As we delve into the annals of the illustrious Philadelphia Music Alliance (PMA), let’s rewind to a star-studded evening gala held a decade ago. The PMA, in collaboration with Avenue of the Arts, Inc., orchestrated an unforgettable 2015 Walk of Fame Gala. This grand occasion honored iconic like The Roots, Ray Benson from Asleep at the Wheel, Billie Holiday, Cinderella, The Trammps, Andrea McArdle, and WOGL air personality Harvey Holiday. This magnificent event, hosted at the Fillmore Philadelphia, was a testament to the ‘s rich musical heritage. Fast forward to 2025, the legacy of this event continues to inspire and foster musical talent in the city.
The 2015 Walk of Fame Gala: A Night to Remember
On Monday, October 26th, 2015, the PMA held the Walk of Fame Gala at the new Fillmore Philadelphia, frequently hailed as “the most beautiful club in America.” Afternoon ceremonies inducting the Walk of Fame’s Class of 2015 and unveiling its plaques were held the same day along the Avenue of the Arts in front of the Kimmel Center, with live music by the Philly Pops Brass Band.
Star-Studded Host and Guest Appearances
Saturday Night Live alum Joe Piscopo hosted the grand evening gala, with special guest appearances by Dionne Warwick, Mayor Michael Nutter, Broadway’s “Annie” creator Martin Charnin; WMMR’s Jacky Bam Bam, Philadelphia Sports Hall of Famer Sonny Hill, “The Geator” Jerry Blavat, and more surprises to be . A 30-year reunion of the original surviving members of The Trammps highlighted an array of live performances.
Performances and Honorees
Idol alum Haley Reinhart, the School of Rock, and the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) Choir gave stellar performances. The world-renowned Urban Guerilla Orchestra served as the house band for the evening.
The gala honored a diverse group of honorees, with 16 Grammy Awards and a Tony nomination among them, from Jazz, Country, Disco, Hip-Hop/Neo Soul, Rock, Broadway, and radio. The long-awaited return of the evening gala significantly amplified the vital significance of the Philadelphia Music Alliance and Walk of Fame as its 30th anniversary approached in 2016.
Supporting the Future of Music in Philadelphia
The gala also recognized the CAPA Foundation with the Educational Award, a financial donation for Outstanding Excellence in Arts and Music. The CAPA Foundation is an independent non-profit organization providing sustained support to CAPA High School students by engaging CAPA alumni and parents, the Philadelphia arts community, corporate partners and foundations focused on arts education.
The gala ended with a charity auction boasting high-profile items, including floor tickets to the Billboard Music Awards 2016 and a cabin for two on StarVista Live’s “Flower Power” Cruise.
The event was made possible by generous sponsors, including Live Nation, Hotel Monaco Stratus Lounge, Great Lakes Brewery, Philadelphia Distilling, ESM Productions, Blank Rome, LLP, O’Donnell &; Naccarato Inc, The Clayman Foundation, Martell Cognac, Replica Creative, and Vinedrea Wines.
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