Category: Philadelphia

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Philadelphia

QFEST OPENING NIGHT PARTY PIXS & PHILAlympics COMPETITION PIXS

Thanks to my editors at both Philly.com and PhillyMag.com for making my columns look so pretty, and spelled correctly

Head on over to Philly dot com to check out all the pixs from last nights opening party at QFest



http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/out_and_about/Photos-QFest-Prom-Night-Gone-Wild-at-Lit-UltraBar.html

Then check out the 1st Annual PHILAlympics for the charitable corporation competition
http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2013/07/12/philalympics-2013/
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Philadelphia

DEMI LOVATO TICKET GIVEAWAY – Philadelphia

One of this summer’s hottest concerts is popping up in Philadelphia starring music sensations
Demi Lovato and Chris Wallace on July 17! Lovatics and Beliebers will fill the city just a few miles apart to see their favorite artists perform live, BUT Demi’s concert is completely FREE thanks to the Pop-Tarts Crazy Good Summer tour!
Teens ages 13 and older can visit the
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts Facebook page to
RSVP for free tickets to the Crazy Good Summer concert – first come,
first served. Plus, Pop-Tarts is introducing the all-new, much
anticipated
Pop-Tarts Gone Nutty! flavors – Peanut Butter and Frosted Chocolate Peanut Butter.
Pop-Tarts is partnering with Live Nation to offer American teens the chance to win the following prizes all summer long:
  • Ultimate Access Pass – four tickets to any and all Live Nation concerts in 2014
  • Rock Flight – tickets, airfare and accommodations for four guests to a 2014 Live Nation concert
  • Last minute concert tickets to local shows
  • Live Nation Concert Cash

IF YOU TWEET to me @iphillychitchat #PCCBuzz and this
Kellogg’s Pop-Tarts Facebook I’ll do a raffle Monday and will give you a pair of tickets.

 

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Philadelphia

A SURREAL SUMMER NIGHT hosted by Arch Enemy Arts and Gallery ML with body painting

An amazing night created by the talents of TheSocialer.com and Molestreet stimulated the senses with earlier this month with live entertainment, art,
drinks including local craft beer, wine, and a signature cocktail.  Arch Enemy Arts is a new contemporary art gallery, while Gallery ML is home to the first collective body art gallery in the world.

The Mole Street partners Brian LaPann and Brendan Walsh. Who have been making a name for themselves producing some of Philly’s fun young friends events around town.
Jonathan Clarll and Taryn Goodman.
 Brian LaPann and Jonas Vesterberg.
Guest, BB Blue, Jerry Greenspan.
 DJ Adrian Hardy and Lily Cheshire.
 
Andrea Young-Evcan and Emrah Evcan.
Monet Thomas-Anderson and Rhashan Nichols.
 
Vanessa Rivera, Amanda Lenox, and Anne Ryan.
 
James Price and Janelle Kozyra.
Rhashan Nichols, BB Blue, and Monet Thomas-Anderson.
Ruth Wright, BB Blue, and Mark Anderson.
Kasia Hopek.
Amanda Lenox and Ray Rangel.
 
Coming up next for Mole Street Productions:
A Midsummer’s Eve: Celebrating Life, Love, and Tu B’Av

 

Join us for a fantastic summer evening on NMAJH’s 5th floor ballroom and terrace overlooking Independence Mall.Event tickets include:
*DJ
*open bar including beer, wine, and signature cocktails by neuro and Catoctin Creek Distilling Company
*desserts by Betty the Caterer
*the company of Philadelphia’s best and brightest

In the spirit of Tu B’Av, often called the Jewish holiday of love, we encourage you to wear your chicest white attire.

Tickets are:
$18 for NMAJH Members
$30 for Non-Members

And, as a special offer, for $55 get an event ticket *plus* a one-year NMAJH Young Friends Membership!

