Categories
Philadelphia

Party Pixs: Les Dames d’Escoffier Hosts a Soiree at The Philadelphia Foundation

The Philadelphia Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier raises funds to provide scholarship money to women who wish to pursue a course of study in the food, fine beverage, and hospitality industries.

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 On Monday April 4, 2016, the local chapter held “Women in Food”  celebrating amazing women in the food industry, at The Philadelphia Foundation. The event was co-chaired by Lynn Buono, Feast Your Eyes with event committee members Natanya DiBona, Patti Klein, Donna Barnett, Lari Robling and Samantha Johnson. The cocktail party was well attended and guests enjoyed a lite buffet by the local chef members.’

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 Pedro Ramos, President and CEO of The Philadelphia Foundation, Barbara Samson, President, Les Dames d’Escoffier Philadelphia, Thomas Mesko, Professional Advisors Officer The Philadelphia Foundation, and Pat Meller. Vice President for Finance & Administration The Philadelphia Foundation

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 Lynn Buono, Feast Your Eyes greets the guests

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 Shelby Zitelman Stamm, co-founder & CEO of Soom Foods, LLC,  Barbara Samson, President Les Dames d’Escoffier, and Danya Henninger, Culture Editor at Billy Penn

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 Vicki Pohl, Director of Catering at Garces Catering , Beth Koenig, Director of Sales at Starr Events, Gordana Kostovski, General Manager of Volvér and Ginevra Reiff

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 Alethia Erwin, Geechee Girl, Chef Jill Horn and Denise Gorniak

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 Ann Karlan, Executive Director of Fair Food and Linda Samost, Director at Sunday Suppers

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 Wendy Wolf, Sommelier Paris Bistro and Natanya DiBona, Co-Chair Diner en Blanc Philadelphia

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 Manette Richardson, Certified Diabetes Educator at Achieving Better Control – ‎4-F Lifestyles, Inc and Dottie Koteski,  ‎Professor, Department of Allied Health at Community College of Philadelphia

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 Chef Adrienne Abramson, The Artful Chef, and Judy Rusignuolo, USA Rice Federation

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 Stormy Lundy, Lundy & Assoicates, Hadas Kuznits, CBSRadio, Natanya DiBona, co-chair Diner en Blanc Philadelphia, and Dottie Hagerty, event planner at feast your eyes, inc.

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 Claire Boasi, Les Dames d’Escoffier International President of 1986-1988 and Vicki Pohl, member  Les Dames d’Escoffier

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 Ginevra Reiff with mom, Chef Aliza Green, author of 15 books, and Wendy Wolf

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Categories
Philadelphia

Donors Are Heros are Heros – The Party Photos From The Liveliest People in Town

And welcome back to the old PhillyChitChat site. The site has successfully been moved onto the new “server” or something like that, and now the developers tweak it, but I can post on our beloved site. This is kinda an emotional crazy time for me, and a huge game changer. The new site should be up and live next week thanks to Chatterblast and 2ONE5

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Going forward I’ll be posting a lot more content on PhillyChitChat than in my other outlets, plus since I’ve been gone, yes just since Friday, I have hired a new Business Development person, someone you all know, and who has big plans for Philly Chit Chat and will also be contributing stories going forward – I’ll announce who it is next week at the PCC Party 4/19/16. A more chitchat with people of interest. I’m very excited as is the rest of the team – Ian M Crumm, Creative Director, Janine DeFeo- Admin Guru and Crista Bateman – PCC Social Media Giant and Mike Hirata – 2nd String Photographer extraordinaire. Suggested donation $5 for MS Society

Not surprisingly I got a little behind on the stories, as has some of my outlets. SO I’m just going to drop as many stories as possible in the next week to get up to date with some of the fantastic events

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April is national Donate Organ Month, and it’s no joke that on April 1 Donors Are Heroes held their 14th Annual THE Party which is really one of the most wild and fun parties of the year. They did not disappoint this year, in fact I’d say it was the best year.

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Illustrator Denise Fike has carved a nice career out for herself, a career that has always been in and around the art community.  She’s been a full-time professor and a self-employed artist for most of her career, always creating amazing illustrations for clients like Andre Leon and Sarah Jessica Parker, some of the illustrations were life size and adorn many homes in the area. These day’s you can find her at some of Philly’s best parties doing live illustrations for guests to bring home as a keepsake. She can always be found with some elaborate, fantastic hat on.

