Philly Chit Chat

Opening on Thursday is the newest boutique hotel in Philadelphia, the serene, sophisticated Hotel Palomar by Kimpton designed by Dayna Lee, of Powerstrip Studio in Hollywood, California.The luxury hotel offers a stylish sanctuary within an exciting urban environment, where high-end, harmonious design, outstanding personalized service and exceptional amenities provide you with a level of comfort that redefines the boutique hotel experience. (from website)
Hotel Palomar Philadelphia, a Kimpton Hotel, sets “art in motion” in the Rittenhouse Square neighborhood. The first of its kind, our LEED registered luxury hotel in the heart of Center City Philadelphia is a testament to superior eco-friendly hotel design, personalized service and genuinely warm hospitality. The dining room where there will be nightly wine “Happy Hours” for guests.
The Living Room
Where guests can sit and relax Check-In
The elevator lobby on the first floor.
Throughout our boutique hotel, original artwork dynamically interacts with soft hues, luxurious custom furnishings and original architectural detailing.

Work began in February 2008 to transform the 1929 landmark building, the Architects Building, into the 230-room Hotel Palomar. The 24-story structure, one of the city’s most striking examples of Art Deco architecture, is the former headquarters for the Philadelphia chapter of the AIA. The $92.5 million renovation is Kimpton’s 11th adaptive reuse development.Remember those mosaic tiled elevator murals that hung for 40 years in the elevators, plus weighed down the lifts often breaking for weeks. Well these are two of the newer murals.
They look like real rooms. (Back in August I wrote about the old mosaic city depicted murals that lined the walls of these elevators. All four of them were decorated with intricate mosaics of circa-30s Philly scenes: City Hall, Swann Fountain, the old skyline, the Ben Franklin Bridge. They were carefully removed and are intact and GUESS WHAT THE KIMPTON IS WILLING TO DONATE THEM TO A WORTHY ORGANIZATION THAT WOULD LIKE TO MAINTAIN THEM AND DISPLAY THEM. I had one bite, but as of last week probably because of the budget nothing has been done about it. I would love them to stay in Philadelphia. Can’t anyone step forward and save this piece of art?
The 184 guestrooms, 19 spa rooms, and 17 suites with Fuji spa tubs are outfitted with custom furnishings, bedding by Frette, spa-inspired L’Occitane bath amenities, and 37-inch LCD flat-screen HDTVs.
In addition to the guestrooms, the hotel also features 6,000 square feet of meeting space, including the 2,750-square-foot penthouse ballroom on the 25th floor, with sweeping views of the city skyline, which was full of staff training when I paid a visit. This is the King size room.
The Queen size room with two beds.
This is the view from the 8th floor Queen that I visited. This is looking south towards the stadiums. To the right would be Rittenhouse Square.

Shaking [and stirring] things up in the Center City cuisine scene is Square 1682, Kimpton’s first Philadelphia restaurant and bar. Named for the year that William Penn founded Pennsylvania.When you go see if you can figure out the relationship to the lighted stain glass on the first floor to the one on the 2nd floor

Armani suits are as fitting as blue jeans here, as long as you’re in the mood for a deliciously casual bite and an expertly mixed cocktail. This “Chalkboard” wall design can be changed if the mood strikes.Downstairs, in energetic bar scene with floor-to-ceiling wine display is backed by an exhibition kitchen on left. On the right are low tables and a banquette for easy conversations. I love the very energetic color scheme. Although you can’t see the curtains in this picture they are thin golden sheers which let light in, but not a lot of stares.
Nationally celebrated Chef Guillermo Tellez (Click here for great article in City Paper’s Meal Ticket) introduces a New American menu with world flavors, designed for sampling and sharing on your right shares the kitchen with Michael Franey, Sous Chef and your hostess hmmm

