Last night I caught Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at the Kimmel Center. It was fantastic. Just what I needed to get me through the mid winter, gray sky blues. They have three more shows, today at 2PM, 8PM and then Sunday at 2PM. More Info Here. Before the show I photographed the reception. It was great to catch up with folks I hadn’t seen in a bit. Let’s see who was there.
Dani Allen, Doris Parent, Greater Philadelphia Chapter (AFP-GPC) and Crystal Brewe, is a member of the executive leadership team at Kimmel Center Cultural Campusr
Kareen Goodwin, Co-Founder and Director of the Expressions Summer Dance Intensive. and Stephanie Dembx
Ellen Jo Waller, Sheryl Kimbel and Stephanie Boyd
Algernong Allen, Real Estate Developer and Anne Marie Green, CBS Mornings. I always admired Anne Marie’s work ethic, working the 4am news shift in NYC, without missing a beat. Their lovely daughter Ailey Lynn Allen was with them. Note the her first name.
Algernong Allen, an aspiring photographer too. It was so sweet he took a photo of Anne and I. We used to see each other a lot back in the day when she was on the local CBS 3, so it’s always delightful when I run into both of them.
Matías Tarnopolsky, president and CEO of The Philadelphia Orchestra Association and Kimmel Center and Robert Battle, Artistic Director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater
English WIllis and Wayne Varnadore
Chris Lorenc and Rachel Ortiga
Leslie Patterson-Tyler, Kimmel Cultural Campus and Reverend Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D., 52nd pastor of Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
Tomorrow evening, Reverend Mark Kelly Tyler, Ph.D. is hosting An Evening Conversation with Keynote Speaker Dr. Bernice A. King at Mother Bethel AME Church Info Hehttps://www.aampmuseum.org/bhm-2023.htmlre
The Philly Home + Garden Show is Back This Year with Over 275+ Exhibitors, Celebrity Guests, and a Little Bit of Something for Everyoneat the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA, I check it out this morning, I picked up a few things for our newly renovated kitchen. Mike and I went last year, and that’s how we found the company for our backsplash, and the granite for our kitchen renovation.
The Philly Home + Garden Show returns to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, PA for three days only from Friday, February 24th to Sunday, February 26th. Attendees will find new inspiration, innovative products, helpful tips, and amazing deals in remodeling, home improvements, décor, and outdoor spaces with opportunities to connect with hundreds of home and garden experts.
The show will include over 275 exhibitors ranging from home décor and furniture to garden and landscaping to kitchen and bath to food and beverage. If you’re like us, you watch HGTV, DIY, and TLC home improvement TV shows for tips and tricks for your home. Come get tips live from Celebrity Guest: Joe Mazza, star of the hit series “Home Inspector Joe” on Friday, February 24th, and Saturday, February 25th.
Other celebrity guest appearances include Jeff Devlin, host of DIY Network’s Stone House Revival and licensed contractor with more than 20 years of building experience. Jeff will be in attendance to share his passion for designing, creating, and building with attendees. Devlin will also have a ‘pop up’ shop filled with local handcrafted items and woodworking that is for sale along with a section dedicated to his Airbnb at Sycamore and Stone Farm. Click here to check out the full Main Stage schedule throughout the weekend, https://phillyhomeandgarden.com/show-features/speakers-celebrities.
Special Ticketing Days:
HERO DAY: Honor our local heroes on Friday, February 24th where all active and retired military, first responders, nurses, doctors, and teachers will get free admission upon identification.
SEPTA DAY: If you have a SEPTA key card, you have the key to the Philly Home + Garden Show on Friday, February 24th. Present your SEPTA key at the box office for free admission.
SENIOR DAY: Guests that are 60+ will receive a $3 discount at the Box Office courtesy of our sponsor, Luxury Bath! The promotion is offered at the box office with a valid ID on Friday, February 24th.
