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Hello people of chitchat, sorry this is an abbreviate post as I have a wicked cold and it’s keeping me snug in bed. Thankfully the bulk of the Spring Social Season is over, and I have a few days off to recover. Let’s check out today’s post.

Despite the dampness of the day, the spirit was strong at Komen Philadelphia’s Race for the Cure.

Ukee Washington and Jessica Dean were co-hosts of the annual Mother’s Day Event on the Parkway
Elaine I. Grobman, Chief Executive Officer of Komen Philadelphia and Ronald J. Harper, Esq., Harper & Paul. Vice President of Komen Philadelphia

Check out Liberty City Press next week to see which notables I spotted at the Race for the Cure

We made it through the week, and it’s time to see what Creed 2 is up to .

Monday, Rocky attended a funeral of a former opponent from Rocky (1), and he appeared in Rocky 6 as well. The scene was filmed in Point Breeze at 20th & Ellesworth. Rocky headed into a church located at the corner there, jumping out of his white van, which co-starred in Creed. Tuesday Creed 2 filmed at Girard College. I love this shot of Sylvester Stallone looking at me, so bummed director Steve Caple Jr.  was looking down. Word on the street is he got this suit from Joseph A Banks

Wednesday the production headed to 3400 Aramingo, to the Delphi Gym, which was a gym they used in the first Creed as well. Only Michael B Jordan was on set. Seems Sly headed to the Barnes Museum (they have a cool father son exhibit), the Ronald McDonald House and was seen at the Whole Foods in Callowhill.

After filming ended Wednesday night, Michael B Jordan headed in the crowd and posed with fans.

Thursday I headed over to Delphi to get the check out what the set looked like Plus I heard Sly would be there around 10AM, thanks to my tipsters who keep me filled in. Sure enough after about an hour on the set I got a glimpse of both starts.

The scene is set in California, as all the license plates of the cars on the set were California tags. A few of the extras were filmed getting tacos at the food truck, wearing colorful shorts and shirts, as only they do in LA. In this shot are the hardest working Pa’s in Philly. The guy with the beard has been one of the lead Pa’s on so many of the film shoots for the past decade.

I believe Jordan as Adonis was practicing for a fight, or was participating in a fight as some of the extras had cameras and seem to be “working” the fight.(I guess this gym is called Apollo Creed)

Sly Stallone getting freshen for the next scene

Michael B. Jordan comes out for air. Shooting through my car window was not a good idea.

Did you know there’s another film being filmed in Philly.  The Nomads Movie. It’s about an inner city rugby team. It’s based on a true story and stars Tad Donohue and Tika Sumpter.
The movie is being produced by Game Changing Films, here in Philadelphia.

The “Miss Atkins Army,” is filming right now in Philadelphia. This makes the 3rd filming filming in Philly right now. PhillyWood is hot and happening.  The movie by Sarah Megan Thomas, who did two other movies here including the successful “Equity” about two years ago, will be filming in our area May 9-17, 2018. The movie is a period Piece- (WW2!) and Heery Lofus Casting sent out a call a few weeks ago for extras. The men must have shorter hair, and clean shaven. Women must NOT have tinted or dyed hair. Filming began in late April, at the Art Alliance on Rittenhouse Square. This week they filmed in Spring Garden, where the above shot was taken of actress Radhika Apte and Stana Katic.
There is only 3 more weeks left of filming for Creed 2, so if you want to be in a scene on Tuesday night, a disco/dance/club scene I hear, email creed2casting@gmail.com cause Heery Loftus Casting is looking for you.
Don’t hesitate, it’s fun. I did it once. If it was the social season I would send an email myself.

About last night, a few of us celebrated Rene Kobeitri , owner of Rim Cafe’s birthday. To say it was a fun time was an understated with this crew.
He and his lady, Belle, are one of the nicest couples around. I wasn’t surprised that the street was filled with friends and family wishing Rene a lot of love. Check out that canolli birthday cake. Have a sweet day, see you back here on Sunday. I think Saturday I will post a link to all the media outlets I was published in this week. I know I’ve been a slacker about that.