Adjacent to the 1682 are two “Meeting Rooms” or Private Dining & Special Events
A private Chef’s table for 10 plus the second floor dining room provides social and meeting planners special rooms for intimate gatherings. Larger corporate and personal gatherings have six elegantly appointed options available at the adjacent Hotel Palomar. All catering and menu planning is crafted in-house, and menus can be tailored to your affair. To book your next event, contact Jim Weber at jim.weber@kimptonhotels.com or 215.563.5006. A few articles on Square 1682: http://www.facebook.com/Square1682?ref=mf
Michael Klein has a copy of the Menu
Grub Street Philadelphia

Philadelphia Fashion Week concludes on a high note. As someone who has covered NYC’s Fashion Week for the past five season, I can tell you that Philadelphia’s version came pretty damn close as far as scale, unique designs, beautiful model’s and execution. Thursday’s crowd was missing, but it was Thursday after all. If it was held in one of the venue’s where all the past fashion shows were held, they would have been turning people away. Friday and Saturday PFW was in full swing and packed with people, people watchers, and fashion. I love that they were ambitious enough to have the show in the Armory, everyone’s favorite Marc Jacobs’ holds his in an Armory in NYC. CMK Entertainment founded Philadelphia Fashion Week consists of Michael Anderer, Kristie Bergey and Charlie Smith.
Arriving Saturday around 5:30PM, the party was in full swing. I wanted to shoot a bit differently tonight, but set out to see who was in the Philadelphia Inquirer VIP “I” area. Let me first mention it was OPEN BAR so I may have a few names screwed up because some people were a little tipsy and had problems writing their names on my pad.

ABC6’s Kristie Gonzales, who’s been doing spots all week from PFW (I tried to use that as a moniker on Twitter, but it also stood for Paris Fashion Week. I just used PhilaFW). With Kristie was her good friend Monica Devlin. Monica used to intern with Kristie at ABC6 and has now gone into the consulting biz.Mel & Michael. Mel is ULTRAMEL and the website designer for Philadelphia Fashion Week. The site is really great, is an easy read and navigable site. I noted it because I am in the thought process of thinking of changing the design of my site, but of course am nervous to tinker with it.