Jenna Naffin, Home Show Manager and Jeff Devlin, host of DIY Network’s Stone House Revival
Show Manager Jenna Naffin says, “We’re excited to be back offering the community the opportunity to do face-to-face shopping with local experts. Many of us have been spending more time at home. If you’ve been wondering how to redesign your kitchen or bath, spruce up your backyard for entertaining, or how to create your new home office, you need to be here. Here’s your chance to talk to business owners in person, shop, compare, and save with hundreds of vendors all under one roof. Don’t forget to make a fun family day out of it. Plan your visit around our expert and celebrity stage presentations, FREE DIY workshops, wine, and whiskey tastings, our NEW food truck rally on Sunday, and more
NRG Energy
Cheers
Kitchens
Set Sail! By Highway Marine: Experience the Highway Marine feature to find the perfect fit for your water adventures!
Home Improvements
Habitat for Humanity
Follow the link to the Philly Home + Garden Show website for more information regarding featured events and vendors, PhillyHomeandGarden.com.
Tuesday night @jason.kelce and his very pregnant wife Kylie, dined @mikesolomonov@zahavrestaurant with another couple. When he walked in the servers and diners clapped as he was led to his table. He acknowledged the appreciation, then enjoyed dinner uninterrupted. I wrote on my Instagram last night. (I love when I hear about these heartwarming moments, thanks to a reader) Later I learned …
He did pose with one of his favorite chefs, Michael Solomonov who reminded his readers about Underdogs, Jason’s clothing line, where the proceeds go to the BePhillyFoundation
Oatly Launches Plant-Based Cream Cheese with Philadelphian Tara Lipinski. Oatly, the world’s original and largest oatmilk company, unveiled their new plant-based cream cheese invented in Philadelphia by mostly Philadelphia-based food scientists with Philadelphia native and Olympian Tara Lipinski. As part of this pre-launch release, Oatly has partnered with local Philadelphia bagel chains Spread Bagelry and Philly Bagels, who are now serving Oatly’s Philadelphia-invented cream cheese today through March 31st (or until supplies last). No doubt they launched in Philly because where else, the staple Philadelphia Cream Cheese is so synonymous with our City, but they say it’s “this is the first time Oatly has embarked on a limited pre-launch strategy in one particular city. The hope is that Philadelphians adopt Oatly’s cream cheese the same way they’ve adopted other hometown staples like greased street poles, Gritty and the 2006 film Invincible.”
Filming of Sinking Springs continues tonight on 2nd Street in Old City.
I mentioned last year that Ridley Scott would be filming his Apple TV Series “Sinking Springs” in the beginning of February, and he did, turning University City into PhillyWood for a week starting on February 7.
“Sinking Spring” is a crime drama series, that stars Oscar nominee Brian Tyree Henry and “Better Call Saul” star Michael Mando as long-time friends posing as DEA agents and robbing a seemingly normal country house in the small town of Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania. They unwittingly get caught up in a major crime operation.
The cast also includes Marin Ireland, from Amazon’s “Sneaky Pete” and Netflix’s “Umbrella Academy”; and Kate Mulgrew from Netflix’s “Orange Is The New Black.”
I have a busy night tonight, but I am going to try and capture some of the action in Old City tonight. It’s an over night shoot, normally I would scout out a location to spend the night, but I am shooting the Philly Home Show at 8AM so I can’t do that like I did for 21 Bridges hiding, er I mean scouting out from the 2nd floor window of Unite Fitness.
According to the Apple Insider: The most interesting thing about the series so far is its massive budget – the pilot episode alone cost over $50 million. That is almost as much as the budget of the entire first season of Game of Thrones! Season 1 of the HBO hit cost around $50-60 million, which breaks down to $5-6 million per episode. The pilot episode was filmed for two weeks in Bucks County according to Levittown Now, the money was used to rent out an entire town including the police force, fire department. According to World of Reel, that $50 million went on two weeks of shooting. Apple is said to have rented out a whole town, including hiring its police and fire department, and to have blown up a house.
If you capture any photos, send them to us at hughe@phillychitchat.com and we will publish them. I love car chases, and no doubt this one is going to be a fun one. BTW roads are closed in the area, and bus routes are re routed. Check with Septa for Info.
