Categories
Philadelphia

Atmosphere PIXS & Link To Philly Mag: Garces Family Foundation Gala at Kimmel Center

 Puentes de Salud is an organization that has long been committed to the
wellness of Philadelphia’s immigrant community. The funds raised at last
night’s event will be used to build a community center to house the
many services that Puentes de Salud provides.

 Most people I asked loved Amada the best with J.G. DOMESTIC coming in 2nd.

 Chefs on the hors d’oeuvres line

 The new Dorrance H. Hamilton Rooftop Garden
 This was everyone’s favorite dish: hmmm good Perre Calmels, Bibou – Venison Pithiviers
With Michael Solomonov’s Halibut in Brik, Artichoke, Tomato and Black Harissa coming in 2nd
The Commonwealth Plaza. I loved how the VIP Dinner was going on upstairs, but a hot party was happening here. 
 Both parties commingled after 9:30PM into a big dance party.
Amazing job by Corie Moskow & her team at Gloss PR (none are pictured in this shot)
 “Last fall, Jonathan Adams, one of Philadelphia’s best chefs, and Damien Pileggi, an artisanal coffee expert, launched Rival Bros Coffee. (FooBooz)
Check out the social aspect of the night 9w/lots of tidbits & gossip) at Philly Mag in my column in The Philly Post under The Scene.
Categories
Philadelphia

Original Supremes’ Mary Wilson Wants You To “Come See About Me” and her Collection in Philadelphia

Before Destiny’s Child, there was another girl group that reigned supreme.

 The Supremes was an American female singing group and the premier act of Motown Records during the 1960s

PNC Bank regional president Bill Mills escorts original Supremes’ Mary Wilson, who is partnering with the African American Museum of
Philadelphia to present “Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection” which will feature more
than 30 of the Supremes glorious gowns, videos, images and artifacts
that tell of the meteoric rise of one of the most famous American groups of all time. A collection that Mary has had stored at her house she said, she received most of the groups clothing as she was the last Supreme in the group.

The exhibit is made possibly by a PNC Arts Alive Grant, a five year, $5 million initiative through the PNC foundation. Not only were the Supremes’ talented and beautiful, but they were fashionable too. Their gowns were made with fabric, beads and sequins from designers such as Bob Mackie, Michael Travis and Pat Campano.

Thanks Jerry Blavat for his support over the years, and discusses the Supremes’ beginning. The Geator mentioned a concert would be held at the Kimmel Center in January to celebrate the exhibit. Promises that Darlene Love would be in attendance as well as a few other surprises.

William Mills, President of PNC Bank, Ramona Riscoe Benson, The African
American Museum, Famed DJ Jerry Jerry Blavat and Mary Wilson, Mayor Michael
Nutter
. The Mayor got a little choked up when he talked about what an honor it was to meet Mary Wilson, as she and the Supremes busted the door wide open so that people like him could excel in life.

Mary Wilson graces us with a song

Mary is excited to see one of her early albums, which had been in award winning make-up artist About Phace’s Ursula Augustine collection since she was a kid. The Supremes’ were role models for me, Ursula told me. They were the first African American women I saw on TV that were beautiful and showed me how make-up could be used to accentuate our beauty.

Come See About Me: The Mary Wilson Supremes Collection will run from January 25th to June 30th, 2013.


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Philadelphia

Susie Celek & Julie Dorenbos Join Forces with VOLT Salon

Coming to the Bellevue Philadelphia in November 2012.

Description

Brand new, state-of-art, full service Salon! Inspirational design
created by nationally recognized Interior Designer, FLOSS BARBER. World
renowned hair designers, nail technicians and make-up artists. Superior
service offerings; including satellite location for

SUSIE CELEK &
JULIE DORENBOS’ Best of Philadelphia SKIN PALETTE! Glamorous spray
tanning and body treatment rooms; fashioned by RHONDA CLARK CARLSON of
RCC Design Group. Be warned Philadelphia… VOLT SALON will transfigure
your beauty expectations!

