WXPN is marking America’s 250th anniversary with an ambitious year-long music celebration honoring Philadelphia’s past and future.
As the country prepares for its Semiquincentennial, the Philadelphia public radio station has launched four major initiatives that will serve as the city’s soundtrack for the milestone.
Philly Anthems
Philly Anthems, supported by The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage, commissions new music from established and emerging artists inspired by themes of independence. Participating established artists include Christian McBride, Eric Bazilian, Devon Gilfillian, Eliza Hardy Jones, and Lady Alma, joined by seven rising Philadelphia talents. To broaden participation, WXPN has opened registration for the 24 Hour Song Challenge – Philly Anthems Edition.
Creators have 24 hours to write and record an original song based on a surprise prompt released June 6. The grand prize winner receives a $5,000 honorarium, performance slots at XPoNential Music Festival and Philly Music Fest, studio time, workshops, and a spot on the official Philly Anthems album. Registration is open at songchallenge.xpn.org.
From July 3–5, WXPN will air The Philly 250, a special countdown of the top 250 songs from, by, and about Philadelphia. Leading up to the event, beginning May 4, the station will feature more than 40 daily segments highlighting key moments in local music history — from David Bowie recording Young Americans at Sigma Sound Studios to the first Roots Picnic and Pearl Jam’s final Spectrum show.
Sound of History
On Juneteenth, Sound of History debuts at the Museum of the American Revolution. Artists Zeek Burse and Laurin Talese created original works connecting 1776 and 2026 after months of research at the museum. The pieces will premiere June 19 as part of Philadelphia’s “What Now: 2026” arts festival. Free tickets are now available.
World Cafe: Sense of Place – Philadelphia
WXPN’s acclaimed World Cafe: Sense of Place series turns its focus on its hometown for an extended two-week run from June 22 to July 3. The program will explore Philadelphia’s DIY scene, American Bandstand, Mummers String Bands, Revolutionary-era music, and more, featuring new interviews with Todd Rundgren and archival performances by Christian McBride, Dr. Dog, Mannequin Pussy, Questlove, The War on Drugs, Japanese Breakfast, and others.
These initiatives build on WXPN’s ongoing commitment to Philadelphia’s musical legacy while amplifying the artists shaping its future during this historic national celebration.