Category: Philadelphia

First of all, blogger has changed their set up and I know can be more creative in my writing. What are your thoughts on this layout?
Check out PhillyMag.com today, under The Post, then in The Scene for my entry today and yesterday. I feel like a hamster on a wheel this week. So so crazy busy.  I’m out all day, could you tweet this posting? Thanks.
****************

 Last night at the Shops of Liberty Place Where Magazine held their April “Green” issue party. All things green, how to be green and favorite green things.  On the back page is their very popular “What 35 Things Would I Recommend you do in Philly” by notable Philadelphian’s. This month it’s Paul Steinke, General Manager of the Reading Terminal Market

 I ran into a few peeps I hadn’t seen since their wedding last JUNE. crazy how time flies. Casey Anderson and Jason Duran, Brett Copol, Sales Where Magazine, JT Christensen, Studio Christensen and Jen Green

 Here’s a blast from the past – Patty Fox. You might remember her from The General Store, which was located on 20th Street, I think there’s a nail salon there now. The General Store sold a lot of knick knacks, greeting cards including the HughE Dillon photo note cards. That’s what I used to do in my old life. When I retire I’m so going back to that. Miss it. Now Patty works at Fire and Ice at the Shops of Liberty Place.  She’s with her co-worker Ann Lucey.

Trina Morroni, Vera Masi and Bailey Vaihinger, all from R2L.  One of my favorite restaurants, even though I’ve only eaten there once.  I love the view.

Did you know you can rent out the Rotunda space at the Shops of Liberty Place. $2,000 all day from 2hrs up to 7hrs.  Evening rates are $5,500, and there is a special rate for charities. It’s a great space.

To Get Info on Renting the Rotunda Click Here I remember 20 years ago attending a fabulous gala in the Rotunda. It was for an AIDS organization, the theme was red, there was a fashion show and all the models wore red, there was dancing in the rotunda. It was really an affair to remember. Wouldn’t it be a great place to have an affair? Phasion Phest will be coming back again in September here.  I hear they aren’t going to use the escalator as part of the runway, and I say brava. It was a great concept, but so hard to photograph the models.

Gary Kraus, of Scarlett Alley and Jill Scarlett, Marketing Director & Specialty Leasing Coordinator of the Shops at Liberty Place. Gary is married to Jill’s sister Liz Scarlett, who was minding the store. 

 Newly employed by Cashman & Associates, Kristin Huxla, is a Sr Account Executive, with her is Ashley Schaffer Fossile, Sr Executive at Cashman & Assoc.
  

John Panichello, Philly Sports Cave, (sports memorabilia
in Liberty Place) Flyers Max Talbot and Frank Luisi, Philly Sports Cave. 
Max as you know, had a meet & greet yesterday.  It was a great turn out, thanks guys. Hope you had fun. Watch Fox 29 at 8:50AM to see what he said is his favorite restaurant and hang out place.

 Writer and Social Media Coordinator at Where Philadelphia, Kristina Jenkins and Jennie Funches,  Consultant, Macy’s Visitor Center at Macy’s East. TODAY at MACY’s Center City, at 5:30PM meet Real Housewives of New York City star Jill Zarin at the Macy’s Flower Show. Plus it smells sweet in there.

 Zelinda Barnes, and Amy Rodgers, Walnut Street Theater PR. Amy says the Walnut Street Gala is coming up on May 11. This year they are honoring Tony Award Winner and Philadelphia native, Hugh Panaro, star of Broadway’s iconic musical The Phantom of The Opera.

Griffen Affel and Deirdre Affel, Publisher of Where Magazine.  Check out the Margin On The Left for upcoming Celebrity Sightings. Plus Check out my public calendar for events coming up like. Let Them Eat Cake 4/2, Donor’s Are Hero’s on April 27 and

In 1993, dancers from Pennsylvania Ballet decided that they needed to do something to respond to the HIV/AIDS epidemic. After much discussion, they realized that the best thing they could do was “shut up & dance.” They partnered with MANNA to help with its mission to deliver meals to people dealing with this life-threatening illness. Every year since 1993, dancers have choreographed, danced, and produced this one-night only show, and MANNA and Shut Up & Dance have grown together.On Saturday night some of the same dancers gathered to celebrate the 20 years since the inception of the event, and of course to enjoy the performances of the current dancers.

