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PHILADELPHIA MUSIC ALLIANCE ANNOUNCES KEY CHANGES FOR 2003

PHILADELPHIA (January 28, 2003) -The Philadelphia Music Alliance has hired a new executive director, elected a new Chairman, and has moved to larger offices, as the organization renews its dedication to grow as an active force in the Philadelphia music community.

The Philadelphia Music Alliance, a nonprofit cultural organization that promotes and preserves Philadelphia's rich musical heritage, is best known for the Walk of Fame along Broad Street's Avenue of the Arts. This series of 106 bronze commemorative plaques honors area musicians and music professionals who have made a significant contribution to the world of music. The Walk of Fame is the City's most impressive public monument to the people who have made Philadelphia one of the nation's oldest and most prolific music capitals.

Holly Drauglis has been appointed PMA's Executive Director. Drauglis comes to the Music Alliance from the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Academy of Recording Arts & Sciences, Inc. [NARAS], where she was Project Coordinator, working on a variety of programs for area music professionals.

William [Biff] Kennedy was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Music Alliance. Kennedy is the President/Managing Director of the Charterhouse Music Group, a Philadelphia-based music industry collective devoted to national radio promotion, artist and label consultation and artist management. Kennedy, most recently Vice Chairman, succeeds Marc Dicciani, Director of the University of the Arts School of Music, as Chairman.

The PMA offices have relocated to 212 N. 12th Street, in historic Sigma Sound Studios, where the "Sound of Philadelphia" originated, dominated the world's airwaves in the 1970s and continues to be a lasting musical force.

The Philadelphia Music Alliance was founded in June 1986 as a community based, not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of Philadelphia as a vital contributor to the international music landscape.

Established by music executives and concerned citizens in order to recognize the vast impact Philadelphia continues to have on all musical genres, the Philadelphia Music Alliance serves to encourage the creation, celebration and historical preservation of Philadelphia music.

The Alliance serves as a resource to students, educators, musicians, city agencies, and other cultural institutions. The PMA has worked with the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (GRAMMYs), the Franklin Institute, the Corporation for the Aging, Trane Stop, the University of the Arts, the Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau and the City Representative's Office on a variety of projects.

With continued corporate, government, and community support, the Philadelphia Music Alliance will continue to provide creative and progressive programs which enhance our community and showcase our City. Expect announcements shortly regarding new programs and additional Board members.