On April 20th Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia held their annual fundraiser at a private club outside of Philadelphia. Beyond the Bell highlights the school’s mission by incorporating career-connected learning, fieldwork, and internships into their academic and co-curricular programming. Providing students with early exposure and experience in various career fields can help them make informed decisions about their future career goals and give them a head start on building the necessary skills and knowledge to achieve those goals.
William Hayes, Geoff Sheehan, Ben Peek,Ryan Mundy, and Tyler Jackson
Shakoor Henderson, Erika Chance and Kaori Walker
Nakhia Washington, Tyler Jackson, and Francina Girard
Nate Morris, Hannah Casey and Keith Bolden
Shaliyah & Darren Braxton and Tracie Slade
Soiyea Uthman-Olukokun and Eros Uthman-Olukokun · Principal at Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia High School
Patrick South, CFA Managing Director and Co-Founder, SRS Capital Advisors and Boys Latin Board Member, and Marianne Dean, Marianne Dean – Trustee at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia is taking a proactive approach to preparing its students for success in the 21st century workforce. By providing them with meaningful career exposure and experience, as well as opportunities to earn college credits while still in high school, the school is setting its students up for a brighter future. Help Boys’ Latin of Philadelphia reach their goals.
The Post Brothers Piazza Alta, completed at the end of 2022, with almost 700 rental units and amenities is filling up with residents. I’ve been covering the Post Brothers for a decade now, from one of their first from the ground up developments like the Goldtex building off of Vine Street.to now Piazza Alta, their crown jewel in Northern Liberties
The combination of a rooftop pool club like Aqua Foro with interconnected pools, hot tub, splash pad, fire pits, kitchens, and lounge space makes it a unique and exciting destination for people to relax, socialize, and have fun. The design concept of an urban oasis, reminiscent of ancient ruins, but with a futuristic twist, is sure to create a memorable and magical experience for visitors.
Matthew Vogel and Farah Farag
Earlier this month the Post Brothers along with Cashman & Assocs. curated a list of VIPS, influencers and special guests along with residents, to enjoy the kick off of the summer season at the new pool.
The Millers: Barri, Amanda and Madison soak up the sun.
Sharron L Cooks wearing her fabulous sunnies in a stunning, hip hugging dress.
Bran Flakezz and his girlies: Casey Corradin, Grace Nenow, Carly Manning and Bailey Witherspoon
Erin Connery, Darius Alexander and Hacina Saadi
Aqua Foro, is a stunning 25,000 square foot rooftop pool club. Like the rooftop gardens of Rome, this unexpected sky garden is simultaneously urban and ethereal. A celebration of water and wellness, Aqua Foro evokes the beauty of an ancient ruin and the thrill of a futuristic retreat with a view of a burgeoning metropolis.
Post Brothers CEOMichael Pestronk (l) and President Matthew Pestronk (c) with friends, including the architects of the pool Rolando Lopez Lopez AIA – Project Architect – DIGSAU and Jeff Goldstein, principle at DIGSAU . I had a chance to chat with them, complimenting them on what is definitely one of the best designs of all the Post Brothers epic pool resorts. I love how they mimic the skyline with architectural elements, but didn’t block the view of the skyline, or sun rise or sun set horizons so the pool goers could enjoy all the views yet enjoy a sorta sculptural garden of sorts.
Honestly you won’t need that shore house anymore, just walk out your door to your resort. Almost makes me want to sell my house and move to NoLibs Piazza Alta.
The 2023 honorees include: Leslie Odom, Jr., Governor Rendell, Bacon Brothers, The Tymes, John DeBella , Patty Jackson, and James DePreist (Councilman Kenyatta Johnson presents flowers to Patty Jackson)
The Philadelphia Music Alliance, a community-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Philadelphia’s rich musical legacy, announced their 2023 Walk of Fame inductees during a press conference today at the Kimmel Cultural Campus. Established in 1986, the Walk of Fame, a creation of the Philadelphia Music Alliance, is a must-see tourist attraction on Philadelphia’s Avenue of the Arts.