To introduce the show, and also explain a snafu, Richard Keaveney, Chief Executive Officer – MANNA addresses the audience. Seems there was a problem in Will Call, when I got there there was a line at least a block long. Richard made the right executive decision and just let everyone in as GA. Interesting I observed that most people had an idea of where they were supposed to sit and went right to the balcony, so many in fact that ushers urged some theater goers to sit in the orchestra seats. Either they were humble and they went to the balcony, or they were supposed to be there. I of course was worred about sight lines and sat in the back row.

The show opened up with a series of vignettes where the dancers reenacted the posters that promoted the shows for the past 20 years.
Guys in tutu’s are always fun
hmm should have used a faster lens. I was a bit nervous as I didn’t pick up my press credentials at the Will Call and thought at any moment those diligent ushers would come over and scold me for taking photos.
I remember when the underwear poster came out. It was ripped off poles and shop windows quicker than you could say Madonna Cone Bra. Probably for a keepsake on many a boy or gals bedroom wall, and not by the appalled religious right.
Michaela Majoun wxpn has been hosting Shut Up & Dance for 15 years. Brava
I didn’t shoot any of the dance sequences, but I wish I had. It was so quiet you could hear a camera click and I just didn’t want to disturb the atmosphere. In this scene the West Philadelphia Conestoga Angels Precision Marching Corps performed a loud piece that blocked out any possible clicking camera noise. So I snapped one for ya…
and The Dying Swan piece by Arantxa Ochoa – Principal Dancer with Pennsylvania Balletand the finale with all the current and formal dancers
Then is was over to the After-Party at Solefood Resturant and Lounge, 1200 Market Street, and show off your won dance moves to classic 70s and 80s dance music from DJ Robert Drake (XPN/Sex Dwarf). (Which reminds me Club Addesso is having a party in my honor with special guest Jade Starling on April 13th at 10PM. Hope you’ll come by. It’s the beginning of the baby boomer party I’ve wanted to start for eons.)Danny Schuyler & Erin Como, Tony Frick and Alissa Ingram

dance dance dance
Marissa Taffer (Now I remember where I shot your parents. At the Phila Youth Concert), Crystal Hayes, Justin of Phillyin.com and Lily DiPiazza
Brian Lynch, Meredith Rainey (You may recognize him as not only a choreographer, one of the great Pa Ballet dancers, but also the guy at the bottom of the Mural at 13th & Locust. The City Paper did an excellent explanation on the who’s who on the mural We used to be in a book club together about 18 years ago too.), Joyce Beerbower, Jan Wiewiora and Becki Lynch
Rashid Abdalla, Mark Mattingly, and Turner Simmons
Kat Swift and Lauren Ras. Born in Berlin Germany, Kat has always had the desire to volunteer her time and energy to charitable organizations. Since the young age of 7, Kat has been volunteering to help raise money for the Pennsylvania ballet at their ballet boutique. She also volunteers at “One Simple Wish”, which has been making small miracles happen for foster children and vulnerable families since December 2008.
Bob Smith, ChatterBlast.com‘s Evan Urbania, Michael Williams, Stuart Alter, Tony Rodriguez and John Alchin
As I was leaving I ran into Steve and Tamar Olitsky, who’s foundation was one of the sponsors for Shut Up and Dance again this year. They were with Maria Valetta and Eric Grilly, who are getting married July 7 in Montalcino, AE (Italy). Nice. Congrats!
MANNA nourishes the mind, body and spirit of clients, volunteers and supporters alike. Drawn from all walks of life, the young, old, urban and suburban come together with one common goal: to promote wellness through nutrition for people at acute nutritional risk living in Eastern Pennsylvania and Southern New Jersey.

