Category: Philly To Do

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Charity Philly To Do

The return of Black-Tie GayBINGO!

Action Wellness proudly presents the return of Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Now in its 26th year, Black-Tie GayBINGO! rolls out the glitz and glamour as it continues to raise significant funds for live-saving programs to help those with HIV disease. 

This year’s event holds special significance as AIDS Fund, the original creator of GayBINGO!, will be honored for over 35 years of leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for establishing one of Philadelphia’s most iconic fundraising events. 

After passing the torch in late 2024, Action Wellness now takes the helm, ensuring the legacy of GayBINGO! continues to thrive for years to come. 

For this year’s grand return, guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening with: 

* Welcome reception and cocktails

* Silent auction

* Seated dinner with exclusive menu

* Dancing and music

* Musical performance numbers

* GayBINGO! and the famous Bingo Verifying Divas

* Community Award honoring AIDS Fund

“Black-Tie GayBINGO! is an event full of joy, affirmation and love,” said Action Wellness Executive Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “It’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness about ending the HIV epidemic. This is our first year as an organization hosting the event and we are proud to honor AIDS Fund, an organization, like Action Wellness, that has done incredible work while positively impacting the lives of people with HIV over the last 30 years. Please join us for a night of dining, dancing and GayBINGO! with the incredible Bingo Verifying Divas.”

GayBINGO! is the fabulous, irreverent, campy and wildly popular monthly event that has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for nearly 30 years. The “Best of Philly” award-winning event went on to host tens of thousands of people, attract sold out crowds, garner national attention, and raise millions of dollars.

Guests will enjoy a special cocktail reception, seated dinner with exclusive menu just for the event, music and dancing, and of course rounds of GayBINGO! The Bingo Verifying Divas will of course be on hand and please come ready with the compliments, as they will be looking more glamorous than ever! Two long-time fan favorites and GayBINGO! icons will be on hand to preside over the evening’s festivities. Carlota Ttendant will host the BINGO games, and Stella D’Oro will serve as hostess of the awards and program.

During the night, guests can help raise additional funds through a silent auction featuring gift cards, prizes and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music venues, museums and local small businesses.

Action Wellness will honor AIDS Fund with the 2025 Black-Tie GayBINGO! Community Award for their work in starting the event and for their work for the Philadelphia community. Former Executive Director Robb Reichard will accept on behalf of AIDS Fund, along with former staff and board members. In December 2024, AIDS Fund announced their decision to conclude operations.

“Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund had been a steadfast force in addressing the challenges of HIV,” said Torres. “After 35 years of dedicated service, AIDS Fund concluded operations in December of 2024. This marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the fight against HIV in Philadelphia – a chapter defined by resilience, compassion and community driven progress. Their work has been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting individuals and families, and funding critical services during times of crisis.”

GayBINGO! and Black-Tie GayBINGO! have raised over $4M to date and counting. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

SAVE THE DATE: Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at aidsfundphilly dot org/gaybingo. For more information and event previews, please follow @actionwellnessphl on social media.

Monthly GayBingo will continue from April to June, before taking a break for the summer season. Events will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, located at 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Photos by Jeff Fusco

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Philly To Do

Opening Night Reception: Wilma Theater

Opening Night Reception: The Good Person of Setzuan at the Wilma Theater; On stage through April 21.

On April 5, Wilma Theater celebrated the opening of The Good Person of Setzuan with a reception for subscribers, supporters and friends. Something they do for every opening, which is so nice. The guests mingle with each other as well as with creative leaders of the Wilma and the play they are about to see.

Wilma Theater Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg, Justin Jain, Director and Yury Urnov, co-artisitc director The Good Person of Setzuan
Eva and Michael Leeds, Carl Sheingold and Janice Madden

The play was written by the German dramatist Bertolt Brecht, in collaboration with Margarete Steffin and Ruth Berlau. In Brecht’s play, Shen Te, a kind-hearted prostitute, struggles to maintain her goodness in a harsh world where survival often requires compromise and self-interest. When she inherits a sum of money, she uses it to open a tobacco shop and help those in need. However, her altruism is quickly taken advantage of, forcing her to create a ruthless alter ego, Shui Ta, to protect herself and her business interests.

Javier Mojica is the House Manager of The Wilma Theater
Jessica Johnson and Jaylene Clark Owens
Kevaughn Harvey and Gayle Smith
Jen Bohnenberger and Cat Bohnenberger
Debbie Fluck and Zoe Goldberg Smothern
Joan and Bill Goldstein
Donnell Powell and John Myers
Bash, Kel Fleming and Dezi

Theater goers in the Good Karma Cafe at the Wilma Theater waiting for the show to start. The Good Person of Setzuan at the Wilma Theater; On stage through April 21. INFO here.