The list of honorees was impressive: Leslie Odom, Jr. is a talented actor and singer, known for his work in “Hamilton” and “One Night in Miami.” Governor Rendell served as the Governor of Pennsylvania and was also the Mayor of Philadelphia, he and his former wife Judge Midge Rendell were instrumental in creating the Avenue of the Arts, where many of our musical and theatrical shows take place. The Bacon Brothers are a musical duo comprised of actor Kevin Bacon and his brother Michael, grew up on the 2100 Locust Street. Their father was the great Philly City Planner Ed Bacon, who I got to meet several times. The Tymes are a Philadelphia-based soul group that had several hits in the 1960s. John DeBella and Patty Jackson are both well-known radio personalities in the Philadelphia area, and James DePreist was a renowned conductor and music director. It’s great to see such a diverse group of musicians and public figures being recognized for their contributions to Philadelphia’s rich musical heritage.
The legendary radio personality Patty Jackson at the Philadelphia Music Alliance Walk of Fame ceremony on Avenue of the Arts as Leslie Odom Jr. and James Depreist’s widow look on.
Michael and Kevin Bacon, have a band called The Bacon Brothers and were honored with a plaque on the Avenue of the Arts.
Leslie Odom Jr and Charlie Mac at the Philadelphia Alliance Hall of Fame induction on Broad Street in Philadelphia on April 20, 2023
Judge Midge Rendell, former Governor Ed Rendell, Jesse Rendell and Becca Rendell at the gala held at Vie in the evening.
Mark Schulz, Managing Director of the Philadelphia Music Alliance with honoree Leslie Odom, Jr. who grew up in Germantown. Leslie shouted out favorite arts he enjoyed including Philadanco, listening to Patty Jackson on Power 99 and enjoying Fairmout Park.
“The Walk of Fame is the City’s most impressive public monument to the people who have made Philadelphia a great music city,” said Mark Schulz, Managing Director of the Philadelphia Music Alliance. “Our 2023 inductees have deeply influenced how music is experienced not only in Philadelphia, but around the world. We are excited to honor these incredible artists, bands, and personalities on Broad Street this April.”
Sharon Pinkenson, Executive director of GPFO, Sheila Hess, City Representative, Leslie Odon, Jr. honoree, Al “Caesar” Berry Tymes member and honoree, actor, Dr. Thanuja Hamilton, board member of Avenue of The Arts, and Alicia Vitarelli, 6abc
The Walk of Fame is an important part of Philadelphia’s cultural heritage and a great way to honor the city’s musical legacy. The plaques are located along Broad Street’s Avenue of the Arts the series of over 100 bronze commemorative plaques honors Philadelphia area musicians and music professionals who have made a significant contribution to the world of music.
Larry and Mickey Magid.
Larry Magid received a Founders Award for creating the Philadelphia Music Alliance.
Stephen Spivak and Herb Spivak
One of my first jobs after high school was working for Herb and his brothers at H.A. Winston’s in Cherry Hill. I had a bare minimum idea of what was happening with his other business, which he started with Larry Magid at Electric Factory. I did know that we got to see the Michael Jackson video Thriller before it debut to the public, at our holiday party in 1983.
Steve and Kristin Vassalotti and Debby Derrick and Dan Martino, owner of one of the sweetest shops in Old City – Little Susies, but get there before 2PM when it closes daily, mostly because they sell out of their delicious pies.
The Tymes are an American soul vocal group who enjoyed equal success in the United Kingdom and in their homeland. They are one of the few acts to have one and only one chart-topper in both the US and UK with different songs. It was awesome to hear them perform three of their biggest songs – Wonderful Wonderful and So Much In Love.
All proceeds from the gala support the new PMA Music Education Fund.
Regina and Leon Huff. The PMA presented a special award to Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff & Thom Bell as “The Sound of Philadelphia.”
Can someone please work on the much promised Sound of Music museum. It’d be great if we could do it before everyone from the Sound of Philadelphia goes to the big juke box in the sky.