Click here for MEMBER TICKETS:
http://tickets.nmajh.org/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=TKT&C=MBRTKT

Click here for NON-MEMBER TICKET OR TICKET + MEMBERSHIP:
http://tickets.nmajh.org/WebStore/shop/ViewItems.aspx?CG=TKT&C=PPE

Event powered by Mole Street

 

Categories
Philadelphia

BACK TO THE BEACH: THE CHELSEA HOTEL Still Popping Bottles, but also has family specials

In 2009, Atlantic City’s Chelsea Hotel and ushered in the popular Las Vegas style social pool and attracted the young, beautiful and bottle popping scene. 

Nowadays there are other hotels in the city with party pools, but none of them are as intimate as The Chelsea Hotel where the guests can either enjoy cabana’s service or poolside service. Earlier this month I hit up the popular pool to enjoy the annual Philadelphia Style Magazine pool party.
Where DJ Eddie Tully was on hand entertaining the crowd.

  Sharilyn Drewen Gilfillan and Juan Vidal
 During the week the Chelsea has specials to attract families.
 
 Alisa Martino, guest,Jill Rizen, and Andy Henning 
 Steve Thorne, Eliana Raggio and Mike Raggio
 In the evening, The Chelsea turns into a nightclub around the pool, and has a dance floor in an adjoining room that houses an ample bar and seating.
 Brett Rosenbloom, Kristen Foote and Ray Evers
 Kristin Huxta and fiance Larry Bradley
 Shawn Waters and Michele Waters, Michelle Shannon and Bruce Shannon
 poppin’ bottles
 Adrianna and Phil

 Marisa Magnatta and Susie Celek
 Samantha Kumiko and DJ Royale
 The Chelsea has plenty of lounge chairs, and towel service. There’s

 
Nicole Cashman, Cashman & Associates and Nigel Richards, 611 Exeperience
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Philadelphia

THANKS DoAC FOR INVITING ME TO THE POP-UP SATURDAY NITE FIREWORKS at Penns Landing

I hope you had a chance to check out the DoAC Pop-up Casino Resort this weekend.

 

Atlantic City marketing officials have something really big in mind to pitch the resort as a vacation destination to tourists. So big, in fact, that it will be transported by truck, assembled and then opened up for tours. They are calling it a “pop-up casino resort” – a
custom-made, two-story structure that will hit the road as a showpiece
of the “Do AC” marketing campaign developed by the Atlantic City
Alliance. (Source)

 They invited Mike, Maria Papadakis and I to check out the fireworks from the 2nd level on Saturday night.

 Jeff Guaracino, Chief Strategy & Communications Officer of the Atlantic City Alliance, gave us a quick tour of the pop-up, which highlighted many of the fine attractions of Atlantic City.
 
 The interior of the structure includes TVs, furniture, a photo booth, a
DJ booth, a roulette table and a piece of Atlantic City’s world-famous
Boardwalk. Guaracino called it a multimedia wonder, complete with
recharging stations for portable electronic devices.
Next up, the Atlantic City Alliance is bringing a “pop up roadshow” to Baltimore’s ArtScape July 19-21.
The six-ton, 40-foot trailer features a live DJ, performances from A.C.
casino shows, a cellphone-charging station, free chair messages, a
photo booth and A.C. giveaways. It is aimed at getting people to think
of Atlantic City as more than just a gambling mecca, said Jeff Guaracino, chief strategy and communications director, for the Atlantic City Alliance.
Categories
Philadelphia

Baby’s got back: South Philadelphia’s first natural parenting store Cloth’s Grand Opening

South Philadelphia’s first natural parenting store with a focus on cloth
diapers, babywearing, breastfeeding, organic bath care, responsibly
made toys & gifts and more right on the hottest street in the City: East Passyunk, 1605 E Passyunk Ave.  On Saturday, Angela and Shai Halperin, owners and fellow parents, hosted a party for
their new ‘bundle of joy’ ‘  Cloth ‘ and invited guests to bring their own bundles of joy to celebrate with them.

  Cloth
Co-Owner Angela Halperin and Sarah Bond publisher of Philadelphia Family
magazine. 