As you know I’ve always loved street photography, but when I get to hang out with the master Big Rube Harley (Streetgazing.com and Philly Daily News Fashion Street Photographer), it’s really inspirational, as well as fun to pick out stylish peeps and compare notes. Of course I just say that person looks good, and Big Rube can go into great detail about what they’re wearing.we hung out on Big Rube’s favorite corner right in the heart of Rittenhouse
This is so inspired by Big Rube. I was excited to show him. It’s fun to get together and chat up photography and our brand specialty, the people of Philly.
Did you hear David Lynch was at London Grill last week, and went to Pafa for a tour.

No one brands like Gary Barbera Chryslerland in Philadelphia. This hot number drove around the square for the entire 90 minutes we shot on this corner. (Gary I accept advertisements and I get more readers a day than saw your car driving around the square)
This gal looks pissed but all I wanted was a shot
of his faux hawk. how long has this hair style been in now? At least 5 years. Guess it’s not going anywhere
As it gets warmer out, you’ll find me around town looking for interesting peeps to photograph. I particularly used to love shooting South Street, as I checked out the used CD stores, or Old City, where there are lots of little park hideaways where I could observe tourist. I love photographing tourist, they’re so much fun. I like chatting with them too.
I like how the pattern on her shoes matches her dress. The peeps that go to work dress much more colorful than the ones that go to galas.
On the phone turning the corner in rush hour in a convertible. How much is that ticket? Only I get pulled over for things like that. (I think when your top is off there’s no expectation of privacy?)
ivy and thorns
she’s ready for her close up
a barking romance
there’s always something fun to see at the square
high fashion friday
hair raising
mushroom tattoos

Check out Big Rube’s video from Philly Daily News Visit my new advertisers this week
Defending the Caveman coming to the Prince Theater April 18 – May 13
Max Talbott at the Sports Cave at the Shops of Liberty Place 3/26 5PM $30
buy your tickets here

My Philadelphia Magazine Column Today:
http://blogs.phillymag.com/the_philly_post/2012/03/26/hughe-dillon-united-women%E2%80%99s-initiative-gala/

The slaying of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin, a Florida high school student who was shot and killed by George Zimmerman, a self-appointed neighborhood watch captain, has captured national attention as well as here in Philadelphia.
Tonight Carmena Ayo-Davies, 28 and Jason Moody, 32, of the OnTheCornerstone, an online radio station and community-organizing group helped organize the the march that kicked off at 30th Street Station at 7:17 p.m., the time when police found Martin’s body at the scene in Sanford, Fla. on Feb. 26.
The march proceeded down Market Street where I caught up with it at 18th and walk with the the marchers, young, old, black, white, gay and straight all with one thing on their mind
justice for 17-year-old, Trayvon Martin and the end to racial profiling.

Earlier today, President Barack Obama discussed the killing in personal terms. Obama said that he hoped authorities would get to the bottom of the case and added: “If I had a son, he’d look like Trayvon.” The Justice Department and the FBI are investigating the killing as a civil-rights matter. (source)


















“Please Don’t Shoot Me I have a Bright Future”

The Voice of the 76ers & American Idol Finalist Ayla Brown hanging with Sixers CEO Adam Aron and Will Smith at Wednesday night’s game against the New York Knicks. (That’s Spike Lee on the left, texting.) On Thursday, Ayla Brown will be performed for children at Ryan’s Seacrest’s “THE VOICE” studio at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia(CHOP).