Contact:
Ph: (215) 985-4141
Address: 200 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.
Website: http://www.facebook.com/voltsalon

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Philadelphia

Xfinity Live doesn’t want you to forget about the Flyers’ so they’re having a few events to keep it going

XFINITY LIVE!
PHILADELPHIA ROLLS OUT THE ORANGE CARPET TO CELEBRATE HOCKEY
Philadelphia,
PA – October 10, 2012 –
XFINITY Live!
Philadelphia,
the dining and entertainment district located on the former site of the Spectrum, will literally roll out the
orange carpet to celebrate hockey by showing the HBO Sports documentary
Broad Street Bullies, Classic Flyers Games and hosting an EA Sports NHL 13 videogame tournament.
All events are free and open to the public.
Upcoming events listed below:
Thursday, October 11
Showing of HBO Sports documentary
Broad Street Bullies beginning at 7 p.m.
Broad
Street Bullies Joe Watson, Bob “Hound” Kelly and Gary Dornhoefer will
walk the orange carpet, greet Flyers fans and sign autographs prior to
the showing
of HBO Sports documentary Broad Street Bullies
featured on the NBC Sports 32-ft screen. Flyers Season Ticket Holders
will have access to the VIP Lounge (space is limited) during the
showing. Drink specials include
half priced drafts and $5 glasses of wine from 6 until 8 p.m. (Happy
Hour) as well as $1 drafts and cocktails (Ladies Night Out) from 9 p.m.
until close.
WXTU presents country artist and
American Idol Finalist Casey James to perform on the Victory Beer Hall stage beginning at 8 p.m.
Thursday, October 18
Showing of Flyers vs. Rangers Classic Game 3 of the 1997 Eastern Conference Final beginning at 7 p.m.
Flyers
fans are invited to watch this Flyers classic game with Flyers
Broadcasters and Alumni. Drink specials include half priced drafts and
$5 glasses of wine
from 6 until 8 p.m. (Happy Hour) as well as $1 drafts and cocktails
(Ladies Night Out) from 9 p.m. until close.
Saturday, October 20
EA Sports NHL 13 Videogame Tournament beginning at 6 p.m.
Flyers
fans are encouraged to take part in an EA Sports NHL 13 Videogame
Tournament taking place on the NBC Sports 32-ft. screen. Flyers prizes
will be awarded
to the first, second and third place winners. All fans wearing Flyers
gear can enjoy specialty priced Flyers drinks from 6 until 8 p.m.
Within the first six months of XFINITY Live! opening its doors, it has become as synonymous with the city of
Philadelphia as the Philly cheese steak and
rocky statue. Featuring a 32 ft. LED screen in the venue’s NBC Sports
Arena, XFINITY Live! is able to give Philly’s sports fans an
unparalleled sports
viewing experience. Known as Philly’s fourth stadium for all Philly’s
away games, XFINITY Live! has quickly become the paramount  place to
watch Philly sporting events as it epitomizes the growth of
South Philadelphia as Philly’s sports home.

XFINITY Live! Philadelphia is
a dining and
entertainment district centered in the heart of the South Philadelphia
Sports Complex. The one-of-a-kind venue features over a dozen restaurant
and entertainment choices, including six main venues: Broad Street
Bullies Pub, PBR Bar & Grill (Professional Bull
Riders), Philly MarketPlace, Spectrum Grill, Victory Beer Hall and the
first-ever NBC Sports Arena. XFINITY Live! is a joint partnership
between Philadelphia-based Comcast-Spectacor and Baltimore-based The
Cordish Companies.

Categories
Philadelphia

Barbra Streisand, Jason Gould & Andrew McCarthy In Philly Oh My!!

Papa can you hear me? Barbra Streisand waves to Jacob Porter as she leaves the Four Seasons Hotel Monday night around 6PM for her concert at the Wells Fargo Center.
 