Spring Festival on South Street – Scene on South Street Last Weekend

Meet me on South Street said tens of thousands of festival goers on the first major warm spring festival day of the year. On Saturday, May 5th, South Street hosted the largest crowds ever for the six year festival. Official estimates will be available after meetings with organizers, the city, event planners and vendors, but South Street Headhouse District confirmed this surpassed last year by 10,000-15,000 people and minimally is over 50,000.

Michael Harris, Executive Director of SSHD, said, “It was wonderful to see such a nice and diverse crowd out enjoying all South Street has to offer at our 6th Annual Spring Fest. All tallies indicated it was our biggest but also our best yet, and we saw a great blend of festival goers from immediate neighbors to out of town visitors who had never been to Philadelphia and South Street before. Great food, music, art, and drinks on a perfect festival-weather day. It really struck me this year how much out of town traffic – as I met so many people on the street who said they came in for the day or weekend just for the festival. We talked to at least five different families and groups that were staying in local hotels in Center City – and we are thankful to bring in business for the city – but also for all the concierge and hotel referrals.”

 

Fun bacherlorette party at South Street Spring Fest

South Street Spring Festival was in a unique position heading into the day – the warmest festival day of the spring of the year, plus it was a day of mini-celebrations and festivals within the festival. Cinco de Mayo, Maifest outside Brauhaus Schmitz, Kentucky Derby Day, National Free Comic Book Day and much more. 

Cinco de Mayo, Maifest outside Brauhaus Schmitz

Mad Rex Restaurant and Virtual Reality Lounge debuted at South Street Spring Festival and provided free virtual games and experiences for hundreds of guests – “South Street Spring Festival was a unique way to bring our brand to tens of thousands of people from all walks of life in Philadelphia. We partner with South Street Headhouse District to provide free virtual reality right on the street in a pop-up lounge in the National Free Comic Book area. We are thankful for the opportunity to connect with the city’s largest name festival – and to engage with so many potential new patrons and fans,” said Michael Johnigean, Partner. “The turn-out far exceeded our expectations – as did the number of people we engaged with. We had a line for the virtual reality chairs consistently throughout the day.”
Mom-Mom’s Kitchen & Polish Food Cart reported their best year ever at South Street Spring Festival – saying they saw more people and they brought more food than ever before – as they now have a brick and mortar restaurant they operate out of their new Mom-Mom’s Kitchen at  2551 Orthodox St, Philadelphia, PA 19137 in Bridesburg.

Michael Sultan of 33rd Street Hospitality, who brought Revolution Taco Truck, reported their biggest sales ever at the event – selling every single last taco they brought. “We had a line the entire day from 11am to the final tacos being served late in the afternoon. It was the perfect way to celebrate Cinco de Mayo for us – and the new Revolution Taco Truck let us be in two places at once. South Street Spring Festival is a must on our spring list of events and its definitely the ultimate spring festival in the city that everyone comes out for.” Revolution Taco also sold out at Friday night at Schmidt’s Commons for the Cinco kick-off at the launch of First Friday Salsa Night – and they hosted their first ever Cinco BBQ with the grill outside their shop at 2015 Walnut.

Puyero Venezuelan Flavor was a new participant this year – co-owner Simon Arends said, “We were excited to participate but didn’t know what to expect as a new business. We are a fast casual eatery and did extremely well inside last year during the festival. This year business was booming all day in the dining room, and we sold out of every last arepa that we had on the street – we far surpassed our expections. We are already discussing our plans and what to do different next year.”

Also, as a huge surprise to the city- Bridget Foy’s which was recently torn down after a fire and total loss, was back and wouldn’t miss a year. The entire Foy family popped up a giant RV on the construction site at 2nd and South Street and held “court” visiting with thousands of guests and showing off the brand new renovation plans for their new restaurant – which is expected to open in the next 8 to 12 months.  South Street Spring Festival is coordinated by South Street Headhouse District, with music programming by DVT Entertainment who handles the 20+ bands on the 3 stages, with event management services by Mark Beyerle and his company SpecialtyUSA, LLC , and PR, social media and marketing services by Kory Aversa and Aversa PR. DVT, SpecialtyUSA and Aversa all returned and worked together on several of the prior year festivals. On top of the nice weather, Aversa PR reported the highest number of print, radio and TV mentions in advance for the day, including “This was the single most TV and radio we have ever secured for a one day festival in a 24 hour period. The interest was so high from around the city, Philadelphia wanted to get out and enjoy the weather, and the product was exceptional.” said Kory Aversa. All four local TV stations extensively covered the event on Fox 29, CBS 3, ABC 6 and NBC 10, with radio partnerships and mentions on Ben FM, WMGK, The Fanatic, WMMR, WDAS, iHeart, KYW and more.