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For the past several years Donors are Heroes was held at the late great Four Seasons hotel. The hotel closed last year in anticipation of its new home at the top of Comcast Tower 2 next year. The building went under an extensive renovation, and is now called The Logan, but The Party needed to make arrangements for a location before all the details were in place for the new hotel, so they returned to a familiar place, The Hyatt at the Bellevue, where they held The Party 8 years earlier. The first party I attended was when it was at the Bellevue. In those early days it was much smaller and held on the 19th floor in the Rose Garden Room. This year, it was held in the GRAND BALLROOM, and it was packed. I don’t see The Party leaving anytime soon, it was the perfect room to hold it. Love the

the room which was designed and created and produced by the following generous vendors.

 

ROBERTSON’S FLOWERS AND EVENTS,

LOUNGE AROUND ,

EVENTIONS

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Wei-Wei Weintraub Circus Entertainment performed artistic performances in the center of the ballroom adding to the excitement of the night

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The evening kicked off with a VIP cocktail party on the balcony overlooking the ballroom. Guests enjoyed a buffet dinner by the Bellevue, and relaxing songs by songstress Jessy Kyle

Mike Jerrick hosted THE VIP Party and then quickly rushed back to Fox 29 for their 20 hour broadcast celebrating Good Day’s 10th Anniversary. Long time supporters of Donors are Heroes –  Bernard and Joan Spain were honored during VIP Party Reception for their support.

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While waiting for his life-saving heart transplant during the spring of 2000, Don Freeman and his wife Renee Freeman realized firsthand the need for and scarcity of organ donations. Since then, Don, Renee and a group of dedicated friends have committed themselves to raising public awareness of the importance of becoming an organ and tissue donor, to dispel myths and provide a means for people to share their donation wishes with family and friends. “Organ Donors Are Heroes, They Choose to Save Lives” is the group of friends/volunteers supporting Gift of Life and its charitable supporting organization, the Transplant Foundation.

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Brian Kaufman, Christina Carnevale, Jen and Brian Toner. Brian’s company Eventions Productions created the lighting and sound design of the party.

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Suby Ross, CBS Radio, Emily Ross, Steffi Freedman, Fox & Roach, and Brian Freedman, fooddrinkandtravelreport.com 

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 Cheryl Ann Kennedy, Mary Pat Kessler – co-chair of The Party 2016 (along with Angela Giannetti) , Anne Mascari (Mary Pat’s sister and the recipient of her kidney 8 years ago.) and Maria Hughes – The Chestnut Hill Alumni Crew

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Louis Rose, MD, Claire Rose, Sabrina Pray, GM of Nicole Miller boutique located in the Bellevue, with  Mary Dougherty owner of Nicole Miller Philadelphia. 

Earlier this year there was a great profile piece in Shoppist on PhillyMag.com about Mary. Check it out here SHOPPIST

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Amber Joe and Tommy Domalski stopped by on their way to another great charity event at the Crystal Tea Room.

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If you haven’t seen their wedding photos, check them out here AMAZING

John Colabelli, Philly Style Magazine and Lauren Colabelli looking fabulous as usual.

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Adriana Piper, Barclay Prime with her chocolate Popsicle and Abigail Dahan, Parc pastry chef with her macaroon. Guests enjoyed desserts and dishes from more than thirty of Philadelphia’s most fabulous restaurants and bakeries.

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The ballrooms alcoves were turned into cozy lounges, here Cheryl George and Dr. Reinal Marino, both of deme Dental Care | deme cosmetic

enjoy a prime viewing spot of the happenings.

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Vita Shoaff from Talula’s Garden with treats

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and then out in the vestibule there was what seemed to be miles and miles of delicious treats from so many fabulous bakeries who donated to the night

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The most fabulous frock of the evening was worn by Jaclyn Dolan, it just brighten up what was already a fantastic night of fashion and fun and Eli Mudrick is pretty fancy himself.

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There were no slouches at The Party, which is why this event is always the highlight of the spring if not the year.

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Stacey Kracher and Brandon Morrison. The most dynamic duo of the Philly philanthropic scene. Before meeting, individually they were great connectors, now that they’re connected the sky is the limit for them. Next up for Brandon – The ADL Walk on May 15th.

I’ll be walking and if you would like to support my efforts Please Make A Donation.

http://www.walkagainsthate.org/faf/donorReg/donorPledge.asp?ievent=1152820&lis=1&kntae1152820=03FA748F3C3642AB9B8BC8BF08D4D5AC&supId=435936692

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OK who were these fabulous girls who just made the party. In the background is DJ Eddie Tully and songstress Jessy Kyle, who kept the dance floor pumping all night.

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I even made an appearance on the dance floor

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I got the most fabulous shots too

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Eric Allen finds a friend. 

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Make sure that you attend The Party next year, and remember 

DON’T TAKE YOUR ORGANS WITH YOU, no one can use them in Heaven! 

