Last week the Kimmel Cultural Campus, Chef Jose Garces and Garces Events announced the return of Balcony Bar at The Kimmel. The Balcony Bar SIPS features a birds eye view of the Avenue of the Arts and City skyline, and happens every Wednesday, from 4:30pm to 7:00pm, for Center City SIPS. Guests will enjoy the city’s best views for free, plus beats from weekly rotating DJs, ticket giveaways, discounted drinks and happy hour bites. The Balcony Bar will offer up not just the vibes, but the best sips deals, with offerings priced between $4 and $6 each.
Dress is casual cool: Brenda Hillegas, Rowhome Magazine and Melanie Highbloom
Party on the Pier – Sunday, July 3 Get your groove on this summer with our riverfront 4th of July “Party on the Pier” Celebration on Sunday, July 3! The FREE family-friendly event will have food trucks, games, an Elton John tribute band, and ends with a dazzling fireworks finale at 9PM. DJ Gary O will kick off the party at 6PM!
Philly Food Ladies (Becca Neckwritz + Christina Mitchell)
Taylee Decastro and friend
Head to Center City District for more information on SIPS and shopping this year too!!
I photographed Jennifer Hudson at the opening of Revel Casino in 2012
Fresh from her EGOT achievement, Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony winner Jennifer Hudson (Dreamgirls, Respect) is coming to Philly to film her next movie called Breathe – The story follows a mother named Maya (Hudson) and her daughter (Wallis) who are forced to live underground after Earth is made uninhabitable due to a lack of oxygen. It also stars Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil), Oscar nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild, Annie) and Oscar winner Common (Wanted, Suicide Squad) are set to star in the film, from Indie Spirit Award winner Stefon Bristol (See You Yesterday) and Sam Worthington (Avatar).
Jennifer Hudson singing to an audience member at Philly Fights Cancer in 2016
The film is in pre production , building sets at Sun Center Studios right now. The cast will arrive in July to begin filming in our area as well as in Aston, Pa.
As I wrote last week M Night’s Knock at the Cabin has wrapped. The wrap party was held Saturday at Harper’s Garden 6/4/22 (Ironically I was having dinner at my friends farm, who lives across the street from the Night home, which I’ve been to as well)
emimahmwaba I can’t believe it’s over! #thatsawrap on #knockatthecabin ! This was my first experience on set and I have made life long connections and learned so much! #setfamily I was very inspired by all involved in making this movie from the director (@mnight ) to all the crew on set! This has just motivated me to keep fighting for my dream and I will accomplish it God willing! 🎉🎉🎉
Knock on the Cabin stars: Dave Bautista, alumni of Shyamalan’s films Rupert Grint (servant) and Nikki Amuka-Bird (Old), and gay actors playing a gay couple: Ben Aldridge and Jonathan Groff
I’m glad that M Night has gotten more lenient about taking photos on set, as this was one film that got away from me as I was busy shooting so many parties for spring social season. As my “agreement” with him for all of his films, I won’t delve into the plot or characters to keep it a surprise for you. (he’s always very generous to me when I do show up and photograph his film sets, and I appreciate it. Over the years of doing this it has been rough on other film sets, occasionally, LOL. )
Most of these shots were posted on the IG account Knock on the Cabin
Sightings of actors in Philly : Jonathan Groff above was spotted at Wine Dive, Bike Stop and a.kitchen. Rupert Grint was spotted with his family at The Franklin Institute, Tuna Bar, Crumbl Cookies, and the Elmwood Zoo.
“I was 23. I came out of the closet and I was still feeling quite shameful for years. When I did Looking, I was playing a gay character on a set with a lot of gay people. I started to fall in love with who I was for the 1st time. Truth really did set me free” Happy pride month. – Jonathan Groff
M. Night Shyamalan and Rupert Grint return to Philly to finish the final 5 episodes for Servant Season 4. Filming is under way at Night’s Garnet Valley studio, which he built specially for the popular Apple TV series. But will return to the Fitler Square area by August.
