Philly Chit Chat

WOW gorgeous sunrise over Fairmount. Last night was PhillyChitChat.com’s 5th Anniversary Party. Wish I could have invited you all, but I needed to limit it to under 300 for my sanity. Later today the column about it should post on PhillyMag and I will like it to PCC so you can see what an awesome job Cashman & Assocs did as well as Reserve Steakhouse. Thanks HughE

I know some of you were waiting for this final wrap up, sorry it took so long. This was the last major day of filming outside, which happened two weeks ago yesterday. Everyone keeps calling it the Harrison Ford film, but the truth is it’s the Liam Hemsworth film, he’ practically in every scene. The movie is based on a book by Joseph Finder about corporate espionage. The shoot on this day is a big spoiler, so if you don’t want to know what happens look no further. (I’m almost done the book, it’s good.)

Originally when I saw the street being set up the day before, I thought the action would be happening in the Caribou Cafe, as it was the only store closed on Walnut Street that day. Later I learned they just wanted to use the outdoor cafe, and for most of the day the actors killed time between scenes inside the restaurant.

Gary Oldman. I spent my day in the Starbucks across the street. So my photos weren’t all that good, but I got a fair amount of decent shots to tell the story on Fox 29 and in my Philly Mag column, oh and a few were picked up via my wire-service.

Which NYC items do you see in this photo?

Crazy PPA gives film crew a ticket. Now someone has to fight the red tape to get it undone.

One of the last photos of Miley Cyrus in Philly with her friend what’s his name that all her fans think is a bad influence on her, at Shake Shake (thanks to the reader who sent me this shot that hasn’t been published yet.)  He flew in to see her, as did a friend of Liam’s the week before. They went to South Street several times, but did you know they also went to the Mutter Museum, the Magic Garden and they finally did take a photo in front of the Rocky Statue.

Jay Z hits the stage The United Way was the beneficiary of the proceeds from Made in America

I covered the event on Fox 29 & in my Philly Mag column today. ON PCC I’m gonna feature fashion and people. Flags were big in fashion this labor day weekend at the Budweiser Made in America festival

All walks of life came together to enjoy this magnificent weekend. The
space was enormous and the producers really thought outside of the box
when doing the logistics.

 Paula came from NYC to enjoy the day.

 JAY-Z had his own security in place, and many of them were hired from Philadelphia. Mike, Mark Corbin, Melanie Burgos and James. James recognized me from Good Day Philly and told me he watches it every chance he gets. Hi Mike Jerrick.

48 YEARS OLD DMC FROM RUN DMC been hitting the gym and he wanted us all to know.

Rev Run grabbed his crouch

Run DMC gave the finger. Does the Rev have to go to confession now?

Many people traveled from other states to see the festival. I chatted with a gal who came from Montreal.

The VIP seating was on the side of the stage about a block away. But it gave a great overview of all the happenings.

Check out Big Rube’s Street Gazing sight for dope photos of the event, and in the Philly Daily News Thursday for a 2 page spread. Big Rube was back stage with the Carters too.

Check out my Fox 29 coverage here and more fun gossipy tales at Philly Mag. (Hope you caught my 24/7 Tweet madness on the Festival. In a nutshell, I thought it was great. It was one of the most successful events I’ve ever attended meaning organized, good flow, people were chill and friendly, music was good, and diverse, even though I’m not too familiar with it. [I must have spent too much time listening to Madonna growing up.])

Welcome back from vacation. I didn’t go away per se, but I really went into low gear for the summer. I re-organized my business, now I have a team to help me run my business so I can focus on you and getting the shots and stories you want to read about.  September has always meant fashion to me. Every year I would travel up to the big apple’s NYFW at Bryant Park, but in the past couple years and more than ever this year, fashion has come to Philadelphia and we can get in on the action. First up Fashion’s Night Out on September 6. Started 4 years ago in NYC the eve before the NYFW began, it was a celebration of all things fashionable, as well as reasonable. It was a pick me up in this difficult economy, that it was ok to buy fashion and look good. I was in NYC for the first FNO and it was a huge success. In subsequent years the evening made it’s way to King of Prussia Mall, and I went both years. This year it’s Philadelphia and I am so excited to participate in many of the activities that will occur between 6PM and 11PM (note to you, I do have a paid FNO gig between 6PM – 8PM so I will be squeezing in a lot between 8PM – 11PM. So look picture perfect for moi.)  Also KOP Mall is having FNO for the 3rd year in a row, so stop by there too.

