Council considers commission to promote Philly as a music town

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 Mayor Michael Nutter congratulates members of the Roots. The band was one of this year's inductees into Philadelphia's Walk of Fame, honoring musicians and other artists on South Broad Street. City Council is considering creating a commission to bolster the city as a center for the music idustry.(Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

Mayor Michael Nutter congratulates members of the Roots. The band was one of this year's inductees into Philadelphia's Walk of Fame, honoring musicians and other artists on South Broad Street. City Council is considering creating a commission to bolster the city as a center for the music idustry.(Kimberly Paynter/WHYY)

A commission to boost the music industry is another step closer to formation in Philadelphia, following the blessing of a City Council committee. 

Musician and teacher Erik Sabo says the commission would help unify the city’s music industry no matter what genre.

It would be “more well-equipped to research, study, analyze, survey, report and ultimately come up with a strategic plan to establish Philadelphia as a music industry center,” he said.

Dave Allen, a professor of marketing at St Joseph’s University, said the group could keep budding stars in Philadelphia.

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“We need to inspire and incentivize the next generation of music industry giants right here in Philadelphia,” Allen said. “It should be part of the city’s focus on keeping our college graduates in Philadelphia after they graduate … and not moving to New York or LA.”

Following its approval by a City Council committee, the bill now goes to the full Council for consideration.

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