  Juliette Gomez and Elian were among lots of tots, mom and pops that came out for the grand opening.
  Jeanette Bezinque of Eco Incognito and Penny Ordway of  Eviama
Life Spa. Penny provided complimentary mini chair massage from Eviama Life Spa


 Baby shower custom cake from Ms Goody Cupcake

  Leah Capcino and Zach, Heather McCurdy from Real Kitchen
and Beyond, and Brandyn Muller Campbell from Philadelphia Real Estate
Blog and Sports Muse (mom to be!) (Brandy and Heather will happily RT
@HeatherLMcCurdy @sports_muse)

 Erin Jay and Becky Elmuccio.
 Karen Devesa and Ella.
  Leah Capcino and Zack.
  Phil Bradshaw and Rayna.
  Dan Meredith-Stein and Indigo
 Bridget Huffman and Miles. 
 Gina Gannon, Penny Ordway, and Kory Aversa.
 The Beautiful Baby and Cloth Diaper Parade makes its way towards the Singing
Fountai. After the party, Headhunters Hair Design offered free
mini-makeovers for mom and age-appropriate fun for daughters too
  Joe Sirbak and Lena.
 Marisa Piccarreto, Baby Planner at My Fabulous Mama, LLC and  Megan Lockhart, Sealed With A Kiss
Maintaining her balance with the balloons: Dana Sclafani. 

1605 E Passyunk Ave
Philadelphia, PA 19148
Neighborhood: East Passyunk Ave

(215) 755-1575

Categories
Philadelphia

What You Missed While You Were Away on July 4th, Photos of Concert, & People Running on the Parkway

Last week Philadelphia put on another stellar July 4th celebration, and with VH1’s help, one of the best line ups during America’s largest free concerts ever. (I’ve lived on the Parkway for nearly 15 years, so I’m kinda an expert on everything on the Parkway.)

 With John Mayer making his first concert debut in nearly 3 years after having undergone throat surgery. Here he is at sound check last Thursday. So remember this for next year, they always do sound check the day of the concert.
 Grace Potter. On TV I said she was the new carnation of Janis Joplin, but I should have included with the beauty and talent of a Grace Slick and Stevie Nick’s. Amazing talent.
 On Fox 29, I called Ne-Yo the Michael Jackson heir apparent, not Chris Brown, which kinda shocked Sheinelle Jones. Brown is to unpredictable. Ne-Yo can dance and is full of life. During rehearsal, he didn’t sing but he practiced his dance moves, which I thought was really cool.
 Seen on the Scene.

Hunter Hayes at rehearsal
 During the day’s activities along the Parkway, there were lots of things to do including catch the Quest Love hand picked talent who performed on The Questlove Stage featureing performances by
Chill Moody, Go Go Morrow, Jasmine V and Lido Lido above.
 Move over Selena Gomez for Jasmine V
 In the evening Mayor Nutter welcomed the crowd

MC Kevin “Let Me Explain” Hart and his adorable kids 

 Black Thought and Questlove were the musical directors of the July 4th Philly Jam
 DJ Jazzy Jeff was in the house spinning
 Philly’s own Jill Scott
 Grace Potter performing
 Although billed as Hunter Hayes, country music’s newest star, Hunter’s been singing for quite a few years now. He’s just hitting his stride now. He was a huge draw, with fans lining up to see him in the wee hours of the morning.
 J. Cole has the #2 CD on Billboard.

 The crowd surged into the VIP area when he came on stage.
 John Mayer
 in fine form seemed to dash off stage. Now we know why, he had Katy Perry waiting in his dressing room.
 Ne-Yo wowed the crowd
 especially when he jumped into the crowd. All in all it was a magnificent night except for two crazy happenings.

 On Thursday in my post I mentioned that the “new” location for the stage is just awful. You can’t see the stage unless you’re right on top of it in the VIP/Ticket holder area. All week I was fielding questions on how to get those tickets. They are handed out to sponsors, city workers and they are given to various districts in the City to them hand them out to constituents.