Donors Are Heroes

One more thing… April 17

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The 21st Annual Donor Dash, scheduled for Sunday, April 17, 2016

Categories
Philadelphia

2016 Kelly Drive, MLK Drive and Parkway Events – Road Closures for Activities, Parades, Runs, Walks, ETC

2016 Kelly Drive, MLK Drive and Parkway Events – Road Closures for Activities, Parades, Runs, Walks, ETC

Thank you Fairmount Park for sending me this list every year so I know what is going on in my front yard. CLICK TO MAKE LARGER.

UPDATE: Since I posted this The City has published the graphics and it’s easier to read.

HERE’S THE LINK

 

PS PhillyChitChat updates will be on vacation til next Wed as we get ready to launch my newly refreshed site you have all been bugging me to do for the past 5 years. Now I’ll be pretty on WordPress, with social on the side, oh and mobile optimized. Thanks to Chatterblast and 2one5 for dragging me into the modern millennial age.

You can still catch all the latest by following me on 
FB Philly ChitChat, twitter HughE Dillon (@iPhillyChitChat) | Twitter
or instagram PhillyChitChat  I will be microblogging and dropping news like I heard a rumor that Marc Vetri is looking to open up a cute little cafe in Point Breeze, or OMG 19th Street PhillyFlavors has brown paper on its windows, is it closed or could they be renovating the closet size store which is odd since they were closed all winter, open in March and now brown paper,  and finally Kaufman’s the sandwich place on 19th Street, which used to be 4th Street Deli, is now going to become a healthy salad bar/juice eatery by the summer, a popular NYC chain is coming in to run it.
(Normally I include this info in my Monday Morning Philly Gossip Column on PhillyChitChat, which will return April 18) OK here’s the list. Cut/Copy/Screenshot for your use.

 

Kelly Drive
MLK Drive – which is also closed weekends From April 2 to October 29 for recreational activities
Noon to 5PM.
Partial closure from the beginning of MLK Drive at the Art Museum to Sweetbriar Drive 7am to NOON. Then that portion is open for vehicular traffic, but from Sweetbriar to Falls Bridge remains closed til 5PM. My advice just take the Schuylkill or drive through West Philly to Girard and jump on the expressway there.
Categories
Philadelphia

Cherry Blossoms and Capitol Hill Hotel Stay – Washington DC.

Late last month Mike and I headed to Washington DC to experience the Cherry Tree’s in bloom. Something that had been on my bucket list for a bit of time. We stayed at the Capitol Hill Hotel, in Capitol Hill. We usually stay in Dupont Circle, so this was something different for us. We loved it. It’s much more like a quaint neighborhood feel, with cute shops nearby. The hotel is amazing. Each room has ample seating, you know that’s high on my list of wants, and a kitchenette with frig and microwave, which was perfect for my Snap Kitchen meals.

The hotel as an excellent location only a few minutes walk from Union Station
Close to the Metro, and within walking distance of all the sights. Saturday I walked all the way from the hotel to the

Tidal Basin, passing many of the great Smithsonian Museums, which were only minutes away from the Capitol Hill Hotel. See the red bikes next to the hotel in the above photo. Free to the guests. Over the weekend I saw a lot of guests use them. The staff was really amazing. Everyone seemed to be checking in at once, 7PM, after making the drive down from the North. Traffic was a nightmare, people were cranky, but the staff was amazing, really they were.

 When you arrive at your room make sure you pick up the Capitol Hill Hotel “bible” with all the details of the hotel, times of the buffet, the wine night, info on the exercise room, 
and Mike really like it. It even had free weights. It was a fairly large size too.
 Until the election the hotel is running a Red/Blue campaign. Meaning you can stay in a red – GOP room or a blue – Democratic room. They also have combined rooms, which this one is. First of all, I want the drapes. I love them. Oh and that Ronald Regan pillow, another want. He always photographed so well.  
As did these two love birds. 
Can you say presidential suite?
Everyone who books under the red/blue room campaign also receives this nice package of an apple cobbler, that was delicious, flag lapels, a beer and soda, popcorn water, a gift certificate to dinner and delicious capitol candies.
 The books must stay but you can read them. I didn’t tell Mike about the room before we went. He was delighted, he’s such a political fan. 
 Everyday there’s a continental breakfast with cereal, eggs and a juice and coffee bar.
 There’s also a library to relax in, and the hotel has free wifi.

 Mike’s hanging near the smallest car in the world, we think. These are the houses across the street from the Capitol Hill Hotel. Very quaint.

 

 About a block away were cafes, eateries and pubs

 

 Within blocks begins lot of the tourist destinations that you want to see while youre in DC. How about the Capitol itself. This is the podium where the press conferences are held, and these electrical boxes are where the media plugs in their cameras and mic’s to record the pressers.