Pocono Raceway, Dover International Speedway and Comcast came together for the third consecutive year to bring NASCAR to the city of Philadelphia.

The NASCAR Xfinity Philadelphia Takeover brought 22 drivers across 12 teams to the city to greet fans and promote the upcoming NASCAR Xfinity Series race in the Philadelphia market.

NASCAR Xfinity Series drivers participating include: Christopher Bell, Spencer Boyd, Chase Briscoe, Ross Chastain, Austin Cindric, Cole Custer, Jeffrey Earnhardt, Spencer Gallagher, Joey Gase, Kaz Grala, Daniel Hemric, Brandon Jones, Shane Lee, Dylan Lupton, Ty Majeski, Vinnie Miller, Matt Mills, John-Hunter Nemechek, Ryan Reed, Garrett Smithley, Ryan Truex, JJ Yeley

Yoga at Dilworth Park
The cars then took a spin around the City, before visiting landmarks like Geno’s Cheesesteaks, Reading Terminal and taking in the view of the City from The Liberty One Observation Tower

Stratus, the rooftop bar at Hotel Monaco, 433 Chestnut St., held their annual Spring Awakening Party to celebrate the upcoming  warmer weather which seemed to blossom the evening of the soiree.

There were two DJs and a seven-piece band at the party. Worldtown Soundsystem will play “high-energy, live, house music that fuses electronic dance with global rhythms.”

Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails,

craft beer and menu items as they enjoyed the night atmosphere and

music vibes.

 Happy Hour specials daily, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.

$5 Prosecco
$5 Red and white house wine
$10 specialty cocktails
$5 domestic beer and $6 craft beer
½ price bottles off our bottle menu (not including wine)

Thanks to Tayla Hailey for shooting this for PhillyChitChat and Stratus Lounge

Stratus Lounge was one of the first roof top lounges to open a few years back, joining popular spots on 18th Street near Chestnut like Vango, and The Continental.
Last year The Assembly at The Logan Hotel opened, but it’s much more chill with a view, then dancing.
The dress code at Status is chill.
All attire is welcome with the exception of flip flops, ripped or baggy clothing, sweatshirts, hoodies, sports apparel, athletic wear, tank tops, hiking boots, and athletic shoes such as basketball and running shoes. Collared shirts, dress shoes, and blazers are highly encouraged. Low profile, all black sneakers (white soles excluded) are allowed, provided it is complemented by what is encouraged. Dress shorts are permitted during the summer season (no cargo or athletic shorts).

Stratus Lounge is open Wednesday to Saturday. There’s a great outdoor rooftop space as well as three large lounges to hang in in case of in climate weather. Great place to hang out with friends, meet new friends, and dance in the night air.

Wed	5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Thu	5:00 pm – 12:00 am
Fri	5:00 pm – 2:00 am
Sat	7:00 pm – 2:00 am

Movie News, Stallone Sightings, Eagles Around, and more gossip

What a beautiful day Saturday turned into. I hope you were out and about enjoying it. I headed to South Street’s Spring Festival, those photos will be popping up everywhere tomorrow. Then I went to West Laurel Hill Cemetery for their annual Derby Party. You’d think it’d be creepy to have an event in a cemetery, but they have a very nice event space, and the cemetery is also an arboretum as well, and the trees are in full bloom.  Let’s get to the gossip..

Seasoned character actress Jennifer Butler is in the move The Nomads, which is filming here in Philadelphia. Yes another movie besides Creed. We actually have 3 movies filming in town right now – Creed 2, The Nomads and Untitled Female Driven WW II Spy Thriller starring Sarah Megan Thomas, who also filmed Equity here, which is about to become a TV Series, congrats to Sarah who was born in the Philly area.  Jennifer is with Tate Donovan, who you’ll remember I wrote about last week when he was spotted at Hop Sing Laundromat

Speaking of films M. Night Shyamalan stopped by CBS3Philly Thursday and filmed additional scenes for Glass, with news legend Ukee Washington playing himself. Last night Night was sitting court-side with Zach Ertz at the Sixers, but that didn’t bring the luck. Bummed, but hey we really didn’t think they’d get this far, and I’m delighted.

