Category: Philadelphia

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Philadelphia

FREE LUNCHTIME SHOW: Kimmel Center Jazz Camp of Philadelphia Plus pixs from Merck Arts Education Center

So much happening at the Kimmel Center in arts education for the kids this summer. A few weeks ago I attended The
Kimmel Center Education Department in partnership with Philadelphia Reads is presenting its second
Philadelphia Reads at the Kimmel Center in the Merck Arts Education Center on the 2nd tier.

 There were three rooms. One for crafts, one was dance and the other was story telling.
Over 70 students, ranging in ages from pre-k through sixth grade,
will get to experience storytelling through a FREE performance. This
program is designed to connect literacy through the arts and
provide fun-filled activities and learning for children from
underserved populations throughout the city.

Comedian Jennifer Blaine (Theater Arts) reads from The Snatchabook [Helen Docherty, Thomas Docherty] , known for shedding light on socially relevant newsworthy topics through comedy teaches
Show Stoppers’ Theater Arts.  Blaine has opened for George Carlin, and has performed with Chris Rock and Joe Piscopo
in the past.
She is a graduate from Wesleyan University in Middletown, CT and
founder of “5,000 Women” which supports work of artists and activists
committed to creating
works that inspire change in the world.

 The day I was there The Lion King was the theme and each of the rooms was exploring the theme in each room. Here Manisha Modi (Visual Arts) displays a few examples of the masks the kids will be working on. She’s a graduate from Temple University’s Fox School of Business (Bachelor
of Business Administration in Marketing) with a minor in Visual Arts
and Management Information Systems. Manisha has over seventeen years of
dance experience including Tap, Jazz, Bollywood
(Indian dance), and Bhangra (Indian Folk dance), and four years of
competitive dancing, including Team Captain at Temple University. With a
passion for teaching dance, Manisha has taught Bhangra as a dance
Instructor for the Kimmel Center’s Performing Arts
classes for over two years, including live web classes for Kimmel
Center/ University of Pennsylvania’s MAGPI program in 2012.
At the end of the two hours each of the rooms performed their creativity which they had worked on.

In a whole other section of the Kimmel Center a Jazz Camp was going on.  TODAY THERE’S A FREE LUNCHTIME SHOW: Kimmel Center Jazz Camp: Completing
their two-week summer intensive, this final concert will feature original compositions written or arranged, with the help of Jazz Camp Philadelphia’s acclaimed tutors
Anthony Tidd, artist-in-resident
Jonathan Finlayson, and veteran international jazz legend Doug Hammond,
during camp and were influenced by the workshop discussions and student creativity. 

Completing
their two-week summer intensive, this final concert will feature original compositions written or arranged, with the help of Jazz Camp Philadelphia’s acclaimed tutors
Anthony Tidd, artist-in-resident
Jonathan Finlayson, and veteran international jazz legend Doug Hammond,
during camp and were influenced by the workshop discussions and student creativity.

Categories
Philadelphia

On The Town With HughE Dillon – Logan Square Tear Down Video – Absolute Abstract To Go on Permanent Vacation

I used to have a gossipy column at PhillyMag with that title, before I got into the “society” photos. I Think going forward when I cover a larger area of Center City and not just say Walnut Street, I’ll use that title. I know how confusing I keep changing that branding. At 7 years I’m still learning what works. Anyway it’s in these columns I’ll drop some fun news, tidbits, updates etc.

 Yesterday I Instagramed a photo and chatted about getting a quick tour inside City Tap House (You’ve read about it: Public House on Logan Square becoming a City Tap House). I was on my way to the dentist and one of the owners of the Public House franchise introduced himself and invited me in, as I passed by. Sure I can be late to the dentist, I definitely want to see inside. Of course he said no pictures and of course I complied. Don’t want to piss off my occasional client, especially if I want to be hired for the opening night party, anyway. Here’s my instagram of the photo and then a nice gal left a link to a video of the tear down.


I will say they have gutted the whole building, including bathrooms and kitchen. The bathrooms with now be 12 unisex ones with a communal washroom. There will be a long chef’s table, two elevated areas, a private rental room, and two bars, one super incredible bar with a display of the craft beer they serve. I’m really stoked for this project. I love the University Tap House, but it just wasn’t a place I had a chance to visit much. Oh and did I mention the windows, they’ll be able to open wide. So excited.

Back in June I Instagramed about their new outdoor dining and color scheme.


