Categories
Philadelphia

Lourde’s magical week in Philly, poses with fan sans Makeup, Burger.Org closing, A Look inside Chop at Comcast

I think we have to listen to her song while we read this post. It’s an annoying little ditty, that propel her from not being a royal right up there next to Taylor Swift.

I like how Lourde doesn’t put an advertisement on this video and it starts immediately.

 Lourde was still down to earth while staying in Philly in anticipation to kicking off her tour at the Mann Music Center on Friday night. Wednesday she her mother headed to The Forrest Theater and caught one of the final showings of The Book of Mormon (It closes on 9/14) She was gracious and went back stage to meet the cast and pose for a photo.

 Thursday night a few fans (Team Ian) caught her as she returned to The Palamor Hotel at 17th and Sansom Streets. She was super nice and posed sans make up. I love her bacon and egg cover phone. She’s also carrying her laptop. I like her street style.

 The other day I walked by Chop, which took over the space that once was Table 31. It looks like it’s almost ready. I love the decor, simple with a touch of throw back ’70s wallpaper.

Nice supper club feel. I can almost taste the steak now. When’s it open? The outdoor space is open now, and was reasonable for lunch, but the atmosphere is priceless. I love eating outdoors, especially in the business hub of Center City. I don’t love that it closes at 7PM. I wish it were open later, I think it would draw a crowd.

 OMG while I was chasing the naked Bike Riders through Center City the other day as I wanted to shoot them in several different locations, (Check out my column here on PhillyMag.), I noticed that Burger.org had a rental sign on it. As it was closed I couldn’t tell if that was a permanent thing or not.

Monday afternoon on my way to a book signing at Barnes & Noble, I saw there were people inside. I asked what was up with the rental sign. The owner indicated that the landlord wanted to raise the rent, and he wasn’t going to have any of that. He told me he was planning to stay there a long time and that sign was just a threat. OK then, I do recall last year there was a similar conflict with an Italian restaurant near Rittenhouse Square where the rental company wanted to raise the rent and slapped a For Rent sign on it. Eventually they found a middle ground.
Categories
Philadelphia

Foster Kids Benefit from the VYH & DHS Backpack Challenge – The Backpack Challenged Was A huge Success!!

It’s back to school for Philadelphian kids today. Thanks to the Backpack Challenge which was a ​collaborative
​community effort​, spearheaded by Valley Youth House and the
Philadelphia Department of Human Services, ​to collect backpacks, school
supplies, and funds for undeserved and kids in foster care through the
Achieving Independence Center again this past summer.

At
the Kick Off in late July, the public was invited to attend to show their support and
learn more about the campaign. Rapper Chill Moody (left), a longtime supporter of Valley Youth House, Chunky and
Bex from Wired 96.5’s The Big Show MC’d the day’s event.

From late July til the
last week in August people and organizations collected the back packs and donations at over 90 sites around town. 2,500 backpacks and $15,000 was collected to support foster youth as they enter high school and college this fall.

 Two weeks ago the students, and supporters gathered to hand out the back packs, filled with essential school supplies so the kids had a head start on the school year.

 Wired 96.5’s The Big Show and Chill Moody were on hand again to help out at the celebration.

 Valley Youth House president Annette Duranso greets the guests and encourages participation in the initiative.

 A student who utilized the programs offered to her through Valley Youth and DHS, told her peers that they had the power to change their lives. Use the programs that are available for you and you will succeed.

 

 There was a contest to give away Made in American tickets.

Five Below also raised an additional $5,600+ over the 2,169 backpacks donated through their stores.
 Most kids were able to pick out their favorite colors.
 Volunteers hand out the new school bags to the kids.
 Excited for their new school bags.

 

 Students at the party after receiving their back packs.
Katelyn Joyce, Kevin Colahan, David Gloss, Here’s

My Chance and Valerie Johnson, Valley Youth House. Gloss spoke to the youth attesting “Know

you’re truth, not what others tell you, but aspire to believe in what you believe you should be.”