Rumor has it that Ridley Scott is filming a new movie in our area in the fall. I heard about it to from someone in the industry. I wish I could find my notes….. but here’s the rumor on Reddit.
Drag Mafia Queen Brittany Lynn with Gay Sinatra and Sue and Kory Aversa
Earlier this month Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square, part of AccorHotels hosted the official kick off for Philadelphia Gay Pride Month. The Sofitel Philadelphia rasied a giant inclusive version of the Gay Pride Flag which hangs proudly outside the hotel on 17th Street. Inside, neighbors, guests and visitors are invited to visit the Hall of LGBTQ Flags Exhibition featuring six individual LGBTQ flags flying high above the lobby to celebrate the diversity of the local and hotel LGBTQ community.
The raising of the flags coincides with a month-long benefit to support the William Way LGBT Community Center. Back and bigger than ever, Sofitel Philadelphia and Brittany Lynn’s Drag Mafia Present Sofitel’s Pride Drag Tea featuring the Sofitel famous tea-service with an entertaining and drag twist. This year look for performances EVERY single weekend, with tickets still left for the June 25, 2022 show. A portion of proceeds from the Drag Tea will go to support the capital campaign and operations at William Way LGBT Community Center.
Guests enjoying their Drag Brunch while showing their gratitude to Gay Sinatra
Sofitel is located at 120 S. 17th Street, Philadelphia in the heart of Rittenhouse Square. For information about events at Sofitel Philadelphia, visit Sofitel Philadelphia on Facebook. For booking a stay during Pride Month, call (215) 569-8300 or visit https://www.sofitel-philadelphia.com/.
Miss Lisa Lisa is a fixture on Philadelphia’s scene. For years she has been at the helm of the legendary Thursday drag night at Bob and Barbara’s and has helped launch many a drag career, and is a true team player – a rare trait in the cutthroat drag world.
Who doesn’t love tea sandwiches.
Come ready to be entertained as you enjoy classics, like scones, tea sandwiches (smoked salmon, dill cream cheese, cucumber, pinwheel; truffled egg salad, quinoa cup; fig jam, boursin, red onion, sesame pretzel; turkey, cranberry, orange, pumpernickel), pastries (orange and grand marnier cake, matcha mousse, chocolate profiterole, macaroons), and Palais Des Thes (selection of nine different teas for you to choose) – plus your choice of a Champagne, Mimosa or Bellini.
Tickets are $75 per person for standard drag tea service, or $85 with bottomless Champagne, Mimosas and Bloody Marys.
Selfies and Photos are encouraged Steven McDonald (c) tells me his drag song is Womanizer by Brittney Spears, where Pat Ryan tells me his drag name would be Anita Bru!!
Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square will donate a portion of its proceeds from the Drag Tea as well as from purchases of the Liberté cocktail and select banquet menu items to the William Way LGBT Community Center.
THE Middle of June is happening already, time is at warp speed. My favorite time of the year is coming up – July 4th, so many activities to celebrate our country, and a gathering of family and friends. Rivers Casino has a full calendar of fun events, and delicious food choices. For Father’s Day they are having a special: Join us at Jack’s Bar + Grill this Father’s Day for the $25 Grilled NY Strip special! I had it a few months ago when I went to see Taylor Dayne and it was delicious. What a great day to eat on the river with Dad!
Jack’s menu features favorites like the Liberty Bell Pretzel served with beer cheese and spicy mustard, and the Pecan Crusted Salmon served with a maple bourbon glaze, mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans. Jack’s is also the Philadelphia home of Flipt Burgers, a Rivers original. These fully customizable burgers never disappoint! Jack’s Bar + Grill is the perfect casual bar on the water to sip on a signature cocktail, glass of wine or cold beer.
DJ, producer, and West Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff continues his residency at Rivers Casino, with another free performance coming up Saturday, July 2, at 8 p.m. at the Jack’s Bar + Grill stage. The last show was packed, so get there early to get your grove on. INFO
DJ Jazzy Jeff is part of the upcoming entertainment at Rivers Casino, which is scheduled as follows:
Party On The Pier At Rivers Casino Philadelphia July 4th Weekend
Rivers Casino Philadelphia is having a Party on the Pier to celebrate the Fourth of July on Sunday, July 3, starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature live outdoor music by Elton Rohn: North America’s Premier Elton John Tribute Show, along with food, fun and fireworks, which will end the night at 9 p.m.
