Philly Gossip, Philly Jesus, Philly’s Eve, Phillies Bryce Harper and Queer Eye in Philly

What a gorgeous weekend. You have got to set away from the computer, the phone, Real Housewives and go outside and enjoy today. One of the best places to see the Cherry Trees today is at the Subaru Cherry Blossom Festival of Greater Philadelphia in Fairmount Park, or taking a walk along Locust Street where the cherry trees in the St. Marks garden are blooming, then head to Rittenhouse Square as the trees are bursting with colors.

Over the past year something’s been missing in Philadelphia, especially near City Hall and that something was Philly Jesus. He just disappeared after being such a fixture in our area for the previous 4 years. Yesterday while I was watching the folks run through the fountain, and mist, by the way the mist is back, Michael Grant, aka Philly Jesus walked up to me to say hello. He was dressed in civilian clothes, and was beaming ear to ear. He told me that he had stepped back for nearly a year, Philly Jesus had become a heavy burden. He had to reflect on the message he was putting out there in the name of Jesus. There was a miss step, and a backlash from people who were opened to his message. He made a judgement, instead of a sharing a message of love. He is human, and as humans we make mistakes –

Proverbs 24:16 For the righteous falls seven times and rises again, but the wicked stumble in times of calamity.

In the 10 months since he stepped back, his father has died, which if anyone has lost a parent, you know what a life changing experience that is; plus he’s fallen in love, in love with a girl that met him while he was dressed as Philly Jesus. They’re ready to settle down, and start a family. But don’t think he isn’t going to spread the word of Jesus, he is still steep in his faith and wants the world to know Jesus loves them. Michael Grant loves them, his message has always been about love for each other, but know we are all human and we sometimes stray from the path of compassion.

Check out my
Philly Jesus interview at Dilworth Park

As a sober person, and Michael is also sober having gone through Gaudenzia, an organization I work with, I understand his transformation, his spirituality. He told me during the program he took Bible study, and it changed him. He also told me he has been saved from heroin, drug addiction and a life of crime which goes hand in hand with hopelessness. It’s a profound transformation when anyone can escape the evil horror of addiction. I completely understand as someone who has escaped that hell, and became spiritual. To hear more about what Philly Jesus – Michael Grant is doing follow him on Instagram.

What happens when Bryce Harper, Rhys Hoskins, Jake Arietta and other Phillies team members and their wives/girlfriends exit Harp & Crown after dinner on a Thursday night? Sam Zeff gets to check off #selfie with #bryceharper

The Shazza Shop tagged me in an Instagram post to tell me that Netflik’s Queer Eye will be filming in the Philly area from June through September.
“this is not a drill! @queereye casting just popped in the shop. they will be filming in philly + burbs (within an hour) from june through september. to nominate a hero, send an email to QECASTING@ITV.COM. spread the word. so exciting for the city! #queereye#yay”
_ Ok now I’m really looking forward to summer. Can we get them for the Gay Pride Parade in June? If you spot someone tell us, and I’ll tell you. BTW an original Queer Eye guy Carson Kressley will once again lead the judging panel for the fabulous Ladies Hat Day Contest at the Devon Horse Show May 29, 2019.

If you follow me at Social Media you know yesterday I covered the WDAS Women of Excellence Awards. Philly’s own Eve was honored a long with a host of beautiful Queens. I’ll have those photos up later this week. Last night her family hosted a party for family and friends at her dad, Ron Wilch’s shop, The Wardrobe Clinic in Center City. Spotted at the party was Marcus Allen, executive director of Big Brother Big Sister (above with his daughter Lainey), Thanuju Hamilton (no doubt taking a 1000 selfies) and Quincy Harris, tune into The Q Show on Monday for details. On Wednesday out own CBS3Philly’s Ukee Washington will be on The Talk, where Eve is one of the co-hosts. I honestly love that show and watch it every day. Those gals really get along, and have informative conversations.

Louie Louie’s patio is open today for BRUNCH, and Dinner. Next week Fearless Women’s Network is having an event your should attend.
Mind, Body, Brunch! Enjoy a Buti Yoga Class, Mindful Communication and brunch at Louie Louie Saturday 4/13 10am to 1PM !

Thanks for checking out this weeks Philly Gossip – HughE Around Town. See you tomorrow, or on social media all day long.