The Queen Patty Jackson: Congratulations on your honor, especially being the FIRST women from radio to be inducted in the Philadelphia Music Alliance walk of fame. Much deserved. I’ve always been a fan of Patty’s , and over the years have become a friend of Patty Jackson. I admire her work ethic, here resilience, her grind not only through out her career, but especially since her stroke 8 years ago. Kory and I went to see her in re-hab a few weeks after her stroke, before many people even knew she had a stroke, and she was determined to return to work, to continue to serve and make a difference I recalled that night, the chat we had, and shed more than a few tears of happiness to see her on the stage last night, triumphantly celebrating her presence, her win over adversity and securing a place in herstory at Broad & Pine!!
Screenwriter Lanie Robertson and actress Laurin Talese backstage on Opening Night of LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR & GRILL at Philadelphia Theatre Company
The time is 1959. The place is a seedy bar in Philadelphia. The audience is about to witness one of Billie Holiday’s last performances, given four months before her death. More than a dozen musical numbers are interlaced with salty, often humorous reminiscences to project a riveting portrait of the lady and her music, in a smooth, emotional 90 minute concert of her life.
Tony Award-winning Robert Kaplowitz returns to PTC as Sound Designer for this production, Barrymore winning Scenic and Lighting Designer Thom Weaver and Lanie Robertson, playwriter of Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill
The creative team put a lot of effort into creating an immersive theatrical experience for the audience. By setting the show in a seedy bar and allowing the audience to watch while sitting on the stage, they are creating a unique environment that helps transport viewers into the world of the play. The involvement of local Philadelphia-based designers, as well as award-winning designers like Thom Weaver and Robert Kaplowitz, should help to ensure that the set, lighting, sound, and costumes are all top-notch, all the way down to the gardenia that Billie Holiday often wore in her hair.
Michael Lewis, Judge Kathryn Lewiis, Rosakyn Robinson and Warren English
“We couldn’t be more thrilled to close out our season with this fantastic musical event about the life and music of the extraordinary Billie Holiday,” says PTC Co-Artistic Director Tyler Dobrowsky. “And with Jeffrey Page at the helm, fresh off his Broadway debut, and the luminous Laurin Talese playing Lady Day, this will be a production you won’t want to miss. Join us for a page right out of Philadelphia history.”
Khemist O,Dani Allen, Senior Director of Education and Community Engagement at The Philadelphia Orchestra and Frank Machos, executive director for the School District of Philadelphia’s Office of the Arts & Creative Learning.
Laura Steel, Patricia Oelbaum and Elliott Schwartz, PTC Board Member
Ryan Schrader, Board of Directors and Yolanda Booker
Remember to get there at least 20 minutes before showtime, as your seat is on the stage and late arrivals will ruin it for the rest of us sitting down to relax and see the show, as well as disturb Billie who might just take it out on you.
Tickets for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill are on sale now. Tickets start at $25 and are available at Click Here, by calling 215-985-0420, or by visiting the Box Office. Connect with Philadelphia Theatre Company for the latest updates on social at @philatheatreco on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, and @philatheatre on TikTok.
Philadelphia Theater Company sponsors posed backstage on opening with the star Laurin Talese who have made this production, and our season, possible. Honorary Producers for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar & Grill are Alice L. George and Lou Oschmann. Season Sponsors include Independence Blue Cross and Center City Film & Video.
Just Announced: Fly Me To The Moon as you transport yourself to another time and place with the Rat Pack Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and the one and only cool cat Sammy Davis Jr.
PHILADELPHIA — April 17, 2023 — Get ready to swing with the coolest cats in town! Guests will enjoy dinner and a tribute to the 1960s music era when Strictly Sinatra Presents: The Rat Pack transports them back to the time of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. at Rivers Casino Philadelphia on July 28. Tickets for The Event Center show start at $59 and go on sale Friday, April 21, at 10 a.m.
Enjoy Dinner Before the Show — 7:30 p.m.
Guests will enjoy a sit-down dinner, included in the ticket price. The menu features a generous portion of baked ziti with a meatball, preceded by a Caesar salad and bread course. Dinner also includes a glass of house wine and limoncello gelato for dessert.