Absolute outta here

James F. McManaman and David White announced yesterday at the Midtown Village meeting that they are closing up shop and moving to Thailand for a new opportunity.  David will be left behind to sell the house and that terrific store Absolute Abstract. Who in Center City doesn’t have artwork from their store in their house.

James was the first president of the Midtown Village Merchants organization. He’s one of the people that coined the word Midtown Village. Originally the area was called “Blocks Below Broad,” or “B3″ by developer Tony Goldman, who bought up most of the block to redevelop. James and Gyro Worldwide advertising agency worked together to rebrand it Midtown Village and the name stuck. (Save the date: 10th Annual Midtown Village Fall Festival 10-4-14)

Absolute Abstract Art LLC is available for the right person, to take it
over and keep it going. If you know of anyone who is interested in
having a turn-key retail/corporate art consulting business, please
forward them my contact information. I also have a dreamy, Penthouse
Villa for sale in South Philly which will hit the market in a few weeks. Info: absoluteabstractart@comcast.net

Work to restore the fire-damaged firehouse at Fourth and Arch is almost finished. The man on site said it should be open by Labor Day.

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Philadelphia

Eat Pretty With Jolene Hart at Anju Threads at 1126 Walnut St

Eat Pretty With Jolene Hart at Anju Threads

The event was held at Anju Threads, a
threading salon at 1126 Walnut St, Philadelphia, PA 19107. 

 Jolene Hart with her book “Eat Pretty”
There was a nice spread via WholeFoods with delicious treats.
Anju Treohan (l), told me that that there is no sewing involved in
threading of eyebrows, which I thought did. Thank god, I’d be sweating
through that process.

 Many guests were on hand, and I’d have their names if I didn’t lose that notebook. Granted the next day was my bday so I was verklempt that week.
The always stunning Kharisma McIlwaine was there.
 The paparazzi were on hand to catch the action
Emily Tharp, HerPhilly.com was tweeting up a storm and pretty in green: Jamillah of Diaryofacareergirl.com was snapping for her blog.

 Thanks to Skai Blue Media for the invite to this unique event.
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Philadelphia

Another in a series of #woofwoofwednesday, a few cats, a pig and a message from Steve Morrison (P&S)

Every Wednesday PCC features pets from around Philadelphia #woofwoofwednesday

 Holy Obese Cat. My cat would look like that if I had one.
 The cat has a friend
 Congrats to Rudy Flesher for his nod in Philly Mag as a great Philadelphian.
 Congrats Robert Drake and John Stanley on their anniversary
 Joan Manuel Rivera
 AKJackie
 Lifesucksinastraplessbra
 Eduardo and bozo
 Evan Mathis
 Mia and Lola on vacation with grandma and grandpa Piccillo
Sharilyn Drewen Gilfillan pet pig
xjesimicheo

Show Your Soft Side is a campaign
pits tough guys with adorable cats and dogs to promote the fight
against animal abuse. Its slogan is “Only a punk would hurt a dog or
cat,” and this week, Philly athletes are proving they’re no punks.
They’re tough guys with huge hearts. Above Steve Morrison (Preston & Steve @PrestonSteve933) Poses with his cat, Mia, for the billboard for the campaign. It’s on 95N in Philly going towards NE.

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Philadelphia

9th Annual East Passyunk Avenue Car Show Links

Sunday was the 9th Annual East Passyunk Avenue Car Show and was the 2nd year I photographed the event. This year the weather again played with the time, and the show, scheduled to start at NOON started an hour early, which was good for me as last year I got there late and missed a lot of good shots.

 Even though I got there at 11AM, I still missed shots, the event seemed larger and much more crowded this year. 
  A lot of my photos ran in columns in various media outlets in Philly.
John Williams and Jim Shulman with their 1957 Dodge Cutom Royal Sedan
 Since Philly.com is my personal column and I wrote it, you’ll find some of my favorite photos there. (except the one above, somehow I forgot to include it.)
 East Passyunk revs up record attendance at 9th annual car show (PHL Biz Journal)
Street artist
 
PHILLY MAG TICKET MORE PHOTOS
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Philadelphia

Roger Daltrey & Joan Jett @Kimmel Center A Few Clips

I regret not going last night, I love the WHO, I was a kid of the 70s and WMMR and really goofed by not going to last night’s concert. I can relive the night here at PCC with my fav songs, and at the bottom I have a link to other clips that folks shot. All on really decent cameras I must say.   Here’s a shot from Dafni who does the PR for the Kimmel Center.

