WXPN Establishes Relief Fund to Aid Local Music Community
Partnership with Philly Music Fest is launched with $25,000 donation
Philadelphia public radio station WXPN is creating a new Music Community Relief Fund aimed at supporting local and regional artists, venues and related workers. WXPN will launch the fund with a new partnership with the Philly Music Fest, which is raising and distributing funds through a micro-grant program for local artists and employees of local independent music venues whose work and income have been halted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
WXPN is committing $25,000 for the continuation of the micro-grant program launched last month by Philly Music Fest (PMF) founder Greg Seltzer and his wife Jennifer that has already distributed more than 90 $250 micro-grants. WXPN’s donation will allow another 100 recipients to receive funds to help them pay for food, rent, utilities, or any other expenses that they may be challenged to pay at this time, due to lack of employment. “WXPN faces fundraising needs of its own, but is committed to raising and distributing these funds with the goal of the return of the viable and vibrant local live music scene when the resolution of the current public health crisis permits,” said WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay. “We’re confident that our members, and individual and business supporters will embrace this initiative, and enable us to raise the necessary funds to help ensure that we will have a dynamic, sustainable music community in the future.”
”The critical component of PMF's effort has been to act quickly and get cash to musicians and venue staff through PayPal and Venmo,” said Seltzer, whose initial funding of the program has been augmented by crowd-sourced donations from friends, family and business contacts. “The partnership and support from WXPN has been a savior. We’re really psyched that WXPN took a look at what various organizations are doing to assist those in need, and thought highly enough of our effort to activate and support it.” LaMay also noted that the new fund is part of the WXPN Music Community Relief Initiative that the station has developed in response to discussions with the local music community about what measures are most needed at this time, and includes steps WXPN has already taken to support the community and keep artists and audiences connected through the current health crisis. These efforts include:
For the latest information on the Music Community Relief Fund, and to donate to WXPN and support this initiative, please go to http://wx.pn/fund. For more about WXPN, visit xpn.org. To learn more about Philly Music Fest, visit www.phlmusicfest.com
WXPN is committing $25,000 for the continuation of the micro-grant program launched last month by Philly Music Fest (PMF) founder Greg Seltzer and his wife Jennifer that has already distributed more than 90 $250 micro-grants. WXPN’s donation will allow another 100 recipients to receive funds to help them pay for food, rent, utilities, or any other expenses that they may be challenged to pay at this time, due to lack of employment. “WXPN faces fundraising needs of its own, but is committed to raising and distributing these funds with the goal of the return of the viable and vibrant local live music scene when the resolution of the current public health crisis permits,” said WXPN General Manager Roger LaMay. “We’re confident that our members, and individual and business supporters will embrace this initiative, and enable us to raise the necessary funds to help ensure that we will have a dynamic, sustainable music community in the future.”
”The critical component of PMF's effort has been to act quickly and get cash to musicians and venue staff through PayPal and Venmo,” said Seltzer, whose initial funding of the program has been augmented by crowd-sourced donations from friends, family and business contacts. “The partnership and support from WXPN has been a savior. We’re really psyched that WXPN took a look at what various organizations are doing to assist those in need, and thought highly enough of our effort to activate and support it.” LaMay also noted that the new fund is part of the WXPN Music Community Relief Initiative that the station has developed in response to discussions with the local music community about what measures are most needed at this time, and includes steps WXPN has already taken to support the community and keep artists and audiences connected through the current health crisis. These efforts include:
- A virtual concert calendar, to inform audiences of upcoming live, online performances The “Checking In With…” series that ”checks in” with members of WXPN’s extended musical family to see how they’re holding up during the coronavirus quarantine, and the music that has kept them grounded
- Providing five local artists with free, one-year memberships to WXPN partner REC Philly, so they can access REC Philly’s new state-of-the-art creative facility and many creative programs
- Spotify “Quarantunes” playlists curated by WXPN DJs designed for getting us through this difficult time together
For the latest information on the Music Community Relief Fund, and to donate to WXPN and support this initiative, please go to http://wx.pn/fund. For more about WXPN, visit xpn.org. To learn more about Philly Music Fest, visit www.phlmusicfest.com
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