community, present and future.

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October 13 - 14

Ardmore Music Hall

October 15

Johnny Brenda’s

A beautiful illustration of a TV showing all the performing artists

GREG MENDEZ

Mendez is an intuitive songwriter, melodies channeled through ether, a storyteller who across his catalog has chronicled vivid violence and instability — a wallet chain to the head, a crack house arrest, the misdeeds from addiction that hang around like a ghost of past lives — but it's threaded together with love songs, too, with odes to friendship, true dedication, the things that can buoy one through the worst. Mendez has a habit of noticing those things, of finding the light, exacting poetry from even the bleakest, shit-caked situations. In his songs there is an innate ability to balance grit with gentleness, cruelties rewritten through preternatural sweetness, a heart thrumming unendingly, confidently, through the dark.

22° Halo

22º Halo is an indie/rock/slowcore/folk/bedroom pop band from Philadelphia led by songwriter Will Kennedy.

Soup Dreams

Soup Dreams began as the solo project of singer/guitarist Isaac Shalit, completing their senior recital at Oberlin Conservatory in Ohio. An unsteady first venture into songwriting emerged from a background in experimental music and performance art. When they moved to Philadelphia in late 2021, they became fixated on indie rock, on the power and grit of the Philly scene. With the addition of bandmates Emma Kazal (she/her, bass/vocals) , Nigel Law (he/him, drums) and Winnie Malcarney (she/her, guitar), Soup Dreams solidified into a real Rock Band. Drawing on eclectic musical influences from country to classical and united by deep emotion and frenetic energy, the band explores themes of queer and trans identity, magic and the divine, animal familiars, and the siren pull of the open road.

October 16

World Cafe Live

MATT QUINN

Matt Quinn, frontman and songwriter of Mt. Joy, was only a couple of months into law school when Mt. Joy's single "Astrovan" began racking up hundreds of thousands of plays on Spotify at release. Quinn had just moved out to L.A. from Philadelphia and was attending night classes and working at a firm when he knew it was time to focus on music. Since then, Mt. Joy has flourished into a 5 piece band that has spent the past six years making music, touring the world, and achieving some of their wildest dreams. To date, Mt. Joy has garnered over one billion global streams and has sold more than half a million tickets, with singles “Silver Lining,” “Jenny Jenkins,” “Lemon Tree,” “Strangers,” “Highway Queen,” and “She Wants to Go Dancing” all charting in the Top 5 on AAA radio. After nearly a decade of touring and recording three critically acclaimed albums (2018’s Mt. Joy, 2020’s Rearrange Us, and 2022’s Orange Blood), Mt. Joy reached new heights in 2024, selling out New York’s Madison Square Garden, The Greek Theater in Los Angeles, Denver’s Red Rocks Amphitheater, and more; their 70-date North American and European headline tour sold more than 180,000 tickets.

GRACE GARDNER

Raised on the outskirts of a Texas city, now living in New England, Grace Gardner is pushing the boundaries of the singer/songwriter genre. While their music adopts many of the genre’s characteristics, Grace has found inspiration in their parents’ taste in 70s and 80s rock, in the folk roots of Grace’s southern upbringing, the heart of the sounds of New Orleans where Grace studied neuroscience in college, and in the lyric-forward storytelling they found themselves returning to most. Taking it one step further, producing all of their own music allows Grace to maintain a personal, authentic touch in each of their songs. Grace’s lyricism is evocative and emotional, poignantly penning about the joys and tribulations in relationships, in recovery, and in their identity — typically backdropped by thoughtful guitar and intricate production.

ARCHAWAH

Christopher David Archibald is an American singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Bucks County, Pennsylvania, best known as the frontman of the indie rock band Illinois and for his solo project, Archawah. As the lead vocalist and primary songwriter for Illinois, Archibald has been a driving force behind the band’s distinctive blend of indie rock, folk, and “suburban soul” since its formation in 2006. The band gained early recognition with their 2007 EP What the Hell Do I Know?, released under Ace Fu Records, and continued to build their discography with albums like The Adventures of Kid Catastrophe (2009), Lemonade Stand (2011), Shine (2015), and Shady Lane (2021) . Illinois’s music has been featured in various media, including the TV series Weeds and the video game NBA 2K10.