Thanks to

Jacob Porter for this shot he sent me on Monday. Babs was in town since October 3 rehearsing at  Temple’s Liacouras Center. On Friday she gave a special dress performance for 500 people. In the audience was Nichole Maurer from Philly Style Mag who told me the rehearsal began at 130 and ended about 530.  She said it was much fun to watch Barbra perform, while also tweaking the performance. Stopping sometimes in mid song when things didn’t go right, or if she missed a word.  Also in the audience was Carole Radziwill of Real Housewives of New
York City, former “Biggest Loser” host Caroline Rhea, who described
Streisand as “phenomenal,” and Pat Ciarocchi of CBS were some of the
invited guests.” (says Laura Goldman on her blog Naked Philadelphian

While in town Barbra barely left the Four Seasons hotel except to go rehearse. Surprisingly she didn’t stop by R2L this time to visit her favorite table, #94, the one I dubbed the Barbra Streisand table as she had dinner there last year while in town for the opening of The National Museum of American Jewish History. Opting instead to order room service and eating the foods she packed, in preparation for her upcoming tour.  She did sign for fans outside the Liacoura Center on Friday. She checked out of the hotel yesterday afternoon.

The GRAMMY® Award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus, who sang with Barbra toured the City on Friday. They stayed at the Sofitel Hotel for the weekend.


Where has Jason Gould been hiding. His voice is like butter.

 Last week I did catch up with another favorite of my childhood, Andrew McCarthy, who stopped by The Philadelphia Public Library on his book tour The Longest Way Home.” The
Geographical Society of Philadelphia presents WHYY’s Patrick Stoner, host of Flicks and Quick Pics, in conversation with McCarthy, dissecting his forthcoming
memoir The Longest
Way Home: One Man’s Quest for the Courage to Settle Down, in
which he relates how his travel experiences helped him become the man
he wanted to be.

 But first there was a meet and greet dinner for him at the Rose Tattoo with the
Geographical Society of Philadelphia members. Above Andrew McCarthy and Patrick Stoner. Andrew told me it was good to be back in Philly. He had spent the day wandering around Chinatown and unlike Babs just randomly chose the foods he was going to eat throwing caution to the wind that it wouldn’t cause ill during his tour. He said he’s been to Philly many times, and had already had a cheesesteak. His first one was during the months he filmed Mannequin with Kim Catrall in 1987.

 Kimberly and Erica were excited to meet Baine. I think I can see a little Molly Ringwold style on Erica.

 A Molly Ringwold lookalike Rachel, with fellow geographicalsociety.org members Teresa and Janet.

 
 Nancy Arndt, Barbara Hoven and Caroline Cuthbert

 Since 1891, the Geographical Society has supported world exploration and
presented programs focused on travel, adventure, science and history.
You too can enjoy films, internationally themed events and illustrated
talks with professional filmmakers, photographers, authors, explorers,
scientists and scholars.

Andrew McCarthy and Chris Cordone. What I took away from his presentation at the library was that McCarthy’s book is about his travels around the world, where he could basically escape from his celebrity, and become normal.  He enjoys interacting with people where only directions or the beauty of the place or day matter, not his celebrity.  He still is in the business, directing and participating in theater and television.  He’s very Blaine, with his laissez faire attitude, trying to discover what is right for him, what is the world’s message, what is his direction.  I’m sure now more than ever as he’s about to turn 50 on November 29 of this year.

 Stephanie had Andrew sign three printed out photos. One for her, one for a friend and another for a friends 40th Birthday, which was signed “Love Blaine”. So fun!


Categories
Philadelphia

Southern Wine & Spirits – McGillin’s – A Not So Tall Tale of A Chance Meeting

Every year I would hear about this event where 1000 – 1500 restaurant & bar movers and shakers would attend to try out the new liquors being offered by Southern Wine & Spirits brands. For the past few years the event has been held at the Grand Ballroom of the Hyatt at the Bellevue.

