WXPN Launches Philly Anthems and 250-Song Countdown to Celebrate Americas 250th Anniversary

WXPN, the non‑commercial adult‑album‑alternative station in Philadelphia, is using the United States’ 250th birthday to spotlight the city’s music heritage. Beginning in early July, the station will host a series of events that include a new‑music commission program called Philly Anthems, a city‑focused 250‑song countdown, a song‑writing contest, and special segments on its flagship show World Cafe.

The initiatives were announced by WXPN general manager Roger LaMay on May 6 at the station’s annual Non‑Commvention. LaMay said the station’s guiding principle is to help audiences discover new music by celebrating local artists. He added that the projects “are really about celebrating Philadelphia, both the history and local music, through commissioning artists” on a scale the station has never done before.

Philly Anthems is the centerpiece of the programming. The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage awarded WXPN a grant of roughly $300,000 to commission original works inspired by the theme of independence. The project will feature five established Philadelphia musicians—Eliza Hardy‑Jones (The War on Drugs), Lady Alma, Christian McBride, Eric Bazilian, and Devon Gilfillian—along with seven emerging artists. Hardy‑Jones, who will also host the station’s song contest, said the commission lets artists “process what’s going on in the world” through new music.

In addition to the commissioned pieces, the station will run a 24‑hour song challenge. Participants write, record and submit an original song based on a prompt. The winner’s track will be added to the Philly Anthems album and will receive studio time, a $5,000 prize and a $500 gift card.

WXPN’s 250‑song countdown will air over the anniversary weekend. The list will include tracks “by, from or about Philadelphia,” ranging from Elton John’s “Philadelphia Freedom” to David Bowie’s Philadelphia‑recorded album and local favorites such as The Hooters and John Coltrane. The countdown follows the format of the station’s popular annual cover‑song list and will be broadcast on the same nights as the World Cafe “Sense of Place” segments.

The World Cafe segments will dive into pivotal moments in Philadelphia music history. LaMay said the show’s “city‑centered segments will take a deep dive into pivotal moments in Philadelphia music history beginning June 19.” The segments will be part of the program’s broader “Sense of Place” series, which profiles music scenes and their contexts in cities worldwide.

WXPN also partnered with the Museum of the American Revolution to commission two Black Music City project participants. The Black Music City project, a collaboration with Philadelphia jazz and classical station WRTI and marketing agency REC Philly, awards grants to local Black artists. The commissioned works will link 1776 to 2026 through the lens of the Black experience and will premiere at the city’s Juneteenth festival.

The station’s programming choices reflect its non‑commercial AAA format and its mission to provide an “oasis from a lot of what goes on in the 24‑hour news cycle.” LaMay emphasized that the music produced will be topical and relevant to contemporary issues, a standard that listeners expect.

WXPN’s approach to the semiquincentennial also aligns with broader citywide celebrations. The station coordinated with ArtPhilly for a citywide arts and culture festival that overlaps the anniversary. The festival will feature the Black Music City commissions and other local events.

According to reports, the station secured the Pew grant in February 2026 after submitting a proposal that highlighted the city’s musical legacy and the need for new works that reflect on independence. The grant will fund the commissioning of the 14 artists and support the production of the Philly Anthems album.

The initiatives are expected to bring national attention to Philadelphia’s music scene. LaMay noted that “at a time where national entities are turning their attention to the 250th, we’re going to have a lot of content and wonderful art to offer them.” The station’s long‑term focus on artist development and community engagement positions it to leverage the anniversary for wider exposure.

In summary, WXPN’s semiquincentennial programming includes a commissioned music project, a city‑wide song contest, a 250‑song countdown, and World Cafe segments that together aim to celebrate Philadelphia’s musical heritage and provide new opportunities for local artists. The projects are funded by a Pew Center grant and are scheduled to run through the summer, culminating in the anniversary weekend in July.