Two media powerhouses: Dr. Jennifer Caudle who has gone on to give life and health advice to the masses on her media platforms and Ernest Owens, on his, as well has celebrating a year writing for Eater Philly.
Spotted at the Soiree: Content Kings: Bran FlakezzEmre Kara, as well as TVsters Janelle Burrell, CBSPhilly, Alex Holley and her favorite side kick Miguel Martinez-Valle, looking fresh after his successful IBX10 run on Sunday. Wooder Ices’ Hec Núñez, Farah Vogel and Jay Vereen, who just threw a fabulous 10th anniversary party at Tendenza 2 weeks ago and multiple Cashman Girls, of Cashman & Associates, who curated the list for the party for their client AKA University City. Congratulations to Sofia Suwala who is about to be a mom for the first time in a few weeks.
The Asian Arts Initiative’s has many great events, and programs serving the community. Recently I attended the opening teception of Asian Arts Initiative’s (AAI) Spring exhibition, Dream House: Inside Music + Video , attended by art lovers, creatives and supporters to see the exhibition highlighting the shifting roles of music video as a hybrid form of creative expression beyond their musical and cinematic quality as promotional tools of the music industry. The exhibition featured eleven local and international artists.
Asian Arts Initiative is a multidisciplinary arts center offering exhibitions, performances, artist residencies, youth workshops, and a community gathering space located in Philadelphia’s Chinatown North neighborhood, Asian Arts Initiative (AAI) at 1219 Vine Street.
MILFADELPHIA: The Fashion Show!
Join AAI for our annual benefit as we celebrate the Moms in our lives – our Mothers, Mamas, Nanays, Ummas, Mom friends, work Moms – with a one-of-a-kind event, MILFADELPHIA: The Fashion Show! (Mothers ILove in Fashion). Everyone & their mother will be there! INFO & TICKETS
As one of the very few Asian American community arts centers in the country, the Asian Arts Initiative is a unique and vital civic space where artists and everyday people can think critically and creatively about the experiences of Asian Americans in Philadelphia.
The Asian Arts Initiative is a meeting place for people who lack access to mainstream media, education, and arts because of barriers of language, culture, race, and money, but is welcomed place for all.
Donors Are Heroes in support of Gift of Life Donor Program on Thursday, April 11th, 2024 held a truly FUN-FILLED evening of FOOD, DRINK, ENTERTAINMENT night of Drag Bingo.
Rest in Peace Don Freeman, co-founder with his wife Renee of Donors Are Heroes. Founded in 2001
Donors are Heroes is a group of volunteers dedicated to supporting Gift of Life Donor Program.
During the 25th Anniversary Celebration, they honored the progress made to make Pennsylvania a leading force in combating climate change nationally and the role PennFuture played in defending communities against pollution and environmentally harmful policies.
Founded in 1998, PennFuture aims to tackle critical environmental issues through legal, policy, education, and communications strategies. Over the years, it has emerged as a leader in promoting clean energy infrastructure, protecting communities from air pollution, and safeguarding the state’s valuable streams.
“Our member support has been instrumental in achieving significant environmental milestones, from securing legal protections for valuable ecosystems to advancing pro-environmental legislation and empowering communities most burdened by legacy pollution and systemic racism,” said Annie Regan, PennFuture’s Campaigns Director. “Real progress is made in policy shifts. It takes people speaking up and raising awareness to these issues that we’ll see positive changes.”
“PennFuture has worked over a quarter century to make advancements towards improved water quality, cleaner energy, and energy efficiency,” said PennFuture’s President & CEO Patrick McDonnell. “While that progress has been significant, it is crucial that we build on those victories to prevent the most severe consequences of climate change and ensure a healthy environment for future generations.
Our objective now is to fight for meaningful carbon reductions through cap and invest and renewable standards programs and to ensure water quality programs receive a stable source of funding.”
Philadelphia Honorees:
Climate Champion Award: Michael E. Mann, climate scientist, professor, and author
Lifetime Achievement Award: Joseph Otis Minott, environmental attorney and former executive director of the Clean Air Council
Champion of the Environment Award: Rep. Napoleon Nelson, state representative for District 154
Volunteer Award: Peg Church, an environmental advocate from Bethlehem
Thanks to Talya Hailey, Philly Chit Chat team member for capturing.
Happy Tuesday, spring is in the air, even if it doesn’t feel like it. I see the big tent is in place for the 62nd Edition at the Philadelphia Museum of Art – The Philadelphia Show this week.
Also this is the last weekend for Darnel’s Cafe’s pop up at Bok Bar.Joe Lope and Kyle Cuffie-Scott co-owners of Darnel’s Cafe at Bok Bar Friday night when I stopped by to pick up a delicious BLT sandwich.