This free, kid-friendly event will also include games, face painting, balloon artists and plenty of free parking.
“We’re thrilled to be hosting another Party on the Pier in celebration of Independence Day,” said Justin Moore, general manager at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “This family-friendly party has everything from music to treats and spectacular fireworks to close out a terrific event.” MORE INFO HERE
I’m a little behind in publishing after a very hectic social season, as many of my outlets are still on pandemic pause, or became understaffed when the world return at breakneck speed and they were unable to keep up. Thanks so much to Metro Philly, CBSPhilly and Phila Tribune for hanging in there.
Some people might think these columns are about the people who go to events, but it’s really about the mission of each of these charitable organization, announcement of business and these days restarting life; although I do love writing about the folks who attend as well. So let’s check out today’s post.
PS You might have read that I have Covid again, and I do. Mike and I are on day 5 and are finally feeling better. It wasn’t a surprise that we got it again, it was a surprise that we got so sick. Was hoping I would be in the asymptomatic category like so many folks we knew. Oh well it wasn’t meant to be. I’m excited to get back out there, covering Philly and all it has to offer….
On May 16, BalletX honored two Philadelphians who have profoundly impacted the civic and cultural life of our city and nation: Carole Haas Gravagno, philanthropist and activist extraordinaire, and Mark Aronchick, renowned litigator and former Chancellor of the Philadelphia Bar Association were honored at the BalletX – The Premier Party at the Mann Music Center. (Thanks to PCC team photographer Talya Hailey for shooting this event for us, I was shooting CFEVA right down the street at the Waterworks.)
Christine Cox co-founded BalletX, and is the Artistic & Executive Director, greets under the Mann tent. Recently Christine was honored with the Third Annual Visionary Award by the Avenue of the Arts organization. Christine recently returned with the company from Dallas where the company performed co-founder Matthew Neenan’sIncreasing, Caili Quan’s Fancy Me, Amy Seiwert’s It’s Not A Cry, and the newest addition to BalletX’s tour repertory, Jennifer Archibald’s Exalt. Check out their social media for all things touring!
Rick Pasquier, Nancy Pasquier, Erik Vananglen, and Trixanna Vananglen
Christine’s newsletter “We’re now full speed ahead towards Summer Series next month! Do you have your tickets yet? I’m so excited to be coming home to the Wilma July 13-17 with a show stopping lineup of choreographers. Don’t miss out on this limited run with world premieres by Tiler Peck, Gustavo Ramirez Sansano, and Jamar Roberts. Save your seats today.” Check out a bit of it here on their Social.
Mary Lee Haas, Leonard Haas, and Christine Cox
We’re participating in the Target Circle program! You can vote for us and help direct Target’s giving to benefit BalletX. For full program details and restrictions visit Target Circle.
Jim Averill, Janet Averill, Trupti Trivedi, and Joachim Rebholz
Despite the inclimate weather everyone enjoyed themselves under the big tent. The Mann Center has one of the best views of the City from their hill top event space.
Dance eXchange, our in-school outreach program, emphasizes dance as a means to promote self-confidence, acquire valuable life skills, and establish personal standards for excellence. Head here to apply for your school.
Hollywood came to Philly last night at the Philadelphia Film Center on Tuesday, June 7, 2022 as Adam Sandler, Kenny Smith, Juancho Hernangomez walked the red carpet for the screening of Hustle, directed by Philly’s own Jeremiah Zagar (I saw his first film, it was about his dad mosaic artist Isaiah Zagar and mom Julia, about 12 years ago.)
Judy Sandler and son, actor Adam Sandler
Speaking of mom’s, Adam brought his mom Judy Sandler to the screening in Philly, which brought all the headline attention from around the globe to the Philly showing of Hustle, which had already screened in LA and NYC. Thanks Adam!!