It has been 25 years since the rock memorabilia and live music-driven Hard Rock Café dropped anchor in Center City Philadelphia. The Philly Hard Rock, at 1113 Market Street, since that time, has become a totem for conventioneers, tourists, office workers, and locals alike looking for big burgers, tall cocktails, live music and memorabilia from The Who, the Rolling Stones and more.
Martin Cordova and Scarlett Hernadez
Brett Silver and Brittney Chappell.
Uneeka Jay, Founder of Rewrite 365 LLC and Elijih Crawford, Co Founder & Director At Ugly Art Films
Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of Avenue of the Arts, Kyle Cuffie-Scott, owner of Darnell’s Cakes just did a pop up cafe at Philadelphia Museum of Art, but you can enjoy his tasty delights at his cafe 444 N 3rd Street, (he tells me there’s another pop up in a few weeks) and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships AIA Partnerships
Sisters Kiki and Lani Aranita
Dani Reaves (still glowing from her trip to Paris in November) and Rashidah Cornitcher, CEO and founder of Ultimate Vision Sports Management.
Kevin Spence, Cinematographer ( Just returned from NYFW and spotted great street fashion) (I sure miss shooting NYFW myself) and Tiffany Laibhen-Spence, wife + mommy and content creator. The happily married duo has some life advice for you at BET.
Sheila Hess, City Representative and the team from Hard Rock Cafe
To celebrate, the group Boyz II Men performed at the anniversary show on Wednesday, February 8. The group’s four-time Grammy Award winners are one of the most iconic R&B groups in history, had the ladies, and a few men swooning when they handing out red roses to the crowd when they sang “I’ll Make Love To You.”
Actor, comedian, writer and film director Marlon Wayans will bring his self-deprecating stand-up comedy show to Rivers Casino Philadelphia on Saturday, April. 29, at 8 p.m. Tickets for The Event Center performance start at $49 and are on sale now.
Amélie van Tass and Thommy Ten are “The Clairvoyants.” They were both born and raised in Austria and now reside in Austria and America.
When they met in October 2011, they began to develop their “second sight” act, and two months later brought it on stage for the first time. Within a year they had developed a full length show. Shortly thereafter, they started touring Europe.
March 18th at 8PM at The Event Center. A full bar will be available. Free parking on-site. Must be 21+. INFO & TICKETS
Upcoming Shows
3/24: Yesterday – The Beatles Tribute Dinner Show (Endorsed by Sir Paul McCartney)
Disney100: The Exhibition invites guests to step into their favorite Disney stories across ten galleries throughout a 15,000-square-foot exhibit space featuring innovative and immersive technology. The Walt Disney Archives spent the past five years curating a collection of more than 250 rarely seen original artworks, artifacts, costumes, props, and other memorabilia for the exhibition celebrating 100 years of The Walt Disney Company.
The vast majority of objects are from the Walt Disney Archives, with a selection of artwork from the Walt Disney Animation Research Library, Walt Disney Imagineering Art Library, and Pixar Living Archives, as well as props and costumes on loan from Marvel Studios.
Larry Dubinski is the President & CEO of The Franklin Institute and Becky CLine, director of the Walt Disney Archieves.
Disney100: The Exhibition is created and curated by the Walt Disney Archives and Semmel Exhibitions. The Franklin Institute is proud to present and play host to the world premiere of Disney100: The Exhibition in the Nicholas and Athena Karabots Pavilion and the Mandell Center. PECO, the Premier Corporate Partner of the Franklin Institute, is the Local Presenting Sponsor of the exhibition, and PNC is the Associate Sponsor.
Margaret Hughes, First Deputy City Representative at City of Philadelphia, Angela Val, President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia, Gregg Caren, President & CEO Philadelphia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jennifer Nagle, Interim President & CEO, Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation and Sheila Hess, City Representative in the Office of City Representative
Visit Philadelphia’s Binh Nguyen and Jasmine Armstrong with Mickey Mouse
Thursday night the Franklin Institute hosted an invite only preview party to friends, sponsors and folks in the hospitality field.
