Declarations of Independents: Philly Anthems

WXPN, University of Pennsylvania

Devon Gilfillian, collaborator on WXPN's Declarations of Independents, in performance at the Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia, September 2023 . Photo by Melissa Simpson. — Devon Gilfillian, collaborator on WXPN's *Declarations of Independents*, in performance at the Brooklyn Bowl, Philadelphia, September 2023 . Photo by Melissa Simpson.

Eliza Hardy Jones, collaborator on WXPN's Declarations of Independents, records at WXPN's studio in May, 2024. Photo by Danielle Ciampaglia. — Eliza Hardy Jones, collaborator on WXPN's *Declarations of Independents*, records at WXPN's studio in May, 2024. Photo by Danielle Ciampaglia.

Eric Bazilian, collaborator on WXPN's Declarations of Independents, performs at the Sing Us Home Festival, May 2025. Photo by Ellen C Miller. — Eric Bazilian, collaborator on WXPN's *Declarations of Independents*, performs at the Sing Us Home Festival, May 2025. Photo by Ellen C Miller.

Recipient

Grant Year

Grant Amount $323,460

Status Forthcoming

Updated March 11, 2026

Musicians from Philadelphia share their perspective on America’s founding document in a multi-faceted project honoring the country's Semiquincentennial. Featuring commissioned new anthems by established artists—including Eric Bazilian (The Hooters), Devon Gilfillian, and Eliza Hardy Jones (The War On Drugs)—a songwriting challenge for emerging artists, workshops, live performances, and a vinyl LP, the project offers contemporary reflections on the concept of independence. 

The total grant amount represents project funding plus an additional 20% in unrestricted general operating support.

Recipient

WXPN, University of Pennsylvania

WXPN (88.5 FM) is a nationally recognized public radio station operated by the University of Pennsylvania, with a focus on rock, blues, roots, and folk music. The station is known for its World Cafe music program, which is distributed by National Public Radio to many non-commercial stations across the US.

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