Philly Chit Chat

BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS Launches ‘BUILDING BIG AWARDS’ at Philly From The Top

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 14, 2017

ONE LIBERTY OBSERVATION DECK AND BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS TEAM UP TO ANNOUNCE NEW EVENT: BUILDING BIG AWARDS

Thanks to PhillyChitChat’s Mike Hirata for shooting this event while I was in Alaska. I love that Philly’s highest observation deck is not only a great place to see our magnificent skyline, and beautiful sunsets, but it’s become a premier event space as well.

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On Wednesday, June 7th, BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS (BBBS) Independence welcomed VIP guests from the Greater Philadelphia including many real estate agents to a private mixer event, hosted by One Liberty Observation Deck as a part of a year-long partnership with the organization. Registered guests of the special mixer learned details related to a new Big Brothers Big Sisters signature event appropriately titled the “Building Big Awards: Changing Landscapes, Changing Lives.”

Marcus Allen, CEO of BBBS Independence ( thanked the guests and told them of their impact on the programs.) with Ken Wellar, Managing Partner at Rittenhouse Realty Advisors.

Trudy Haynes and Jerome Roberts. — Legendary, media personality Trudy Haynes who has never retired, but has re-invented herself with every technology change (I tell her every time I see her)**, and Jerome Roberts.**

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Spring has sprung, check out these lovelies in their flowing, flowery dresses

“We are excited to be hosting this very special event and we’re proud of the calendar of activities we have aligned over the year to come,” says Jennifer Hesser, Assistant General Manager of the observation deck, “Partnering with organizations like Big Brothers Big Sisters Independence Region gives us the opportunity to use our towering platform to evoke and celebrate mass positive change throughout a booming city One Liberty proudly helped shape.”

World traveler, philanthropic Max Rotundo

**Hala Al-Shawaf, Erica McLeod, and Erin Weidel**

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DiBruno Brothers always makes a good spread

Gordon St. John and Greg Burton

Gordon St. John, president of Pentra and Greg Burton, VP Marketing & Communications @IndBigs

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Chio in the morning.
Guests of the two hour private evening event learned about the award nomination process for individuals and businesses, and how to showcase their projects at the 2017 ‘Building Big Awards’ ceremony on October 12th. In addition, the event featured moving testimonials by BBBS alums Steve McLatchy, Peter Buckley, and Ken Wellar. Philadelphia’s favorite radio host Chio from Chio in the Morning was also in attendance to speak on past involvement in working with the organization and announced he’s hoping to return as a “Big” later this year.

Speaker Ken Wellar. — Speaker Ken Wellar, discusses his involvement with the program

**Kirsten Griffith, Martin Griffith, and Tyler.**

Additional photos have been sent to Philly Style Magazine and Liberty City Press. So if you’re not here, you’re probably there.
Have an awesome day, and for a great view of the City check out the Liberty One Observation Deck (Philly From The Top is it’s nickname), it’s the only one in town now that Billy Penn is in scaffaldoing as well. Plus did you know that Philly From The Top is one of the official Welcome America Fireworks location for fireworks shot off at Penns Landing.

Tags Big Brothers Big Sisters, Liberty One Observation Tower Deck, Mike Hirata, View of Philadelphia

Philadelphia

Career Wardrobe Presents It’s Annual Charity Fashion Show With Local Celebrities

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 13, 2017

Career Wardrobe Presents It’s Annual Charity Fashion Show With Local Celebrities

Since 1995, Career Wardrobe has provided clothing and confidence to more then 80,000 job seekers throughout the Philadelphia region. With your help, we will outfit, educate and empower another 4,000 more this year! Last week they held their annual event at a new location, Moore College of Art and Design. Guests including fashionable Philadelphia as well as philanthropic friends and supporters of the program where the Philadelphia-based nonprofit social enterprise uses clothing and professional development to empower unemployed individuals to work.

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Career Wardrobe’s annual Hope Walk is the centerpiece of Hope’s Night Out, showcased the hard work and dedication of our clients! Former Career Wardrobe clients who have successfully transitioned to work are joined on the stage by media personalities, elected representatives, and corporate sponsors, all of whom will donate the suit off their backs to an individual in need.