At the end of the program Wired 96.5’s Big Show ice cream truck gave out treats to everyone.
Categories
Philadelphia

Ticket Giveaway: Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Party

On Friday, Sept. 19th the Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum
of Art will host the annual Fall into Art Fundraiser. This year the
event is being held in the Museum’s Vaulted Walkway, which is normally
not open to the public. The walkway has been closed to the public since
the 1970s. Enjoy an avant-garde inspired beer garden while wearing
cocktail chic attire.
Read more about the Young Friends of the Philadelphia Museum of Art http://www.philamuseum.org/calendarEvents/620-386.html

Since
Philly Chit Chat readers are so loyal and amazing, the YFPMA is giving
away two tickets to the event thought the rafflecopter widget below.
Enter by liking the YFPMA Facebook page, following @pmayoungfriends and
@iPhillyChitChat on Twitter and by tweeting about this blog post.
Contest runs though Monday, Sept. 15th and the winner will be announced
on Tuesday, Sept. 16th. Happy entering! Also you may tweet the blog post
once daily from now until the end of the contest for more entries.

rafflecopter copy
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Categories
Philadelphia

Miss America contestants in Atlantic City This Week, last night they were at

All 53 Miss America contestants were spotted dining at The Continental
Atlantic City at The Pier Shops at Caesar’s last night and chatted it up
with the reigning champ. It looks like Miss America wasn’t wearing her
crown, but the 53 girls were hungry to
claim it for themselves. The night was full of selfies and #food. The
girls noshed on Buffalo Chicken Meatballs, Hummus & Roasted Red
Pepper Feta Dip, the famous Continental Salad, Cheesesteak Eggrolls,
Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps, and Lobster Mac n Cheese.
Yum!

For tickets to attend the 2015 Miss America Competition, call Ticketmaster at 1-877-307-8667 or visit www.ticketmaster.com.

For more information, visit us at www.MissAmerica.org. Join the conversation on social media at Facebook.com/MissAmerica, Twitter @MissAmerica and @MissAmericaOrg, Instagram missamericaorg, and YouTube.com/MissAmericaOrg

Countdown to the Crown!

Tune-in Sunday, September 14th @ 8:00pm on ABC!
Categories
Philadelphia

Dylan O’Brien, Kaya Scodelario and Will Poulter Stop By Talk Philly on their Press Junket for #MazeRunner. Where else did they go?

Dylan O’Brien (He co-stars as Stiles in the MTV series Teen Wolf.)  was in town on Tuesday for a press junket for his new movie The Maze Runner which opens in theaters September 19.

Dylan O’Brien walking in CBS3 Philly’s lobby.

The 23-year-old actor was joined by his co-stars Kaya Scodelario and Will Poulter for a taping of Talk Philly on CBS3 Philly with Ukee Washington.

Earlier in the day the trio made an appearance on Fox 29’s Good Day show which was
filming outside at Independence Hall. It was Mike Jerrick‘s co-host
Alex Holly’s 2nd day on the job and an array of people came by to
welcome her including Mayor Nutter and Betsy Ross. (Check out what event Mike & Alex will be hosting on 9/16 with the Eagles including Mark Sanchez and Demco Ryan.)

After Dylan, Kaya and Will left Fox 29 they headed to a Q&A at Q102,
then stopped by Children’s Hospital of Pennsylvania to meet a few kids
there. Then headed over to CBS Philly. Look for the airing of the clip soon.

These pixs were distributed by my wireservice WENN and Just Jared picked them up with a fun story.



Categories
Philadelphia

#Eagles DeMeco Ryans and Mark Sanchez & Friends Are Fashionable & Charitable – Plus #FLYEAGLESFLY Turns the City Green

It’s Philadelphia Eagles Pride Week with lots of fun #FlyEaglesFly campaign photo ops around the City.

Tuesday, September 2 to Sunday, September 7

The Philadelphia skyline
will turn green as the city grows with anticipation for the start of
the Eagles season. City buildings will include: PECO, 777 S. Broad,
Liberty One, Liberty Two, Strawberry Mansion Bridge,
Boat House Row, BNY Mellon Center, Cira Center, CHOP, South Street
Bridge and the Electric Factory.

My favorite rallying cry floating on the Schuylkill. Very Clever. Can’t wait to watch the boys on Sunday as they take on Jacksonville. The following week you can meet some of the Philadelphia Eagles and support the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southeastern Pennsylvania.

On Tuesday, September 16, 2014 from 5:30 to 8pm, Zarwin Baum DeVito Kaplan Schaer Toddy, P.C., joins Boyds Philadelphia in hosting Fashion Touchdown,
benefitting Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA (BBBSSEPA). The
event will take place at Boyds (1818 Chestnut St.) in Center City.


