The City continues a historic year of celebrating Philadelphia’s cultural legacy and contributions to music
PHILADELPHIA – Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, in partnership with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation and the Dell Music Center, will close out the Dell’s historic 2026 summer season on Thursday, September 3, with a special tribute to legendary Philadelphia music pioneers Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff, Thom Bell and the artists who helped define the Sound of Philadelphia.
The concert will celebrate 55 years of Philadelphia International Records and continue the Dell’s season-long recognition of Philadelphia’s rich cultural history as the city’s marks America’s 250th anniversary. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the show beginning at 7 p.m.
“As Philadelphia continues to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, we continue to recognize the people, culture and accomplishments that have shaped our city and our nation,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “Our music is an important part of that story. This special concert honors Gamble, Huff, Bell, the Sound of Philadelphia and the legendary artists who helped establish Philadelphia’s lasting influence on music and culture around the world.”
The spectacular concert will feature The Spinners, The Legendary Blue Notes, The Delfonics, Russell Thompkins Jr. & The New Stylistics, Jean Carne, The Three Degrees, The Jones Girls, Keith Busey & The Unit Band and Philly’s Intruders. The evening will also include Carol Riddick performing a tribute to Phyllis Hyman and Damon Williams performing a tribute to Billy Paul and Teddy Pendergrass.
The season finale brings the Dell’s 2026 season full circle. The venue opened the summer with an all-Philadelphia lineup featuring Patti LaBelle, Jeff Bradshaw and Carol Riddick, kicking off a season centered on celebrating the people, culture and accomplishments that have shaped Philadelphia.
Founded by Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff in 1971, Philadelphia International Records became the birthplace of a musical movement that helped introduce the world to the Sound of Philadelphia, a distinctive blend of soul, R&B, orchestration and socially conscious songwriting.
The label became home to legendary artists including Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Billy Paul, The Three Degrees and The O’Jays, helping establish Philadelphia as a major force in American popular music. Gamble and Huff’s work also extended to artists including The Jones Girls, Jean Carne, Teddy Pendergrass and Phyllis Hyman, whose legacies will be represented during the special concert. Thom Bell’s influence on the Sound of Philadelphia will also be celebrated through performances by The Spinners & The New Stylistics, representing two groups central to his legendary career as a songwriter, arranger and producer.
“We are always proud and honored to be celebrated by our hometown of Philadelphia which served as the launching pad for our global success both for ourselves, our artists, songwriters and producers,” said Kenny Gamble and Leon Huff. “All we wanted was to create a ‘message in our music’ — one of love and empowerment.”
“The Dell has always been more than a concert venue. It is a place where generations of Philadelphians have come together to experience and celebrate Black music and culture,” said Susan Slawson, Philadelphia Parks & Recreation Commissioner. “Closing our season with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker hosting a tribute to Gamble, Huff, Bell and the artists who helped define the Sound of Philadelphia allows us to honor that history while continuing The Dell’s tradition of celebrating the music that has shaped our city.”
For generations, the Dell Music Center has served as a place where Black music and culture are performed, preserved and honored. By bringing together legendary Philadelphia acts and tributes to artists who helped shape the city’s musical identity, the closing concert continues The Dell’s tradition of celebrating the originators of Black music and Philadelphia’s lasting influence on music around the world.
The celebration is the culmination of a season that began and ends with Philadelphia, honoring the city’s rich history while recognizing the artists whose work remains an important part of its cultural legacy.
Event Details
What: Tribute to Gamble, Huff, Bell and the Sound of Philadelphia
When: Thursday, September 3, 2026
Doors Open: 5:30 p.m.
Showtime: 7 p.m.
Where: The Dell Music Center – 2400 Strawberry Mansion Drive, Philadelphia, PA
Ticket Information
Tickets for the Tribute to Gamble, Huff, Bell and the Sound of Philadelphia are available for purchase through the Dell Music Center. For ticket prices, availability, and additional concert information, visit TheDellMusicCenter.com.
Tickets may also be purchased in person at the Dell Music Center Box Office. Please visit the Dell Music Center website for current box office hours and additional ticketing information.