Actor/basketball player Juancho Hernangómez hugs director of Hustle Jeremiah Zagar
Adam Sandler and Jeremiah Zagar, Director of Hustle
Billy King, former general manager of the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers
Hustle is streaming on Netflik’s now. I would definitely watch it again, if not for the story, which was fun, and funny, but the co-star PHILADELPHIA was beautiful!!! – movie review
Tierra Whack, a Philadelphia Rapper who makes a cameo in Hustle.
Tobias Harris and Jasmine Winton
Speaking for Tobias Harris, his BFF operates Crumbl Cookies in Wynnewood, earlier this week actor Rupert Grint stopped by for a few treats. (Last night he was spotted at Lola’s Garden. My friends tells me he posed for a few photos with fans, but mostly enjoyed his meal) He’s in the area finishing up M. Night Shyamalan movie “Knock at the Cabin”, which is filming mostly in the Philly burbs, although they have filmed a few times in South Philly. I haven’t done my normal sleuthing as I’ve been overwhelmed with the very hot, hot social season which is happening right now.
Speaking of hot, around town guy Kevin McKeown (l) ran into actors Jonathan Groff and Ben Aldridge near Rittenhouse Square yesterday. They’re also here for Night’s movie “Knock on the Cabin”, which had it’s wrap party Saturday night at Harper’s Garden sources tell me. The film wraps this upcoming Friday. Maybe Groff will stop by the Bike Stop again for a farewell drink?
Ciao bella! On Sunday, June 26, 2022, Sea Me Events is hosting “A Taste of Italy” at Il Fiore in Collingswood (693 Haddon Ave.) Guests will be greeted with sparkling Italian Prosecco, indulge in a Five-Course meal, and dance The Tarantella!
Taste of Italy ventures away from well-known Italian cuisine and into traditional dishes such as Veal Carciofi, veal medallions with artichokes and tomatoes in a creamy, garlic white wine sauce. Additionally, guests will dine while immersing in traditional Italian dances, fashion, and history. Through Sea Me Events, learning continues outside of school in this energetically educational occasion.
Taste of Italy kicks off at noon on June 26, with a five-course meal including regional pasta dishes. This event is open to the public. Tickets:INFO
Sea Me Events is a women-of-color-owned special events firm founded by Elizabeth Aifantis of Medford and Susan Sorrell of Cherry Hill. Sea Me Events specializes in DEI focused events and cultural driven activations. Both founders Aifantis and Sorrell traveled extensively around the globe. “Rome is a beautiful city and is one of my favorites because of its rich history and architecture,” Sorrell said. Combined with their success in planning over 200 DEI focused events and large-scale entertainment experiences, Sea Me Events will bring regional attendees together to enjoy the richness of Italian culture.
It’s back, in person. I’ve photographed this event before, and it was very uplifting. So grab your girlfriends and head to Location 215 in Spring Garden Arts , just above Center City :
DivaGirl Tribe is bringing back their Wellness Conference LIVE IN-PERSON with 25+ presenters, 20+ vendors and 200+ possible connections.
The conference is a full day event of fun, educational and empowering classes for women by a diverse group of women who are ready to inspire and motivate you to prioritize your mental health.
Join 200+ Women for A Full-Day Event about the way we think, the way we feel and the way we act through stories, movement, teaching, sharing & more!
DivaGirl Tribe has been hosting sold out events since 2014 in the Philadelphia area.
We are bringing back our Wellness & Empowerment Conference in-person!
This year, we are prioritizing Mental Health!
20+ Presenters & Teachers
20+ Local Vendors
The DivaGirl Wellness Conference is a full day event where 200+ women congregate and connect to experience the following:
-Inspiring and motivational speakers -Educational workshops from experts -Movement and Grounding classes -Shopping local vendors -Healthy lunch -Swag bag -Dance party – INFO HERE
Last week supporters of The Center for Emerging Visual Artists merrily mingled at the Waterworks among Artists, Artworks, Artful Cocktails & Artistic Food while bidding on an auction, all in the name of Empowering Successful Artistic Practice in Philadelphia. The Center for Emerging Visual Artists exists with a mission to cultivate, nurture and advance the careers of artists. Also aiming to engage the public more fully in our local art scene, CFEVA expands opportunities to discover and connect with art through city-wide programming and community building initiatives.