 

 I also mentioned that there was one spot where it was also fairly easy to see the stage, on the north side

  
A lot of people realized that too. If you’re going to have a steller line up, expect fans to want to see their idols in person, even if they can’t quite make out what they’re wearing, or what not. They don’t want to see them
on the tiniest of three jumbo trons you can imagine. These are perfect for folks lining the Parkway, out with their friends and family for a good time, loving the sounds, but really waiting for the fireworks.
 No, they want to see their idols up close and personal, well it really doesn’t have to be up close, but when you have a 1000 people behind you pushing closer eventually something is going to give and that was the tiny security gates. At least 3 times they were knocked down and the masses poured into the “ticketed” area. This can all be resolved, and next year people won’t have to get trampled so someone can take a cell phone shot of John Mayer, J-Cole or Ne-Yo
 
 Prior to 2007 all the July 4th Concerts were held with either the stage sitting on the art museum steps or at the bottom of the steps. The Made in America stage sat at the bottom of the steps, the mass amount of people who get to see the stage. 
 
When you put the stage among the trees in the Eakins Oval parking lot, the view is obstructed, except for the VIP/Ticketed peeps. Back then the City moved the stage as they said it was cost effective. 
I say how much is a life worth, or the frightened look on a kids face, or my face, or some of your workers who were stuck on the press riser for 90 minutes for the fear that the surging crowd would climb the steps where we were?
Even this far back people can enjoy the stage show when the stage is placed at the bottom of the Art Museum stairs. While I was at Made in America, I didn’t see one incident, or trampling. As for the Parkway incident, I had heard rumblings about it on the message boards and from friends. NBCPhiladelphia has a bit of the story. One official with the City told me, with a crowd this large, we can’t control every aspect, people need to act responsibly, and know their actions affect other people. I couldn’t agree more. 

 

I wonder what happened to the families who got there at 10AM to claim their spot near the fence that was breached. Especially the nice family I met from Ohio?

I made it home just in time to celebrate the holiday with my friends back at my house.

Now Mr Mayor please move the stage back to the bottom of the Art Museum Steps so more people can enjoy the concert.

Categories
Philadelphia

MY FAVORITE PHOTO FROM THE JULY 4TH CONCERT – KEVIN HART AND HIS KIDS – Plus My John Mayer Shot, with Katy Perry

As I stated on Fox 29’s Good Day Philadelphia this morning, yesterday’s concert on the Parkway was the best line up I could ever remember. If you were following along on my instagram, or twitter you know there was a few crowd control issues, which can be expected when the line up consisted of so many talented people. I’ll write more on that next week, maybe. The show was fabulous, Questlove and Black Thought did an amazing job at the musical direction. My favorite photo was of Philly’s own Kevin Hart, who brought his kids out on stage to show them the audience, as well as where they were to sit with his brother and family. This happened before the broadcast began so unless you were in this area, you didn’t see it.

Kevin Hart’s kids daughter, Heavenly, 7, and son, Hendricks, 5. Yesterday at 4:30PM, Hart visited the United Artist theater on Delaware Ave and bought the 240 theater goers to his new movie “Let Me Explain” popcorn and soda to go along with what I hear is a hysterical movie. I can’t wait to see it.

Darn I wish I knew Katy Perry was backstage with John Mayer last night so I could have reported that this morning. I was pretty excited a shot I took of John Mayer at rehearsal yesterday was picked up by Just Jared, along with the photo Katy Perry instagramed from backstage last night.

*************************
I noticed a lot of you are coming in to this entry to read about the
“shootings on the Parkway” last night. Follow this guy on twitter. He’s
doing great work on stories like this, and this story.

#GunCrisis


@GunCrisisNews

Seeking solutions to the epidemic of homicide by gunfire in Philadelphia. info@guncrisis.org 215.882.9867

Philadelphia

·


guncrisis.org 

Compiled videos: Panic on the Parkway as reports of gunfire spread during 7/4 fireworks in Philadelphia:  

Categories
Philadelphia

July 4th on The Parkway, The Best Places to sit & see the Show; Plus John Mayer and Ne-Yo Photos,

I noticed a lot of you are coming in to this entry to read about the “shootings on the Parkway” last night. Follow this guy on twitter. He’s doing great work on stories like this, and this story.

