Category: Philadelphia

TONIGHT AT 7:15pm IS THE NEXT TIME FOR YOU TO CATCH Tony Luke in Festival Favorites:
Monday, April 6, 7:15 PM
Ritz East 1
Tickets at Venue – This is a photo I took last August when they were filming. They were on a dinner break, I ran in and got the shot. Now that I’ve seen the film this means so much more to me. After the show catch the film festival’s closing night party at the G LoungeFriday Calder the father’s Swann Fountain was turned on, it was a very windy night. I love the shots I got.
of course that was after the very stormy afternoon
So awesome my sister (who lives in Charlotte, NC) and her college friends (Loyola [Baltimore, MD] had their annual reunion in Philadelphia where a few of them live. I ran over Saturday night about 10PM where they were eating at El Vez, which was convenient as I was shooting a terrific event at the Bellevue that you will read about sometime this week. My sister Crista is in the leopard looking print
Another leopard print wearing women, Sabrina Tamburino and her Mom Carol. I photographed Sabrina’s bridal party at Nicole Miller’s yesterday as the girls were fitted for their dresses. Nicole Miller did these wonderful window displays with Sabrina & Steve’s photos lining them and the bridal dress is topped with Sabrina’s head
did you know you can get M&M’s with your likeness on them?
Just a few of the bridal party. I believe the total is 9 girls. It has to be a mighty big place that is going to accomodate the list of people that will be attending the no doubt wedding of the year. I’m so excited, I have the schedule now and it will fit my social schedule perfectly.
Friday double rainbow action about 6:30PM. I wish I caught it from my home balcony instead of at work as the rainbow was along 12 Street and I couldn’t capture the whole thing as my building was right on top of it at 14th street. But thanks to all of you who tipped me off to it’s existence.

Last week Concetta Rosalie Ann Ingoglia AKA Connie Stevens came to town to premiere a movie based on a period in her life which was somewhat traumatic “Saving Grace B Jones”. Having seen the movie it’s amazing to me that Connie went on to live a fabulous life with a wonderful disposition, which was never fulfilled for two other iconic sex kittens of that time who had less than idea childhood’s ie Marilyn Monroe and Jayne Mansfield. No Connie conquered the world of music, show business and later in life a hugely successful cosmetic empire.

(Connie pictured here with Thom Cardwell arriving at the premiere of her movie at the Ritz 1; She is so cougarlicious)
Connie Steven was once married to Eddie Fisher and has two daughter’s with him, Tricia Leigh Fisher and Joely Fisher, it is my guess that these flowers were from them. Since I had just met Connie 5 minutes before I felt uncomfortable to ask that question.

I ran over to the Loews Hotel with Carol Tamburino, who has known Connie for over 30 years having met her at a fundraiser at Palumbo’s. I wish I was around when Palumbo’s was happening, that must have been exciting. Two of their friends had come in from NYC, Westminster Dog Breeder Eugene Zaphiris, Connie Stevens, Matthew Stander and Carol Tamburino.
Cast of “Saving grace B Jones” with Gregory James, Melinda chilton, Audrey Wasilewski, Connie Stevens, , Evie louise Thompson, Rylee Fansler arriving at Ritz 1 in Philadelphia. There was a great turn out, but sadly the theater was having a problem with the sound issues, which made the film a tad difficult to understand. (I wish it had premire at the Prince Theater because their sound system was right on target)
PhilaCineFest Board of Director Member Claire Brown-Kohler with Connie and Rylee Fansler who plays the young Connie Stevens.
After the movie Carol Tamburino took the whole gang to Postiano Coast for a celebration. Joining them were Vince and Janet Papale, and later the Geater with the Heater stopped by to say hello to Connie. (I had to leave early to catch the fun at Shut Up & Dance, and hopefully spot Gerard Butler or Jamie Foxx no luck there, but someone I know saw them that night)