 Brad Waxman (r) is a veteran of 32 years in the
wine and spirits industry. Mr. Waxman started his career with Superior
Wine & Spirits of Pennsylvania in 1977. In January 1999, he joined Southern
Wine and Spirits of Pennsylvania as General Manager of the Pennsylvania
Wine and Spirits Division.  In January 2002, he was named Executive Vice
President, General Sales Manager of Southern Wine and Spirits of
Pennsylvania. In January 2008, Mr. Waxman was promoted to the position
of Executive Vice President / General Manager. Above with his son Alex Waxman, who also works for Southern Wine & Spirits.

 Red Schiller, State Account Manager – PA at Beam Inc Sharon Phillips Waxman, SPW Productions, Plus is the President of the International Special Events Society (ISES) New Jersey South. Don Tierney, Division Vice President at Beam Global Spirits & Wine, Chuck Silio, executive vice president, wine manager, has been with Southern Wine and Spirits of Pennsylvania for 27 years and Joe Caka, Southern Wine & Spirits

 Mary Becht and Zach Seidman, GM Craft & Claw. Zach tells me the place has gotten a great start. I can’t wait to have a chance to go check it out. It’s the old Mad River at 126 Chestnut Stree. YELP of course is right on top of things yelping it up.

 Tom Jordan and Terry Fitzgerald. It’s a great night to catch up on old friends and clients.

This was a free event. I always wondered how many people could crash this event, although we all had to wear wristbands to allow us in the various rooms. I think if I were a drinker and not a blogger, and I had well you know, I would go out and buy a lot of wristbands. Do people still try and crash parties these days? I know when I lived in NYC it was a sport, especially the celebrity parties.

 Oddka
 Joanne Donahoe and Patrick Donohoe

Sharon Phillips Waxman and Moi

Gaby Gock, GM McGillin’s, Chris Mullins, McGillin’s,, with Megan Woody, Megan’s great grandmother was Mercedes McGillin Hooper who sold McGillin’s to sold it to brothers and experienced barkeeps, Henry Spaniak and Joe Shepaniak in 1958 (who spelled their last names differently, odd.) Keeping it in the family, Henry’s daughter, Mary Ellen Spaniak Mullins and her husband, Chris Mullins have run the restaurant since 1993.

Mary Ellen and Chris’ son, Christopher, Jr. (Henry’s grandson), recently joined the business.Gaby knew Megan and by chance they ran into her at the event, and by chance I was standing there and got this photo. Valerie Bryant (r) (Source)

 Sharon Phillips Waxman and John Colabelli 
 Daniel Keo and Marc Ferra

 Random happy peeps

I want to thank Southern Wine & Spirits for providing the liquor to my 5th Anniversary Party held at Reserve via rep Christal Watkins in September. We raised nearly 3,000 for Gilda’s Club of SJ.

Kristyn Aldrich, Vincent and Adrienne Diaz
I then headed for dinner with Chris, and Gabby. We met up with Bill Gerhman at The Dandelion Pub. I had only had lunch there once before with Michael Klein a few years back. I have baggage, it was there he gave me the Dear John news that at some point soon he would be bagging his column to focus on food. You know from 2007 – 2010 my photos appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer. 
Anyway the food and company were delicious last night.
Categories
Philadelphia

CHESTNUT HILL FALL FESTIVAL THIS WEEKEND


Because of the rain last weekend the Fall Festival has moved to this Sunday.

http://www.chestnuthillpa.com/happenings-on-the-hill/its-time-for-fall-for-the-arts

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Philadelphia

Bluestone Fine Art Gallery And Center For Creative Works

Bluestone Fine Art Gallery and RHD’s Center for Creative Works presented an exhibition titled OUTSIDER: 1, New Works by the Artists of the Center
for Creative Works, a benefit exhibition. 
It ran for the month of September, and they had a closing reception two weeks ago on a beautiful Saturday afternoon in Old City.