“Let’s Get Ready to Rumble” Michael Buffer, an American ring announcer for boxing and professional wrestling matches was on set this week with legendary referee Kenny Bayless, known for his catchphrase which he says to fighters before the bell rings  “What I say you must obey,” were on set for Creed 2 as they filmed scenes at The Liacouras Center

Thursday night Sylvester Stallone had dinner at Barra Rossa at 10th and Walnut. He’s here with owner Dan Morris.

Wednesday Stallone stopped by Foot Locker on Chestnut Street to buy some running shoes, to the delight of the workers. He posed with them and even did a shadow boxing video.

Last week Eagles new tight end Dallas Goedert and his parents stopped by DelFrisco’s this week for dinner.
Padua Academy will welcome Roma Downey as the 2018 Women of Achievement honoree on May 2, 2108, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront. The event was Emceed by Pat Ciarrocchi. Rooted in the Catholic faith, Padua Academy offers young women a transformational college preparatory education, challenging them to live Christ-centered lives of leadership and service.

Congrats to Monica Malpass for being featured in SJ Magazine and for her

walk on The Runway for CHOP’s Daisy Days on May 1. Check out more photos from the event on Philly Voice.

Speaking of service Tony Luke’s is giving away FREE Chicken Cheesesteaks to all Active Military every Friday in May. Check out their website for locations

 

HughE news. I recently decided to return to Fox29 Good Day after contributing to CBS3Philly for about 10 months. I loved my time at CBS3Philly, but really missed my Fox29 family as I had been there for 6 years. No matter where I would go in Philly, even yesterday on South Street, Fox 29 viewers would tell me how much they loved my work at Fox 29.  So going forward I will be contributing to Fox again with photos and content, and occasionally appearing on the show. I don’t think I realized what an exclusive to one station meant, and had to turn down some things because I was in an exclusive. I’ve been used to sharing my stuff with everyone, it’s always been my mantra. I’ve come to learn that every media outlet has their own audience, and some of it over laps. Going back to Fox allows me to pop up at other stations when the moment arises ie car driving down the Art Museum Steps, celebrities I’ve photographed in Philly and the occasional times I’ve traveled to the Big Apple to participate in 6ABC trips and my yearly sledders on the Art Museum Steps shots for Cecily and Adam. Even with all the snow this year, we didn’t get enough snow for a shot. Thanks again to CBS3Philly for the opportunity. I’ll miss my photo column, I did some great work there.

Boyds Clothing Store Celebrates New Concept Opens

Philadelphia luxury store Boyds, an iconic Philadelphia Clothier celebrated their newly unveiled women’s ready-to-wear, handbag and shoe department section

which is now located on the entire first floor and mezzanine level on April 12, 2018 at their Chestnut Street location.

In an interview with the Menswear Industry Magazine Boyds owner Kent Gushner said “We’re repositioning women’s on both the first floor (9,000 square-feet) and the mezzanine (4,000 square-feet). It will be a dramatic setting with all new cases, fixtures and lighting, juxtaposing old and new: light contemporary cases and fixtures will contrast beautifully with our classic architecture that we are retaining.” (Source)

Fashionable guests enjoyed lite bites and cocktails as they checked out the renovated modern, well lit space which now features a light and airy staircase in the middle of the room replacing the heavy looking marble one, which leads to the mezzanine level where you’ll find shoes and bags.

