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What are we?
We are a local non profit started by two long time Philly residents that happen to be brother and sister.
What do we do?
The goal of The Philadelphia Sessions is to positively expand the reputation, and recognition of the city of Philadelphia through its music.
How do we do it?
We establish relationships with other international cities and raise funds to send local musicians to perform as ambassadors of Philadelphia. We also host musicians from abroad and help them showcase here in our area.
Why do we do it?
We do it because we love the city, and we love the music. We feel Philadelphia is a world class city and that its music is a cultural asset to be proud of. In our first 2 years we will have sent 6 musicians to play over 35 different shows in 12 European cities across 6 different countries.
Mission Statement
"The purpose of The Philadelphia Sessions is to strengthen and enrich the Philadelphia Community through music by providing support for the professional development of adult musicians, promotion of music education for youth, and increasing the profile and viability of Philadelphia music as a cultural and economic asset"
Vision Statement
"The vision of the The Philadelphia Sessions is that Philadelphia will be recognized world wide as the standard for how a city should support musicians, music education, music appreciation. Also, the efforts of the organization will lead Philadelphia residents to embrace music as a Philadelphia institution."
Who are we?
 BRANDY BUTLER (1979) Known for my warm smoky voice and inviting smile, I am a classical songstress in a modern day world. After living in Philadelphia for several years, I moved to Zurich Switzerland in the fall of 2002. Originally searching for the opportunity to travel and bit of quiet after completing an intense bachelors study in jazz flute performance at UARTS, I spent one year of "dorf solidarity" before my music career spring into action.
In just five short years I've worked hard to create an impressive musical resume working with not only top swiss artists, but international artists as well. Still searching for a way to connect myself to Zurich and Philadelphia, I created the Philadelphia Sessions in the winter of 2008 with my brother, and fellow idea-maniac, Bill Butler. What started with a few gigs to pump a Philadelphia singer, and friend has now turned into a full non-profit agency dedicated to connecting Philadelphia musicians with the world at large.
When I'm not running up my phone bill with international calls, my other current musical endeavors include (King Kora), urban griot music, (Jane Hurricane and the Fonxionaires), a northern soul cover band,(Brandy does Ella), an Ella Fitzgerlad tribute show, (The Soulmaniacs), a zurich based soul cover band, (Chamber Soul), chamber music in a modern soul context, and (Ms. Brandy’s Open Mic), zurich’s hippest open mic for open people.
 BILL BUTLER (1971) Known for my ability to think big and love of anything to do with Philly music, I am a connector who never tires of promoting the city I love and the musicians that make it so great. My sister and I were lucky enough to grow up in a household where music was king and we literally were playing and singing as soon as we could walk and talk. I have spent the last several years playing and promoting music around the city while working as a manager for a local non profit (Caring People Alliance). From the Stone Pony to the World Cafe Live, I've played there. From the Dawson Street Open Mic to "The Best of Philly Female Singer Songwriter Showcase", I've promoted it.
In starting "The Philadelphia Sessions" with my sister and becoming its Executive Director, I recognized the opportunity to combine my passion for Philly music with my non profit managerial experience. I know first-hand that it takes more than a good idea to make a great project; You have to be capable at strategic planning, fiscal stewardship, marketing, development and most importantly..... relationship building. These are skills that I have honed while working for one of Philadelphia's largest non profits for the past 9 years.
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