 Mike reading some of the newspapers from the Newseum, we also can’t wait to go check out the Spy Museum too.
 And to take the Big Bus Tour. I highly recommend that.

 The hotel is near the square above the word above, 
the Tidal Basin is on the left. The museums are between the hotel and basin, it’s a beautiful walk.
 Here’s the new African American Museum which opens in the fall.

 Holy crowded, but not so crowded you couldn’t enjoy yourself.

 Just one word of advice, there are not a lot of bathrooms along the Tidal Basin, and there is not a lot of food vendors. Bring water.
 But it is so worth it

 Bring your kite if you have one.

 Not within walking distance, but easily to get to by Metro, cab or car. The National Zoo. It’s free, it’s not crowded and you’ll get to see the Giant Panda’s. All in all I realized I need to visit Washington DC more. There is so much to do and see, and lots of attractions that are free, which is great on a families wallet. Another thing that’s great – The Capitol Hill Hotel – spacious, kitchens, closet space, ironing board, continental breakfast, wine happy hours, exercise room. valet parking $50 with in and out privileges – that’s huge, and close to eateries, shopping and bars.

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Thanks to the Capitol Hill Hotel for hosting me and letting me be an #IC_connoisseur for the weekend and taking over their social media to chat about my stay.

Check out my take over @CapHIllhotel. #intheneighborhood #IC_connoisseur” “Follow my trip to DC @CapHillhotel. #intheneighborhood #IC_connoisseur”


Categories
Philadelphia

PIFA 2016 Opens With A Gala To Remember for the Ages, Dinner, a Performance and Lighted Horses Perform in Rittenhouse Square

Good Thursday day, hope you are well. Oh I can’t believe I missed yesterday’s post. I was overwhelmed with how many events I shot over the weekend and juggling where I should put them, and who could take them and I forgot about me and my little blog. Well today we’re getting a most extraordinary event that only happens every two years in Philly. It’s Philadelphia International Festival Of the Arts‎ or PIFA for short. These photos, and some of which I am not publishing here, may go in the June issue of Philadelphia Magazine. I’m posting the video of the Kinetic Tree experience, listen along while you read the entry, and towards the end it finally opens.

I see now the IPhone quality is not a superior as the camera quality which you’ll see at the end of this entry. By all means go see the Kinetic Tree in person. There are two performances nightly, 7PM and 10PM, both are different. The Kinetic Tree  MIMI LIEN, NICK KOURTIDES, TYLER MICOLEAU

 

  PIFA began in 2011, It’s a 16-day celebration of art and community, April 8 – 23, PIFA showcases innovation
and a breadth of local and international performances and installations,
all curated by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. With more
than 60 events across genres and art forms, PIFA is bookended by Article
13 – a grand-scale fire and sand installation that tells the story of
immigrants around the world – which serves as the grand opening of the
Festival and culminates with the celebrated PIFA Street Fair.

AND 75% of the performances are free Anne Ewers,  President & CEO of Kimmel Center, Inc told the guests gathered in Verizon Hall for a concert after dinner was served. With her on stage were the Gala co-chairs: Alfred P. West, Founder, Chairman and CEO of SEI Jami Wintz McKeon, Chair of Morgan Lewis and Bockius

The evening began with a Cocktail Reception, generously hosted by M&T Bank and Wilmington Trust. Then a delicious Garces Catering dinner was served. This was the clever first course, which represents the theme of PIFA 2016 – “We Are What We Make”, this is a soup, with ingredients on the sides of the dish. After the servers pour the broth you add any of those ingredients you like.

Each table carried the theme of the various shows that would be performed during the PIFA 2016 gala. This table has an inspiration of the Kinetic Tree, the PIFA Plaza Installation

The gala brought out the who’s who in the philanthropic, art patron society of Philadelphia

Including the most philanthropic athlete of our time, here in Philly, Connor Barwin, who was sporting snazzy sneakers with his black tie. This seems to be the latest trend, as Elizabeth Wellington from the Philly Inquirer would tell you. Look for Connor to attend the Mural Arts Wall Ball coming up 5/26/16 at The Fillmore. 

 Thanks to Jay Wahl, Artistic Director, Programming &
Presentations, Kimmel Center, Inc. for curating many of the programs
you’ll see during PIFA.
 PIFA Committee Co-Chairs:  Honorable Marjorie “Midge” Rendell and Ron Biscardi (not pictured)
Retired Judge Arthur Tilson and Dr. Thomas J. Killeen III, MD with Judge Rendell.
Ginny Susini, Assistant Vice President & Banking Advisor at PNC Wealth Management , Karin Copeland, ‎Vice President Strategic Alliances, Executive Director Arts + Business Council Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce and Christina Wong, Vice President at ESM Productions
I always tell people who want to network, and I’m talking about great people network, head to an Arts & Biz Council event. Here are a few coming up.

