Philly Chit Chat

1200 Bruce Springsteen Fans Show Up To meet The Boss at The Philadelphia Library

The earliest fans began lining up at 6AM, and waited in the drizzle to see their desired rock hero

There were fans from all generations there

Then there were a few fans inside. I love Bruce I’ve seen him 8 times. Jarrod (r) Fox 29 cameraman has seen Bruce 32 times and saw him yesterday in NYC. He told me 1500 fans showed up. He had a ticket, got a book signed and got a photo. Dan DeLuca, Music Critic  (c) how much fun was it to hang in line with Dan and hear his Bruce stories. Check out some of them here.
Who Broke Bruce in Philly?
Five Philly things in Bruce Springsteen’s ‘Born To Run’ memoir

Although not an uber Bruce fan, Gab Bonghi’ s good friend is and she brought this for Bruce.
Check out Eric Kenney’s stuff here, and if you want this drop him a line. I know I want this for my sister
Janine, the ULTIMATE BRUCE FAN. I know I grew up with her!!

Springsteen’s book was released on Tuesday. Pick it up here on AMAZON

The video media grabbing customers picking up pre signed books, as the head into the meet and greet with Bruce Springsteen.

Springsteen showed up around 11:30 a.m. and slipped into the Philadelphia Library through a back door. He was lead to a staging area where a platform advertising the book was set up for photos. The rock star — who turned 67 on Friday, looked great in his leather jacket, and loosely fit TShirt as he waved to fans.

Every fan had a photo taken with the Boss

Nothing could be handed to him, and for the few who tried to pull out items they were quickly
confiscated or told to put them away.

Most fans that I talked to told me they thanked Bruce for being the soundtrack of their lives

Bruce was very generous with kisses for all those who asked

Hugs and smiles filled the room

Bruce fans from the 1970s

I ran into a lot of Philly Chit Chat readers – hi!!

I’ve seen Bruce 30 times.

Ben from McClean, Va came to play for the fans. Waiting in the wings was Ian Bush from KYW1060 radio. Go listen to his
interview of the days events.

Susan Helfrich, Eric Shippon and Mary Pat Kessler wait in their car for the rain to let up

This couple began following Bruce in the 80s. She’s wearing a vintage 1980s Nicole Miller scarf featuring eateries from
Philadelphia, which represents her favorite Bruce Springsteen songs.

Happy 50th Birthday, after going to more than 30 Springsteen concerts, meeting Bruce was a the ultimate Bucket List item – CHECK!!

Definitely the most fashionable in line. She told me the first Springsteen concert she saw was in 1973. She’s a serious longtime fan.

A fan since birth, she’s never been to any of his concerts, but she owns every CD he’s ever put out.

There’s a Hooter in line he Hooters David Uosikkinen (r) with The Latest Dish’s Dallyn Pavey (c)

XOXO Bruce Springsteen

300 invited fashionistas celebrated King of Prussia Bloomingdale’s store’s 35th birthday while raising funds to support the Vetri Community Partnership recently. Guests enjoyed light bites by the Vetri Foundation and beverages from Kevin Sbraga’s Fat Ham now opened at King of Prussia Mall.

There was a runway show starring Bloomingdale’s newest designers and the biggest trends of the fall season with live commentary by fashion blogger Alisa Frederico, Dressing Jane who curated the show.

Marlene Olshan, Chief Executive Officer at Vetri Community Partnership – ‎explains how Vetri Community Partnership works in the community to the guests as Cathy Muhlenforth, Vice President General Manager at Bloomingdale’s  looks on.

David Schimpf and Ian Michael Crumm, fashion blogger as well as a KOP Ambassador

front row

Dinorah Capuzzi and Christina DiFulvio

Alisa Frederico and Frank Frederico

Last week I covered a fun new event called Beats ‘n Eats hosted by Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine (Food Network’s Restaurant Impossible),

the event combined celebrity chefs and music together to raise funds for Philabundance and the Philadelphia Music Alliance.

Featured celebrity chefs: SHANE CASH (Cake Boss),  BRIAN DUFFY (Bar Rescue), MORIMOTO (Iron Chef America),  DANIEL STERN (R2L), ROBERT IRVINE (Restaurant: Impossible),  BUDDY VALASTRO (Cake Boss), MARC VETRI (Vetri), and KEVIN SBRAGA (Top Chef),

The evening started out with a cocktail party

As the chefs prepared a delicious dinner to be served that evening.