The next day it was on to conquer the Prince Theater . I wish someone would rent out this space between festivals and bring back some good old fashion movies, this is the perfect place to catch a flick in comfort. In between seasons the http://www.princemusictheater.org
have cabaret, plays and musicals. If you haven’t been to the Prince then you are missing out.
Connie and the cast take Questions from the audience. Gregory James, Connie Stevens, Evie Louise Thompson, Rylee Fansler and Melinda ChiltonMelinda Chilton gives the 411 to Philadelphia Legend Trudie Haynes.
Longtime fans, Allan Breitenbach, and partner, David Tolley, show Connie the scrapbook he’s been collecting since 1969 of her life (and I thought the Gerard Butler fans were devoted) (If you look closely you will see a photo of Connie & Carol from the Republican Convention Philadelphia 2000; it’s rumored that Connie once dated Sen John McCain, but a fact that they are long time friends. Connie as First Lady, now that might have changed the outcome)
Then it was off to Del Frisco’s for an early dinner. Thanks to Connie & Carol for lunch.

The movie is just amazing, if it wasn’t a true story, it would be too disturbing of a film for me. It tackles the issue of mental instability, starring Tatum O’Neal who will blow you away; it’s a slice of life as Connie says, and she’s right. I hope that you will get a chance to see it.
Connie brought pork sandwiches from oy where are those notes. Well it’s the first place Connie goes to when she gets off the plane.
Carol, Former Union League President Frank and Dottie Giordano , Connie, Jeff and Lisa Klinger

Director of the Phila CineFest Ray Murray, with Connie and guest
And then the hail storm came and I barely said good-bye, but since the Stevens/Fishers will be attending the Tamburino/Thorne nuptials in October at the top secret location that I look forward to breaking, I know where it is but mums the word I am told, I will see her there. I might just have to ask for an autograph something I haven’t done since Tom Cruise 1,000 celebrities ago. There’s still a few more days left to the Film Festival so go and enjoy:
www.phillycinefest.com/
ALSO CHECK OUT STREETTALKIN’S COVERAGE OF THE NIGHT:
http://streettalkin.com/saving-grace-b-jones-connie-stevens/

It was here I ran into Ann Hoskins-Brown and Rob Saxon of Manna
DJ Robert Drake spun all night, with him is VIP Special Services to the stars, good friend of Brandy, Chaka, Patti and now Connie Steven’s Jonathan Vendrick and Natelia
Alex Ratcliffe-Lee, Lily DiPizazza, Jenny Winton, Sarah Hay and Casey Krieger
Raffle tickets were moving, everyone who attended was very generous:

Five days a week, MANNA chefs and volunteers work together to prepare, package, and deliver almost 2,400 medically appropriate meals each day to individuals and families living with a life-threatening illness such as cancer, diabetes or HIV/AIDS – in total, almost 72,000 meals a month.
JimmyStyles – Jimmy Contreras, Malcolm Lazin Founder and Executive Director Equality Forum which is coming up in May and is a must do on PhillyChitChat’s list (Unfortunately I think I will be in NYC for the Tribeca Film Festival, again), and Matthew Vlahos of Vlahos Public Relations
Also in the house, literally staying at the Loews and stopping by the Manna event to join in the Festivities: John Welch, Chris Brooks, Jvonne Pierson, Dawn Downing and Comedian David Arnold

Look who rolled in a little after midnight and was kind enough to stop by for a brownie and picture with Manna’s Marketing Director Meg Rider. More about Miss Connie Steven’s tomorrow night. Manna is always looking for volunteers daily, weekly, once a month, or whenever you have time. Please keep them in mind. They were very generous to my bestfriend Shawn when he passed away of AIDS 8/18/92
WHAT ARE YOU DOING TODAY:
THURSDAY, APRIL 2 Phillies “Pup Rally” for Pennsylvania SPCA with partner The Friends of Rittenhouse Square: OPEN TO THE PUBLIC, 5 – 7 p.m., Rittenhouse Square Dress your dogs in their Phillies best and join the Red Phanatic, Phillies Broadcasters and Phillies Ballgirls to raise funds and awareness for the Pennsylvania SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Drop off much-needed blankets and toys. Cash donations will also be accepted. Cats and dogs will be available to adopt. There will also be a raffle for a variety of items. Donors will receive a special ticket discount for a future Phillies game.