Here are some of the highlights I think you should visit.

I’m going to recommend you start out at 18th & Chestnut, cause there are three stores in a row that have events more than just shopping, starting with South Moon Under, then Knit Wit and finally the Jason Matthews Salon. (They really do a lot of celebrities hair, none of which I can mention but you see & read about them in the social pages.)

Nicole Haddad Skai Blue Show’s Lobo Mau has designed an exclusive textile print for the Knit Wit trunk show for FNO! Come check out all the new garments made from this ultra modern print!

I’ll have my PhillyChitChat.com’s photographer Mike Hirata shooting at Joseph Matthews at 7PM.

Joan Shepp. The Queen of Fashion in Philly. For 15 years she’s
held court at 1616 Walnut Street (Sad to say this might be her last FNO
at that address because the building she is in is converting to
apartments and everyone is being evicted. Do you have a large space for
her as she wants one in the Rittenhouse Square area.)

On Thursday, September 6, 2012, Joan Shepp will partner with The Accessories Council to present the first retail extravaganza for jewelry Made in the USA, featuring a distinct range of exceptional jewelry. United with the common goal to bring jewelry manufacturing back to the USA, The cocktail reception and shopping event is free and open to the general public from 6-11pm. It is one of more than a dozen fashion events happening across the city as part of Philadelphia’s celebration of the Fashion’s Night Out worldwide shopping event. The brainchild of “Vogue” editor Anna Wintour, Fashion’s Night Out is a collaboration among American Vogue, the Council of Fashion Designers of America, NYC & Company and the City of New York. It began in New York City four years ago and is now in more than 500 cities nationwide and 19 countries.

• INcrowd Industry Night featuring Christian Siriano

  9/15 – 7-10pm

  The elite
  fashion industry networking experience. The event features a fashion
  show presentation, live hair & makeup demonstrations and fashion
  exhibits.

  http://www.incrowdindustrynight.com

  Le Meridien

  1424 Arch Street
  Philadelphia, PA 19102
  

  267.702.5065

  9/17

  • Evening of Extravagant Shopping, Fashion Exhibits & Award Ceremony

    5-9pm

    Celebrity
    Fashion Stylist Anthony Henderson and Omega Optical will host another
    successful Evening of Extravagant Shopping and Showcasing their
    Elaborate Fashion Exhibits of Eyewear. This evening will also include
    “”Fashion-Inspired”” COCKTAILS & CUISINE provided by Chef David
    Simms of Eatible Delights Catering.
    The highlight of the event will be an Award Ceremony honoring some of
    Philadelphia’s most notable boutique owners.

    http://www.omegaoptical.net

    Omega Optical at Comcast Center

    1701 JFK Blvd. Philadelphia, Pa.
    Philadelphia, PA 19103
    

    215.564.1288

Phashion Phest celebrates its 19th year with Fashion Follies. The main
event will take place at The Shops at Liberty Place and will feature an
extraordinary fashion show and salon presentations of the latest fall
trends and a lavish cocktail reception on SEPTEMBER 19.

 http://www.phashionphest.com/tickets.html

• The Rittenhouse Row Fall Gathering

  7-9pm

  The
  Rittenhouse Row Fall Gathering will be September 20th from 7-9PM at the
  Comcast Center. The event will feature a fashion show with the fall’s
  trendiest looks from Rittenhouse Row’s boutiques, as well as the
  season’s hottest cocktails mixed by Rittenhouse Row’s most talennted
  bartenders.

  http://www.rittenhouserow.org

  Comcast Center

  17th and JFK Blvd
  Philadelphia, PA 19072
  

  215.972.0101

If you were following me on Twitter you saw I tweeted that Beyonce was going to dinner last night, originally I wasn’t going to go I tweeted, but then @Utobia said it was ok to skip our Friday night dinner to go get the golden couple (Beyonce & Jay-Z). Thanks Mike. Anyway, I was hanging with Big Rube and a few other celebrity photographers when we heard this commotion.

At first we thought it was a fist fight or something. Some guy was chasing another guy around his car and fists were swinging.