Peyton Manning was spotted shopping on Walnut Street Saturday, while in town for his daughter Madison‘s volleyball tournament at the convention center. It was there he ran into Marvin Harrison Sr. a former professional football player who was a wide receiver for 13 seasons with the Indianapolis Colts of the National Football League, playing much of it with quarterback Peyton, was born and lives in Philly. Peyton posted this photo on his IG Sunday.
Have you seen it? Jason Kelce’s new Tesla Truck. Since his retirement he’s been spotted all over town, like our own “Where’s Waldo?” (The Indie Shelf Philly) Monday he was spotted in South Philly getting his haircut.
Jason Kelce pointing out one of his favorite bumper stickers to his hairdresser Libby Hitt, who also shears a few other Eagles heads.
Last night, the Franklin Institute celebrated its 200th year, The Franklin Institute Awards pays tribute to our namesake and America’s first citizen scientist, Benjamin Franklin, by honoring the greatest minds in science, engineering, and industry, through their boundless creativity and passion for discovery.
2024 Franklin Institute Awards Laureates David A. Weitz, Ph.D., Harvard University Lisa Su, Ph.D., AMD Gabriela S. Schlau-Cohen, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Paula T. Hammond, Ph.D., Massachusetts Institute of Technology Janet F. Werker, Ph.D., O.C., FRSC, The University of British Columbia Paul D. N. Hebert, Ph.D., FRSC, O.C., University of Guelph Robert M. Metcalfe, Ph.D., The University of Texas at Austin Joanne Chory, Ph.D., The Salk Institute for Biological Studies Mary C. Boyce, Ph.D., Columbia University
Spring Gala Season is in full bloom, with events happening nearly every night, all for a good cause.
Since its inception, The Franklin Institute Awards Program has honored the most influential scientists, engineers, and inventors who have significantly advanced science and technology. The roster of more than 2,000 laureates includes luminaries such as Nikola Tesla, Marie and Pierre Curie, Orville Wright, Thomas Edison, Albert Einstein, Jane Goodall, Stephen Hawking, and more recently, vaccine pioneers Kizzmekia Corbett, Drew Weissman, and Katalin Karikó. Notably, 125 of these laureates have also received the Nobel Prize.
Hugh and I have a special bond, cause I think we’re the only two in Philly with the same name, who see each other regularly; and on occasion we see Hugh Lavery. SVP of Govt Affairs, Jefferson Health.
“The 200-year legacy of The Franklin Institute Awards stands as a shining example of our dedication to honoring those who have made significant strides in advancing scientific knowledge,” said Larry Dubinski, President and CEO of The Franklin Institute. “In this milestone year, the Awards Program will celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our 2024 laureates and serve as a reminder of The Franklin Institute’s rich history and its ongoing commitment to shaping the future of science and technology.
Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Nicholas Perugino (r) enjoying the pre awards reception.
Additional photos from the event can be seen on CBSPhilly, as well as Main Line Today in the June issue, and Philly Style Magazine in the July Issue.
UArts kicked off their new music series UArts Music on The Square earlier this month at the Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts on Rittenhouse Square with a concert by James Brandon Lewis & Neil Podgurski Molecular Systematic Music Duets
Music on the Square has two more evening performances scheduled for you to enjoy.
Join University of the Arts at the historic Philadelphia Art Alliance for a spring concert series featuring The No Name Pops. Each evening performance showcases a unique program presented by this new, versatile ensemble.
Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the Arts 251 S. 18th Street
Join us for an evening of musical brilliance as the No Name Pops Jazz Quintet, which includes professors and a professor emeritus from the University of the Arts, pay homage to the timeless tunes of George Gershwin and Cole Porter. From the soul stirring melodies of “Our Love Is Here To Stay” to the toe-tapping rhythms of “Anything Goes,” immerse yourself in a journey through the golden era of American music, alongside your No Name Pops! Tickets $50, $35
Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the Arts 251 S. 18th Street
Experience a tribute to Anthony Newley, curated by featured vocalist Eddie Bruce, with The No Name Pops Jazz Quintet, which includes professors from University of the Arts. With fervor and authenticity, Bruce channels Newley’s wit and ingenuity and leaves audiences captivated. Featuring iconic renditions of “Pure Imagination” and “Feeling Good,” this concert honors the enduring legacy of one of show business’ most remarkable and underrated songwriters. See you at Music on the Square
Opera Philadelphia President David B. Devan was honored during a special event at the 23rd Street Armory March 9, 2024, the longtime leader of Opera Philadelphia will step down in June 2024, at the end of the season.
