Posted on July 29, 2021
Categories: News from SDP

Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia teams up with partners to provide a platform for inspiring musicians 

PHILADELPHIA — Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia and JG SkyHigh, with their partner BELLOSOUND, have collaborated with the School District of Philadelphia to construct a student mentorship program that provides music industry exposure to students. MIC’d Up (Music Industry Classrooms) is a program benefiting inspiring musicians through providing a platform for young artists to publicly perform. JG SkyHigh, Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia’s premier restaurant and lounge launched their program, which will feature musicians from the MIC’d Up program on Monday nights from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

“This city is brimming with emerging musical talent. We are thrilled to give these young artists a venue to perform,” said Charles Lasvigne, Hotel Manager. “Working with The School District of Philadelphia and our music partner BELLOSOUND, we have curated a great line-up.”

The program kicked off in July just in time for an artistic community-based initiative that connects all-star Philly DJs, producers and musicians with the next generation of talent. MIC’d Up is a new platform for mentors and mentees to discuss their passions for art, music & technology as well as to learn more about the business, marketing and promotion of music.

“It’s essential for any aspiring creative to have mentors. We rely on making connections with like-minded musicians, as well as the audience, in order to develop our craft,” said Daniel Buckman, Founder and CEO of BELLOSOUND. “Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia has always shown enthusiasm in supporting the local music scenes and with their help we’re bringing this initiative to the live stage 60 floors up at JG SkyHigh.”

Guests will get the chance to see these students shine when they perform live alongside their mentor. The program will kick start with celebrated Philadelphia DJs Matthew Law and Ben Arsenal (Worldtown Soundsystem) and BELLOSOUND CEO Daniel Buckman, who will be supporting developing artist Christian Harrison (2021 graduate, Hill-Freedman World Academy) aka DJ Blacx Rose as he continues to strengthen his skills as a local producer, drummer and live performance DJ.

Following in August, music students from the All City Jazz Ensemble, including up and coming saxophonist Joshua Peeler (2021 graduate, High School for the Creative and Performing Arts), will team up with accomplished pianist and composer V. Shayne. The MIC’d Up program will evolve to include additional members of JG SkyHigh’s Elevated Sound Residency who have so much experience and insight to share with developing music students in the city.

“We’re fortunate to have a community that invests in our students and their futures and are grateful to the successful musicians who are sharing their passion and expertise with our students,” said Malika Savoy-Brooks, Ed.D., chief academic support officer of the School District of Philadelphia. “Providing aspiring musicians with meaningful and engaging mentoring programs like this strengthens their skills, while also paving the way for young students to have careers in the music industry.”

This student-residency program marks the launch of a new fundraising campaign to support music education through The Fund for The School District of Philadelphia. The MIC’d Up campaign promotes and supports the increase and modernization of the School District of Philadelphia’s music programs by providing students with access to industry-leading recording and production equipment, digital instruments, and visits and MasterClasses by artists and industry professionals. Additionally, MIC’d Up seeks to bring visibility to and connect students with the vast network of Philly alumni working in the music and entertainment industries.

Four Seasons Hotels have established Lead With Care focused on providing care, confidence and comfort to all Four Seasons guests, employees and residents within the new COVID-19 environment. JG SkyHigh is complying with Lead With Care and City of Philadelphia COVID-19 guidelines. For reservations call 215-419-5000 or click here.