Jim Powers

“Summertime Blues” Roger Daltrey & Joan Jett@Kimmel Center Philadelphia 7/28/14 

  

Richard Bond

Pinball Wizard

 

Steve Vitalidol

 

Baba O’Riley

“I Can See for Miles” Roger Daltrey@Kimmel Center Philadelphia

Steve Vitalidol

Check out the rest of the clips here.

Categories
Philadelphia

2nd annual PHILAlympics, benefitting Philadelphia’s Ronald McDonald House.

On Thursday, July 17, companies from across the Philadelphia region joined
Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C., The Fun Department, AnnieMac Home Mortgage and Comcast-Spectacor for the 2nd Annual
PHILAlympics a competition in which
companies from across the city matched wits, athleticism and general
Philadelphia knowledge in pursuit of the title, “Philadelphia’s Phunnest
Company.” Philalympics took place at the Wells
Fargo Center, and focused on fun, teambuilding and networking. All
dollars raised from the event will go to benefit the
Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

Mitchell Kaplan, partner at Zarwin Baum, Susan Campbell, executive director of Ronald McDonald House,  Steve Grandizio, AnnieMac., Stacey Kracher, director of marketing for Zarwin Baum,
The event raised $30,0000 for Philadelphia Ronald McDonald
House. 

  The Zarwin Baum Team

“Zarwin Baum is humbled by the support and success we have seen since debuting
PHILAlympics in 2013,” said Zarwin Baum managing shareholder Mitchell S.
Kaplan. “It’s gratifying to see companies come together for
teambuilding and friendly competition, while helping a truly deserving
cause. We all play to win, but the greatest success of PHILAlympics is
the money raised for
the Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.”

 Participating teams include: Aberdeen Wealth, Capital One, Comcast-Spectacor,
Conestoga Bank, Enterprise Cloudwork, Fun Department, The HUB, Integrity
Staffing, Jako Enterprises (Kicks USA) Blue, Jako Enterprises (Kicks
USA) Orange, Keenan Autobody, Klein Hersh, Magna Legal Services, PCS,
Philadelphia’s Ronald McDonald House, SEER Interactive, and Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C.
Here the teams are unraveling themselves from ribbon and grabbing the key at the end of the material
to unlock the lock
in the buckets for the win

it was stressful for me too just watching it

This exercise had participants slingshotting footballs

into the goal zone where team mates were to catch them in these bags. That was fun.

Then there was a dance off with the “Green Men” The shorts were to protect the junk from jangling too much in public.


 The Dance Off – sorry it’s all over the place, it was a hot mess everywhere.

From
the Famous Philadelphia Challenge to Adult-Tricycle Races, sixteen (16)
enthusiastic corporate teams battled to not only earn the coveted title
of ‘Philadelphia’s Phunnest Company,’
but for the opportunity to raise money for the Philadelphia’s Ronald
McDonald House and the countless families who benefit from the
organization’s work. 


On to the bike races to the 50 yard line and back.


It’s not as easy as you think and there were a lot of spills

But everyone seemed to have fun.

Capital One 360
Wins!!
gets a trophy
They drink from the cup
Yea!!
Thanks to everyone for their participation!!
 The Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House, has been
supporting the families of seriously ill children since 1974. The Ronald
McDonald House relies on individual and corporate donations for over 90
percent of their funding. No one is ever turned away due to the
inability to pay.
Categories
Philadelphia

The Backpack Challenge on July 31st at 3pm in LOVE Park. ItsForThe Kids

The public can donate online at www.backpackchallenge.com,
at any Five Below location (there is an SKU at registers to donate $5
for a backpack) or drop off backpacks and school supplies at any of the
collection sites listed at www.backpackchallenge.com. 
At
the Kick Off, the public is invited to attend to show their support and
learn mer about the campaign. We will also raffle 3 tickets to One
Direction on 8/13 at Lincoln Financial Field at the event.
 
Here’s the press release with more info:

The
Philadelphia Department of Human Services’ (DHS) Achieving Independence
Center (AIC) will hold a kick off for the Backpack Challenge on July
31st at 3pm in LOVE Park. The Backpack Challenge is an opportunity for
Philadelphia area businesses and residents to help older foster care
youth get off to a great start and be successful in school.

The AIC aims to collect 2,500 stuffed backpacks and $15,000 this
year. Thanks to partnerships with Wired 96.5, 92.5 XTU, Five Below,
Internet Essentials by Comcast, Forman Mills, Everfresh and the
International Longshoremen’s Association, the goal is already well
within sight. Last year, over 2,700 backpacks filled with school
supplies were collected through the Backpack Challenge. The effort also
raised more than $12,500 to purchase additional necessities for college
and high-school bound AIC members.