What happened to The Calder Park at 22nd & the Ben Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia PA
www.quondam.com (Click on pix to see amazing larger shot)

In 2001, the Pew Charitable Trusts announced a $5-million grant to the Philadelphia Museum of Art to present a series of outdoor installations of work by Philadelphia-born sculptor Alexander Calder along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

Ordinary (1969), the 21-foot tall, multi-colored stabile/mobile was placed at 22nd & Parkway in Philadelphia first and the garden grew around it. At one point there was even talk about the first Calder Museum being built on this spot, but in the end the deal fell through as insiders at the time told me that the Calder’s were reluctant to sign long term loan leases of 99 years.
The grant was written so that enable the Philadelphia Art Museum, in collaboration with the Calder Foundation, would install 10 to 15 sculptures on a rotating basis over an initial 12-year period beginning in 2001.

Ordinary was rotated out May 2006 to the plaza in front of Mies van der Rohe’s Seagram Building on 56th & Park Avenue in NYC
Philadelphia is the only City in the world where THREE GENERATIONS OF CALDER CAN BE FOUND SO PROMINENTLY FEATURED.

Alexander Sandy Calder (1898-1976) was the third generation of an accomplished artistic family from Philadelphia whose work can already be seen in dramatic succession along the Parkway.

His grandfather, Alexander Milne Calder (1846-1943), who emigrated to Philadelphia from Scotland, created some 300 sculptural decorations adorning City Hall, including the bronze statue of William Penn (1886-1894) that stands atop the clock tower.

His father, Alexander Stirling Calder (1870-1945), who was born in Philadelphia, created the Swann Memorial Fountain (1924) at Logan Circle, and many other sculptures throughout the city. At the western end of the Parkway, Alexander Calder’s ethereal mobile Ghost (1964) is suspended in the great stair hall of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Alexander S. C. Rower, Director of the Calder Foundation, said: “I can think of no more appropriate place to celebrate the greatness of my grandfather’s work. It is extraordinary in this urban garden and underscores the remarkable place that generations of my family hold in the city of Philadelphia.”

According to a press release (link here) “The Pew Charitable Trusts is proud to support this magnificent display of sculptures by Philadelphia’s own Alexander Calder,” said Rebecca Rimel, president and CEO of The Pew Charitable Trusts. “What a wonderful contribution these works provide to a renewed Benjamin Franklin Parkway, for the benefit of our residents and an ever-growing number of visitors.”
And then perhaps because of the economy things changed because as I passed 22nd and the Parkway yesterday morning on my way to work
I saw they were dismantling and
flat bedding the Calder Sculptures, and it
didn’t look like they were rotating anything back inWhen I walked home after work my fears were confirmed. I asked a source on the scene what happened to the sculptures. She said the funding ran out and they were being returned to their owners, and the City didn’t have the money to fund the upkeep of the park anymore. (Is that true, I mean we’re just about to go into summer and that’s a frightening thought?)I asked why this one was still on site, do we get to keep this one at least? No,her husband said, he had heard that the flat bed was packed and that they would be back Wednesday AM to cart it away.
Where was the Three Discs, One Lacking (1968) I wondered since it’s owned by the City of Philadelphia. Where did it go?
As I was leaving my source told me he noticed that the several homeless people have already come by to drop their bags near their future home, er bench. I hate to say it, but I would like the benches in the former Calder Park removed until the City finishes what they set out to do decades ago and make the Parkway a viable destination. How long until this is the tent city it once was before the Calder Park was created?Tomorrow the electricity is turned off on the guard house and the guard will be reassigned. I suggest they dismantle it too, as it could turn into a nuisance.
I think what really makes me sad, besides losing art work on the Parkway, is that I never appreciated the sculpture that replaced Ordinary and I didn’t have any photos of it even though I passed it every day. I am thankful the funding for the Barnes Museum went through, and although they will have an empty lot to look at across the street, I’m hopeful they will put a few sculptures in their front yard. Please read the GOOD NEWS comment from my friend David from Cappricio’s Cafe Cret and The Inquirer has since done an article:
http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/news_breaking/20090401_Calder_Garden_of_sculptures_removed_from_Parkway.html