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Aundrea Cline-Thomas, NBC10 and Rahel Solomon, CBS3

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This year’s Hope Walk was a memorable one as they welcome Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney to the stage to help them celebrate the success of many Career Wardrobe clients.

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Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Philadelphia City Council

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Cherri Gregg, CBS3 and KYW Newsradio

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Elizabeth Wellington, Philadelphia Inquirer

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Sue Serio, Fox29

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Councilman Derek Green, Philadelphia City Council

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Monique Braxton, NBC10

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Amy Buckman, Philadelphia Media Network

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Thank you Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Philadelphia City Council Councilman Derek Green, Philadelphia City Council Alison Burdo, Philadelphia Business Journal Aundrea Cline-Thomas, NBC10 Brian Lipstein, Henry A. Davidsen Master Tailors & Image Consultants Cherri Gregg, CBS3 and KYW Newsradio Debbi Calton, WMGK Jenice Armstrong, The Daily News Elizabeth Wellington, Philadelphia Inquirer Rahel Solomon, CBS3 Sue Serio, Fox29 for donating your threads to the worthy cause.

(Thanks to my client Career Wardrobe for providing the photos, as you know I was in Alaska last week on a cruise. It was lovely, but I missed so many of my fun events.)

Philadelphia

Le Méridien Philadelphia Celebrates Renovation with Speakeasy Party

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 12, 2017

Le Méridien Philadelphia Celebrates Renovation with Speakeasy Party

Good Monday. Wow the vacation of a lifetime is over. It was a wonderful experience, I’ll tell you about it tomorrow or Wednesday. While I was away the worse thing you could imagine happened, and I found out a day after it happened as my cell service was off for most of the trip, my beloved Uncle Carmen was in a traffic accident right in front of his farm, and Saturday, after I got home, he passed away. He lived a great life, to an awesome age of 84. He was a great guy, I always enjoyed our visits. He was a tell it like it is, jokester, fun and in love with my Aunt Mary. They were about to celebrate thier 64th wedding anniversary in a few weeks. … RIP Carmen Visalli

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While I was away Le Méridien Philadelphia celebrated its million-dollar renovation with an extensive reveal party. The 202-room Le Méridien, which opened in May 2010, underwent a $1 million renovation where they remodel the common areas, including the entry vestibule, lobby, bar area and the restaurant. Executive Chef Andy Matulaitis of newly renovated aMuse restaurant. Guests enjoyed food stations along with delicious desserts including macaroons, and a custom eclair table. Bubble machines, black and white balloons, beverages from Veuve Clicquot, festive Peroni cans with stylized straws, and a Visit Philadelphia “With Love” cocktail featuring Tito’s Vodka were also on hand for guests to enjoy. Thanks to PhillyChitChat photograph André Flewellen for capturing all the magic

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Jacqueline LaBelle and Melissa Kucherich

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Lee Swiacki and Pat Friel

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Sydney Beckett

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Danielle Grodek

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Amber Johncola

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James Zeleniak, Punch Media PR, Kylie Flett, Punch Media PR, Donielle Powell, Morris Animal Refuge and Angela Cottrell, Director of Sales and Marketing at HEI Hotels & Resorts

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Dan Zwirn, General Manager at Le Meridien Philadelphia and James Zeleniak, principle at Punch Media PR

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John Connor, Jenna Gill, Philadelphia Distilling and Anthony Scornaienchi

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Greg Basile, Sr. Regional Sales Manager at Comcast Business and Linda LaRosa, Shop Sixty Five

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The Le Méridien team: Chris Baniewicz, Megan Furlong and Dan Zwirn

Philadelphia

Moore College of Art & Design 2017 Senior Fashion Show was Amazing

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 7, 2017

Moore College of Art & Design 2017 Senior Fashion Show was Amazing

(PS Note to readers, I am away in Alaska until June 13 and have no access to email but will be posting everyday)

Metallics, denim and glamour are part of this year’s Century 21 Department Store presents FASHION SHOW 2017. Moore College of Art & Design’s Senior Class Project held their fashion show Friday, May 12, 2017, at 8 pm in the Annenberg Court at The Barnes Foundation, 2025 Benjamin Franklin Parkway. Additional sponsors include Anthropologie, EMD Performance Materials, The Logan Philadelphia’s Hotel and Adrienne Vittadini ‘66.