Kicking off with a VIP reception at 5:30, the main event begins at 6pm as Philadelphia Eagles Fletcher Cox,  Malcom Jenkins, Jeremy Maclin, DeMeco Ryans and Mark Sanchez
trade footballs for fashion in a night of giving back. As guests enjoy
cocktails and lite bites, the Eagles players will don clothes from Boyds
and participate in a trendy fashion show,

Emceed by FOX29 Good Day Philadelphia co-anchors Mike Jerrick and Alex Holley.
Other special guests include comedian and TV personality Joe Conklin, 94WIP host and former Philadelphia Eagle Mike Quick, former Philadelphia Eagle Hollis Thomas, Vince Papale, and AJ Feeley, who will be joined by wife, former professional soccer player and Olympian Heather Mitts Feeley.
What’s more, the fashionable evening will showcase Philadelphia Eagle Malcolm Jenkins’ bow tie line, Rock Avenue Bow Ties. Jenkins’ trendy bow ties and pocket squares will be on full display during the fashion show, along with a Rock Avenue Bow Ties pop-up for guests to check out what other styles the line offers.  The night will also feature luxury cars by FC Kerbeck, hair by Jason Matthew Salon, make-up by AshleyMarie Makeup Artistry, jewelry by Kellmer Jewelers, and sounds by DJ Eddie Tully.

Info Buy Tickets Here
Categories
Philadelphia

Which Celebrities were at the Made In America Festival, Plus Links to where your photo might be….

The Budweiser Made in America Festival once again entertain
the masses on the Parkway over the Labor Day weekend. Nearly 70,000 music fans
attended the two day event which went off without a hitch except for a violent
lightning storm on Sunday night which delayed the concerts by an hour. With
every passing year MIA seems to tweak the layout of the festival grounds. This
year saw the return of the popular Budweiser swing, as well as the four stages
Rocky, Liberty, Freedom and the Skate Board stage, which showcases a lot of
local bands. There was also the cause village where you found the several
charity causes and the 1876 Starr Restaurant where a lunch and dinner buffet
was served everyday for only $35, which considering a pretzel at the Bud stand
was $5 really was a bargain. I really enjoyed the weekend, and have a better
understanding of some of the bands that played at the festival, which is the
beauty of a festival, being exposed to groups and music you might not have had
the chance to hear again. I’m excited to listen to the latest Bleachers CD. Jay-Z
was in the audience but no Beyonce. She was spotted the next day with her man
catching all the action at the LA version of Made in America.

 Tyson Beckford with Drew Braunstein at Made In America
Model Tyson Beckford (left wearing red) with girlfriend Victoria’s Secret model Shanina Shaik (center) head
over to J Cole’s concert at Liberty Stage.(Tyson turned me down for a shot of the duo. So annoying.) You might know her more as the model at last year’s Victoria Secret’s event that flirted with Justin Bieber cause both Selena Gomez and Tyson Beckford to break up with their perspective loved ones. As of this weekend it’s back to status quo with the two couples with Selena hanging with the Biebs in Canada.

 On Sunday night Jesus prays the rain away. (If Jesus was white, he really looks like him.)
 One of my favorite shots from the two day event. It was during the Bare Hands performance, so it was conducive to chatting. I would have like to know why he was dressed this way, and how hot it must have been.
 Big Daddy Kane on the Rocky Stage
 Big Daddy Kane (front) walks back to his dressing room after his performance. The guy in the blue is carrying his hat. Before Kane went on the stage, he was introducing people to his hat box calling it his wife.
 Marisa Magnatta hard at work at WMMR reporting live from the Festival
Ariel view of the
Made in America Festival grounds.
My Philly Mag Column Photos

June Ambrose,
celebrity stylist to Jay Z, Will Smith, Missy Elliott, Mary J. Blige and
others, was excited to catch Kanye West’s show. Other notables catching Kanye’s
show included 76ers’ Nerlens Noel, Connor Barwin,
Eagles, Brandon Bing, formerly of the Giants, now a free agent. Also spotted
actresses Chloe Bridges, Pretty Little Liars, Chelsea Tyler and Mia
Tyler.