For more than 50 years, the Walt Disney Archives has carefully safeguarded the most treasured items from The Walt Disney Company’s history, including original scripts, movie props and costumes, Walt Disney’s correspondence and script notes, theme park artifacts, merchandise, millions of archival photographs, and many of Walt’s personal effects.
Michael Newmius, FS Investments with the team from 6ABC
Founded by Disney Legend Dave Smith in 1970, the Walt Disney Archives is a vital resource for every part of Disney, as well as an important research center for Disney scholars, researchers, and writers. The Archives also shares its countless pieces with Disney fans everywhere through its exhibitions and close association with D23: The Official Disney Fan Club.
Natalie Egenolf, Lipstick League Podcast and Nyla Koncurat, Board ChairBoard Chair Friends of the Rail Park
Thanks for being PhillyChitChat readers
During the evening guests enjoyed a Sushi station and caricature drawings
Miller Parker, and Marjorie Ogilvie of the Philadelphia Business and Technology Center, guest and Charisse Lillie
Jim Werner and Mike Sheridan, Co-owners of Fagabond, a site for gay men who love to travel and who do not want to leave their sexuality at home.
Tajiri Smith, Co- Founder & Managing Partner at The Job Plugs and Karla Andude, Deloite met in August 2020 on the AC beach during the pandemic. Karla struck up a conversation with Tajiri asking him 3 questions of compatibility, after a few moments of course. Was he a sports fan: Yes. Ok they’d have something to talk about. Who was his favorite team, if he picked the Patriots she was going to pass on him. Turns out his favorite team is the Rockies, which is interested since he was from Long Island. Finally his favorite player was Michael Jordan’s as is hers. She decided he was a keeper. After a year of long distance dating, he moved to Wilmington De to live with her. He still works, commutes to NYC and is thankful he has a hybrid job. Sometimes I spend time with folks and I get to hear their story. Definitely a perk of my job. Have a great weekend… HughE
I like Laura Swartz’s review over at Philly Mag…. to make the exhibit more interactive, you’ll find more info in listening stations, photo ops and large tables made of screens with dials that allow you to learn more about things like individual characters and parks. Another interactive moment: a recreation of the “magic book” that begins 1959’s Sleeping Beauty — when you turn the giant pages, they also change on a big screen above, with animation and sound effects. But know going in: There is not a lot to “do,” especially for antsy little kids. (Philly Mag)
Ryan Schlegel, Senior Vice President, Mid Penn Bank,
Nil Pimentel, Chair, NSCAN,
Philip Balderston, Founder & CEO, Odin Properties,
State Representative Danilo Burgos, (District 197),
Councilmember Quetcy Lozada (7th District),
Rachael Pritzker, CEO, RAM Development Partners + Pritzker Law Group, and
Adam Pritzker, Partner, RAM Development Partners,
Odin Properties, LLC (Odin) and RAM Development Partners, LLC (RAM) are proud to announce the development of Front Street Lofts (2112-16 N. Front Street). The six-story mixed-use building will feature a total of thirty-one modern studio, one-bed, and two-bed apartments offering sweeping city views, a green roof deck, and convenient pedestrian access to public transportation.
Situated along the Market-Frankford Line (MFL), just one-and-a-half blocks from the Berks Street and York-Dauphin SEPTA Stations, the project also brings ground floor commercial space to the neighborhood, incorporating a retail storefront along bustling Front Street.
Front Street Lofts sits in the heart of the Norris Square neighborhood of Philadelphia. This rapidly evolving section lies within the River Wards corridor, adjacent to one of Philadelphia’s hottest neighborhoods, historic Kensington.
This development presents a unique opportunity to expand the development of Front Street’s commercial corridor while adding restricted affordable housing as part of the residential mix. “What makes this project special is the breakthrough collaboration between developers, city government, and neighbors to create new construction affordable housing. The groundbreaking of Front Street Lofts is proof that long-term affordable housing can be created in all neighborhoods of the City if all stakeholders are committed to working together productively” says Odin Properties CEO Philip Balderston.