BLACK BUTTAFLY

Kayla Childs, also known as “Black Buttafly”, is a 26 year old New Jersey native hailing from New Brunswick. Her musical roots are in Gospel, Jazz, and Soul music with influences ranging from Patrice Rushen, Herbie Hancock, Stevie Wonder, J Dilla, and Ahmad Jamal. She is a rising pianist, songwriter, and producer attending Rutgers University pursuing her degree in Jazz Performance and Music Technology while currently living and playing in Philadelphia, PA. Kayla has performed in venues such as World Cafe Live, Keystone Corner, Pitchfork Festival (Chicago, London, Paris), The Beacon Theatre, and Nublu Jazz Festival. She is a band member of Omar’s Hat, UPENDO, & Instrumental band “Astrium”. Kayla has traveled the Across the U.S. and Europe touring professionally. She has played and recorded with artists Ms. Lauryn Hill, Pete Rock, Lenny White, KeiyaA, RES, Ivy Sole, Orion Sun, Duendita, Hannibal Burress & Grammy Award Winning Artist, Jermaine Holmes. She is an inspiring artist looking to impact the world through her soulful sounds and vulnerable vibes.

October 17

Underground Arts

THE WONDER YEARS

The Wonder Years is an American pop punk band from Lansdale, Pennsylvania, United States that formed in June 2005. Since their conception, they have released six full-length albums, two EPs, and several splits/compilations. The group is currently signed to Hopeless Records. Their name originates from a paper that lead vocalist, Dan 'Soupy' Campbell, read, written by his after-school education teacher titled "The Wonder Years".

DRYJACKET

Dryjacket is an alternative/indie band originating from South Jersey.

GOLDEN APPLES

Golden Apples might be one of the best kept secrets in guitar music, but their new full-length, Bananasugarfire, is about to change that. The boldly titled album is impossible to ignore, a kaleidoscopic blast of fuzzed out guitars, joyful songwriting, and vibrant production that’s as human as it is hooky. It’s exactly what a truly great indie rock album can be: fun yet fulfilling, inventive yet inviting, confident yet candid–music that lifts you up with melody, noise, and heart.

PUBLIC WORKS

With his gut wrenching lyrics and head turning sound, New Jersey-based artist Public Works has gained recognition for his ability to craft emotionally resonant music that hits home with listeners. Public Works' sound is raw, under processed and personal. His heartfelt vocals have established him as a promising voice in the indie music scene. Though relatively new, his growing catalog showcases an artist with a unique perspective and an undeniable ability to translate personal experiences into universal music.

October 18

Underground Arts

THE WONDER YEARS

CARACARA

Caracara has always had ambitions past Philadelphia. They could have stemmed from the project’s genesis: the implosion of former bands, the impact of long-distance communication and travel in relationships, the inevitability of experimentation and expansion. Styles and symbols seem to shift throughout their music, alternating from shimmering indie to whispers of neo-folk before relishing in the cathartic push of post-rock. In 2025, Caracara is working on new music. Friends of the band are working on remixes of old music. The band has been busy going through all the footage they've been shooting on a Sony hi-8 camcorder for the last 3 years, but they'll see you again soon.

KULFIGIRLS

Fronted by lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Abi Natesh, the KulfiGirls’ style is a cross-cultural tapestry marked by prominent use of the Saraswati veena. Abi’s lifelong yearning to bridge her South Indian heritage with her Western upbringing came to a turning point when she met lead guitarist Joan, who helped to fuse the melancholic harmonies and aggressive distortions of various Western influences with Abi’s Carnatic roots. Underpinned by Adesola’s relentlessly in-your-face rhythms and the wide-spanning multi-talent Stephanie, the Kulfi Girls are one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic, evocative, and diverse new groups on the music scene. Their debut album "Divinity" explores a novel "carnatic rock" sound inspired by diverse genres of pop and rock with an experimental ensemble of instruments.

October 18

THE FALLSER CLUB

CATIE TURNER

Catie Turner is a Philadelphia-born and Los Angeles-based songstress who sprinkles glowing melodies over cathartic indie pop. Turner processes trauma, growing up, getting ghosted, embracing awkwardness, and living life in real-time through disarmingly confessional lyrics and nuanced songcraft in her four EPs - The Sad Vegan [2019], Heartbroken and Milking It [2021], Comedy & Tragedy Parts 1 & 2 [2023]. She first debuted on American Idol season 16 as the first artist to ever audition with an original song, and her strength as a writer and performer was immediately apparent. Her breakout hit “God Must Hate Me” has over 75 million streams and counting. Along the way, she’s also incited the applause of TIME, Billboard, V Magazine & American Songwriter. Her music is like the best and most honest psychotherapy session you’ve ever had—but on a merry-go-round.