Everett Gillison, deputy mayor for public safety, Olivia
Gillison  Assistant Managing Director at
City of Philadelphia, Mayor Michael Nutter, Desiree Peterkin Bell, City Representative and Mayor’s Director of Communications and Jazelle
Jones,  ‎Deputy Managing Director at City
of Philadelphia

Pierre Robert, Matt Cord, Nick Mcilwain and Bill Weston of
WMMR. During the evacuation I invited the MMR gang to shelter in my apartment building. I told them we had a Little Pete’s restaurant, and they had dinner. They got to meet Little Pete too.
Little Pete last Thursday when the Clydesdale’s visited Fairmount.

 Chill Moody (center), chillin with friends.

Claire Boucher of Grimes performs onstage at the 2014
Budweiser Made In America Festival.

Bam Margera and Nicole Boyd (center) with friends were
excited to catch Kings of Leon.

 

I took a lot of photos and was able to populate my media outlets. I’m now contributing to the Philadelphia Business Journal: MADE IN AMERICA

 NBC Philadelphia

 At one point it was raining so hard outside, it began raining inside the press tent.

 Since I photograph people I felt I needed to be out in the rain with them capturing the moment.
 Back stage

Some of the Proceeds from the evening went to the United Way
 Big Rube with one of TShirts from his line
 I love this shirt.
 VIP VIP where Kanye stayed. He walked down these steps to get to the stage.
 VIP seating to watch the concert. This is where Jay Z sat for part of the day.
 Tina Elmer and Drew Braunstein(the photo was a tad out of focus to be included in my columns, but it’s a nice picture.)
 The Freedom Stage. This is where the DJ’s spun EDM music

 India Jones, Morgann Morrow and Philly R&B singer Gogo Morrow.
Jack Antonoff of Bleachers

  has a photo of girlfriend Lena Dunham on his guitar

The rain soaked crowd watching Pharrell Williams.
Pharrell
Williams performs onstage at the 2014 Budweiser Made In America Festival. Sorry
I don’t have any Kings of Leon photos, I was soaking wet and headed home after
Pharrell’s set.
OK So let’s recap – Philly Mag Column Link  , NBC 10 Philly Link and The Phila Biz Journal Link.
AND my Fox 29 Chat about Kim, Kanye and North in Philly.
I was also on More 101.1 Tuesday chatting about the whole weekend.
Categories
Philadelphia

9th ANNUAL GREENFEST PHILLY RETURNS WITH 100+ EXHIBITORS, FOOD, BEER GARDEN, FAMILY FUN, SHOPPING, ECO ADVENTURES AND NEW SURPRISES

Clean Air Council’s 9th Annual Greenfest Philly returns to
Headhouse Square (2nd and South Streets) this Sunday, September 7, 2014
from 10:00am to 4:00pm. This is the region’s largest envionrmental
festivals and I will be there shooting – look for me!

This year the fun is back and bigger than ever with
live music, free demos, an outdoor beer garden, organic food and drinks,
handmade and green shopping, MOM’s Organic Market Kids’ Corner, a twenty-five foot rock wall, and even edible bugs. 
 

It is free to get in or you can buy a VIP “Green Cards” at www.greenfestphilly.org
for $30 that includes food and drink discounts, a free t-shirt, and
eco-friendly swag. For more information, visit the website, call 215-567-4004, and follow @greenfestphilly on Twitter.

There’s tons to do – here’s my top picks!

GREEN ADVENTURES

*
Purchase one of a kind handmade art and crafts from eco-artisans such
as Beaucycled upcycled jewelry and accessories, and Urban Textile Works
prints.

* Enjoy a tasty surprise as you sample edible bugs including
crickets on crackers and chocolate brownies made with flour made from
ground bugs.

* Enjoy a rest and recharge station with refurbished chairs and furniture, free iced tea, coffee and solar powered chargers.


* Pamper yourself with chair massage and natural organic treatments from Eviama Life Green Spa and Boutique, the region’s green designed and operated all natural spa in the city.

* Win exciting prizes like a Trek bike from Philadelphia Insurance Companies to make commuting greener AND more fun.