Matthew Vlahos, Kristie Bergey and Jimmy Contreras, who is styling it tonight with a scarf from designer Paula Bianco (from Pileggi Boutique) who’s been tying a few on with John Mayer last week according to a pix in People Mag.I always enjoy running into fans of Philly Chit Chat, and here’s a stylish chica with a button pocketbook. Pat Marin and Melanie Thomas
Monica Thomas and Leha Goodley want to thank Amtrak for their comp tickets to this great event. I think they’re pretty stylish too, check out the boots they are a step into the right direction as high boots are all the rage this season.
Donih O’Brien, Judge & Owner of Beautiful Blooms, Alison Campbell and Susanna Whitehill
Toni Crawford and designer Kristin Haskins of “Strange Fruit”
Stacey Kracher and Anne Nikolaus. Two wild and single girls. Yes that’s right sad news, Stacey is now single after a 3 year courtship. I told her she should take a few months off, enjoy the single life then maybe if someone right comes along. How do you mend a broken heart? In the crowd on Saturday night including Phila Eagles Stewart Bradley, who I ran into the night before at G Lounge.
Volunteer Luba Patlakh of Posh Review, Advisory Board Member KristenInsalaco, Executive Director Kristy Bergey & Volunteer Alina Reznik (missing Advisory Board Members Brian Goldthorp and Audrey Julianne)
Arthur Kade, who looked well rested after his reality show filming kicked off the night before at G Lounge, but shessh it’s such a big secret no one is supposed to know.
Mike Sheridan and Jim Werner out and about. Sunday they were at Outfest which had a nice turnout despite the thousands of GLBT folks marching on Washington DC (I went for a 19 mile bike ride that was 9 miles too long)
Brand, clothier, fashionista, store owner Matthew Izzo and the hot tattooed model. Although he would not comment, look for Matthew Izzo to be the next reality TV star to come out of Philly as there is something in the works with the Style Channel, I hear. (now I have broken this story, if you pick it up it would be nice if you credit PhillyChitChat. Thanks you know who you are)
Lori Wilson and KristenInsalaco. Lori, along with Gary Steuer, handed out the Best Student Designer Award, which went to Phila University.
As with the NY Fashion Tents, there were boutiques on the premises offering their wares, included Danielle Tobin, Marina Makaron Moscow, Sandra Baquero, S. Love, I Pearl, Cristina V., Mesa Enterprises, Traci Lynn Fashion Jewelry, Matthew Izzo Lifestyle & Home, Duke & Winston (who’s bulldog mascot Duke came out to visit!), K. Lousie Designs, and House of Mohr.
I love how this shop owners hair reflects the style of the coat.
While the shows were going on upstairs, here’s the mess that was going on below
Dressers for the models, Phila University students Diana Saeng, Jamaila Cuentas, Saniyyah Bilal, and Stacey Robinson
I love the model’s reflection in the mirror but the legs are not hers
Marina Makaron Moscow/ Philadelphia Examinar Michelle Conron was able to get an exclusive interview with the designer herself before her Philadelphia Fashion Week debut to ask her my most burning questions about her lust worthy designs. Marina assisting a model with her dress as her hair is being done by Kevin Gatto, of Verde Salon, (Best of Philly 2008) who directed the hair for Philadelphia Fashion Week. He was the key player to the style and look of the shows and all saw him working like crazy on the models downstairs, and then doing last minute primping right before they went on. Marina Makaron Moscow
The only complaint I heard was where were the bathrooms, and then I heard OMG a porta potty. Let me tell you at Bryant Park, if you have to pee even Anna Wintour has to use the porta potties. It’s a park with a tent, and this is a warehouse with bathrooms downstairs where the military lived, and were currently used for the models.
According to Elizabeth Wellington’s article in the Philadelphia Inquirer on Saturday about Fashion Week, Marina Makaron Moscow, a Russian-born designer and a graduate of Drexel University, whose silk scarves are sold at Bloomingdale’s trunk shows. Moscow – who also has a pop-up boutique at Fashion Week – wants to be picked up by the department store and will be debuting her dress collection this evening.
“Great write up. It was such a pleasure to work on this show. My team was quite proud of the roles they played with hair and makeup. Kevin Gatto and Susana Isabel Claro were amazing team leaders (Hair and Makeup). We can’t wait for the next project!” -André Richard SalonPhiladelphia Fashion Week runways included Kill City a clothing line launched in 2006 out of Melrose, Calif., and sold at Matthew Izzo’s store in Old City. Among Moore College of Art & Design creations, left, were a long green dress by Alana Bakunas and a wedding gown by Olivia Bialas. Both students are seniors. Palmieri Jeans, third from top, designed by Joe Palmieri, has a store in Mount Airy.
He’s getting his tan onMost of these shots were done without a flash and were hand held so they are a tad sunshine esq in color via the florescent bulbs


the poor ozone layerSAVA 1700 Sansom Street, 215-587-0004
fashion entrepreneur Sarah Van Aken just opened her new store SAVA at 1700 Sansom Street, 215-587-0004. Sarah checks out the hair styles being created for the models who are just about to do the catwalk in her clothes.
Sarah Van Aken discusses logistics with Michael and assistant on how the show should run all the way down to the strut of the models.

Sarah back stage with dressers checking out the lineup. Great interview with Hadas Kuznits on KYW
Photo by house photographer Christopher Gabello

Sarah after the show
Parke & Ronan Photo by house photographer Christopher Gabello
Melanie von Alexandria collection
Melanie von Alexandria gives a pep talk to the girls.
The last fashion show is over
Melanie von Alexandria is thrilled. I love this shot, my ears are still ringing.Celebrate good times, come on. A job well done. Charlie Smith, Kristie Bergey and Michael Anderer with Kevin Gatto .
An amazing feat pulled off to put Philadelphia on the map in fashion. Since covering the Philly Social Scene I have seen several people try and create a “Fashion Week” here, and for what ever reason it just didn’t fly. CMK did a fantastic job, seemless in appearance, pulled together some amazing folks to put on a great show for everyone and brought Philadelphia a long way along the fashion front. A tip of my hat to youse.
Please Visit Philadelphia Fashion Week and support everyone that participated.