Gone is the heavy marble stairs, and columns. Now there’s a great open floor plan for shopping. This photo doesn’t do it justice, but the room was a glow in the most beautiful white lite making all the colors pop

Including these cool Judith Leiber purses.
The classic Boyds Men’s Department is now located on the 2nd, with all tailored clothing to the third floor, divided into two venues: luxury/classic and young/contemporary (suits in that section will open at $595, and the department will have a different vibe and its own music). 
with the women’s taking over the entire first floor

and shoes and more purses on the mezzanine floor

 

Check out these media outlets to see if you’re photo is there:

CBSPhilly

PhillyStyle Magazine

Check out the NYTIMES for an article on the newly, don’t call it renovated more like conceptualized Boyds Clothing Store

Then go back to the future and see what they did in 2005 in PhillyMag

You Still Have Time To Vote For Your Favorite Charity 

Go teams go! On April 30 th at 11 a.m., NRG hosted a pep rally to introduce the three nonprofit finalists for NRG Gives, the company’s crowd-sourcing charitable program. NRG employees will join Swoop and the Philadelphia Eagles cheerleaders to officially announce the three local nonprofits vying for a grand prize of $100K.

 

This year’s nominees, selected by NRG employees are: Canine Partners 4 Life, College Possible Philadelphia, and Red Paw Emergency Relief Team. Now it’s up to the public to choose the $100K recipient. $20K and $10Kwill be awarded to the 2nd and 3rd place nonprofits, respectively.

 

For more information, visit: nrghomepower.com/nrg-gives

 

Michelle Obama and Friends Celebrate College Signing Day

Michelle Obama and her celebrity friends celebrated the fifth College Signing Day which honors Philadelphia students for their pursuit of a college education or career in the military, at Temple University on May 2nd, 2018.  Nearly 8000 students filled the The Liacouras Center to hear inspirational speeches and enjoy entertainment from todays hottest stars.

Great job co-hosting by Sixers biggest cheerleader Christian Crosby

 

Richard M. Englert, Ed.D. President, Temple University and JoAnne A. Epps is executive vice president and provost of Temple University.

Chill Moody and Donn T perform for the crowd

Then there was the parade of colleges
I went to CCP to get my paralegal degree, and now I’m here.

 

Camila Cabello,

Supermodel Karlie Kloss with local students who participate in her STEM program – Kode With Klossy

Jay Wright, Villanova NCAA Championship coach introduces Superbowl champ Malcolm Jenkins.

Kelly Rowland leaps onto the stage with exuberance

Mayor Kenney, William Hite, Philly Schools Superintendent, guest and Quest Love

Bradley Cooper tells the crowd he attended Villanova before switching to Georgetown. His mom attended Temple University, and was backstage.

Michelle Obama with Rebel Wilson, Robert DeNiro and Bradley Cooper

Bradley is so friendly introducing himself on stage as Michelle rallies the kids wearing this springs popular fashion – a denim jacket.

Celebrities are just like us – Eagles superstar Malcolm Jenkins gets a selfie with First Lady forever Michelle Obama

It was a great day for students in Philadelphia as well as the next generation of leaders

The Margarita Rumble Benefited The Travis Manion Foundation

Sorry folks for missing Monday and Tuesday. I’m so slammed with the social season. Thanks to Mike Hirata for shooting the Margarita Rumble this past weekend, check out the photos below…..

Craft Hospitality hosted the popular Margarita Rumble to Philly this past weekend at Schmidt’s Commons.  16 of the best bars and restaurants competed for the title of the Best Margarita in Philly.

“Following the huge success of the Margarita Rumble in New York and London last year, we are very excited to extend this event to Philadelphia! We jumped at the opportunity to partner with the Travis Manion Foundation to bring together the community, and create culture in Philadelphia through our margarita competition. Craft Hospitality is one of the leading hospitality and experiential companies in the world, creating fun and engaging experiences to be shared with one another,” said Ashley Avino, Production Manager at Craft Hospitality.

Kicking off at The Piazza at Schmidt’s Commons, dozens of mixologists created delicious drinks for guests to sample the best margaritas, and vote for your favorite!

A DJ kept the crowd bamba’ing through the evening as partygoers had three afternoon sessions to choose from
The Margarita Rumble partnered with the Travis Manion Foundation as the charity of choice as it’s dedicated to strengthening and uniting America’s diverse communities. “TMF really allows me to organize amazing communities and happily share my skills and experience with my military career,” says Charlie Elison, Northeast Region Program Director.”

I’m passionate about bridging our civil-military divide, being a reminder that our nation continues waging our longest wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. I’m truly privileged to work with families of brothers and sisters in arms who’ve paid the ultimate sacrifice and to honor the legacy of those we’ve lost in combat.”

Check back Thursday for this weeks Philly Chit Chat Gossip….