We thought two friends had a fight and a guy kicked his friend out of the car or something

But the one guy got in the car, the other stood in front of the car and the guy gunned it, hitting him and spinning the guy around, and originally I thought running over his right leg,

But then he ran back into the street. Yelling that there was danger or something like that if they went that way. It was crazy. I called 911 at this time. They told me they had gotten multiple calls and would be there.

Then about this point the crazed guy started to pull the wiper blades off of the cabbie, again the “chef or server” came over and tried to restrain the guy and he fought back. He seemed to exhibit super human strength.

Then the guy takes off his shirt while screaming you can’t go down there. Eventually the cab sped off, hitting the guy but not dropping him. (I didn’t video the event as it was too dark. I didn’t use a flash cause I didn’t want to draw attention to myself, it was truly a scary situation for me and my friends. We were all in shock.)

Another cab, this time heading down 18th Street. I can’t remember how this one ended. I’m sure there are security cameras if they need to see all the action. At the same time as focusing on the crazy guys, my friends and I are trying to watch the door of Barclay Prime for Beyonce and JayZ to arrive.

Then this cab hit the guy, spinning him around. Then a small maroon car came by, barely slowed down and hit him. The car continue on 18th Street with the man reeling in pain as he hit his head when he fell and it was loud. It really was horrific.  (Still no cops on the scene. You can see on my twit pixs timeline that almost 15 minutes before they came with a fire truck.) I then focused back on the Barclay wondering why JayZ and Beyonce were 2 hrs late for their reservation, but knew they would come as there was 4 big black SUV’s still outside the restaurant. By this time Fox 29 stopped by to hang with us. It’s odd cause the TV stations almost never come to hang for celebrity sightings. But…

In the end JayZ and Beyonce never showed up to the Barclay Prime  for
dinner because an insider told me that JayZ didn’t finish rehearsals til 11PM. Who was he supposed to meet Steve Stoute, who is responsible for first putting together the idea for #MadeinAmerica http://www.billboard.biz/bbbiz/industry/branding/steve-stoute-on-uniting-budweiser-jay-z-1007916952.story . There’s no photo because I didn’t recognize him. The other photographer did, but neither of us could come up with a name. I asked one of the Steve’s friends and he told us, but Steve had pulled off already. Follow my twitter today for updates @iPhillyChitChat  about  #MadeinAmerica, I was finally credentialed to shoot the event for my local media outlets.

Also check out Jim MacMillan’s blog for the last shot of the man who tried to stop traffic in Rittenhouse Square


Evening in Rittenhouse Square http://bit.ly/Ui0q11

Check out Brian Hickey too http://www.brianphickey.com/guy-fights-cars-on-rittenhouse-square-loses/ 

Update: Jim MacMillan
‏@JimMacMillan

Budweiser Clydesdale Horses visit Fairmount for Made in America

Three big trailers pulled up in front of the Eastern State Penitentiary and the workers began to assemble the horses.

There was a nice crowd assembled, considering there was no schedule printed, just signs posted all around Fairmount with the same message “Budweiser Clydesdale Horses” here 6PM – 9PM. Most signs were posted in front of bars & restaurants, but no specific times and no idea that they would have a parade of sorts. Kinda odd and confusing.

Thankfully Fairmounters are curious and they just showed up on the street at 6PM and found them.

First stop was Urban Saloon. Then they continue their trek down Fairmount and I hear they went to the Rose Tattoo and Kite and Key, returning to the neighborhood an hour later. I wish I had followed them. I thought they were just going to the end of the street and turning around.

Love seeing Terry McNally from London Grill, 23rd & Fairmount. At each stop the bar owners would get a case of Bud.

Sometimes they would hop on the carriage, like Jeff Keel the owner of Bishop’s Collar at 24th and Fairmount.  And look who I got across the street at 2401 Fairmount. I bet you didn’t know this guy really existed: Check out my Philly Mag column today.

Follow me on twitter this weekend to hear all the fun stuff going on at Made In America: @iPhillyChitChat

I think I’m the only person who didn’t get a shot of Bradley Cooper when he was in town the other day to promote his new movie “The Words” co-writer/co-directors Lee Sternthal and Brian Klugman (Jack’s nephew). I couldn’t miss The Hamels Foundation Diamond and Denim event which was at the same exact time. One of my readers Jess got a photo  – Thank you for the advice to stand across the street! It totally
worked!
There’s also a video on my facebook page of him taking the pic if you
want that- not sure how to get it off of facebook though. – Hey I was once a fan and glad I could help out. (Is this photo not priceless?)