Philadelphia Fashion Week, a three-day fashion extravaganza, will take place on October 8-10, 2009 at the 23rd Street Armory (23rd between Market and Chestnut streets) in Philadelphia. The high-end, sustainable event will fuse the best contemporary brands, directionally independent designers and street wear labels from Philadelphia and around the globe.
“The concept behind Philadelphia Fashion Week is to invite residents and visitors to celebrate the vibrant fashion, food, and arts and culture scene in Philadelphia,” said Kristie Bergey, executive director of Philadelphia Fashion Week and partner of CMK Entertainment, Fashion Week’s event producer. “In a city known for its rich history, we are proud to make history by producing the first fashion week in Philadelphia.” Here we find Philadelphia Daily Candy’s Meredith Lindemon and Kate Ryan (Katie looks like Reese Witherspoon, and is a whole lot nicer. Meredith thinks Katie is the daughter of Drew Barrymore and Reese Witherspoon)
Chritine Bugg and Noel Perate, Freeman Interiors. Noel attended Moore College of Arts and is here to support the Alma Mater. NYC Fashion Week tickets are impossible to get. You have to either be a buyer, or know someone, and even when you know someone it’s tough to get that hot ticket. Although now they have been offering hotel packages with tickets, they start at $800 FOR ONE SHOW. So to have this event, on this scale available for $75 or $100 at the door, you should snap it up. It’s a bargain, plus you get to see about 6 shows a day, and experience what it’s like to be at an industry fashion show.
Kristin Insalaco, David Evangelista is one of the nation’s leading hair, makeup, and fashion experts and is a respected television personality and is the MC of tonight’s show, and Fashion writer and winner of the most colorful outfit tonight, Elizabeth Wellington..
Chris Gabello shooting the runway. It’s kinda nostalgic to be here with Chris. Tonight was also the Liberty Bell Medal event, which was given to Steven Spielberg. Chris and I shot that event together 2 years ago and spent the good amount of 4 hrs downtime just chatting about where we wanted to go with our careers. I think we’re doing exactly what we set out to do. And look at us without a chatting about it we both chose the Philadelphia Fashion Week over the Liberty Bell Medal. Right now Chris is working on the Varga Girl Calendar for 2010 (Varga Bar) Kate Ryan says look for the launch party to happen sometime in November or early December, at Varga Bar of course.
There were fashions by students from the Moore College of Art and Design, as well as looks by Brooklyn Royalty, Wrath Arcane, Love Brigade, Palmieri Jeans, Delicious, and Kill City. Fashionistas rocked out to music from This is a Shakedown and Black Landlord.
The daily schedule for Philadelphia Fashion Week:
4:00 p.m. Doors open to the public
5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. Best of student designers
6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Street wear designers
8:00 p.m. Headlining concert
9:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. Contemporary couture designers
Models exclusively represented by Wilhelmina Models will walk in Philadelphia Fashion Week. In the Fall of 2009, Wilhelmina of PA will be opening an office in Philadelphia. Led by Kelli Harman and Wilhelmina corporation. To learn more about the new branch or to book one of its many talented models, or actors contact Will Ball 215-870-0043 or email Will@wilhelminaofpa.com I see myself photographing a lot of exciting events with these folks in attendance. Will Ball and Rachel Stumpo or Stumpo as people in the field call her.
Lucy MacNichol, Kiera Daly & Rebecca Morley, Devine & Powers. Currently representing the new Kiptom Palomar Hotel opening next week at 17th & Sansom. Last week Palomar’s Gm Peggy M Trot gave PhillyChitChat a tour of the hotel. It’s beautiful and I will be posting the photos on Tuesday.