Strictly Sinatra Presents: The Rat Pack — 8 p.m.
This electrifying show will bring the Rat Pack to life, courtesy of some of the most talented tribute artists in the business. Michael Dutra, who has been recognized as one of the top Sinatra tribute artists in the world, leads the ensemble. The show features Dutra’s smooth vocals as he sings Sinatra classics such as “My Way,” “Fly Me to the Moon” and “I’ve Got You Under My Skin.” Guests will feel like they’re watching Ol’ Blue Eyes himself.
Two Shows with Jeffrey Osborne at Rivers Casino Philadelphia on June 16 & June 17. He has a new CD out “A Time for Love” , but you know he’s going to sing On The Wings of Love. I just saw him 2 years ago at the Dell, and he was amazing. Very personable, and entertaining. You’re going to enjoy this special night.
One of my favorite late night spots in the City to eat, especially Chinese food, is Mian at Rivers Casino. One warning, unless you’re really hungry, an entree will do as their portion sizes are big, but do get the egg rolls. So good. If you were there last month, you saw me eating there at least twice, near midnight.
For more goings on at Rivers Casino Philadelphia head to their website, or their Social Media, they’ve been paying out slot jackpots all month long. When I was there a few weeks ago, a women won $15,000- on a $2 bet.
4Ever Young Anti-Aging Institute now has a Philadelphia location. The wellness franchise opened its doors 4Ever Young Anti-Aging Solutions. Bringing the best kind of medspa and wellness cultures together, 4Ever Young brings beauty to the thriving communities of Center City and Midtown Philly.
Bob and Erin Polizzano, owners of Center City 4ever Young
Located at 1216 Walnut St., the Philadelphia location is the 15th for the brand, following the big footprints of the flagship location that blew up the anti-aging scene in Boca Raton in 2014.
Victoria Capaccio and Siani Caban
4Ever Young is a premium Wellness & Medical Spa center in Philadelphia, PA that focuses on providing the best anti aging solutions for men & women.
Cynthaya Johnson
No one can stop getting older, but can we look and feel much younger than our age? Live a longer, healthier life? By applying recent advances from biomedical research, it is possible to slow the rate of the aging process, and even slow and reverse some of the effects of aging says Carlton Washington and Deniz Duygulu, founders of 4ever Young.
Siani Caban, Victoria Capaccio and Connor Frank
4ever Young offers IV nutrition, hormone replacement therapy, peptides, menopause, andropause treatments, & bioidentical hormones. We also offer custom facials, Botox, Skin Tightening, dermal fillers, double chin removal, lip enhancement, Hydrafacial, Microneedling, chemicals peels, and medically-assisted weight loss.
Kate Potter and Ryan Adams
Bob and Erin can’t wait to share their passion with their fellow Philadelphians. “We’re excited to bring 4Ever Young to the city of Philadelphia and help their patients to look and feel their best!”
It is inspiring to hear about George’s journey and his determination to give back to the cancer research community. Overcoming advanced leukemia with less than a 25% chance of survival is an incredible feat, and his commitment to celebrating the achievements of cancer research through aspireLIFE JAM is truly commendable.
Courtney Oathout, Hailey Gerritsen and Casandra McBridge
AspireLIFE’s 12th anniversary party, JAM 2023, recently took place at the Arts Ballroom. Nearly 500 people eagerly returned to participate in the annual chic cocktail party to raise funds for the American Cancer Association. Hosting the evening was George Azar, co-founder of JAM who created this event with John Frederick and Brie and Justin Bernstein.
Javon White, Lamar Beatoon and Ryan Kreston
Mike Avato, Sarah Keane, Chelsea Avato, Jennifer McNutt and Greg Avato
Mahreen Ahamd and Mars Kempler
aspireLIFEis a Philadelphia philanthropic movement consisting of individuals whose mission is to support cancer research. Through generous support, our annual event JAM brings together a variety of guests for a night of celebration to raise critical funds and to show support for those living with cancer. Photos can also be seen in CBSPhilly and have been sent to Philly Style Mag.