“These young people have worked so hard and overcome so many
challenges,” says Matt Smith, Director of Sales for XTU and Wired 96.5
parent company, Beasley Broadcast Group. “We are thrilled to do our part
to help them achieve their dreams.”

This year, 85 AIC members graduated high school and 65 of those
graduates have enrolled in a post-secondary program; 4 of those
graduates were also class valedictorians. In total, 124 members will
attend their first year of post-secondary school, 24 members enrolled in
a vocational program and 10 students graduated from a post-secondary
program.

“We are so proud of the accomplishments of these youth. The fact
that so many AIC members have graduated high school and are attending
post-secondary school demonstrates that with access to role models and
support, all foster youth can achieve their potential,” says Ambrose.

###

The Philadelphia Department of Human Services (DHS) is
the City agency charged with protecting children from abuse, neglect,
and delinquency, ensuring their safety and permanency in nurturing home
environments, and strengthening and preserving families by enhancing
community-based prevention services. Through the development of
organizations such as Valley Youth House and the Achieving Independence
Center (“AIC”), DHS provides services to strengthen the overall
well-being of Philadelphia youth and families using a personal approach
that is responsive to evolving community needs.

Founded in 1973, Valley Youth House provides a first line of defense
for troubled young people and their families by partnering with
agencies, systems, and businesses to create unique programming intended
to preserve family life and provide youth with the necessary resources
to become productive and successful adults. Services are provided by a
professional staff, community volunteers, and student interns at
schools, family homes, offices and more than 100 residential facilities
throughout Lehigh, Northampton, Bucks, Philadelphia, Montgomery, Carbon
and Luzerne Counties.  The AIC, which is managed by Valley Youth House,
provides independent living services to approximately 1,100 young people
each year..

For more information about DHS, visit www.phila.gov/dhs; for more information about Valley Youth House or the AIC, visit www.vyhphila.org.

—

Valerie Johnson, MBA

Development Officer
Valley Youth House – Greater Philadelphia
1500 Sansom Street, Suite 300A
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Categories
Philadelphia

InstaPhilly: What Philly Did This Weekend – Looks like they got engaged!!

It’s Monday and I’ve scoured SM to see what everyone’s up to. Lot’s of engagements happened this past weekend, which was beautiful.

This just in…

Congratulations to my cousin Samantha Morrison on her engagement to Andrew Kauffman

Congrats Elicia and Megan
Congrats Jillian and Peter

Sharilyn and Juan had their engagement party at Brandywine Polo Sunday

Josh and Alan got engaged and picked up their Marriage License. Now they have 60 days in which to use it.
Congrats to Victor Fiorillo and his lovely wife Suchita (I met her twice, she’s lovely) on their 12th anniversary.

Happy Anniversary to Tony and Michael who went to Europe for their anniversary and then cruised home on the Queen Mary. Very nice.

 Babies at the beach.

 Alicia Vitarelli’s mini me Priscilla
 Roger Daltry took Amtrak to Philly for his concert tonight at the Kimmel Center. Team Derek was there to greet him.

 Happy Birthday Alexander Hankins, here hanging out with Betsy Johnson this past weekend in the Hamptons.

And on a very sad note, my friend Sandee Clarke Bengel, who I went to Paul VI with, her husband died in a motorcycle accident on Friday morning on his way to work. RIP: Mike Bengel.

Categories
Philadelphia

LIGHTNING SHOTS JULY 27 – 28 2014

What an amazing storm last night. I saw it come from miles away, but for hours it eluded Philly and traveled north by passing the City. Finally around midnight bits and pieces of it passed through the City; not the full impact this time it went north and south bypassing Center City. A few magnificent bolts did occur, most of which I missed. I saw the Comcast Building get struck twice.

 Earlier in the evening I headed out to Fairmount Park to get a different perspective. I found a guy sitting on a bench with an umbrella. It was pitch black except when the lightning lit up the sky like in this shot.
 

 I headed home near midnight.
 I was trying to set my camera to shoot through my balcony window. Some of the lightning was over exposed so I had to work with photoshop, not very successful I’d say.
It’s Midnight.

 The skyline was swallowed by this enormous cloud.

I’ll call this shot Miss Robin, as Tony Bruno’s girlfriend told me the heliport next to their condo was struck by lightning. Looks like it could’ve been this one.
My friend RaymondSkwire (check out his work here too), got this awesome shot from NJ looking at Philly
Another Great Photographer – Natalie Sharp. Check out her page here.