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Philly To Do

See: James Oliver Gallery: Untamed, featuring Wendee Yudis

Artist Wendee Yudis (center tan slacks): Blending feminist views and women’s empowerment with vibrant pop art aesthetics in a playful yet thought-provoking manner, I create art infused with energy, dynamism and socially engaging narrative. Currently Showing at James Oliver Gallery 723 Chestnut Street through 3/16
I attended the opening night of Wendee Yudis new exhibition a earlier this month.
Lee Shuman and James Oliver, His gallery is unique contemporary loft-style, spacious art gallery nestled in the heart of the historic area, above the world-famous Morimoto Restaurant. Found in late 2006, James Oliver Gallery features local, national, and international artists in the realm of painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and installation works in the Old City/Washington Square West neighborhood.
Matthew Baron and Sasha Lizlyner
Vashti DuBois Executive Director/Founder of the Color Girls Museum and Elizabeth Wellington, Inquirer Reporter

Who doesn’t love the fashion folks wear to art exhibition opening nights, like the very stylish
Nichole Alpas , Studio Teknik Salon and Jim Haer

Chris and Virginia
Bestie Lisa Gelfenson came out to support her friend artist Wendee Yudis
Maria Grande, Maryanne Deangelo, with Wendee

On View through 3/16: Untamed, featuring Wendee Yudis. View the exhibition catalogue here!

Join us for the Artist Talk on 2/23, RSVP here

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Philly To Do

Valentine’s Day Special at Martorano’s Prime

Celebrity cook and Philly native Steve Martorano and his cousin, chef Ray, have prepared a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for Wednesday, Feb. 14 at their new restaurant at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. The three-course meal is $135 per person and highlighted by Martorano’s surf and turf.  The menu features the following choices:

Antipasti — roasted beet salad, Wellfleet oysters, beef carpaccio, or baked clams Martorano

Main Course — Martorano’s surf and turf; black sea bass alla puttanesca; 12-ounce veal chop and shrimp Sinatra; and chicken francaise

Dessert — crema catalana or chocolate mousse

To book your dining reservation, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia

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Philly To Do

GLITTERING GOLDEN GALA FOR NEW YEAR’S EVE EXTRAVAGANZA AT RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA

Ring in the new year with gourmet dining at Martorano’s Prime, followed by live music, dancing and a champagne toast at Fishtown’s casino

It will be a golden celebration when Fishtown rings in 2024 at Rivers Casino.

The Golden Gala ushers in the new year by featuring live music, an all-you-can-eat menu, an open bar and a midnight champagne toast. An Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band, Let’s Groove Tonight, will play solid-gold hits at the Event Center party.

Guests can also enjoy a three-course prix fixe menu at Martorano’s Prime before partying at the gala and look forward to winning their share of the $48,000 Gold Bar Giveaway all holiday weekend.

“It will be a night of pure gold when we ring in the new year at Rivers Casino,” said Eric Althaus, general manager of Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “The Golden Gala will have dinner, dancing and a midnight countdown, all under one roof. Plus, free and easy parking will make this the can’t-miss party of the year.”

Details of the New Year’s Eve extravaganza on Sunday, Dec. 31, are as follows:

Gourmet Dining at Martorano’s Prime
Two seatings: 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. to 11 p.m.

  • $165 per person includes a three-course prix fixe menu*
    • Appetizer: Famous Meatball Salad, stuffed Italian long hot peppers or fried mozzarella
    • Entree: Grilled 8-ounce filet mignon Sinatra, linguine scampi, pan-seared herb-crusted Chilean seabass or chicken cutlet Martorano
    • Sides: Broccoli rabe, asparagus, or fingerling potatoes and onions
    • Dessert: Cheesecake, pistachio cake or tiramisu
  • Reservation includes access to the Golden Gala
  • Book reservations at OpenTable.com

*Does not include tax, gratuity or beverages.

Golden Gala
The Event Center, from 10 p.m. to 1 a.m.   