Good afternoon. Hope you had a wonderful weekend, and you were able to see the Cherry Trees as well as the other bloomers. (There’s still daylight til 7:25pm) After the Phillies were cancelled because of the storm of the century, I took the afternoon off to capture a most spectacular showing this year.
Another sure sign of spring… the Swann Fountain at Logan Circle has been filled and turned on. In no time flat people were wading in the water, despite the chill in the air. It’s a Philly Thing, no really.
Faherty – funky, fun men’s women clothing boutique.
A Walk Up Walnut: Rittenhouse Row is hot, hot, hot again with many new stores opening like Brooklinen, an upscale bedding store, Glossier, a make up, skin care shop, Gorjana, a fun, fine jewelry boutique and soon to be Mejuri a fine jewelry boutique. They are currently hiring. as well.
Joybird, a furnishing store recently opened, not to be confused by Allbirds a shoe store just up the street. BTW Thanks to several notable Philly building’s who have dimmed their lights in order to protect the birds during their spring migration as part of the Light’s Out Program.
KOP Mall: It’s been announced that Versace is opening soon at the King of Prussia Mall, and I hear DIOR is opening as well but there is no info on when or where, but I hear they’re hiring.
Doug Deitch, Cocktails with a Kick Committee Chair, Meg Kane, Starfinder Foundation Visionary Leader award in honor of Tony Williams, Host City Executive, Philadelphia Soccer 2026, Zion Nwalipenja, Starfinder Foundation Youth Participant and Katerina Bezhani, Starfinder Foundation Alum.
Congratulations to Meg Kane – President & CEO – Signature 57 for receiving Starfinder Foundation‘s Visionary Leader Award for her commitment to the future of the #Philadelphia region!
“As our Host City Executive, Meg has accomplished so much in helping to secure our bid for the 2026 World Cup, and we know her hard work is going to have a lasting impact on our city and youth. We couldn’t be more proud to have her on our team.” Starfinder Foundation. (I normally shoot this event, but I was away so they were nice enough to send me a photo from the event. It’s a great organization, their mission: Starfinder is a sports-based youth development organization using soccer to inspire social change and transform the lives of youth from underserved neighborhoods in the Philadelphia region.)
The NBC10 crew was spotted at Top Tomato Bar (delicious food, and dancing late night) on Friday celebrating Marvin Gomez and Isabel Sanchez‘s birthday organized by party princess Karen Hua. On hand for the celebration Sheila Watko, Frances Wang, Christine Abreu, Michelle Rotella, Aunyea Lachelle, Miguel Martinez-Valle and beau Ray Smeriglio.
Speaking of Miguel and Ray, they were spotted at the 90th Anniversary of the Easter Promenade in Philly, on South Street yesterday to support our friend Alex Holley and Grandpop Holley who were in the parade. It was a beautiful day to celebrate!!
That’s all for now folks. Be sure to keep an eye out for more spring happenings around town, and as always, stay tuned for more of my adventures in the City of Brotherly Love here and on Social Media. Thanks HughE
Taste America, presented by Capital One, is a nationwide initiative to bring together chefs, special guests, and diners from across the country to celebrate the local independent restaurants at the heart of our communities came to Philadelphia last week.
Al Lucas, Defined Hospitality Suraya, R&D, Pizzeria Beddia, CONDESA, Anne McBride, vice president of Programs at the James Beard Foundation, Chef Nok Suntaranon, chef and owner of Kalaya Thai Kitchen Philadelphia and Greg Root, Defined Hospitality Suraya, R&D, Pizzeria Beddia, CONDESA,
On Wednesday, the James Beard Foundation revealed its list of restaurants and chefs being honored at the 2023 Restaurant and Chef Awards and Chef Nok Suntaranon, chef and owner of Kalaya Thai Kitchen Philadelphia was on the list.
Now in its 10th year, Taste America takes on expanded shape with the TasteTwenty—a group of 20 chef teams from 20 cities across the country working together and championing the James Beard Foundation, including Philadelphia’s very own chef Chutatip ‘Nok’ Suntaranon of Kalaya, hosted 400 guests at the Philadelphia Art Museum.