The 2nd Annual Radio One, whose stations include WPHI 100.3fm The Beat, WPPZ Praise 103.9fm, and 107.9fm WRNB, hosts its 2nd Annual Music and Entertainment Conference tomorrow. This sold-out annual event gathers individuals interested in music, film, dance, and fashion, desiring to gain knowledge and potentially their big break within the music and entertainment industry. Regarded as Philadelphia’s own American Idol, the 2nd Annual Music and Entertainment Conference unites Hollywood stars and budding artist through music and entertainment educational workshops.

Brandy & Jazmine SullivanDuring Sunday’s workshops, participants will be exposed to multiple, renowned experts per panel. Some of the featured panelists and workshops range from an R&B Workshop starring Philly’s own, Grammy nominated Jazmine Sullivan and Brandy, Hip-Hop Workshop highlighting Common, Gospel Workshop featuring Yolanda Adams; Music Writing and Production Workshop showcasing New Edition member and Boyz II Men founder, Michael Bivins; Film and TV Workshop featuring Oscar award winner Jamie Foxx; Fashion Industry Workshop starring America’s Next Top Model winner Eva Marcille;

Keri Hilson- R&B Singer who’s CD just dropped last week. I never hear of Keri, but a quick YouTube search got me up to speed that she duet’s with lots of people that we know.
Judakiss
Ms. Latina Pennsylvania Donna Mobley Thomas

Author Miasha will present for one night only stage play: Secret Society

Saturday, May 9 University of Pennsylvania – Irvine Auditorium Presented by 5th Avenue Productions $40-$50Call 215-834-9480 t

Toccara Jones- Model has slimmed down and is now marketing an exercise tape

Brandy visits Philly again. Love ya girl, I bought your new CD. I snuck into the “Green Room” to get this photo. I got some of the best photos from this room before they kicked me out. As a freelancer that has photos published internationally, I think it’s a mistake to keep me in the Press Room which is less colorful. I had about 3 photos published on Essence.com from this event.Jamie Foxx wraps up with the Law Abiding Citizen filming this week.
Yolanda Adams, beautiful voice, beautiful person
What the heck is Patti wearing?
This year’s conference will also honor legendary icons in the music industry such as Boyz II Men, Teddy Pendergrass, and Patti Labelle.
Mycheal Knight- Fashion Designer and my Laiya St. Clair. Somehow the Beat let Laiya slip away. She was the best, connected out to here, wonderful person too, generous; I know she will bounce back somewhere else and be better than ever!!

Friday night was the much anticipated premiere of The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone Philadelphia Film Festival/Cinefest ’09. Honestly I was not expecting much, I went because it was filmed in Philadelphia and my friend Sarah Doheny was involved and she told me I would enjoy it.
She was right, and in the middle of the movie I twittered to my followers that the next Rocky has been born, but it’s not even fair to compare The Nail to Rocky as dare I say I liked it better than Rocky, and so will your girlfriend. It’s a movie about boxing that even the skittish person will enjoy. The Nail – a drama about a fresh-from-prison former boxer who rebuilds his life while pumping up a bullied teen in South Philly.

William Forsythe with Colleen Hawthorne and Denise Murter; Both of these actresses have appeared in countless films in the Philly area as well as in NYC. Click on their names for their bios. Denise has something that sets her apart from many people and that is she has seen an UFO and the Discovery Channel has done a piece on her last year, and in a few weeks the History Channel will be airing another piece. You can read about her sighting here: http://www1.phillyburbs.com/pb-dyn/news/111-11252008-1627436.html

Guest, Tony Luke, William Forsythe, Producer Lynn Eastman-Rossi, Director James Quattrochi and Leo Rossi
Tony Luke Jr and Sarah Doheny who’s company UCANCIT is all about product placement in movies, like The Nail: The Story of Joey Nardone. Unfortunately, it’s run at the festival is over, but don’t fret I have heard rumblings that a major studio has picked it up. I kid not, it’s a story that hasn’t been told, and is worth seeing.