Juan Lopez, Independence Blue Cross EVP, CFO & Treasurer; Greg Deavens, Independence Blue Cross President and CEO; Sheila Hess, Philadelphia City Representative; Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney; Tra Thomas, former All-Pro and Pro-Bowl Philadelphia Eagle
To celebrate the Philadelphia Eagles appearance in the Super Bowl, more than 200 Independence Blue Cross (Independence) associates – full of spirit and wearing their best Eagles gear – gathered in the company’s Center City headquarters for a pep rally on Thursday. Independence Blue Cross is the Official Health Insurance Partner of the Philadelphia Eagles and the presenting partner of Eagles Training Camp.
Lorina Marshall Blake, VP of Community Affairs and Independence Blue Cross Foundation President (center with Kelce hat on) Greg Deavens, Independence Blue Cross President and CEO and Steve Fera is executive vice president of Public Affairs and Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross (r)
The pep rally was led by Independence President and Chief Executive Officer Gregory E. Deavens and Executive Vice President and
Chief Financial Officer Juan Lopez, who rallied the crowd and encouraged attendees to get excited for a potential parade down Broad Street. The event also featured special appearances by Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and former Eagles Pro-Bowl offensive tackle Tra Thomas. The pep rally ended with a rousing rendition of the Eagles fight song led by the Quaker City String Band.
“Just like the Eagles, Independence is the home team here in the Greater Philadelphia region. Our hearts beat with this city and region, and they beat a little louder when there’s something like this to galvanize people across the region,” CEO Gregg Deavens said. “Independence works closely and very well with the Eagles, including meaningful collaboration for the good of the community. That’s another reason we’re here to celebrate, and why the region is hoping and excited for another Philadelphia championship!”
Independence also helped the region celebrate by distributing cheer cards via The Philadelphia Inquirer. The cheer cards feature a prominent “Go Birds” headline for Eagles fans to display in their home, workplace, or car as they show their home team pride. Ads with the same “Go Birds” message also will appear in The Philadelphia Tribune, Al Día News, and Metro.
How Princess Diana came to own her famous custom-made Philadelphia Eagles jacket after a chance encounter at Princess Grace Kelly of Monaco’s funeral in 1982 Daily Mail Story
Gregory E. Deavens Independence Blue Cross President and Chief Executive Officer and Jim Kenney Mayor of Philadelphia
Over 1,200 executives, elected officials, business owners, and civic leaders attended this annual luncheon, it is the largest forum for the Mayor of Philadelphia to address the region’s business community. Each year, the Mayor introduces new economic development initiatives and shares his vision for the city. In recent years they’ve been doing this sit down interviews where Gregory E. Deavens, Independence Blue Cross President and Chief Executive Officer will interview Jim Kenney , Mayor of Philadelphia.
It’s always been an interesting interview, but this year the Mayor seemed much more relaxed and engaging. He spoke about his tenure stating he made some mistakes, but a lot of good came out about his administration as well. There will be a lot of ribbon cuttings the new mayor is going to be doing as development, and initiatives were started under his term. He spoke about the continue fight against gun violence. He explained how easy it was for people to buy guns, especially at gun shows which happen often in the nearby burbs. Then those people come into Philly and sell these guns. He talked about the need for gun owners to report when their guns are stolen, so they can be tracked if they’re used in a crime. The Mayor did the best he could he told us, and I believe him. Thank you Mayor, especially for ReBuild and the soda tax. A brave initiative. No one is forcing you to drink soda. I could never understand that fight. BTW I love soda, and it’s just as expensive in NJ and they don’t have a soda tax.
Steve Fera is executive vice president of Public Affairs and Government Markets at Independence Blue Cross, Scott Brown who’s dad Jeff Brown is running for Mayor, both were in attendance and Philly’s biggest cheerleader Sheila Hess, City Rep. (The next mayor needs to retain her, what would will do without her enthusiasm every day. )
Max Tuttleman, Investor, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist for Sharing Excess and RAIR, he’s running for City Council and Angela Val, President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia
Raymond Smeriglio, Chief of Staff of Rebuild Philadelphia, and Ric Harris , President & General Manager, NBC10/Telemundo
Earlier this week Live Casino, the Cordish Companies celebrated the second anniversary of Live! Casino & Hotel Philadelphia with the announcement of a donation of $750,000 to Rebuild Philadelphia towards the major renovation of Murphy Recreation Center, located in South Philadelphia.