Thanks to team photographer Andre Flewellen for photographing this event for PhillyChitChat
Board chair Steven Klasko told WHYY ‘s Peter Crimmins, “He [Devan] literally created a company in step with Philadelphia, created a very urban, new wave opera company”, “We have become one of the leaders in adding new American operas to the repertoire.”
The very talented John Jarboe of The Bearded Ladies, emceed and entertained for his long time friend, and his friends.
The company created 18 new operas during Devan’s tenure, which have subsequently been produced over 330 times by other companies in 10 countries. Opera Philadelphia also created a series of highly produced operatic films as part of its pandemic-inspired digital service. The soundtrack for one of them, “Soldier Songs,” was nominated for a Grammy Award.
Devan was serenaded by vocalists who’ve performed with Opera Philadelphia including Will Liverman (’10 Days in a Madhouse’), John Holiday (‘We Shall Not Be Moved’), Daniela Mack (‘Carmen’), Ashley Marie Robillard and Joshua Blue (‘La bohème’)
Devan’s last full production with Opera Philadelphia, will be Puccini’s ‘Madame Butterfly’ for his grand finale (April 26 to May 5).
Opening Night Reception: The Good Person of Setzuan at the Wilma Theater; On stage through April 21.
On April 5, Wilma Theater celebrated the opening of The Good Person of Setzuan with a reception for subscribers, supporters and friends. Something they do for every opening, which is so nice. The guests mingle with each other as well as with creative leaders of the Wilma and the play they are about to see.
The play was written by the German dramatist Bertolt Brecht, in collaboration with Margarete Steffin and Ruth Berlau. In Brecht’s play, Shen Te, a kind-hearted prostitute, struggles to maintain her goodness in a harsh world where survival often requires compromise and self-interest. When she inherits a sum of money, she uses it to open a tobacco shop and help those in need. However, her altruism is quickly taken advantage of, forcing her to create a ruthless alter ego, Shui Ta, to protect herself and her business interests.
Theater goers in the Good Karma Cafe at the Wilma Theater waiting for the show to start. The Good Person of Setzuan at the Wilma Theater; On stage through April 21. INFO here.
Philly Continues to Be Exciting this week. Hope to spot some WWE Superstars and their fans. Send me tips. See you out and about, Socially Yours, HughE
Actor Kaley Cuoco (The Big Bang Theory and The Flight Attendant) was hinting to her followers over the past few months that she was headed to Pennsylvania, and now we know why. Her partner, actor Tom Pelphrey is filming the HBO series Task Force along with Mark Ruffalo, from writer and produced by “Mare of Easttown’s” Brad Ingelsby and directed and produced by Jeremiah Zagar, who last directed Hustle with Adam Sandler.
Task Force: Takes place in the working-class Philadelphia suburbs and follows an FBI agent at the helm of a special task force. His goal is to put an end to a string of drug house robberies led by an unwary householder.
Deadline reports this week Task Force (the working title) has added five more actors in recurring: Raphael Sbarge (Once Upon a Time), Mickey Sumner (Snowpiercer), Brian Goodman (Fatal Attraction), Elvis Nolasco (Godfather of Harlem), and Colin Bates (American Rust).
Kaley Cuoco and Tom Pelphrey celebrated their daughter Matilda’s 1 year birthday in Philly last week with a Minnie Mouse themed birthday party according to People magazine.
On Tuesday 4/16 Chichester Ave will close between Boothwyn and Mill Roads. From 7pm through 6am according to @upperchichester (Inquirer) Chichester Avenue will be temporarily closed at night due to a project by HBO.
Happy Birthday to a very generous women who treated about 150 of her friends to one of the best birthday parties they’ll ever attend. The Miller Theater on the Avenue of the Arts (Broad Street) was the scene of a Tuscan Village in Italy, as the theater was transformed with elaborate decorations, over the top flowers flown in from California and even a tiled roofed villa with a full moon shining down, to set the scene.
Guests dined on Garces‘ catering, as they were serenaded by friend Andrea Bocelli, the Italian tenor, singer-songwriter, who flew in for the occasion. If that wasn’t enough, there was a surprise performance by Sting who joined Bocelli singing a very moving Amazing Grace. Sting stayed on to sing highlights of his career including my favorite “Every Step You Take.”
I wasn’t able to get a photo of the performers, but I caught their cars leaving the theater around 9:15pm. (it was drizzling, cold, I was hungry. and had no idea what time they were going to leave. I lucked out as I circled the block when a spot opened across from Latimer Street and was able to get these shots and a video. Ahh the old days I’d be out there hustling harder, lol)