A film that you can see is “The Answer Man” starring Jeff Daniels and Lauren Graham. Filmed entirely in Philadelphia last summer and premiering at Philadelphia Film Festival/Cinefest ’09 Monday Night at 8:30PM. Jeff Daniels will be here to introduce the film and recieve the

Jeff Daniels – Artistic Achievement Award for Acting Here’s a shot I took of the film set last year at 21st and Delancy Streets

THE MOST IMPORTANT THING YOU CAN DO TODAY IS TO GIVE MONEY TO THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE WHO WILL BE HANGING OUT IN YOUR OFFICE TOWERS LOBBY TO RAISE MONEY TO HELP KIDS
Thursday night kicked off the 2009 Philadelphia Film Festival or Phila Cinefest at the Park Hyatt. The party took over the entire 19th Floor. I wish I could say I went to the party, but I ran into friends that I never take the time to hang out with and instead had dinner at 10 ARTS, but that’s another night. TRY THE TROUT hmm hmmm good.
OK guys, the stylish and sophisticated trail blazing Joey Sweeney and his beautiful partner in life and work Ruth Carpenter of http://www.philebrity.com/. Check out her new ‘do, I LOVE IT. Dare I say the hipsters are taking it to the next level.
Jimmy Contreras, Carol Tamburino, Matthew Vlahos, Matthew Vlahos Public Relations and Molly O’Shea, Hyatt Hotels
Carol was telling me how she just had dinner with Connie Stevens (Sabrina’s Godmother) at Del Frisco’s and then I was saying I don’t want to see this picture why didn’t you call me as I was across the street at 10 Arts having dinner and i would have popped over. I can’t complain that people I don’t know forget to tip me off when people I know and care about forget to tip me off to photo ops.
Erin Elmore and Jimmy Contreras Dancing With The Philadelphia Stars which is coming up Sunday April 19 to benefit Sickle Cell Anemia, it will be a blast.
Liam Dacey, WMGK, Hayes Jake, and Cyndi Drue (I love Cyndy Drue, she makes great cards too) Follow Cyndy as she follows the film festival here: http://www.wmgk.com/DJs/Weekends/CyndyDrue/tabid/155/Default.aspx
Congratulations to Michael Braunstein for his promotion, he’s only been with WYSP for a short time and they already recognized talent when they see it.Patryk and Maria Gonzales
Andrew, Joe Hoffman, Jonathan Verdick and Amanda Congor (who was talking to a cutie all night. What’s the story)
Steve Cisowski, Zack Nicla and Matt Manfodino (I know that’s not right, but can’t read that handwriting)I met these three two years ago at the Phila Film festival, so we’ve come full circle. It’s just amazing where our lives have brought us to now. Noel Zayas, Megan Smith, Brownstone PR and Where Magazine Publisher Laura Burkhardt
Mary Patel and Elliot Curson
The new terraces at XIX. You can now eat dinner, have brunch or just coctails with a city view, very romantic indeed.

OK Today Gerry went to Parc and was reported to be in a very intense conversation with a women, maybe it was the women he was smooching with last Friday at Strongbox. Smooching you say, Hughe didn;t mention Smooching, well for the commentators that said I was holding back they were right, he was smooching the one girl and then gave the other girl a quick kiss, in succession just like that. Now girls you may be upset, and it might be appalling to you, but this is every guys fantasy. Also since my post on Friday I recieved an email from the women who was in the bar where Gerry joined in singing Happy Birthday to the patron a few weeks ago that I wrote about, remember. Well she sent me a photo of Gerry and his Philly “Girlfriend” lo and behold it is the exact same one that he gave the smooch to last Friday night. So maybe perceptions are off, who knows, or maybe his Philly “Girlfriend” brought her friend along for a night of fun, who knows. Now I did overhear another funny conversation, but that I will be keeping for my wrap up as it was funny. I was out tonight and talked to a few of Gerry’s “Friends”.

Curious: Do you guys go to town on Just Jared, TMZ Or Celebritybitchy where they all have articles on Gerard’s randy behavior with women. I mean he’s slept with Paris Hitlon, Cameron Diaz and Naomi Campbell he’s not exactly a high brow man.