Lindsey Scannapieco is the Managing Partner of Scout, and the Founder of Building with Amanda Phillips, CFEVA Executive Director, Development & Operations
At the CFEVA ART PARTY two city champions were honored that evening: Karen Young of Fairmount Water Works and Lindsey Scannapieco of Building Bok.
Approaching arts programming through a new lens, CFEVA’s services are designed to raise the profile of Philadelphia’s professional artists, build upon its strength in bringing the creative process into the public realm, foster artistic experimentation and innovation, and showcase how vibrant artistic communities boost cultural tourism and foster economic development.
Haley Wright and Lily Gilston
Through fellowships, residencies, educational outreach, exhibitions, professional development, and city-wide events, CFEVA provides artists with the tangible resources needed to develop viable and sustainable careers and deepens public understanding of the visual arts space in Greater Philadelphia.
“Artists are not mysterious figures cloistered in studios but vital cultural contributors working right alongside the rest of us to bring beauty, truth, joy and economic value to a society that needs these things more than ever.”-Ben White, Politico, for The Artist as Cultural Producer, edited by Sharon Loudoun
CFEVA ART PARTY to Honor two Community Champions: Lindsey Scannapieco, of Bok here with her family.
City Champions: Lindsey Scannapieco of Building Bok and Karen Young of Fairmount Water Works with Maida R. Malone, Board Chair , Amanda Phillips, Executive Director, and Genevieve Coutroubis , Executive Artistic Director,
Support Local Artists
The Center for Emerging Visual Artists
Visit Us: Monday – Friday 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. | By appointment only
The Barclay, 237 South 18th Street, Suite 3A.
Philadelphia, PA 19103
For visitors with accessible needs, please call us at 215-546-7775.
We are so excited for CFEVA’s night at the Trestle Inn Feel the Love Happy Hour on June 2, 6-9PM!🍻❤️ All are welcome!🥂20% of proceeds of the evening benefit CFEVA. Enjoy a cocktail (or two…) with friends and see incredible artwork by CFEVA artists projected on a big screen all night. Prizes for attendees include: – Chance to win a CFEVA Artist Memberships (valued at $65+) – Discounts for CFEVA Artist Membership (valued at $40 and up) – $50 OFF of registration for the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours (valued at $125) Link in our bio to RSVP for the event (scroll down until you see CFEVA’s event on June 2).
Kick off the start off summer with our FREE family-friendly event: Party On The Pier Memorial Day Celebration at Rivers Casino! Party starts at 3PM!
As the unofficial start of the summer season and a day to honor those who died while serving in the U.S. military, Memorial Day Weekend on May 29th (Sunday) is a good time to get out and celebrate at The Rivers Casino
LIVE MUSIC on the Outside Stage
Get Ready to Groove! Sunday, May 29
Come enjoy live performances on our outdoor stage by Slippery When Wet, the Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute Band, and The Purple Xperience, a Prince tribute band featuring Marshall Charloff.
4PM: Slippery When Wet
7:30PM: The Purple Xperience
Legendary Radio & Club Philly DJ Gary O will shake up the dance floor before and after the live music bands.
Food Trucks & Fun
Sunday, May 29 Throughout the day you can enjoy a variety of fun family games and activities such as corn hole, giant pong, giant Connect 4, giant Jenga, face painting and a balloon artist.
If you’re hungry stop down at one of Philly’s food truck favorites with delicious local dishes ranging from hamburgers to sweet desserts.
Enjoy waterfront views of an incredible fireworks finale above the Delaware River beginning at sunset. Grab a spot along the Riverwalk and enjoy the colorful night sky.
Fireworks finale starts at sunset after the shows.
(All photos provided except the fireworks show, which I to at Rivers Casino 12/31/19)
