The New Philly Sound 2025, sponsored by The Heart of Jazz, is a dynamic collective of young musicians who reflect both Philadelphia’s rich jazz legacy and its vibrant future. Membership flows throughout the year—students graduate, new musicians are recommended by current members, and the lineup evolves annually, which is why the year is included in the name.
Formed by saxophonist Aidan McKeon at the request of Heart of Jazz board member Joe Monaghan, The New Philly Sound features some of the finest university jazz students with roots in the greater Philadelphia area. The collective embodies the Heart of Jazz mission: equity, access, and authentic performance rooted in community, while fostering emerging talent and building a vibrant local jazz culture.