Bluestone Fine Art Gallery is a vibrant addition to the Old City visual arts community.  Bluestone
exhibits artists whose works are original, exceptional, and
appropriately priced.  Fine Art is exhibited amongst unique furnishing.
Art enthusiasts and collectors can find the perfect, one of a kind, work
of art for their home or office.  Owner
Pam Regan has a knack for helping clients acquire unique works by
talented artists that will impress and stand the test of time. 

Center for Creative Works is a unique, studio based vocational art program for people with developmental/intellectual disabilities.  At
Center for Creative Works we are committed to an environment in which
our participants learn, engage, create, build skills and take ownership
and pride in their work and in their place in their community.

Many of the artists came with their family to celebrate one last time among their beautiful works of art.

Some people were there to pick up works that they had purchased earlier in the month long exhibit.

 

 Matthew Correale and mom Debbie Hardimon in front of some of his art work. He also did

this magnificent papermache eagle. Debbie told me that she was so grateful to find this program, and that Matthew really excelled in a field she didn’t realize he truly had a passion for. He also gained a tremendous amount of confidence, and attributes that to the wonderful teachers of the program.

Brittany Thomas, Floyd Anderson and Erica Thomas were there. Erica works at the Center For Creative Works.

Ashley Gearhart and Kevin Roberts both work at the Center.
Sonny, Mary, Natsha and Brenda

Matthew Correale, Lori Bartol, director, Erica Thomas, and teacher Cliff Ward. Lori tells me that the work the students do is viable in a lot of areas. They aren’t only exploring canvas talent, but there’s music, film making and other arts. 


Although the works of art are no longer on display you can contact the gallery if you had seen a piece you wanted to buy.

Morris M Burns, Studio Supervisor, and Jordan Gran, Instructor
student/artist Tim Quinn, (black) and sister Kristin Quinn (red) with their parents

The kids collectively worked on the whale that you see in the far window. The Bluestone Fine Art Gallery can be rented out for special events. It’s a great location, and a sun filled gallery.

Student artists. The Center has an October gallery show at MilkBoy in Ardmore.
Terry Cunniff and Katherine Cunniff

Pam Regan
Owner
BLUESTONE FINE ART GALLERY
301 N 3rd St. Philadelphia, PA 19106
Direct Line: 856.979.7588
Blog:   http://bluestonefineartgallery.blogspot.com/    ~current works of art and events

Twitter:      https://twitter.com/#!/search/BluestonePhilly

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Philadelphia

Midtown Village Fall Festival 2012 – Faces in the Crowd

New policy here at PhillyChitChat & PhillyMag.com Please don’t take your pix off these sites until after 24 hrs, then when possible include a link back to page. If I see the pic on your FB page or twitter beforehand you go into the “Do Not Shoot List” until I completely cut off all of Philly and I add you again back on top, ok maybe not so harsh but my mortgage company thanks you.

Saturday was the 7th Annual Midtown Village Festival, and the largest ever with activities and vendors on at least 7 blocks surrounding the epicenter. I loved that not only were there vendors representing from the neighborhood, but this year they had a craft area and individual vendors. The more the merrier I say.

The weather was iffy, but the crowds were strong.

The big draw of the day is always RAW’S Sumo Wrestling
Terese Balzereit and Lindsay Melley
Fergie from Fergie’s Pub

I love the diversity of the folks that come out to enjoy the day.

I love when people get into the spirit and wear balloon hats. Now I did try and wait til she looked up, but she never did. She got her message and ran off.

watching peeps in sumo ring

Caroline Boyd and Ken Dunning
OMG I WANT A DOG that looks just like me, well except for that black eye, and well he’s thinner too
Diane Johnson (2nd from right) and Christian DiCicco (r) and friends. Although I do remember she said it was her oldest friend who she met in elementary school.