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Before the event, Liz Collins, interim chair and associate professor of Fashion Design said “The momentum is really building right now and we are lining things up for a fantastic show”. “Our students are passionate about presenting their best work at such a special place.”

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Avi Bloom and Elissa Bloom, Executive Director The Philadelphia Fashion Incubator

HD1_1109 (Custom) Patricia Phillips and Liz Collins, Chair

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Linda Silverstein and Phillip Silverstein, radio show host

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Srish Chanda and Sammi Chanda

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Seniors revealed their distinctive collections, showing off the students’ personality, style and artisanal skills through their beautifully crafted clothing. The evening will also include summer sportswear for men and women designed by juniors; a cool musical runway childrenswear segment by sophomores that follows the theme “Rock and Roll Denim,” with fashions inspired by the Pink Ladies from Grease to the celebrity children of Kim Kardashian and Kanye West; and the senior eveningwear finale, always a crowd-pleaser, featuring designs utilizing gold, silver and/or rose-gold metallic fabrics.

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I was really impressed with the fashion of the seniors, I wish I had kept better track of who’s was what.

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The audience was comprised of very proud parents, family members, friends and clothing buyers, which was great to see as they’re supporter Philadelphia designers.

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I loved it all and I hope all the seniors who participated go on to huge success.

Tags fashion, Senior, Senior Fashion Show

Philadelphia

Vesper Debuts It’s New Thursday EFFENvesper Speakeasy with Burlesque

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 6, 2017

On May 25, 2017, Vesper invited a select group of VIPs to reveal EFFENvesper, the speakeasy’s new Thursday night experience which begins June 8, and every Thursday night through going forward. Fashionably dressed guests who had the EFFEN password enjoyed a night of sultry Parisian entertainment with complimentary EFFEN Vodka cocktails, sounds by Eddie Tully, and a surprise burlesque performance. Notable attendees included Philadelphia Eagles Safety, Malcom Jenkins and SportsNet Anchor, Marshall Harris and Erin Elmore. EFFENvesper opens to the public on June 8.

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RSVP events@VESPERphilly.com

Tags Burlesque, EFFENvesper, Thursday Nights In Philly

Philadelphia

EFFEN CCD SIPS Starts 6/7/17 – Pixs from Fashionable Kick Off Party

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 5, 2017

EFFEN CCD SIPS Starts 6/7/17 – Pixs from Fashionable Kick Off Party

Center City SIPS kicks off on Wednesday 6/7/17, and happens every Wednesday after that from — 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. — until the end of summer. Dozens of establishments offer $3 beer, $4 wine and $5 cocktails (expect sponsor Effen Vodka to appear in many of the bar creations) and half priced appetizers.

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Mike (Alex & Mike), Davida (@vidafashionista ) and Alex (@alexandmike)

New this year Fashionable SIPS with ambassadors – Before happy hour, shop the stores participating in CCD Sips Style for deals on clothes, beauty goods and more. I said to my friend do people really put a lot of thought into what they wear to SIPS, after all it’s a work day and they’re coming from the office. Miss B Where said, YES people do care. On Wednesday’s everyone is probably going to look a little bit more sharper in the sometimes drab office setting.

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All summer long. Wednesdays from 5-7 pm. Participating bars and restaurants are offering $5 cocktails, $4 wine, $3 beer and half-priced appetizers. Check out our list of participants.

Each week, snap a pic of your Sips look, post to Instagram and tag @ShopCenterCity #CCDSipsStyle for your chance to win a Center City shopping spree!