  • $99 tickets include all-you-can-eat menu, plus:
    • Open bar
    • Champagne toast
    • Live music: Earth, Wind & Fire tribute band Let’s Groove Tonight
    • Dessert: Cheesecake, pistachio cake or tiramisu

Tickets are on sale now at RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

$48,000 Gold Bar Giveaway
Saturday, Dec. 30, and Sunday, Dec. 31, at 9 p.m., 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

  • Four winners each drawing will win a share of 24 troy ounces of gold bars
  • Each winner receives one troy ounce of gold worth approximately $2,000
  • Earn entries every day in December (24x entries Dec. 24-28)

For more information on the holiday weekend, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

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Date Book: Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Hello PhillyChitChaters. Hope you are well. Social Season is booming, so many event, people are out and about and sooo happy. Let’s see what is happening at PCC’s client Rivers Casino. I’ll always love it for it’s proximity to Center City, and free parking garage with an epic view of Philly’s skyline.

When I want a late night bite or Rita’s Water Ice I head there. Mian Chinese restaurant is open every night til Midnight, and on Friday and Saturday’s til 2am. Rita’s til 9PM daily.

Still looking for a spot to watch the games tonight, look no further than Rivers Casino Sportsbook. The 5,700-square-foot space features a luxury viewing area with a massive HD video wall capable of showing more than a dozen games at once, comfortable seating and an electrifying game-day atmosphere. The sportsbook also includes 33 self-service betting kiosks and six betting windows. NBC Sports Philadelphia is now broadcasting live from the BetRivers Sportsbook Podcast Booth!

Coming to Rivers Casino Event Center Next Week: Sal “The Voice” Valentinetti, Heidi Klum’s unforgettable 2016 Golden Buzzer recipient and finalist of America’s Got Talent, is an Italian-American crooner known best for his flawless vocals, larger than life personality, and his heart of gold. There are still tickets left to re live the magic of O’l Blue Eyes. HERE

Tower of Power is a legendary American funk and soul band that formed in Oakland, California in 1968. They are known for their distinctive horn section, soulful vocals, and tight rhythms. The group’s sound is a fusion of various musical genres, including R&B, funk, jazz, and rock. Perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day Weekend. Tickets Here.

ABOUT RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA
Located along the Delaware River waterfront in Fishtown, Rivers Casino Philadelphia features 1,535 slots, 81 table games, 54 hybrid gaming seats, a 28-table poker room and a designated sportsbook area for live sports betting. The casino offers an array of distinctive restaurants and bars — among them are Mian and Jack’s Bar + Grill — riverfront views, live performances in The Event Center, free parking, and daily promotions and giveaways. For additional information and current offerings, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

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On Cue: the Red Rum Opening Party

Without a Cue, a murder mystery production company, founded in 2002 by Traci Connaughton, based in Montgomery County, celebrated its first brick & mortar space last night in the historic Curtis building . The space at 7th and Walnut will be called the Red Rum Theater, a 100-seat cabaret-style venue and will offer appetizers and spirits from Pops McCann Whiskey to guests seated at cocktail tables during live performances.

Liz Mattera,guest, Sheila Hess, Phila City Rep, , Traci Connaughton,Traci Connaughton – Executive Director – Without A Cue, Jen Jaynes and Mac Versak-Kennedy

The night kicked off with an official ribbon cutting, followed by a preview of their first production of its popular “Golden Girls” murder mystery, which debut earlier this year at Craft Hall.

The show’s opening night, January 17, coincides with what would have been “Golden Girls” star Betty White’s 101st birthday.

Jackie and Jessica Glosson

Each show begins as the audience arrives at a party thrown by the Golden Girls. Then suddenly, a party guest is murdered. Clues are then delivered to the audience’s tables as they interact with the cast to solve the mystery.

Dhruvi Shah, Evie Burt, Penny Gsell, and Nick Greeby
Gabrielle Ochoco and Sabir Peele
One happy family: Genvieve Mazzoli,Traci Connaughton,Tatyana & Chris Mazzoli

“This has been a project in the making for 20 years, and a major goal for the development of Without A Cue,” said Traci Connaughton, executive director of Without A Cue. “Choosing the Curtis as our future home seemed out of reach at first, but it was a dream venue and a perfect fit for our new theater. We are so excited to continue our in the heart of Philadelphia providing laughter and joy to many.” 

Tina Lynch, Jake Fruncillo, and Jen Jaynes

Red Rum can be reached from the entrance off 7th Street, in the space formerly occupied by Cooperage bar and restaurant. Parking for the Curtis Center is available in the building’s parking garage.

Colleen Dunn, Jay Vereen, Shannon Pepe, and Brooke Givens
 

“Golden Girls Murder Mystery” runs through April 29th. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to show time for check in. Your proof of purchase will serve as your ticket, but they have a list as well.

Hysterical!!

Thanks Andre Flewellen for shooting the opening for the team.