#GunCrisis


@GunCrisisNews

Seeking solutions to the epidemic of homicide by gunfire in Philadelphia. info@guncrisis.org 215.882.9867

Philadelphia

·


guncrisis.org 

Compiled videos: Panic on the Parkway as reports of gunfire spread during 7/4 fireworks in Philadelphia:  

************************************

Happy Fourth of July 2013

Philly has set up another fun and entertaining celebration for us to enjoy.

The highly anticipated day-long
Party on the Parkway will kick off at noon on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway from 20th
Street to Eakins Oval, featuring blocks of exciting activities, games,
entertainment, and food for the whole family. Party on the Parkways
will offer multiple musical and entertainment stages. Food vendors will
fill the Parkway, cooking up delicious treats to delight the entire
family.

 Look for the directional signs on many of the Parkway Traffic Light poles. They are very descriptive on the location of the mini-concert stages, as well as family activities.
 Jasmine V was wandering around Philly all day on July 3. Mostly hanging out at Starbucks and in the evening making a snack run to CVS for 
late night snack trip! starburst, sweet tea, wheat thins, little bites muffins, honey chex mix!

The best viewing spot to see the July4th Jam is the VIP seats (but they’re the worst spot to see the spectacular fireworks. If you’re there, after the concert make your way onto the Parkway.)

 If you don’t have VIP seats, the grass on the right side of the stage is the best chance to see the performers live.

 Otherwise head out to the Parkway where there are about 3 giant jumbo trons to view the concert. You could also bring your device ie IPad, laptop or phone, and watch the live stream on VH1. You should be able to hear the music when you are in the Parkway area, but seeing
 the stage is nearly impossible to see
 especially dead center as that’s where the sound equipment is placed. Even the folks sitting in the VIP seats located in the back of the parking lot won’t have a clear view of the stage, and will have to watch it on the jumbo tron in the center that you see.

 
 Ahh yesterday I hung around the Four Season hotel for a couple hours. Every year the folks who are to perform at the July 4th Jam call this hotel home. 
Unfortunately in the past few years they also rehearse inside the ballroom and not on the Parkway as they used to (Questlove [l] and John Mayer [r]), so it’s a good bet they won’t come out til about dinner time. This is actually Ne-Yo arriving at the hotel.
He was great and posed for the fans that were there, as well as the photographers.
Syma Chowdhry

7h

Literally just out for a walk & saw Ne-Yo pull up to the Four Seasons. Here for Welcome America show!
 Luz with Ne-Yo
 

 Ne-Yo has been in the news lately for allegedly breaking up with his fiance and baby momma via instragram. Last night he tweeted:

1h

People really think I woke up one morning and just ended my 4 YEAR RELATIONSHIP ON SOCIAL MEDIA? Like THAT day.
Really y’all? Hilarious.
 Did you know John Mayer has actually been in town for about 10 days. He was rehearsing his upcoming tour at the the Liacouras Center. On Tuesday night he has a dress rehearsal for about 800 folks, half of which were chosen from a Sirus Radio contest. Not only did fangirl Carissa Beam go to the concert, but she beat him back to the Four Seasons and got this shot with him. 

Wednesday night John Mayer, The Roots, and Ne-Yo hit up a party at Sean G’s house hosted by Mayor Nutter. The party ended about 10 PM as Questlove and the Roots were headed over to TLA to perform with D’Angelo. Mayer headed back to the hotel and that’s where Brooke got this lovely shot of him in the lobby of the Four Seasons.
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY
AND THANK A SOLDIER TODAY FOR THEIR SACRIFICE
Categories
Philadelphia

ZAHAV’S ANNUAL “DOWN THE SHORE” PARTY AT MORGAN’S PIER WITH A DISCO KLEZMER THEME

After hosting “Down the Shore” at Zahav for the past three years, Chef Michael Solomonov takes his very popular chef event to the beach at Morgan’s Pier along the Delaware River. 