* Become educated and take action on critical environmental issues from leading advocacy groups.
* Leave your ‘wheels’ with the complimentary bike valet courtesy of Philadelphia Insurance Companies.
* Clean
out your closets and bring your clothing, accessories, toys, books and
more to the Philly Swap at Greenfest Philly.  Bring gently used
clothing, toys and books for free entry into the swap area, or make a $5
donation (includes a free Philly Swap bag). Upon entry in the swap, you
are free to roam and take what you’d like.

FAMILY FUN IN MOM’S Organic Market Kids’ Corner


* Healthy
Snacks from MOM’s Organic Market – Kids and parents are welcome to stop
by MOM’s Organic Market’s booth for free samples and healthy snacks.
Kids can also pick up their FREE Greenfest t-shirts (free to the first
200 children).

* Kids Play with Clay from 10:00am to 2:00pm – The Clay Studio
will be hosting a group-sculpt in the MOM’s Organic Market Kids’ Corner.
Kids will be invited to sculpt small objects with traditional clay
materials and put them together, creating a large group sculpture.

* Frisbee Spin Art from 10:00am to 4:00pm – Always a Greenfest
favorite, Tall Pines Day Camp will be helping kids to create colorful
and exciting spin art on Frisbees.

* Kid’s Yoga, time TBA –
Yoga Garden will be leading a yoga class just for kids! Creative
thinking, flexibility, better health, inner focus, greater
concentration, improved social skills and physical strength are just
some of the benefits of yoga for kids. Through interactive games and
exercises, kids learn yoga postures, breathing techniques and lots more!
And it’s all just plain fun!

* Rock Climb from 10:00am to 4:00pm – Kids and adults can catch
climbing fever and try their hand at scaling a 25 foot rock wall.

BEER GARDEN

Victory
Brewing Company will be providing the beer for the Greenfest Philly Sustainably Brewed Beer Garden. Since opening the brewery in February
1996, Victory has emphasized environmental responsibility. As part of
the brewing process Victory recycles the nearly 25,000 pounds of spent
grain is generated every 24 hours through an an arrangement with a local
farmer who takes this brewing by-product and feeds it to his farm
animals.

FOOD

Sample delicious, healthy, local and organic food from popular food trucks and local eateries.

* Farm Truck 

* Kung Fu Hoagies
* Little Baby’s 
* Lil’ Pop Shop
* Local 215
* SoomFoods
* ACME Markets
* Bonjour Creperie
* Cobblestone Krautery
* The Twisted Tail

LIVE MUSIC

Local
music is more sustainable than music that has to be shipped thousands
of miles to your ears. In the Greenfest Philly spirit, Earth Jam 2014
features 4 of the most exciting emerging bands Philly has to offer.
Music runs 11:00am to 3:30pm.

* West Philadelphia Orchestra
* Ron Gallo
* Pine Barons
* No Stranger

Greenfest
Philly is presented by Clean Air Council, with support from MOM’s
Organic Market, Philadelphia Insurance Companies (PHLY), PGW
EnergySense, SCA, Waste Management, Zip Car, Amtrak, Aversa PR &
Events, Enterprise Car Share, door door organics, Sustainable
Business Network, South Street Headhouse District, ConsolidatedSolar.net and AVRS.  

Since
its launch in 2006, Greenfest Philly has been a model for producing
sustainable events. The festival demonstrates its commitment to reducing
environmental impact by sourcing power from two large solar powered
generators, recycling and composting over 80% of waste, and providing
attendees with water bottle refill stations and a complimentary
bike valet. All festival exhibitors are evaluated by Clean Air Council
to ensure they are providing services, information, or goods that are
sustainable.

(sponsored)
Categories
Philadelphia

Clydesdales in Fairmount Plus Aireal shot of Made In America Philadelphia #MIAPHL14

 Marisa Magnatta and John Derenzi, Anheuser-Busch

 MMR Girls Marissa Magnatta and Katie Marie

Schedule in Philly
Categories
Philadelphia

Meet-Up- Flash Mob Watergun Fight At Eakins Oval Photos

In these waning days of summer, I’m playing catch up with events photographed for PCC. If we get to next Friday and you’re event doesn’t pop up I apologize as the Fall 2014 Social Season begins and I must start anew with social party photos. Sorry I don’t send photos out, as we are a one man shop. Thanks. HughE

 Thanks to Mike Toub for photographing this for PCC as I was on assignment. (I even got him a lanyard with his name now.)