 

 Jeff Zudeck, Emily Biscardi, Angela Parsons, Sean Denham and Valentino DiGeorgio
 Barbara Cooke and Jeanne Isaacman
 Teresa and Greg Rodgers with Anthony and Gabriella Peracchia
 Bernice Chen and Scott Alcott

 

 

 
 We Are What We Make – I’d like a pair of these please!
Darrel German  Senior Vice President – Business Banking Area Manager at Wells Fargo and Lenora German
Don’t forget to check the schedule for events you might want to see

 

 

 

 Arts patron Louise Reed (standing), with Pa Ballet Artistic Director Angel Corella and Ed Gray, President of the Pa Ballet Board, await for dinner to be served.
 Harold and Lynne Honickman with Sr. Mary Scullion, Ex director of Project Home
 550 guests were seated for dinner
 With the decor done by Uncommon Events, and Cashman & Associates doing the PR for the event.
Anne said there were more sponsor tables bought this year than in previous years, and this was thanks to the gala co-chairs
 Art patrons Richard and Diane Woosnam – they are both so warm and wonderful, impeccably dressed and informative.

 

 
 Concert Performance Rhiannon Giddens, who did covers of Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline to name a few. The audience, and I really enjoyed her performance, which was a little bit country,  rock and roll, and gospel.
For her final number, Giddens was joined by French performance troupe Compagnie des Quidams, who performed their unique show FierS à Cheval, or “Proud Horse” – an interactive show with a fantastical group of inflatable horse puppets!
 This continued in Commonwealth Plaza, then out on the street they paraded up Broad Street
To Rittenhouse Square and this fabulous performance below, before heading back to the Kimmel Center to be put in the stable for the night.
Categories
Philadelphia

(PIFA) PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS STREET FAIR details – 4/23/16

Press Release from the Kimmel Center:

KIMMEL CENTER ANNOUNCES DETAILS OF
PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS
FINALE STREET FAIR, APRIL 23, 2016
PIFA Concludes with the Most Anticipated Street Fair of the Year Featuring a
Broad Street Zip Line, International Performers, 25-foot Waterfall, Rides, and MORE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (Philadelphia, April 1, 2016) –– The Kimmel
Center for the Performing Arts announced today the details of the
celebrated Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA)
Finale Street Fair. The culminating event
of the 16-day festival transforms six blocks of Broad Street (between
Chestnut and South Streets) into Philadelphia’s ultimate FREE block
party featuring dozens of performances, rides, a zip line, popular food
vendors, and this year’s centerpiece – an enormous
waterfall in the center of Broad Street across from the Academy of
Music. The 2016 PIFA Street Fair will take place on Saturday, April 23 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

“We are thrilled to share PIFA’s grand
finale, an amazing free event, and the Kimmel Center’s gift to
Philadelphia,” said Anne Ewers, President & CEO of the Kimmel Center
for the Performing Arts. “The Street Fair is an incredible opportunity
for the city to come together and enjoy the streets and sights they
know so well in a new way, all while interacting with international
performers, beloved local vendors, and one another!”

Dozens of performing troupes and entertainers, amusement rides, food vendors, and more will headline the PIFA Street Fair. Attendees can expect:

PERFORMER HIGHLIGHTS

·      
Squonk – Pittsburgh’s Squonk Opera presents Lady Pneumatica, a 40-foot tall inflatable accordion sculpture of a woman that plays music.
·      
Flippen Out – Extreme trampoline athletes/acrobats/artists performing high-energy stunt shows.
·      
The Living Vines – Back by popular demand from the 2011 PIFA
Street Fair, the Living Vines performers walk around on stilts, dressed
in vine and flower costumes camouflaging themselves as part of their
surroundings.
·      
Golden Mantises – Also back by popular demand from the 2013 PIFA Street Fair these beautiful, larger-than-human bugs with costumes made from handmade wicker baskets delight audiences. 
·      
Cirikli Birds – Colorfully plumed wooden puppet birds controlled by stilt performers who interact with the audience.
·      
Wheelmen – Old-timey characters on old-fashioned bicycles.

INTERNATIONAL PERFORMERS

·      
Kamchàtka – A Spanish troupe that
simulates a group of immigrants from 100 years ago who’ve just arrived
in a new land, with their suitcases in-hand.  Watch these performers
discover their surroundings for the first time.
·      
The Mamas – A group of North African
street performers who depict four giant mothers carrying their babies on
their backs with puppets and stilts, bejeweled and in colorful dresses.
·      
Les Gonfles – French dancers who perform a beautiful choreographed routine in inflatable outfits.
·      
Aerosculpture – Invented by French
artist Jean-Pierre David, the Aéroplume is an airship with fluttering
wings piloted by an individual performer that will “fly” around the
Kimmel Center.
·      
AND MORE!