I heard that Cooper told the crowd that he’ll be back in November to promote & have a screening for Silver Linings Playbook which was filmed right here in Philly. Then he’s coming back in February (brrr) with David O Russell and bringing Amy Adams with him to shoot a film on Abscam bribery scandal tentatively titled “American Bullsh*t” someone close to the production told me. Yeah when they said the name I had to repeat it I was kinda surprised.  Cooper was super dooper Monday night at the Prince, signing for fans, posing for photos. After the screening and the Q&A he went upstairs for a private party. He emerged from the theater to waiting fans and posed some more. At one point he got into his limo, saw a few more pleading fans, got out and signed and posed some more. Now that is super dooper bradley cooper. (The next day I missed cooper at Fox 29 by mere minutes, then I couldn’t go to the press conference at the Four Season’s cause I had my appointment with my personal trainer at the same time. Oh well in November then.)

Which reminds me, I ran into Brea Bee a few weeks ago on the set of Paranoia. She was in town to visit her beau Bill Eccleston, Sommelier At Ristorante Panorama. She plays Bradley Cooper’s wife in the “Silver Linings Playbook.” She’s excited for the film to premiere this fall, after it’s premiere at the Toronto Film Festival Sept 6 to the 16th. Brea moved to LA last year, where there are more opportunities for roles. She got to work right away and shot a Co-star role on the FOX Television series “Breaking In.” She also stars in another Philadelphia movie, “Backwards”, which opens on September 21.

Last week I saw this accident on Delaware Ave right in front of the PennDOT Driver and Vehicle Services

Style Me Hired gives free makeovers to unemployed women who are seeking employment. Over the past two years Style Me Hired and its partners have given hundreds of free makeovers to the unemployed to give them hope and restore their confidence as they seek employment.  The big event is coming up on September 24 at the Omni Hotel in Center City.  Are you a salon owner who would like to participate? Fill out this form.

i never had a chance to show you this pix of Andrew Bynum at his press conference earlier this month. i love the Sixers fans who came out in droves. I did have a pix on PhillyMag, but I love this shot too.

GREAT ADVENTURE SAFARI PARK IS CLOSING (**to become something more adventurous ..), so Mike and I headed over there last Friday for one last look. It’s kinda funny as I had been trying to get him there for the longest time and he resisted. He thought the animals would scratch his baby, I mean his car. But we spent 2 hours in the park and not one animal even came close. They were too busy sunning and minding their own business. They’ve seen cars before, probably doesn’t think they’re delicious.

Oh wait the giraffes did think this truck was delicious and kept licking it. Mike and I think they coated it with something cause they didn’t lick anyone elses vehicle. Today it should come out what the heck is going to happen to the reserve. Just know you only have another 30 days to enjoy it in your own car.
**to become something more adventurous like maybe 
Guess I was right, Philly dot com just posted this article

It’s here Made in America music festival is this weekend. Sure I’m disappointed that I wasn’t credentialed to cover the event, but I’m not surprised. Remember I covered the opening of Beyonce’s concert at the opening of Revel Resorts and there were stringent rules and regulations imposed by Beyonce and Jay Z’s and I hear they have their own crew covering the event, like the great Kevin Mazur from Getty Images. I worked with him when Beyonce opened Revel Resorts. For that weekend Jay Z only let two photographers cover the event, and Revel was able to get me in there too for a total of 3.Anyway I plan to go as a ticket holder, and as well as cover the event from any angle I can get.  Here’s a few photos of the set up. (PS I kinda wrote this fast so pardon my mistakes.)

The entrance to the Made in America venue is on 22nd between the Parkway and Pennsylvania Ave.

This is the 2nd stage, it faces the Art Museum, it’s between 23rd and 24th Streets along the Parkway. All the entertainment is on the northern end of the Parkway. So if you live at Park town Apts have a party and a long telescope.

This is the 3nd stage inside this tent at the corner of 23rd and Pennsylvania Ave. If you notice the fence goes right up to the street. Tuesday in a press conference Mayor Nutter said there will be no loitering outside the fence (see the double fence), or gate crashing. Buy a ticket, it’s for charity, The United Way.