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Rivers Casino December Happenings, and The Eagles Sing a Long

It’s December, how did that happen? What a great year, started off iffy, and ended up strong. Thanks so much to my advertiser Rivers Casino Philadelphia for coming on board this year, trusting us to get out the word on all the fun they provide, entertainment, philanthropically, fireworks on Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day and here we are planning for what we’re going to do on New Year’s Eve!!

At Rivers Casino Philadelphia they’re not waiting till New Years Eve to start the party! Starting December 30th they’re offering great entertainment! Whether you’re checking out the headliners in The Event Center or the free shows at Jack’s Bar + Grill, your New Years plans are taken care of all weekend long at Rivers Casino Philadelphia!

Ring in the New Year at Rivers Casino with an open bar, small bites, and live music!

Morris Day and The Time — Friday, Dec. 30, at 8 p.m.

Ring in the New Year with Morris Day and The Time. Morris Day burst onto the public scene with the group’s self-titled album, “The Time,” which included “Get It Up,” “Cool,” and “Girl.” Soon after the world was introduced to the prolific Minneapolis music marvel, the group went on to record three more albums, including “What Time Is It?” (Featuring the hits “777-9311,” “Wild and Loose,” “Walk,” and “Gigolos Get Lonely Too”) and “Ice Cream Castle” (which included the hit “Jungle Love”). Tickets are on sale now starting at $59.

The Spazmatics — Saturday, Dec. 31, at 10 p.m.

Celebrate New Year’s with Rivers Casino and The Spazmatics! Internationally renowned as “The Ultimate ’80s New Wave Tribute,” the Spazmatics come with all the awesome sounds, styles, and way-cool dance steps from the decade we’d love to forget. Outstanding musicianship combined with creative flair and style make for an evening of pure energy and entertainment. Tickets for the ’80s New Year’s Eve Party featuring the Spazmatics are on sale now starting at $119.

Tis the season! Shop with your Rush Reward Points at our Holiday Shopping event. Play with your Rush Rewards Card December 1 – 10 to earn additional shopping dollars towards great holiday gifts!

The more you play, the more you earn!

Visit any of our Rush Rewards kiosks to print out your shopping vouchers before you return to shop.

The shopping event will take place Friday December 9th or Saturday December 10th from 3PM – 10PM in High Limit.

Pink Floyd USA Experience plays all the classics, highlighted by lights, fog, lasers, and video – giving audiences the experience of being at a Pink Floyd concert! These professional musicians perform with precise detail, with the iconic live sounds of Pink Floyd such as saxophone, slide steel guitar, roto toms, and acoustic guitars! January 28th at 8PM at Jack’s Bar + Grill. A full bar will be available. Free parking on-site.

In January catch En Vogue 1/14/23
The Legendary group En Vogue is coming to Rivers Casino Philadelphia for an unforgettable concert!

Rivers Poker Room The Rivers Casino Philadelphia Poker Room features nearly $200,000 in high-hand promotions, including $500 every 30 minutes on select days and times in December.

Rivers Gives

Rivers Gives is a unique community relations program and steadfast commitment by the casino that includes having its Team Members volunteer service hours in the Fishtown neighborhood and surrounding areas. Guests can join Rivers Gives in supporting monthly initiatives that benefit local nonprofits through donation options when cashing their gaming tickets.

The monthly and quarterly organization recipients are as follows:

  • Salvation Army
  • JEVS Human Services

Now for some more good holiday cheer!! Check out another video of the Eagles Caroling Night HERE

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Scene: Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest 2022

Saturday was a beautiful day. Not only was the weather a 10, but the Avenue of the Arts was a buzz with activity, especially on the Kimmel Cultural Campus and inside the Kimmel Center.

The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra kick off Philadelphia’s robust arts and cultural season with Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest, a day of FREE festival-style performances, the chance to interact with more than 50 arts organizations from across the region, and $20 tickets to a selection of over 100 events!

The opening night of OTELLO and the start of FESTIVAL O22 at Opera Philadelphia on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd , 2022! 

Opening Night Celebration of Philadelphia Orchestra with Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor 
Lang Lang Piano , BalletX Christine Cox Artistic Director is September 28.

Though in-person programming is at the forefront of the Orchestra’s season, Digital Stage concerts will continue, featuring seven pre-recorded performances and audience favorites from last season. Highlights include a performance from the Orchestra’s 2022 Bravo! Vail Music Festival residency, and the recent Musikfest Berlin concert from the 2022 European Festivals Tour. Each performance will begin with a premiere, streaming in real time for viewers. Following the premiere, the online concert video will be available for ticket holders to watch on demand for one week. A complete listing of each Digital Stage program is included below and more details are available at www.philorch.org/digitalstage.

Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra are excited to welcome the Philadelphia community to kick off the 2022-23 season. “We are eager to once again bring thousands of arts and entertainment lovers, uniting the Philadelphia community as a sequel to the 2021’s Arts Launch.“

Philadelphia Ballet has a robust season coming up, and are breaking ground on their new North Broad space in a few weeks. Check out the schedule for the new season 2022/2023

The Avenue of the Arts was on hand to discuss all the exciting happenings on Broad Street; Home to one the most vibrant and successful performing arts, residential, educational, commercial, and tourist destinations in the United States.

I think we all love attending Broadway on Broad Street at the Kimmel Center. RAISES HAND VERY HIGH FOR The Tina Turner Musical!! Check out the rest of the schedule HERE

Stay tuned for the Center City Districts – Dinner and a Show specials, launching soon. And follow
the Kimmel Cultural Campus site for info on all the shows, events and special evenings happening !!

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Philly To Do

Sunday: 2nd Street Festival Takes Over Northern Liberties

The 13th Annual 2nd Street Festival will pop-up and take over Northern Liberties on Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 12:00pm Noon to 9:00pm. This year the event will extend to the largest footprint in the event’s history, along N. 2nd Street from Spring Garden extending all the way to Girard clocking in at more than three-quarters of a mile long.

The all-ages celebration includes restaurants, food trucks, beer gardens, family fun, live music, artists, pop-up shops and entertainment. Street food and summertime sips will be available from a giant list of 50+ restaurants, bars, breweries and food trucks, including 15 outdoor beer and cocktail gardens. Get ready to dance in the street with live music and DJs on two main stages, plus throughout the festival, with Moonroof, Bougie and the Beasts, Bickel Brothers Band, Mobbluz, Koser, M11son, Dell-P, Solar Circuit, Upholstery, Plush in the Box, Gretchen Emery Band, Venn Sung, Dirty Soap Band, Reggae Thunder, Last Generation on Film and Swing That Cat, plus DJ MostHated, DJ Eric, DJ Frosty, DJ Xtina and Rebel Foster, DJ Nate G. and Uptown Eddie.

“2nd Street Festival is back and bigger than ever in Northern Liberties,”  said Ann Lastuvka of Virginia Belle Events, the Executive Producer for 2nd St Festival. “One of Philadelphia’s largest and greatest summer traditions returns with the largest footprint in our history, plus tons of new programs and vendors this year. We have been working for months and months to bring back this beloved event and we can’t wait to see everyone back on N. 2nd Street this summer!”

“When we started this festival, we just wanted to celebrate our neighborhood and have fun doing it. It’s amazing how much interest it draws now and how much life it brings to 2nd Street,” said Oron Daskal, co-founder of the festival and owner of North Bowl and South Bowl. “The event is important to bring attention to our neighborhood, but it also raises money for our neighborhood organizations for the services they provide for our residents and businesses.”

LIVE MUSIC AND DJS

2nd Street Festival will bring the region’s local music scene back to life with two dozen acts on two main stages, plus areas throughout the festival.

Germantown Stage sponsored by Piazza Alta

12:00pm – Moonroof
1:00pm – Bougie & the Beasts
2:00pm – Bickel Brothers Band
3:00pm – Mobbluz
4:00pm – Koser
5:00pm – M11son
6:00pm – Dell-P
7:30pm – Solar Circuit

DJ’ed by DJ Xtina and Rebel Foster

The festival is free to attend, and pay-as-you-go for food and drink. Bring the kiddos and the pups, as this event is fully family friendly! More information about the festival, with registration for art vendors, can be found at www.2ndstfestival.org. Thanks to generous support from Penn Treaty Special Services District for their support of this event. Stay up-to-date with festival news on Facebook or Instagram.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

For some vendors, this is their first major time back on the road and at this type of festival since the pandemic. The event will support our region’s thriving food truck, mobile food vendor economy and live music scene that was devastating to the industry, all while showcasing the red-hot food neighborhood of Northern Liberties.

Founded in 2008 by Northern Liberties business owners, Owen Kamihira of El Camino Real, William Reed of Standard Tap and Oron Daskal of North Bowl, the 2nd St Festival was established with the goal of bringing people to Northern Liberties in a fun and engaging way.

In addition to drawing visitors into the neighborhood, 2nd St Festival also raises money to support programming for two established neighborhood civic organizations, The Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association.

For more information, visit www.2ndstfestival.org and follow @2ndstfestival. See you Sunday… bring your smile, and sunscreen.