RIDES
Street Fair patrons can Zip Line down Broad Street and ride amusement attractions like the
Ferris Wheel, Swings, and The Tornado.

ATMOSPHERE, INTERACTION, AND DINING

·      
Waterfall – In addition to several
grassy areas, trees, water fountains, and other natural elements, a
25-foot waterfall will be installed in the center of Broad Street,
across from the Academy of Music where patrons can
enjoy a picnic with a view.
·      
Food Vendors – In addition to more
than 30 food vendors, Garces Events will have a beer garden set up on
Spruce Street, as well as a food stand, opposite the Kimmel Center. Food
vendors to include: The Cow and the Curd,
Scratch Biscuits, and Hai Street Kitchen.

The PIFA Street Fair is free and open to the public.

A 16-day celebration of art, PIFA showcases
innovation and a breadth of local and international performances and
installations, all curated by the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.
With more than 60 events across genres and art forms,
PIFA is bookended by Article 13 –
a grand-scale fire, sand, and water installation that tells the story
of migrants from around the world and serves as the grand opening of the
Festival – and the celebrated PIFA Street Fair.

KIMMEL CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS
Located in the heart of Center City, Philadelphia, The Kimmel Center’s
mission is to operate a world-class performing arts center that engages
and serves a broad audience through
diverse programming, arts education, and community outreach. The Kimmel
Center campus is comprised of the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts
(Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, SEI Innovation Studio, and the Merck
Arts Education Center), the Academy of Music
(owned by the Philadelphia Orchestra Association), and the University
of the Arts’ Merriam Theater. TD Bank, America’s Most Convenient Bank, is the season sponsor of The Kimmel Center’s
2015-2016 Season.  American Airlines is the official airline of Broadway Philadelphia. For additional information, visit kimmelcenter.org.

Categories
Philadelphia

PhillyGossip: Bradley Cooper, April Fools Falls Flat, Connor Barwin & Villanova, Alex Holley is flawless even asleep, Gov Kasich Swings By Union League

Good Monday morning, what an amazing weekend. Mine was packed to the gills with events that I will be laying down here, in Philly Mag and the Philly Business Journal this week. Plus we’re getting ready to launch the refreshed, revived PhillyChitChat site. It’s been 7 years in the making. I’m not a big fan on change, but PCC was desperately in need of a makeover. Plus if you’d like to get in on the early bird ad rates, please drop me a line at Buzz@phillychitchat.com That’d be great. Welcome to Paul Sevag Motors, my new advertising. Check them out, they have great cars, specialty cars and sports cars.

Last Monday Adam Lowry  of the Winnipeg Jets, was doing the Rocky pose before his game against the Flyers. They loss, but at least he has this cool photo as a souvenir.

April Fools Day came and went. This year the fools seemed to be few and far between, many just fell flat like this secret new taco at Revolution Taco. Turns out the taco they thought would be too hard to believe, which was their April Fool’s Day joke, was actually requested by a few customers. It does look delicious I must say. A real heart attack on a plate.

Over at PhillyGayCalendar a few people did take notice of 
Donald Trump Admits to Same Sex Attraction in College
cause they asked me if I had read about it. 

Not a lot of people fell for this at the Walnut St | lululemon athletica. When I saw it I thought either it’s a play on words since they sell athletic clothing, or maybe it was a new campaign. Just in case I ran inside and asked. They said it was their April Fools Day joke. Maybe because it was Friday, and people were out enjoying the unseasonably warm day no one took notice.


This is no joke, I had both Snap Pizza and Snap Kitchen to eat on Friday.
Snap Pizza and Snap Kitchen are not the same, nor do they have the same owners. Snap Pizza is located at 1504 Sansom St, it sells healthy salads, and create your own pizza’s for $7.99 mini. delicious.  Open til 3am wkends #foodporn

Sweet T’s Good Day 20th Anniversary cake.


 I had a piece of the cake about midnight when I appeared on the Fox 29
broadcast of the special 20 hour show. Alex Holley didn’t fair so well,
everyone in TV land got to see what it was like to sleep with her. So
much fun, kinda wish I wore bigger socks. Doncha know the next day I
went to cover a party and a couple people mentioned they saw me on the
air in the middle of the night. You just never know the reach of the
media. Thanks to Quincy Harris for coming in at about 2AM and keeping me
in stitches.


Speaking of winning. Congratulations to Villanova University.  Here’s a throwback pix that Alicia Vitarelli on her first day as a freshman. Where did you watch the game Saturday night?