CHIOKE

Chioke is one of music’s most magnetic new voices, blending sultry, cinematic vocals into a raw, ethereal sound. Known for her gritty yet dreamlike feel, she crafts music that floats between rock and R&B. With her roots in spoken word and a journey shaped by loss, her story began in a bedroom studio with her best friend and producer, Jay Dreamer, whose passing left an indelible mark on her music. Each track is a punch of feeling, inviting listeners to embrace life’s highs and lows with open arms. In Chioke’s world, every note is a story, every song a rebellion against the ordinary.

THE LUNAR YEAR

The Lunar Year is an art rock band from Philadelphia led by songwriter and poet KR Hackett. Their abstract melodic style emerged after Hackett moved east in pursuit of becoming a rock and roll poet. She then began collaborating with her current band mates: bassist Sam Nobles from Delaware band Mean Lady as well as drummer Adam Shumski and guitarist Dan Ryan from NYC band BODEGA. Hackett has also scored for film, having been featured at the London International Animation Festival, Viet Film Fest and MAM Festival. The band’s songs have been featured on comedian Chris Gethard’s New Jersey is the World, MTV’s Teen Mom and Teen Mom 2. Hackett is also a co-founder of Sweet Juice Fest in Germantown, Philadelphia.

October 19

SOLAR MYTH

NAZIR EBO

Already a veteran musician at the young age of 23, drummer Nazir Ebo was recently declared “the Philadelphia jazz scene’s next breakthrough talent” by WRTI. The second drum prodigy to emerge from his West Philadelphia home, following his older brother Justin Faulkner, Ebo is a product of the Clef Club and Anthony Tidd’s educational programs. Mentored by local legends including Jamaaladeen Tacuma and Bobby Zankel, he’s recently graduated to higher profile gigs as a sideman with Joshua Redman, Soweto Kinch, Kenneth Whalum III, George Burton and Logan Richardson. Ebo’s own electric quartet features guitarists Simon Martinez and Russell Gelman along with bassist Tone Whitfield, a contemporary twist on fusion that juggles funk, rock, hip-hop, electronica and ambient sounds into a unique sonic stew.

DANIEL VILLAREAL

Daniel Villarreal is a widely known and beloved drummer, musician, and DJ rooted in the vibrant Chicago music scene. His dynamic energy and skillful versatility have made him a sought-after artist, with frequent performances alongside the renowned bands Dos Santos and Valebol, as well as being an integral part of Neal Francis’ 11-piece ensemble. Villarreal is celebrated for his irresistibly groovy instrumental sets, seamlessly weaving together elements of psychedelic funk, soul, and jazz with the rich textures of traditional Latin American folk music. His performances are a captivating fusion of rhythm and genre, reflecting his deep passion for both innovation and cultural heritage. Whether behind the drum kit or spinning records, Daniel Villarreal continues to push the boundaries of music, creating a sound that is both timeless and forward-thinking.

October 19

Milkboy

DEADGUY

Deadguy is an American metal band from New Brunswick, New Jersey. Deadguy is considered to have played an important role in the development of the mathcore genre. Their debut studio album Fixation on a Co-Worker is cited as a classic within the genre.

Lástima

Lástima is a black metal/screamo band from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, founded in 2019. Initially a solo project, Lástima evolved into a live outfit with members from other bands like Witching & Sonagi & Capacities. Their music blends black metal and emo influences with elements of romantic era classical and traditional Latin music. Lástima explores themes of latino-identity, depression, and existentialism.

SHYGODWIN

ShyGodwin is a queer, Black punk/hardcore band from Philadelphia, made up of vocalist Lee Woods and guitarist Jasmine Godwin. Blending house-show intensity with sharp political edge, their music dives into introspection, unrest, and the power of collective resistance. Deeply rooted in Philly’s culture of defiance and solidarity, they’re rising fast, bringing raw, underground, pit-splitting energy to a stage near you.

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