Who’s gonna sign these peeps:
Hanging in the I VIP room I found Jet Phynx – He said its not the clothes that make you but you that should make the clothes. This is where fashion can be a eclectic canvas for ones self. Jet Phynx(pronounced Phoenix) Is much more than your average Pop artist, being that he is also college educated in Fashion Merchandising as well. & Brawdway
Look for these two people to be going places. Check their video out on YouTube Philadelphia Fashion Week shows may last longer than the industry standard because designers can opt to mix their holiday 2009 collection in with looks from spring and summer 2010 lines
Philadelphia Fashion Week shows may last longer than the industry standard because designers can opt to mix their holiday 2009 collection in with looks from spring and summer 2010 lines
Action Park’s Gray Papa and designer Nicole Manning
Action Park is playing at the TrocaderoSunday night at 7PM

In between shows there was talking, there was shopping, there was eating, drinking and entertainment. This band was from Cleveland named “This is a Shakedown”Your admission price includes drinks & food. This will be the happening party in the City Tonight and Saturday night. Also this is really a unique event. Having covered 5 seasons at NYC Fashion Week Philadelphia’s Fashion Week has come the closest and perhaps has even succeeded the energy, and excitement of what a “Fashion Week” should be about. They have combined the runway, with the party with the socializing all under one “Tent”.
Oh and did I mention EYE CANDY – Dr. Matthew Bauer and Dr. Gabrielle Young (Bombshell Doctor website) These two doctors are out to change your life. They are taking their healthy lifestyle and writing a diet book on nutrition and fitness. They met in medical school where they were both fitness models too.
Executive Director of Fashion Week Kristie Bergey and DJ Adrian Hardy “Philadelphia Fashion Week is the largest professional fashion event in Philadelphia,” said Kristie Bergey, executive director of Philadelphia Fashion Week. “One of the main goals of our show is to support area retailers. By providing pop-up boutiques on site, we hope to introduce consumers to our designers or reinforce existing retail relationships.”
Delicious Corsets was founded by Psydde & Amy Delicious in 1995. Psydde is a graduate of Philadelphia University where he studied fashion and textile design. Amy, who also attended Philadelphia U, has been sewing and designing for over 25 years in both Philly and SF.
These models are wearing designs by Delicious, a local Philly designer, who showed on the first night of Philadelphia Fashion Week.
Delicious models too
Jackiem Wright, Sloan Harrison and Reggie Berry. Check out Jackiem & Reggie’s “Cool Kids” Party every Tuesday at Strongbox. Cool Kids Tuesday STRONGBOX Tuesday Oct 13, Celebrating Terressa Thompson and Drew “The Mayor” Carballo’s Birthdays…It’s about to go down!!!!!!!!!

Let me clear up a few things:

1.) Admission is FREE
2.) There is NO dress code but please come fashionable
3.) Everyone is a “cool kid” in their own unique way, so bring ya ass!
4.) We’re celebrating Terressa Thompson and The Mayor’s Birthday so come through…
There are two more days left for the Philadelphia Fashion Show, don’t miss out on this exciting event, and you will miss out because they will be talking about it for months and you’ll be like I wasn’t there, what happened?
http://philadelphiafashionweek.org/schedule.html