Al Lee and his girlfriend Danielle Sievers watched the game at Bainbridge Street Barrel house, with Eagles player Connor Barwin, well actually Connor sat near by. Where’s a good place to go tonight? Tell me on FB or Twitter. Soon I will have the capabilities for you guys to leave a comment when my new blog site launches in two weeks.

Bradley Cooper in the blue top at top left, with mom Gloria Cooper, sunglasses on below him, next to a denim clad Kate Hudson, catch the  Guns & Roses reunion in Hollywood. Also spotted on far left Lenny Kravitz, above him Chris Brown. Far right is a scary looking Nicholas Cage, next to him is Andrew Dice Clay and Jim Carey. 
Guns N’ Roses reunite at The Troubadour in West Hollywood in front of Bradley Cooper and Kate Hudson


Congrats to the Charlotte Jr Checkers who played in the Nationals this weekend. My nephew TJ plays on the team, and my brother in law Tom DeFeo is the coach. His wife Janine is the PCC Admin.


 The Wells Fargo Center was lit up blue on Saturday for Autism Awareness Day, during the Sixers game.

Lara Toscani Weems posted a photo of Sixers owner Scott O’Neil and Dan Norton, Phila Biz Journal, checking out the under-construction Sixers Training Complex in Camden, NJ. What an awesome view of Philly from there.

Josh Kruger, City of Philly, posted this shot of Philadelphian’s celebrating transgender visibility day. Speaking at the mic is Nellie Fitzpatrick, Director, Mayor’s Office of LGBT Affairs for the City of Philadelphia.

LQQK who was at the Union League last week. 

GoToWhitney.com tune into the lady who knows everything and everyone in Atlantic City here with Paris Hilton, resident DJ at Harrah’s After Dark

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=47i53e6czMY&feature=youtu.be 
I think you can see that Whitney took a cue from Amy Cuddy and has perfected her power pose.


Saturday night I covered an amazing event called  

I took this photo

No Dog Gets Left Behind, but was too tired to head to the Red Ball at the Linc after being up nearly all night at Fox then covering the WDAS Women of Excellence lunch during the day.
 

OK LOOK at how fabulous these three are in their red gowns. The trend this year really was red gowns, after I moaned and growned for years that people were wearing too much black at the fundraiser thatmakes lives better for those in need. 

Hope you had a fantastic weekend. Here’s a few fun events happening this week.

Categories
Philadelphia

Gorgeous Mainline Home for $1,185,000 I Photographed For Real Estate Agent Michelle Leonard.

I’d like to think it’s my magnificent photos that keep moving these houses along (2 other houses I shot last year for Michelle Leonard sold within weeks of listing), but the truth is Michelle Leonard is an ace Mainline Realtor at Century 21. I photographed this house about 2 weeks ago, she listed it, and now it’s already pending. Mind you, another real estate agency had it in earlier in the year. She has the midas touch. (I remember saying but it’s going to be cloudy, the photos might not be as spectacular. She told me she had faith in me and it’ll all work out. And it did.

 Mainline Mansion
 sweet side yard
 I love this bay window in the kitchen, which was spectacular
The cutest powder room 
Check out the listing here
Categories
Philadelphia

It’s Not A Joke, People at Curtis are going to miss Bobbie!

Earlier this week Mike’s co-workers surprised their other co-worker Bobbie with a fabulous going away party. Bobbie is a long time reader of PhillyChitChat, and we’ve enjoyed many a FB chats over the years, although we’ve only met once. I wanted to wish her well on her retirement too.

 Thanks to Mike for taking these shots. I sure do miss a good company potluck party.

 Ironically today would have been my 25th anniversary working at Kohn Swift & Graf, but I was laid off in 2011. Yummy I miss Carol Muslowskis and Pat Wisneskies spinach dip. Whoever made this did a fab job, you can see it’s perfectly mixed.

Happy Retirement Bobbie
 Here she is with a few co-workers, Harold, who is Mike’s work BFF. They chat on the phone at least once a day when they’re not at work.

 Mike and I gifted Bobbie with a photo I took of the Penns Landing Lighted Boat Parade with the 2002 skyline.
 Hi Bianka, my other long time PhillyChitChat reader, and Bobbie’s work BFF

 She likes cats no doubt.
Mike’s going to miss Bobbie, they always had great, meaningful conversations. There’s always FB and social media to keep us connected. Congrats Bobbie, and have a fantastic retirement.
Categories
Philadelphia

Let Them Eat Cake – Some of Philly’s most decorative, and delicious cakes competing for the top prize. I have the Winners

Good Thursday day to you all. This week was crazy, so we’re a little behind here at PhillyChitChat, and by we I mean me. On Monday I went to the fabulous Let Them Eat Cake, where a dozen bakeries compete in a cake competition, proceeds from the event go to City of Hope cancer and treatment center located in LA. This year’s theme was Animation. There was a nice crowd in attendance as the event returned to the Loews after a few years absences. It was also really great to see some of the younger bakers who are very excited to be included in this very unique cake competition.