During Live 8, a lot of the major talent’s dressing rooms were at the top of the stairs. I believe this will be the case too. There is also a VIP area up there. During that concert I was able to get a few good shots off of celebs mingling about, and that was before I bought a professional camera. Can’t wait to see what I see and shoot now.

I am definitely going to go to the concert, not only for the great talent but also to experience the day. It’s going to be one of those defining moments in Philadelphia music history, and our history.  I wish we could keep these lights that are strung across the parkway. Can we do this during the holidays?

THE  CLYDESDALES are coming Thursday night: Their route will start at 6:00 at the Urban
Saloon, across from Eastern State Penitentiary, they’ll move from there to Rembrandt’s,
London, Jack’s, and Bishop’s Collar, dropping off free beer along
the way. They’re supposed to end up at 25th and Pennsylvania Ave around 8PM, come by and see them.

Jay Z loves blue right? This is the Main Stage. Now check up the Made In America Line Up with the times.  Full Schedule As Of Thursday 8/29 : Plus now they say the concert is going to be live streamed:

The only real complaint I am hearing is the no re-entry policy, but that’s what it is when you go to concerts. The good thing about this event, there’s a lot of wide open space to spend time in between the shows you want to see. Plus there’s food, beverages and the last days of summer 2012 to spend with friends. There are rules and regulations and you can find them here under FAQ

FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER @iPhillyChitChat FOR THE LATEST IN CELEBRITY SIGHTINGS, TIDBITS AND UPDATES.

oPPS this published before I was ready, damn new blogger.

Oy the summer is almost over and the Social Season is upon us, a very busy season for PhillyChitChat.com I had an awesome summer, even though I could never find the time to go away which was bad for this seasoned traveler. There was so much to cover, uncover and what was Miley Cyrus up to? I did enjoy those Miley Cyrus fans. (BTW I will write the final Paranoia chapter on Friday. I have lot of fun stories some I couldn’t write about while they were here)  Today’s entries are a combination of two events that I want to get in before I get slammed in September. Have a great last week of Summer.

Earlier this month Christie Honigman and Teresa Nino hosted a charity bartender night at R2L for PAWS. Nearly 100 of their friends came out to support their efforts and to enjoy the beautiful sunset 37 stories above the city streets.

guest, Morris Gocia, forensic accountant, Gold Gocial Gerstein LLC and Grace Flanagan who just had a birthday the other day. 

R2L owner Sue Mahoney, Theodore Simon, a Philadelphia criminal defense attorney who has some
high-profile clients you may have heard of which have included Michael Fay (Singapore caning), Ira
Einhorn (French extradition), Alain Robert, the “French Spiderman”
(climber of skyscrapers), Don King (fight promoter), Tranda Wecker
(“internet birth mom”), Robert Durst (wealthy heir to the New York real
estate fortune) and Amanda Knox, the American student accused of killing her room mate in Italy (WOW), and R2L Chef/Owner Daniel Stern.

Last week my friend Erin Como flew in from Nashville, Tn, where she is the traffic reporter for Fox 17, to spend a day with her Philly friends before she went on a weeks long trip to Cape Cod. (so jealous.) A bunch of us met up for lunch at Parc including Vasiliki Tsiouris, Sheena Parveen, Alissa Ingram (congratulations on her engagement), Jillian Mele, Justin Pizzi and Erin Como. that evening we all headed over to Opa restaurant (1311 Sansom Street) for a bite to eat and lots of fun. Opa is a like a clubby bar after 10PM

 

Stephen Ferguson, Prudential Real Estate and Allison Papson. So excited to meet Ali after hearing so much about her through Erin and Julie Dorenbos. (Julie & Ali were college roommates. Can you imagine the stories?)

Erin Como, Sheena Parveen NBC10, Jillian Mele, NBC10, Ali Papson, Alissa Ingram, NBC 10, Vasiliki Tsiouris, Opa restaurant (Sheena’s probably wondering when I’m going to spill the news I found out this day, but I’m gonna save it for another day.)

Erin Como, Sheena Parveen, Sheena’s neighbor who’s name I can’t remember, guest and Craig Robinson (he’s friends with all the boys.) Check out who Craig at the Hamels Foundation event on Monday night with his friends from 6ABC’s Bachelor show series.