City Council candidate Job Itzkowitz – Executive Director – Old City District and Matt Rader, Executive Director of PHS. The annual Flower Show is officially set for March 4 to 12, and will return to bloom at the Pennsylvania Convention Center after a few years at FDR park because of Covid.
Alethia Calbeck, Chief Communications Officer of Visit Philadelphia, Angela Val, President & CEO of Visit Philadelphia, Trino Boix, Chief Operating Officer of Visit Philadelphia, and Robert Bogle is chairman, president and chief executive officer of The Philadelphia Tribune and Visit Philadelphia Board Member.
The Mayor also discussed what he plans to do for the rest of his time in office, as laid out in the newly released report, Equity and Opportunity for All: Moving Philadelphia Forward, the core priorities for the Kenney Administration in 2023 to move our city forward are:
enhancing public safety;
increasing quality of life and building thriving neighborhoods, everywhere; and
supporting a strong foundation for Philadelphia youth through historic investments
driving inclusive growth and economic opportunity to build a vibrant economy that benefits everyone.
Darrell L. Clarke is the President of City Council and represents the 5th Council District stopped by. Everyone seemed to be excited to see him, hugging, and high fives abound, as they anticipate an announcement about his future shortly. Perhaps after the Super Bowl. Seems like the best kept secret that everyone in the know, knows about. Go Bird!!
Valerie Camillo, President & CEO of Spectacor Sports & Entertainment and Karen Buchholz serves as Executive Vice President of Administration for Comcast Corporation
Go Birds!! I love how nearly everyone got the memo to wear your Eagles finest.
Donna Crilley Farrell is senior vice president of Corporate Communications for Independence Blue Cross and John FryDrexel University’s 14th president
Council members Cindy Bass and Katherine Gilmore Richardson with Chellie Cameron CEO Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia brings area businesses and civic leaders together to promote growth and create opportunity in our region. Our members represent eleven counties, three states, and roughly 600,000 employees from thousands of member companies and organizations. And by bringing all kinds of businesses and leaders to the table—the new, the established, the big, the small, the growing, the thriving, the perennial, the innovative, and the experimental—we build community and find commonalities among us all. More about the Chamber HERE Fly Eagles Fly. Follow me on Instagram for all things fun in Philly and Go Birds.
A beloved Philadelphia sports bar Founding Fathers is expanding to Bucks County with a new restaurant, grill, sports bar and event/banquet space. A long-time restaurateur, a sport bar veteran and a rising new talent join forces on the grand opening of Founding Fathers Bensalem, presented by partners Dave Chiavaroli of Marmont and Cooper’s Riverview, Ken Hutchings of Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Headhouse and Riverdeck, and introducing Zecheriah (Zek) Leeper.
The new concept will bring new life to the 14,000K space at 2900 Street Road that was formerly Quaker Steak and Lube and Great American Pub. It will include seating for up to 800+ people, free parking, a main bar and lounge, two brand new bars, a sports viewing suite and an affordable and beautiful private banquet room.
Founding Fathers Bensalem introduces The Franklin Room with a private event space for 150-200 guests for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, family functions, corporate events, meetings and workshops, and special events.
From the kitchen, look for freshly made, high quality dishes that will include appetizers, salads, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, entrees and hand-carved quality steaks. The owners bring decades of experience with the steakhouse side of the menu – offering one of the best quality affordable steaks in Bucks County so neighbors and regular guests can enjoy their big cuts several nights a week, during games and during family dinner.
In the kitchen, Chef Tim Bennett leads the culinary team. He brings with him 20+ years of restaurant experience including 17 years of expertise in the steakhouse business. For the opening menu, look for great quality food at the fairest of prices. The expansive menu features a large selection of appetizers, salads, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, entrees, steaks and sides. During the year, look for changing daily and weekly specials, plus some seasonal additions. Opening services will include lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night, with weekend brunch to launch soon. Book now for your Super Bowl Party!!