The first course by Morimoto was a Tuna Tartare, charred scallion creme fraiche, avocado puree

as well as

Daniel Stern’s Guinea Hen Nachos

Kevin Sbraga “The Italian Hoagie”, except it wasn’t really, and it was delicious as people raved, as well as for
Marc Vetri’s Lasagna with Zucchini and stracciatella cheese

The Third Course was Robert Irvine’s Espresso Dry Rubbed Wagyu NY Strip, Sweet Potatoe & Brussel Sprout Hash
Brian Duffy’s Pork Belly with Carrot Parsnip Puree, Smoked Fennel Slaw and Charred Tomato Demi Glaze

and Buddy Valastro (The Cake Boss)

Tiramisu Twist

The chefs even served their dishes, and posed for photos for diners.

Bosley
Bosley Brown -Vocals & Whatever Chris “Black Gravy” Taylor- Bass; Will “Led Willy” Lederer- Guitar; Ben “Big Smoov,” “Smoov Justice” Bor- Saxophone; Erik “Prime Time” Pearson- Trumpet; Jimmy “Spaceman” Baseman- Trumpet; Serena “Sesha” Shapero- Vocals; Caye “Moneymaker” Slaymaker- Vocals/Keys

and D Sharp entertained the crowd between meals

Young Chef Jason Cork talks about his favorite dish

Erin O’Hearn, 6ABC chats about the fundraiser part of the event

One of the items up for sale was this ping pong table, which was won by Danielle Cohn. She played with a few of the chefs
who all graciously signed the table afterwards.

Katie Everett Johnson, Founder of My City Gives
who co-created this idea, thanks the chefs and the guests for coming.

After dinner

There was an after party, D Sharp played there as well and

got the people grooving

We create innovative communications strategies, event experiences and programs to help non-profits share their stories more effectively!

Jazmine Sullivan, John Leguizamo Spotted in Philly, Congrats to Jeffrey Mayfield, Weddings & Philly Gossip

Good Monday afternoon, Philly Social Season is in full swing. Last week I covered Opera Philadelphia Gala at Dilworth Park, The Emmy’s Saturday night, the opening of the much anticipated Scarpetta restaurant. Here are a few gossip tips that might be fun.

Saturday Jazmine Sullivan was the Grand Marshall at the St. Jude’s Walk at the Phila Zoo

Sunday: John Leguizamo was the Grand Marshall at the Puerto Rican Parade on the Parkway and stopped by for a photo with
Joan Rivera and friends.

Tara Reid was in town filming a movie about bullying titled “Worthless” with Quinton Aaron

Congrats to Jeffrey Mayfield, sommelier at Del Frisco’s, and one of ten hand-selected sommeliers from across the country to participate in the Raymond Vineyards Seventh Annual Sommelier Selection Blending Session. Each sommelier was selected for their depth of knowledge and experience, and together the represented some of the best and brightest sommelier talent in the nation. This was a huge accomplishment for Jeffrey. During this session, he helped create a one-of-a-kind Cabernet Sauvignon blended with grapes in Napa, Sonoma and Lake Counties. 

Everyone, who’s anyone knows Drew Carballo’s nickname is “The Mayor” cause he knows everyone. One time someone tweeted The Mayor is at Del Frisco’s with a blonde. That blonde was Marissa Frommer, who is now his wife. Although one news station showed up hoping to catch the other mayor with a blonde.

 Drew Carballo, GM Scarpetta, married his soulmate Marissa here with one of the Del Frisco twins and Nick Albator on Saturday at the Kimmel Center
on Saturday.

Congrats to Tom and Danielle on their wedding Saturday

Jet Setter: After attending the Emmy’s on Saturday night, Fox 29’s Alex Holley flew to Texas to attend best friends wedding.

Speaking of Weddings, check out the rapping bridesmaid. My 2nd cousin Alex toast my other 2nd cousin Sam at her wedding last week.