Just found out Gerry will be back next week maybe after going to Dressed to Kilt in NYC (I mean if he’s not going I don’t understand why all his fans are going). He is leaving Philly next Thursday. I thought filming was over, but it isn’t I saw photos and they were out in the neighborhoods today.

Last night Gerry went to D’Angelo’s for dinner, I was tipped off but skipped it as I had to wash my hair.

UPDATE:
Someone in the comments sent me a link of a girl Gerry was with in November:

Ding ding ding ding, we may have a winner, that may be the girl he was with at StrongBox…or someone that looked like her

http://justjared.buzznet.com/2008/11/11/gerard-butler-arcade-date/

No more bashing me. I reported what I saw last week. I have friends that party with Gerard every single night. I always know what he is doing, and where he is. I have a life and I don’t always have time to chase him down.

Yesterday a “Celebration of Women Events” kicked off with an invitation-only VIP reception honoring the “Next Generation of Leadership: Rising Stars” at City Hall with the Honorable Blondell Reynolds-Brown.

Bummer for me as I had already had plans for dinner with friends I couldn’t even do a tasting of what looked like some fabulous delectable from Brown’s Kitchen; I look for a future invitation to do so.

Enjoying the festivities were Evens Charles, Frontier Developmen, Felisha Harris, FRH Consulting, LLC and their attorney Rich Harris, Obermayer…LLP; It’s always good to have an attorney close by these days. (men of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity Inc.)Katherine J. Gilmore, Constituent Services Liaison – Office of Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown and Jamie Foxx fan. I remember a month ago chatting with Katherine and she was all excited as Jamie Foxx had just walked by her, stopped and gave her a graph in the halls of City Hall and Marshall Lane their Super Volunteer
Marcella Stokes, Della Clark and Angela Dowd Burton warned me that they do not want their heads showing up on some sexy chicks naked body.
Aditi Roy and outgoing Miss Philadelphia 2008 Brintha Vasgar, who’s reign ends this Saturday at the contest at University of Pa. I really enjoyed seeing the medical student through out this year, and know she will be doing great things in the future. Our friend Susan Helfrich’s daughter is in the running and I can vouch that she is about the sweetest girl you could know.
Punch Media’s James Zeleniak and Where Publisher Laura Burkhardt
Farah Jimenez, Esq and WMAD Awardee 2004
Nicole Cashman, President of Cashman & Associates; 2007 NGL
When you see this guy in the blue shirt, you know this guy isn’t too far behind
Mayor Nutter as introduced by City Rep Melanie Johnson, and a 2008 NGL awardee. I just spoke with Melanie yesterday regarding the upcoming July 4 Fireworks and festivities in Philadelphia (I know some of you have been asking) and she says it’s in the works and there will be an announcement in the coming weeks. As you know it’s just about my favorite holiday all year long, before I was a blogger I was a volunteer tour guide and I love the history and celebration of Philadelphia.
A gift for this years Awardee’s – a framed Mural Arts picture
According to an article written in the Philadelphia Tribune:
For over a decade, Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s adopted signature Women’s History Month event “Women Making a Difference,” has showcased women’s accomplishments while providing a platform for supporting issues and organizations those impact women, children and families.
Not surprisingly a packed house
Some of this years awardees
The criteria for the award is young women ages 25 – 39, who are living and/or working and/or doing significant community work in the City of Philadelphia. Throughout the year, Councilwoman Reynolds Brown constantly scours the papers, pays attention to the news media and takes recommendations on women who could potentially be rising stars. From there, she personally reviews every potential awardees bio/profile/resume and makes certain they are doing community service in our area.
and an appearance from last years awardee and birthday girl Nina Tinari. Currently is a special assistant to Gov Rendell, but has taken a new job: “S. R. Wojdak & Associates LP announced today that Nina Tinari, former Special Assistant for Gov. Edward G. Rendell, is joining the firm’s lobbying practice. Ms. Tinari joins the firm on April 13 as Director of Government Relations.” Congratulations Nina!!