Philadelphia Music Alliance Honors Founder Larry Magid and Prepares for 2023 Walk of Fame Plaque Unveilings and Annual Gala Celebration
Festivities begin at 11:30AM on April 20, 2023
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PHILADELPHIA, PA: The Philadelphia Music Alliance, a community-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Philadelphia’s
rich musical legacy, is preparing to unveil their 2023 Walk of Fame plaques in advance of their annual gala celebration. The series of events, which will take place on April 20,
2023, honors the movers and shakers who have influenced how music is experienced, not only in Philadelphia, but around the world. In addition to the previously announced
inductees, PMA founder and visionary Larry Magid will receive a special tribute and honor at this year’s festivities.
The festivities kick off at 11:30AM as the 2023 Walk of Fame inductees will gather outside the University of the Arts’ Hamilton Hall (320 S. Broad Street) for an induction
ceremony followed by a series of plaque unveilings. Established in 1986, the Walk of Fame, a creation of the Philadelphia Music Alliance, is a must-see tourist attraction on
Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts. This series of over 100 bronze commemorative plaques honors Philadelphia area musicians and music professionals who have made a
significant contribution to the world of music. The Walk of Fame recognizes the vas contribution of Philadelphia to all musical genres, and encourages the creation,
celebration, and historical preservation of Philadelphia music.
In addition to the previously announced 2023 honorees, the Philadelphia Music Alliance is pleased to bestow an additional special Founders Award to Larry Magid, visionary
founder of both the Philadelphia Music Alliance and Electric Factory Concerts. The other 2023 inductees include Leslie Odom, Jr., The Bacon Brothers, The Tymes,
James DePreist, radio broadcasters John DeBella and Patty Jackson, along with a Founders Award given to Governor Rendell for spearheading the creation of the
world-renowned Avenue of the Arts. A Lifetime Achievement Award will be bestowed to Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, and Thom Bell, lovingly known as “The Sound of
Philadelphia.” Odom Jr, Bacon, Jackson, DeBella, Governor Rendell, The Tymes, and Ginette DePreist (the wife of late honoree James DePriest) will be present on April 20 to
celebrate their plaque unveilings.
Later in the evening, the Alliance will celebrate in style at a special Gala Celebration, held at Vie (600 N Broad Street), starting at 6PM. The evening will feature special
performances tributing Thom Bell, Jerry Blavat, Charlie Gracie, and Bobby Rydell, featuring The Spinners and Adam Weiner of Low Cut Connie. Guests will also enjoy
additional performances by Walk of Fame inductees The Tymes, Musicopia Drum Corps, and jazz artist Michael Kaplan.
INFORMATION FOR MEDIA:
INDUCTION CEREMONY AND PLAQUE UNVEILING: Accredited members of the press are invited to the plaque unveiling ceremony on Broad Street starting at 11:30AM.
A specific schedule highlighting the estimated time of each unveiling will be available at a later date. Please contact Bryan at [email protected] to confirm your attendance at the induction ceremony.
INTERVIEWS: Members of the media are highly encouraged to request interviews with the honorees in advance of the April 20 ceremony. Very limited day-of interviews may be available. Please contact Bryan at [email protected] to arrange or request an interview.
GALA: TV cameras and accredited photographers are invited to capture the festivities at the evening gala. Please note that complimentary gala tickets are not available for
members of the media. Please contact Bryan at [email protected] for more information, or to confirm that you will cover.
About the Philadelphia Music Alliance: Established in 1986, the Philadelphia Music Alliance is a community-based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to preserving and
promoting Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy by increasing awareness of the city’s great musical tradition and supporting the current music scene. Established by music
executives and concerned citizens in order to recognize the vast contribution of Philadelphia to all the musical genres, the Philadelphia Music Alliance serves to
encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music.
Past PMA programs have included a Musical Instrument Donation Program in partnership with the Mr. Holland’s Opus Foundation, an annual piano competition, the
Philadelphia International Airport Music Project, Music In The Schools, music education scholarships and grants, a speakers bureau, as well as music business seminars and
workshops – all designed to not only to encourage our city’s continued stellar contributions to the cultural heritage of the world but to fill a void created by shrinking budgets for cultural programs in our city and in our schools.
The Alliance also serves as a resource to students, educators, musicians, city agencies, and other cultural institutions. The PMA has worked with the Greater Philadelphia
Tourism Marketing Corporation, Multicultural Affairs Council, Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Philadelphia Commerce Department, National Academy of
Recording Arts and Sciences, Franklin Institute, Corporation for the Aging, Trane Stop, University of the Arts and the City Representative’s Office on various projects.