My fav cake and everything delicious would be Cakes and Candies by Maryellen (r)
here with judge Renee Patrone of Events by Renee
Some of the cakes were right on point with the theme, like Maryellen’s which was beyond spectacular, others I have to say missed the point and if they’re your wedding cake baker, be very specific with your theme.
More judges for the cake contest: Robert Bennett, Classic Cake and notably of Le Bec Fin, with Ron Ben-Israel, celebrity chef and trendsetting cake designer and Hadas Kuznits,
CBSradio, All the contestants were excited to meet Chef Ron and he
really took time with each one answering their questions and listening
to them. Other judges were Kathy Gold, Laura Burkhardt and Eric Allen as far as I could tell.
Unik Cakes in Warminster PA – They went on to win best artistry
It was pretty spectacular, although I did some other amazing cakes. So come along let’s check them out.
Pastry Chef Jennifer Roach, Cescaphe created a clever cake based on an early animation theme.
Very clever!
Even a tiny bakery like entered a cool “book cake”, which was a strawberry shortcake.
by Eliza’s Bakery in Phoenixville, Pa
TV Time with Hanna Barbra and friend by SophistiCakes Bakery Drexel Hill. Check out Scooby Doo.
It’s a pretzel cake, with peanut butter and milk chocolate mousseline. They were going for the sweet/savory taste they told me.
 
Master Bakers cake was amazing and was a chocolate/banana split cake. Chad Weldon, owner with pastry chef Danielle Zahodski
They used special edible shellac to get the shine on the car.
I ran into Cheryl Colleluori, ‎President at HEADstrong Foundation and Lori Michaliszyn.
HEADstrong Foundation was named in honor of Cheryl’s son Nick who died of cancer. They do a lot of wonderful things in his name, but my favorite is they’ve established a home for families who have a member stricken with cancer and is being treated locally. So check out their page and help them if you can.
Mole Street Artists were on hand producing with their av talents as well as having their Blues Jr band played at the gig. Trevor Walsh, Melanie Smith and Brendan Walsh, co-owner of Mole Street Artists.
I’m confused, anyway the flavor of the cake was Earl Grey.
Spectacular cake but what theme is it?

Colleen and Chase Kriebel, Kriebel’s Custom Bakery. Eagleville, PA. Yes he is named after Chase Utley.

Amazing cake. It’s the Tasmanian devil’s tornado sucking up the picnic Bugs Bunny and his lady set out. Why this cake didn’t get #1 as it says, I’ll never know. Kriebel’s Custom Bakery. Eagleville, PA

Cute, so much going on. Queen Bee’s cream cheese pound cake, passion fruit carmel, vanilla and fresh raspberries
so cute though.

 

 

Another amazing cake, this one by Merion Caterers, Cinnaminson, NJ.
Their design captured all the Disney characters from movies, and then they placed them on the countries where the movie was set.

 

Were the judges paying attention? The cake even rotated.

 

This was a spectacular cake, but no where near the theme. Chef Ben loved it and really spent alot of time with the bakers to chat about it. Tynesha Hills, Sammy Oguendo, Laura Hernadez and E Rojas
Ann of Ten Pennies with her sister Norma
There were vendors there, as well as wedding photographers, hair dressers and accessories. Here’s Ella Vanilla with her cake decorating accessories.
Natanya DiBona, Guest and Kory Aversa

 

Harry Giordano, ceo of City of Hope – Philly,  announces the winners
And the Winner is: Michelle Quier , Granny Schmidt’s Custom Cakes
Everyone loved this cake. I don’t think I saw the movie. They won the Best of Show, and Best Tasting. It was DELICIOUS. Definitely the best tasting cake at the show.

 

Richel D’Ambra Spa & Salon: Philadelphia Spa was there

They did the hair and make up for the models who were walking around in the gowns.

Danielle Raco, Spa Massage & facials, Lisa Marie Ponzio, Hair, Richel D’Ambra, owner, Karla Christine, Hai, Angela Hoxhia, Make up and Patrick Horrocks, Mgr.

Angela Hoxhia, Make up

Hope to see everyone at next year’s event. It’s a great idea, and a good cause.

CHECK OUT INSTAGRAM

TO SEE PHOTOS FROM MY TRIP TO DC THIS PAST WEEKEND.

SEE YOU TOMORROW.