The Bellevue, known as the Grande Dame of Broad Street, celebrated its 105th anniversary, Monday, September 21st 2009 with special offers from its tenants, all with a twist on the numbers 105 and 1904, (the year The Bellevue was opened). During the week of the celebration I wrote about the specials. The biggest seller: The Park Hyatt has created a signature anniversary dessert for $105 which is served in a Tiffany & Co. bowl (which you take home with you.) Sold Out after 3 days. You have got to have lunch at XIX. I love, love, love their salads either on the menu or the prepared salad on their buffet. Only $20 for the buffet, salad, cheeses, deserts and an entree off the menu. Plus you get to eat in the historic main room with views of the City, and the lovely balconies. Their are tables set up on the balconies now. Probably the highest al fresco dining in the City.
The 4 foot long cake’s icing noted historical happenings at the Bellevue.
ending in 1996 when the Bellevue became the Park Hyatt.
Bellevue PR Director Anna Iredale points out the significant happy dates to PREIT Vice Chairman George Rubin as Executive Pasty Chef Matthew Maslowski looks on.
PREIT Chairman and CEO Ronald Rubin checks out the cake. The Rubins are very philanthropic, and especially generous to one of my favorite non-profits, Thorncroft.
The Bellevue’s next big event is Black Tie Friday when they close the doors and offer special access (and discounts) in stores like Williams-Sonoma, Tiffany & Co., Origins and Teuscher from 6 to 10 p.m. Friday, November 27. Bellevue favorites like XIX, The Palm and Tavern on Broad will be providing food and libations. It’s an alternative to the usual Black Friday crush. And for Center City residents we’ll deliver all purchases (already gift wrapped) within the week at no extra charge. $25 suggested donation goes to St. Jude’s Hospital for Children. RSVP to Williams-Sonoma, 215-545-7392.
OCTOBER 11 NOON TIL 5pm – Fall 2009 Bridal Event at Nicole Miller
Devils food & Banana Cream cake

There are three entries today, so keep scrolling down til you get to the Barrymore’s

Haunted Poe Philadelphia Haunted Poe begins with the premise that the author’s remains have been exhumed from Westminster Cemetery in Baltimore and brought to Philadelphia for the anniversary of his death (October 7, 1849). With Poe’s return to the place of some of his greatest literary achievements, he is brought back to life to guide us through his imagination.
If you’re looking for a fun, entertaining, intelligent “Haunted Thrill” this season, than Haunted Poe is right up your ally. It’s not your everyday haunted house, but a performance where you are one of the characters, the vulnerable, scared one, whose imagination is tweak around every dark corner. Which Poe story will you walk into next?Costumes, masks, puppets, hidden passageways, magic lanterns, optical illusions, music and video all serve to take Poe’s themes of madness, suspense and the supernatural to a frightening new level. Although I was allowed to take photos inside the “production”, I decided not to use them because I didn’t want to spoil any of the surprises that lie ahead. I did however take a shot of a few scary folks in the lobby. Behind them is a 3 hour mini-play that re-enacts the last few hours of Poe’s wife’s life, Virginia, before she succumbs to TBCleverly directed by Madi Distefano. According to an article written by the City Paper in 2006, “Distefano was still an undergrad when she launched Brat Productions with a bunch of fellow student actors. Their first show was A Midsummer Night’s Dream, put on in a Queen Village courtyard. Then came Eye-95, a white-trash rockabilly punk rock musical featuring cheerleaders, go-go dancers, a puppet named Big Fat Fucker and Frito pies. It was a hit at the very first Philly Fringe.” “…she’s an intensely serious artist who has won a Barrymore Award, an Independence Foundation Fellowship in the Arts and a Leeway Foundation grant.”

Michael Alltop, Producing Artistic Director,”In each room, around every corner, another scare awaits,” he’s quoted as saying to BroadwayWorld.com Elisabeth Roskos, Wardrobe Supervisor. She earned a BFA in Fibers from the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2003, and enjoys working in summer stock. Every night she makes sure the costumes and wigs are returned to their freshly, scary selves.
Dana, Kate and Andrew. Andrew believes the project was really ambition and works well. People will like it, fans of Poe will love it. His favorite part is The Raven. I was just fascinated how long it took the walls to take shape in that scene. Dana thought the whole exhibit was a scary 6 on the scale of scared.
Stephanie & Bruce Graham. Congratulations to Bruce Graham as his new play, Something Intangible, was a big winner at the 2009 Barrymore Awards on Oct. 5. The Arden Theatre Company production won seven Barrymores, which celebrate excellence in Philadelphia-area theatre. I wrote about the Barrymore’s yesterday.
Greg Giovanni has been a director, playwright, performance artist, and actor in Philadelphia for over four lustra. Greg is in a couple scenes in the Haunted Poe and is the script writer. Jimmy Quartuccio, is a Junior Theatre Performance Major with a Dance Minor at Rowan University; and David Quinn

he 2009-10 Season has been generously funded by the following foundations, agencies and individuals:

The Independence Foundation
The Pew Center for Arts & Heritage through the Philadelphia Theatre Initiative, with additional funding from the Marketing Innovation Program
The Philadelphia Cultural Fund
The Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A as recommended by Carole Haas Gravagno
The Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust B as recommended by Leonard C. Haas
The Samuel S. Fels Fund
The William Penn Foundation
Brat’s Board of Directors
Lou Bluver
Greg Gephart
David Witz

I have in my hand the golden ticket, well it seems that way because ever since the calendar turned over to October the Google searches that have landed on my blog have ticked higher with “Henri David’s Halloween Ball”. So I walked down to his jewelery store appropriately named “Halloween” 1329 Pine Street Phila For the umpteenth time Henri David will be putting on his spectacular event on SATURDAY October 31, 2009 at the Sheraton City Center Hotel 16th & Race Streets.Nine Contest Categories including Best Celebrity Look Alike (Maybe a few Jon & Kate Plus 8, how about a Paris Hilton or two) Best Period Costume, and they don’t mean Aunt Flow; Most Horrifying – Jon Goslin; Most Beautiful Female Impersonator and

Most Hysterical
Most Believable female Impersonator; Tickets $25 for those in costumes and $60 for Voyeurs
Most Original Couple; (This year maybe it will be David Letterman and an Intern)

Most Amazingly Spectacular
Henri David told me he doesn’t do email, nor websites so for the most accurate InFo Call 215-732-7711 Photos from 2008

I am behind and backed up. What happens is sometimes I shoot multiple events in one evening, and then in my head I think when I will be posting them. Then something like Reese Witherspoon is filming a scene on the Parkway, or like today’s entry it’s something really timely that has a short shelf life and it just needs to get up there right now, but the Rescue Spa’s 5 Year Anniversary can wait a little, or the Solstice Fashion Show at the Kimmel Center can wait a little bit, I feel bad, but it it’s not going anywhere. Sometimes I have to wait because say Jen Utley & Johair Smith hosted an Utley event at Boyd’s and their photo is going to be in Michael Klein’s Inqlings Sunday column. Sure I only get 4000 – 5000 hits a day and he gets hundreds of thousands, but I still don’t want to publish a story about Boyd’s until after that photo has appeared. Sometimes I will do a story and just skip the A/B Lister and you won’t even know they were there until the newspaper comes out on Sunday. Then sometimes I think a pix is going to be in the paper and for whatever reason it doesn’t appear, then it looks like I was just slow to get the entry up. Sometimes I hold something back because I want it closer to the day’s event, for example I need to write about the Bellevue’s Anniversary Party, but I am also going to promote something they are doing in November so I need to sit on that for just a little bit longer. So sorry to those waiting for the event photos, I have them all ready just waiting for the best day to post. I know you’re waiting, I can see the keywords you search by, and I read your emails. So thanks for understanding. Hughe

Whoa a year has gone by since I covered the Barrymore Awards in Philadelphia at the Crystal Tea Room. This year the 15th Annual Barrymore Awards were held at the Walnut Street Theater, bringing the tradition back to the stage as it used to be. For me it was a little more glamorous, the red carpet was perfectly placed, and the folks were as decked out as they ever are. Here we find Va va va Voom, Amy Bodnar, who just finished a run at “The Nut” in the Producers.
Collin Maier (Nominated for Music Direction in It’s a Wonderful Life), Jennie Knackstedt and Patricia Durante
These two were recently involved with ‘Soultime at the Apollo’ Written and directed by Kevin Ramsey (r), “Soultime” tells the story of the Apollo and starring songbird Melanie McCullough.Charlotte Northeast and nominated Damon Bonetti. In November, Charlotte will play Franny in David White’s Blood: A Comedy at Passage Theatre; Damon was nominated for a Barrymore Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Play for David in Orange Flower Water for Luna Theatre Company!
Ed Sabato, Pat Sabato, James Pyne, Lexie Pyne (Channeling the Madonna look era 1985) and nominated for Outstanding Costume Design, Marla Jurglanis

