The Sounds of Philadelphia: The Power of Music
A Mural Arts Program Collaboration

As part of its commitment to community, WXPN partnered with the Mural Arts Program (MAP) in 2004 to create the Sounds of Philadelphia mural series, designed to celebrate Philadelphia's diverse music legacy. This mural series pays tribute to both Philadelphia's musical heritage and the growing cultural influence of music in the region.

Sphere Music and Tower of Babble created by Paul Santoleri
From Africa to America: The Roots of American Popular Music created by Parris Stancell
Location: The first and second floor lobbies of 3025 Walnut Street
Dedicated:October 1, 2004

Sphere Music (upstairs) and Tower of Babble (downstairs) are the titles for the two-part mural, designed for World Cafe Live and WXPN' s new building. The treetop is upstairs and represents celestial music, or the sound of the planets rubbing against outer space. Music is implied with flora and fauna, and color that leads to movement, all of which contribute to this universal blending of sounds.

Symbols and patterns in both murals were inspired by Lenni-Lenape (a native tribe that lived in the Delaware Valley), as well as Navajo, Chinese, Indian, and a variety of African, European and Middle Eastern cultures. Some of the images come from ornamental tile and woodwork that adorned WXPN's former home at 39th and Spruce Streets. The tree is based on drawings from Fairmount Park of a Paulownia, or Empress tree, a species native to China that thrives in this area.

Downstairs is the Tower of Babble, rising over Philadelphia city in muted tones, through which we can see the workings of the radio station. Upstairs, it's the common tongue of music in color that rises above the frenzy of the megastimuli in the megalopolis. Music is the big tree rooted in human culture that gives rise to these imaginings."

~Paul Santoleri

"My thoughts on the mural design stemmed from my recollections on the beginnings of the World Cafe – the evolution of American music, from blues to jazz to rock and roll to rap. Everything comes through those beginnings in my mind. People say that jazz is the only original American art form – but for me it was born from the blues and culminates in what we hear today. From rock to rap, American music has influenced the world. My figures, my colors, all stem from that experience – aggressive, yet challenging and beautiful. You can’t have art without music."

~ Parris Stancell

South Philadelphia Musicians created by Peter Pagast
Location:   1231 East Passyunk Avenue
Dedicated:  October 8, 2005  

The South Philadelphia Musicians mural celebrates Philly’s own musicians of the Bandstand era including Frankie Avalon, Chubby Checker, Al Martino, Bobby Rydell, Fabian, Eddie Fisher, as well as "The Geator with the Heater," Jerry Blavat.

Located against the backdrop of the Italian Market in the heart of South Philadelphia, this mural is a tribute to the sound that made South Philadelphia famous in the 1950s and 60s, a sound that not only defined Philadelphia, but an entire era.

The mural is sponsored by Theo, Natalie and Sam Aronson, Bank of America, the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, and the City of Philadelphia.

Dixie Hummingbirds created by Cliff Eubanks
Location: 859 North 15th Street
Dedicated: October 30, 2005

The Dixie Hummingbirds mural celebrates the pioneering force behind the modern gospel quartet sound. The Dixie Hummingbirds are among the most successful groups of their era; renowned for their imaginative arrangements, their progressive harmonies, and their all-around versatility. Over the years they have earned the almost universal recognition as one of the greatest gospel groups ever.

Located in North Philadelphia, near the famous Met - a venue where the Dixie Hummingbirds often performed - this mural will be a lasting tribute to their wonderful and inspiring music.

Uptown Theater created by Peter Pagast
Location: 2240 - 2248 N. Broad Street
Dedication:  Scheduled for October 2007

Opened in the late 1920s as a movie palace and live performance venue, the Uptown Theater launched the careers of many rhythm and blues entertainers including Ray Charles, Stevie Wonder, and the Temptations. The Uptown Theater is described as the "crowning achievements of the architects" with an ornate art deco facade and an interior lavishly decorated with art deco ornament, grillwork, and frescos.

The mural features an image of the original Uptown Theater with its distinct art deco designs and includes likenesses of some of the now-famous musicians it showcased decades ago.

Healing Power Of Music
Location and Artist: To Be Determined

In recent years, research and discussions among various groups have centered around the mind/body connection. Do sound and music play a role in the well-being of our lives? Plato said, "Music is moral law. It gives soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination, a charm to sadness, gaiety and life to everything."

In October 2004, WXPN began its Musicians On Call program, bringing musicians to local hospitals to perform at patients' bedsides. The response to these visits has been overwhelming and heart-warming. Through this program we've seen first hand the power of music and its positive energy. The Healing Power of Music mural will depict images of healing through music. Location and artist are yet to be determined.

For sponsorship information, please contact:
Quyen Shanahan at WXPN:
215-573-3335
E-Mail Quyen

Carryn Maslowski at Mural Arts Program:
215-685-0759
E-Mail Carryn

To View the Murals
To view photos of the Murals, click on any one of the images above.