On March 21, 1812, seven amateur naturalists created what is now the nation’s oldest natural history museum, the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. Two centuries last, we celebrate 200 years of history, exploration, and scientific discovery. Dawn Timmeney, NBC10 anchor and Mistress of Ceremonies.
The Academy of Natural Sciences Announces Monthly Discount Days in Honor of Its Bicentennial
PHILADELPHIA (March 22, 2012) – The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University today announced special monthly discount days in honor of its yearlong Bicentennial. In honor of the founding on March 21st each upcoming 21st of the month:
On the 21st of each month, the Academy will offer two-for-the price-of-one admission. The discount offer begins April 21 and ends March 21, 2013. Regular admission is $15 for adults; $13 for children 3 through 12, seniors, college students, and military personnel; and free for members and children under 3.
Robert McCracken Peck, Curator of Art and Artifacts and Senior Fellow of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University and Mayor Michael Nutter. Peck presents Nutter with a book he co-authored on art and artifacts. At one point Dr. Peck hands Mayor Nutter a box for his daughter Olivia to collect species from Fairmount Park for her insect collection that he’s sure she has. Nutter says I can’t wait to see the look on her face when he gives it to her. But he did add some of their families favorite times have been spent spending a day a the museum. They really love all the exhibits.
John A Fry, President, Drexel University and George W. Gephart, Jr., serves as President & CEO of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel UniversityOn March 24, the Academy will kick off a yearlong celebration featuring:· A major new exhibition called The Academy at 200: The Nature of Discovery.
· New behind-the-scenes tours of its world-renowned collections of 18 million animals and plants.
· Publication of the first complete history of the Academy, A Glorious Enterprise: The Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia and the Making of American Science, by Academy Curator of Art and Artifacts Robert McCracken Peck and historical biographer Patricia Tyson Stroud.
· Bicentennial Weekend, Saturday and Sunday, March 24 and 25, with fun hands-on activities, music, games, crafts, an amazing multimedia light show and, of course, birthday cake.
· Monthly themed museum programs and giveaways.
For a complete schedule of events, programs and tours, visit www.ansp.org.Eliana Papadakis, Committee Member, Stephen Sheller, Board Member and Sandy Sheller.

Tom and Ellie Elkinton. Ellie was recently honored by Chorus America. For Ellie Elkinton, choral singing has always been a part of who she is. “It’s hard to imagine life without choral singing,” she says. “It’s deep in my soul.” A lifelong alto, Ellie sings with Mendelssohn Club of Philadelphia and currently serves as chairman of the board of directors.
Harvey Forman, Partner at Blank Rome, Carl Cutler, Partner at Brown Brothers Harriman and Carol Cutler.EVERY NIGHT UNTIL TUESDAY: An entertaining five-minute multimedia light show with animated lasers will light up the front of the building with the fascinating story of the Academy’s world-renowned collections. Every 30 minutes from 7:30 to 10:30 pm. (Photo:ANS)

Philadelphia Loves CAVEMAN! DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN Broadway’s Smash Comedy about Men and Women Returns to Philly at the Prince Music Theater For 4 Weeks Only, Starting Wednesday April 18 Philadelphia, PA (March 6, 2012) — DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN — the longest-running solo show in Broadway history — returns to Philadelphia for its first extended run since 2006. Appearing more than 500 times in this role from coast to coast, the star of this one-man show is local comic actor Vince Valentine. CAVEMAN begins a four-week run in the Independence Black Box Theater at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street in Center City on Wednesday, April 18 with performances scheduled through May 13, 2012. DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN, a world-wide phenomenon enjoyed by millions in more than 45 countries and in 18 different languages, will win the hearts of Philadelphia audiences once again! The wildly popular comedy about men and women written by Rob Becker, DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN has both sexes roaring with laughter and recognition. The show presents the common themes in relationships that bring insight and humor to everyday situations. While timeless observations about gender differences drive the humor, Valentine’s up-to-the-minute references to Facebook, Google and the GPS prove that the theme can be endlessly updated, keeping the show fresh and contemporary for both return audiences and first-time attendees. Receiving raves throughout the country, here is a sampling of critic’s comments: · The “outrageously funny and surprisingly sweet exploration of the gender gap” (Chicago Sun-Times) · DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN “a comic phenomenon!” (New York Times) · “Hysterically Funny! Couples who were seen arguing before the show, stroll out into the night holding hands.”
DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN is presented at the Independence Black Box Theater at the Prince Music Theater, 1412 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19102. DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN plays in their black box theater on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 7:30 p.m., Saturdays at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. Tickets are $39.95. For ticket information, call 215-569-9700 or visit PrinceMusicTheater.org DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN Written by Rob Becker • Starring Vince Valentine Independence Black Box Theater at the Prince Music Theater 1412 Chestnut Street Philadelphia Show Times April 18 – May 13, 2012 Wednesday – Friday 7:30 pm Saturday 5 pm and 8 pm Sunday 7 pm Tickets are $39.50 Call 215-569-9700 – PrinceMusicTheater.orgDon’t Take My Word For It, check out these Reviews