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Sofia and Alyssa of Cashman & Associates SIPS

Take Lyft to Center City SIPS SIPS The Dilworth Park Café provides a Center City oasis with outdoor seating, $3 beer, $4 wine and $5 Effen cocktails, along with a DJ each week to get you in the mood to groove. SIPS
James Restaurant at 1835 Arch Street is participating in SIPS> Have you had their James Burger Yet?

http://jamesphiladelphia.com/
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Models wearing sponsor threads: South Moon Under, Banana Republic Factory Store, Fleur De Lis Boutique and Kimberly Boutique SIPS

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Besties with matching sandals
CENTER CITY SIPS info

Tags #CCDSipsStyle, Center City SIPS, Client Shoot, Fashion Guide, Influencer, Partner, Promotion, Sponsor Post

Philadelphia

Urban Village Brewery at Schmidt’s Commons AKA Piazza

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 2, 2017

Hey guys, sorry for the abbreviated posts the next few days. I was under a tight deadline as I prepared to head to a wonderful Alaskan cruise, which I am on right now. Follow me on Instagram @PhillyChitChat to see pixs as I can post as there isn’t much internet connection I hear. But in port I will post up a storm. Thanks to Cabot Cheese for honoring me for my charity work, it’s a joy to volunteer for Komen Philly, Linda Creed, Suicide Awareness, PAWS, Philadelphia Veterans Home to name a few. Every year Cabot Cheese Foundation honors one person from every state and its territories for volunteer charity work. I try and do something for every charity that sends me a press release, or asks me for promotion, but the ones I named above are ones I donate photography services or raise money for for the past couple years, Linda Creed, Suicide Awareness Philly and Gilda’s Club I have volunteered for for nearly 7 years. I did do a PhillyChitChat post everyday, so still pop in. Thanks

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On the eve of their big opening Urban Village Brewery held a friends and press preview dinner. I arrived a tad after it started, and didn’t have time to eat but I will say that everyone I spoke with LOVED the food. Urban Village Brewing Company The Schmidt’s Commons 1001 N 2nd St, Philadelphia, PA 19123

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An evening of craft beer brewed on-site and paired with delicious breads and brick oven pizzas made from naturally fermented yeast dough – a first for Philadelphia. Guests sample menu items and sample one or all 12 of Urban Village’s distinctively unique drafts including year round signatures like Rye Bread IPA (John McDevitt said it tastes just like Rye Bread), Land Down Under Hoppy Saison, Wildey Wheat Witbier and Sour Beets Berliner Weiss.

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The food menu will revolve around brick-oven pizza but will also feature sandwiches and bar snacks. Urban

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Owners and founders Dave Goldman and Tom Revelli HD1_5562 (Custom) (Custom)
Chef Chris Davis helped create the menu along with the owners, all of who have been in the restaurant business for years. HD1_5573 (Custom) (Custom)
I love that the doors open wide, and they have ample seating outside as well HD1_5575 (Custom) (Custom)

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OK everyone loved the bathrooms. You’re going to have to check them out yourself to see why Urban

OMG BEET SALAD, my favorite.

Philadelphia

Cancer Support Community Congratulates Brian Kappra

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date June 1, 2017

The Cancer Support Community of Greater Philadelphia celebrated it’s 18th Annual Evening in the Park on the grounds of their headquarters earlier in May at The Suzanne Morgan Center at Ridgeland in Fairmount Park. I normally photograph the event but I was already booked photographing the Fairmount Conservancy Gala on the opposite side of the park. Guests enjoyed fabulous food and cocktails by Joshua’s Catering, a live and and a silent auction which raised additional funds, all to benefit CSCGP. The funds raised will help children attend camp this summer, enable us to expand our STAC program in area schools, support our music, art and movement programs, and allow more kids and parents access to our free kids and parents support groups.

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Thanks to Thomas Robert Clarke Photography for capturing the Evening in the Park gala!
Brian Kappra, Owner, Evantine Design, Gennaro Pannone, John and Galit Green, Members of CSCGP at Gilda’s Club and Dr. Gerald L. Messerschmidt, M.D., FACP, Chief Medical Officer, Precision Oncology, Attending Pysician, Lankenau Medical Associates were all honored at this amazing event.

Paul Rosen, Stephanie Stahl, Jim Trichon and Iliana Strauss, co – chair

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Brian Kappra, honoree and Wendy H Rosen, co-chair

Kappra Liesa Steinberg, Lisa Williams, Wendy Rosen, Nancy and Ellen Churchill

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Designer Bag Bingo. June 4th, 2017. Join us for a fun afternoon of designer bag bingo with family and friends on Sunday afternoon, June 4^th at the Ben Wilson Senior Center, 580 Delmont Avenue, Warminster, PA 18974.