Jason, PBS DC, Steve McCann, owner of PhillyGayCalendar.com and Mark Segal, owner of Philadelphia Gay News

Miley Cyrus’ favorite tanning salon
Halloween is just around the corner. I need a Big Bird costume.

Priorities
Meaghan Peeler, Nel Roch and Meredith Setzman. The last time Nel had this much fun it was at the Color Race this past summer.
Brave young lady with the Steelers hat on
 There was a mechanical bull over by Finn McCool’s. Hi to Finn’s parents.
Noel Zayas and Kevin Aldrige
Tammi Sortman, Frannie Price and Malcolm Lazin. Sunday Frannie hosted the annual Outfest Party and I hear it was packed despite the rain. (I was in Atlantic City at Revel Resorts)

I was honored to know Barbara Gittings.  Midtown Village borders on the Gayborhood.

Looks like Jose Garces is not going to build his bratwurst restaurant here

Headed to Chatterblast for their soiree – Tim Adams, Brad, Matt Ray and Justin Pizzi.

If there was every a bad place to put on performance art, it was the epicenter of the festival at 13th and Sansom. What a bottleneck it created. 

Leigh Schmenski and Ben
Rhashidah Perry Jewelry 

FRIDAY NIGHT I WAS AT THE KING OF PRUSSIA BEER FESTIVAL, CHECK OUT THE PIX IN MY PHILLY MAG COLUMN HERE

 

Categories
Philadelphia

EVENT: King of Prussia Beerfest Royale – TODAY – Photos from Last Night

The 1st Annual King of Prussia Beerfest Royale preview party was held last night,

 it featured two beer tents, a
midway outdoor plaza (sponsored by Valley Forge Convention &
Visitors Bureau) filled with delicious concessions and other activities,
live music and much more! Presented by the King of Prussia Business
Improvement District (KOP-BID). Visit www.kopbeerfest.com for additional
information.

There’s a contest to win a trip to Germany. The adventure of a lifetime will begin with round-trip
airfare from Philadelphia, PA to Frankfurt, Germany.
Guests will experience the culture of Germany via their
own compact, manual transmission rental car with
unlimited mileage, exploring the sites of Germany
including ½ day sightseeing tours in a variety of cities.
Five luxurious nights of accommodations, daily
breakfast, a $100 American Express Gift card, and a
Germany guidebook, city maps and driving maps will
complete this getaway. Return airfare from Munich,
Germany to Philadelphia, PA will bring guests back
home to the States.

To enter, Beerfest Royale guests can purchase a six-pack of raffle tickets for $20 during the
entire festival weekend. The winner will be selected at the completion of Saturday, October 6
Session 2. The winner will have 10 days to claim the prize.

Lots of delicious craft beer and food
Local Business’ offering their wares.
hmm cupcakes
Extra mugs for souvenirs or double fisting for only $10

The two Saturday General Admission sessions (12:30pm-4pm and 5pm-8:30pm) offer a more casual, festival atmosphere and are currently on sale for $45 per person. Purchases of six tickets or more will also qualify for the “six-pack discount.” All attendees will receive a KOP Beerfest Royale tasting glass for unlimited beer samples during their session.

Craft Beer

Plenty of room and parking, since it’s in the KOP Mall Parking lot. The Mall not the court. It’s along Rt 202

You’ll have to bring your own pretzel necklace

There will be bands, so bring your dancing shoes cause after a few brewskies you might want to do a jig

You do have to buy tickets to the two different sessions. It’s the last day of “Summer” why not go to them both. There’s lots of porta potties on site, with running water, just sayin’

Get there early for the couches. It’ll be like partying in your living room.

ABOUT KOP-BID

King of Prussia District (KOP-BID) is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit, special services organization. KOP-BID engages
public and private partners to collaboratively improve the economic environment in King of Prussia by making it
more vibrant, attractive and prosperous.
Event Website: www.kopbeerfest.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kopbeerfest
Twitter: @KOPBeerfest