 Have you been to Morgan’s Pier, what a view, great outdoor space.
 Aric Ferrell, Jerrie Ferrell and Mariko Perry at Chef Michael Solomonov
of Zahav presents Down the Shore 4: Klezmer Inferno at Morgan’s Pier on
July 1, 2013.
Arthur Etchells, Brian Lim and Jill Sybesma  (Sorry for the poor quality here, the lens got misty in the humidity)
 Alex Rolfe, Rachel Rolfe and Hahri Shin, Gastronaut, Champion Oyster Shucker. Tater Tot Connoisseur. Master of 스팸. Epic Certified.
 Jessie Tharp, Jackie Baik, Donna O’Brien, Arthur Etchells and Monica Glass
Monica was in town for her bff’s wedding over the weekend, and extended her time to include this annual event she’s attended since it’s inception.

 Chef Jen Carroll who made a delicious lamb in a baked potato, with Chef
Billy Riddle and Border Springs Farm’s Craig Rogers, who made delicious
lamb sandwiches.
His place is located in the Reading Terminal Market. Border Springs Lamb Farm, offering fresh and frozen
cuts of their own humanely raised lamb and plus prepared lamb dishes
for breakfast, lunch and take-out. Border Springs Farm is located on
5th Avenue between Avenues B & C.

 Erinn Tillman, Angela Tillman and Ashley Macri
 Madeline Belle, A.I. Cats, James Ryan, and Mackenzie Molton,
 Brian Steixner, Jillian Crosby, Cimone Berman and Alex Isard
 Adam, Claudia and Deb
 Robert Toland and Autumn Howard– The Better Half of Fall
 Kari and Marc Konowal
 Brian Kane, Amy Henderson Jen Carroll, and Okam
 Guests at Chef Michael Solomonov of Zahav presents Down the Shore 4: Klezmer Inferno at Morgan’s Pier on July 1, 2013.
 Amy Reilly, Jessica Carroll (Happy Birthday), Emily Sorwo, and PJ Monteforte
 Congrats to Jennifer Conley and George Sabatino on their marriage,
Caroline Russock (Have fun as she heads to Jamica right after event) and
Jett Dolher
 Pushing The Needle Trio:
Lily Cope, Cook Philly, Joey Sweeney, Philebrity and Michelle Cassidy, Yelp

 Mackenzie Molton
 Lucio Palazzo of La Calaca Feliz; Terence Feury of Tavro 13; Peter
Woolsey of Bistrot La Minette; John “Chainsaw” Taus of The Corner; Billy
Riddle of Ela; David Katz of Creekstone Farms; George Sabatino,
Morgan’s Pier; Chef Jen Carroll; Erin O’Shea, Percy’s BBQ; Border
Springs Farm’s Chef Craig Rogers
 Congrats toVivian Kim and John “Chainsaw” Taus of The Corner who are getting married at the end of August. Stop by the Corner Foodery to wish them well.
 Brian from Federal Donuts. remember Saturday to celebrate National Chicken Day, Federal Donuts is having a Golden Ticket giveaway. 10 Golden Tickets will be given away for prizes, the grand prize, Chicken for life.

 Rebecca Feinberg and Lindsay Kirkert

“We’ll be getting down
all night to the disco-fied beats of the Klezmer band with dishes from
some of Philly’s best chefs, dressed in their Disco-best.”
The Complete Menu
Erin O’Shea of Percy Street Barbecue – pork tenderloin with grilled sweet onions  
Terence Feury of Tavro 13 – “actual” crab fries (not French fries w/old bay but fries made out of crab meat), avocado mousse, preserved lemon
Nick Macri of Southwark – grilled bologna and potato salad on a Martins potato roll
Top Chef’s Jen Carroll – roasting lamb on a spit over open coals
Lucio Palazzo of La Calaca Feliz – octopus escabeche, potato garnacha
John “Chainsaw” Taus of The Corner – breakfast sausage corn dogs, jalepenos, maple dip
Peter Woolsey of Bistrot La Minette – smoked beef tongue, rye, mustard
and David Katz of Creekstone Farms – brisket chili cheeseburgers w onions

A
full buffet dinner will be created and served by Chef Solomonov and his
team at Zahav including soft-shell crab w/ almond tarator and BLT
w/house made bacon