A year flew by

After winning the Eagles game on Sunday, Fletcher Cox and friends headed to Chickie & Pete’s. Long snapper, and America’s Got Talent Jon Dorenbos entertained the crowd with card tricks. Check back tomorrow to see more of Philly’s Social Diary, as well as Thursday for more gossip.

Philadelphia Museum of Art Young Friends hosted their fall event at the museum’s Perelman Building “Fall into Art”.

Nearly 200 young friends came out to the shindig which featured tours of Creative Africa, an open bar, a silent auction, light bites, entertainment including a

performance by African Rhythm Drum & Dance Troupe.  Proceeds from the event support art conservation, and acquisitions for the collection.

Nicole Mayo, Morgan Sidberry and Lauren Hunter

Creative Africa Season
The four other exhibitions of the Creative Africa season focus mainly on modern and contemporary African art and design or offer a dialogue between past and present, tradition and innovation, and local and global concerns. Each calls attention to the continuities and differences between African art forms over the centuries. All of the exhibitions are presented in the galleries of the Ruth and Raymond G. Perelman Building.

Deidre Sawinski, Ernie Poon, Jackie Bernier and Laveen Todi

Elise Thompson and Tamara Opila

Fashionable Abena Bempah looked fabulous at the soiree with her DIY headband and thrift store bag adorned with flowers she bought at AC Moore.

Jesse Dean and Joe Nelson

Regi Huc and Laura DeYoung

Ian Hincken, co – chair of the Young Friends Executive Board, Sarah Wright, member of the Young Friends and John Vick, Project Assistant Curator of Creative Africa Season

The Philly POPS, the largest standalone pops orchestra in the United States, delights audiences with the inspired performance of American popular music.

In the past years the Pops have really been experimenting with themes that have drawn sold out crowds. The new season looks just as exciting with the much anticipated Elvis: The King’s Songbook, Sgt. Pepper Celebration, Blockbuster Broadway, Ella, Louis & All That Jazz, Pop Rocks and A Philly Pops Christmas

Thursday night, September 15, 2016, Music Director Michael Krajewski and the Philly POPS orchestra returned to the Hyatt at the Bellevue for the Fourth Annual POPS Ball. Over 250 POPS supporters enjoyed a night of dinner and dancing to the full 65-piece POPS orchestra. The musicians of the orchestra donate their time for this colorful beginning to their season. The POPS Ball is the Philly POPS’ major fundraiser of the 2016/2017 season.

  Stewart Mahan, Lisa McGraw and Philly POPS president Frank Giordano

 POPS Ball chairs Larry McMichael and Trish Wellenbach, Please Touch Museum CEO

Joyce Sando and Richard dePiano

Ann Catania of Ten Pennies Florist created a décor scheme dedicated to the POPS season and Let’s Dance with dozens of miniature shoes placed throughout the room and blocks of colored tables tied to corresponding concerts in the POPS’ subscription series (Elvis, The Beatles, Broadway, Ella Fitzgerald  and The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac and Journey, and Christmas) with lucite chairs, vivid colors and themed props.

Paul Dannenfelser and Diane Dannenfelser

Rebecca Michaelson, Karen Corbin, and Peter Michaelson

The Beatles table featured sunglasses similar to John Lennon‘s iconic pair, green accessories including linens, chair cushions and lighting all to match the green theme of the logo for the upcoming POPS show. A “King’s Table” centered in the Ballroom seated 14 with a stack of Elvis memorabilia, all in honor of the October 21-23 season opening POPS concert, ELVIS: The King’s Songbook.. Ann Catania’s signature floral designs included roses, orchids and calla lilies.

After the 6-7:30pm cocktail reception, the ballroom doors opened to the ballroom while the orchestra played “Let’s Dance” and twelve professional dancers (with ladies in red shoes and men in red bow ties and tails) from Power Surge Performing Arts Centre, led by director Joanne McBride

POPS’ Maestro Michael Krajewski, featured a preview of their upcoming 2016-17 Concert Season. The musicians of the orchestra donated their time for this colorful beginning to their season.

Sheila Hess, City Rep

Jennifer Angeline and Nicole D’Angelo.

Over 250 POPS supporters enjoyed the night of dinner then dancing in the Bellevue Ballroom to the full 65-piece POPS orchestra.

Thanks to Mike Hirata for shooting this for PhillyChitChat