Philadelphia City Paper editor Brian Howard will leave next month to become the editor of two Philly-based music and lifestyle magazines, Cowbell and Grid. In a blog post last night, Howard wrote:

It’s hard to say goodbye to the publication I’ve spent most of my career hustling for; but when an opportunity comes along to dig into two subjects you’re really passionate about, it’s difficult to say no.

City Paper has not named Howard’s replacement yet.

Howard — who was named editor in February 2008 — is set to leave just a few weeks after longtime publisher Paul Curci, who announced that he will be departing on Dec. 31.