Joseph Lope and Kyle Cuffie-Scott of Darnell’s Cake The best chocolate cake, and maybe I had some banana pudding too. They also have delicious sandwiches and they cater.
Darnell’s Cakes Presented by Capital One Negroni Bar > Grapefruit Custard with Shortbread Crust and Campari Glaze **Vegetarian and nut-free; contains dairy and gluten
Chocolate Cake with Nutella Buttercream and Toasted Hazelnuts **Vegetarian; contains dairy, gluten, and nuts
Homemade Banana Pudding with Toasted Sugar Cookies **Vegetarian and nut-free; contains dairy and gluten
Dr. Thanuja Hamilton and Sheila Hess, City Representative standing in front of the Visit Philly Step & Repeat
Have you heard: Visit Philadelphia® and the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB) announced the launch of their first-ever joint destination marketing campaign, “Come for Philadelphia. Stay for Philly.” This fun, lighthearted campaign puts the city’s confidence and attitude at the forefront as it aims to drive visitation to the region across all travel segments — leisure, business and group — in 2023 and in the lead up to 2026, when the city will host major activities around America250, the FIFA World Cup and the MLB All-Star Game.
Karli Lubin and Rachel Greenlee
Morgan and Kyle Mann
Tonii Hicks (pictured here with her teacher, renowned chef herself Charisse McGillPhiladelphia’s ‘French Toast Lady‘ (On Thursday the Sixers honored McGill and Lokal as the 2023 honoree of the team’s annual 76ers Buy Black Program.)
Tonii HicksBeard House Fellow 2022 Presented by VISIT Philadelphia Counterkake > Pound Cake Bars with Raspberry Jam Cream **Vegetarian and nut-free; contains dairy and gluten
Michelle Histand, Executive Director of M Night Shyamalan Foundation, Alethia Calbeck – Chief Communications Officer of Visit Philadelphia, Angela Val, Executive Director of Visit Philadelphia and Kristyn Aldrich, Executive Director of ASAP
Eli Kulp and Marisa Manatta are co-hosts of the Chef’s Podcast, which will be recorded live at the 2nd Annual Manna dinner on April 26. I went last year and it was deliciously fun.
Thanks everyone for popping in today. Sorry for my few and far between posts. We’ve been busy here at PhillyChitChat, shooting lots of events. After I shoot an event, I prepare photos for my outlets, then I either post here, or shoot another event and then I get behind on posts here. For example the James Beard Event published in CBSPhilly, in Metro Philly and I submitted photos for PhillyStyle May Issue and Mainline Today for June’s issue. Normally I wouldn’t post here, but there was a lot of extraneous news attached to this post, like the Visit Philly new campaign, the Manna Dinner and of course my friend Charisse being honored by the Sixers.
Leila Cartier, Executive Director, CraftNOW Philadelphia, Sharif Pendleton, LaserPhilly, Anna Solomon and Rebecca Ledbetter, NextFab
Philadelphia-based organizations Craft organization CraftNOW and makerspace NextFab have partnered again, welcoming new partner LaserPhilly, to present the second annual Tools of the Trades, a four-day hybrid conference focused on connecting artisans to business resources in Philadelphia and beyond.
The event started off on Tuesday with a breakfast meeting, before jumping into the 4 day conference, the first 3 days virtual and in person on Saturday, March 25th there were Workshops and a Networking Happy Hour at NextFab, 1800 N. American Street, Philadelphia.
Juanda Myles and Mark Coleman are excited for Philly Tech Week coming up
Paige Sato, MABEL who makes clothing, and bags out of old quilts
Jason Lempieri, Manhole Coasters and Lindsey Fogarasi, CraftNow
The Tools of the Trades conference schedule has three distinct tracks described below. These include ▶︎ Tools in Business, ◉ Tools for Creatives, and ❑ Tools with Contemporaries. If you missed this years conference check in periodically with Tools for Trade for next years date.