Philadelphia

Bourbon Bash 3 Celebrates Bank & Bourbon’s 4th Anniversary

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date May 31, 2017

Bourbon Bash 3 Celebrates Bank & Bourbon’s 4th Anniversary

Chef Tom Harkins was on hand, presenting the most popular dishes from Bank & Bourbon’s at the 3rd Bourbon Bash earlier this month.

The menu included appetizers, entrees and desserts, while the restaurant’s own bourbon master will be serving up signature cocktails.

Danny Smith, Director of Engineering at Loews Hotels, Scott Nassar, Managing Director at Loews Hotels Philadelphia, Alex Amato, Director Of Food And Beverage at Loews Hotels and Ed O’Boyle, Director of Marketing at Loews Hotels

There was a great raffle where guests could purchase a ticket for a chance to stay at one of the Loews somewhere in the USA Bourbon

Amanda Kaewvichien, Executive Pastry Chef at Bank and Bourbon Bourbon

Proceeds from the event benefit DonorsChoose.org, an online charity that helps teachers receive the school supplies they need to further enhance the classroom. HD1_2773 (Custom)

Also new at Loews is their new Pod which serves coffee (LaColumbe), tea and pastries for those in a hurry.

Philadelphia

Bok Bar Opens with a New Menu and Fun Furniture

Post author By HughE Dillon
Post date May 30, 2017

Bok Bar Opens with a New Menu and Fun Furniture

Bok Bar, located on the roof of a former elementary school is South Philadelphia, opened last week for the Summer of 2017.

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As if the place wasn’t already the hottest roof top bar in Philadelphia, owner Lindsey Scannapieco decided to make a few improvements this season with new furniture, a new menu and cocktails. I photographed the friends and family party on Wednesday May 24, 2017.

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Bok owner Lindsey Scannapieco greets the guests

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The fabulous view of Philadelphia from Bok Bar

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From the Bok website: On Monday and Tuesday only the bar is available for private hire. For more information please contact us here. We are a 21+ bar with the exception of Sunday’s when dogs and children are welcome. All other evenings babies under 6 months of age and physically attached to a person can also join.

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Most beers are $6, wine $7 – $10 and bottles $30 – $40. Dumplings are $1, rice bowl $8 and Tacos $10;

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Coffee – LaColumbe $5, soda $2 and water $1

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This year, Humble Dumpling, a new dumpling concept created by Hayden Mink, will take the
reins in Bok Bar’s kitchen. Featuring $1 dumplings, nourishing rice bowls and shareable tacos,
the menu is affordable, delicious and unexpected. Humble Dumpling will be dishing out food
Wednesday – Saturday evenings all summer long.

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The furnishings displayed on the roof this year are the result of an open call to the maker and design community. Interested parties were invited to submit their portfolio for an opportunity to design and create a new collection of furniture which will be used and enjoyed on the rooftop this summer. From over 25 entries, 8 submissions were selected to create tables, benches, stools, chairs, high tops and more over an 8-week period through a collaborative and open workshop-based process. Participants ranged from recent graduates to artist collectives to seasoned furniture designers and architecture practices. The final pieces range from the traditional to the unexpected and include works by KSS Architects in collaboration with studioRON (the above piece of furniture), artist collaborative studio Traction Company, the Dufala Brothers, and designer Jeff Rubio.

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Bok Bar sits atop the historic Bok building which has been transformed into a new hub for makers, entrepreneurs and small businesses. Today, BOK’s tenants range from glass blowers, a daycare (Project PLAY), textile designers, a tattoo parlor, photography studios, a letterpress printer, a wholesale bakery, a hair salon (Fringe Salon), a clarinet repair shop, architecture firms and more.

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Bok Bar

1901 South 9th Street Philadelphia PA 19148 Entrance on Mifflin Street (closest to 8th Street)
Free parking across the street during bar hours
Hours of operation are Wednesday (5pm – 11pm), Thursday (5pm – 12am), Friday
(5pm – 1am), Saturday (6pm – 1am) and Sunday (12pm – 10pm).

Tags Best Bars, Bok Bar, Rooftop Bar