Margie Salvante, Executive Director of the Theatre Alliance greets Lorrain Treanor and Joel Markowitz of the DC Theatre Scene, Washington’s livliest theater website. Like BroadwayWorld.com, the DC Theatre Scene will cover Philadelphia as well as NYC. Kristyn Chouiniere and Jessica Dalcaton, who are both at the Act II Playhouse production of Boeing-Boeing until 10/24
Forrest McClendon, dressed to the nines, later won a Barrymore for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Musical for the 11th Hour Theatre Company’s production of Avenue X. Avenue X was cleaned up at the awards Monday night.
Jennifer Pagem, Brett Stickney and Kelley Faulkner
Kevin Duffin, Megan Nicole O’Brien, Michael Philip O’Brien, Justin Perri, Jennie Eisenhower, Carl Clemons-Hopkins, Joe O’Brien, Angela, Craig O’Brien and Laura Catlaw Most of this crew will be celebrating their night for Avenue X.
Major support for the Barrymore Awards is provided by Actors’ Equity Association, Ark Media, The Charlotte Cushman Foundation, Clear Sound, CRW Graphics, Drucker & Scaccetti, P.C., Earl Girls Theatrical Equipment, Garfield Refining Company, Harmelin Media, Independence Foundation, PECO, The Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust A as recommended by Carole Haas Gravagno, The Phoebe W. Haas Charitable Trust B as recommended by Leonard C. Haas, Walnut Street Theatre, William Penn Foundation, and Ted & Stevie Wolf.I really enjoy covering the Barrymore’s. The theater community is so excited to be doing what they’re doing and it bubbles over. I love how they get seriously decked out. How they are so enthusiastic when giving their speeches and how they are genuinely happy for their fellow actors, or at least it doesn’t seem to be a scene out of Valley of the Dolls.

According to a quote on BroadwayWorld.com “Philadelphia’s reputation as a vibrant birthplace of new plays is continuing to grow, and I am very excited that this year’s the Barrymore Voters overwhelmingly recognized two new plays with so many awards. This speaks to the sophistication of both our theatre companies and our audiences,” said Margie Salvante, Executive Director of the Theatre Alliance. With Margie is Gary Steuer, director of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy
The guarding of the Barrymore’s, which are pre-marked before the start of the show. I tried to take a peek, but this gentleman threatened me with verbal abuse so I refrained.
Ian Merrill Peakes Barrymore for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Play for “Something Intangible”
Joining me in the Green Room (which was not green like say the Prince Theater’s Green Room), was Chris Morse & his Rep Radio gang. Seems Rep Radio is trying to do exactly what I dream on doing and that is giving props to out local theater. Rep Radio is doing it via pod cast & video. Check them out!! (PS can someone PLEASE save the Prince. I hear it is going to go on the auction block once again. I also hear from good sources that the last time it went up some kind of Sneaker Kingdom was to bid on it and they took it off the block. The Prince is a beautiful theater, great stage, good for movies, cabaret and the seats are comfortable. Great Location too.)
Janis Dardaris winner as Outstanding Supporter Actress in a Play “Scorched”. I may run around chasing celeb sighting tips all over town (last night Blake Lively from Gossip Girl) as the “Lone Paparazzo” as I’ve been called, but here at the Barrymore’s there’s a slew of peeps that have been in a lot of things movies, shows, etc that we’ve seen. Check out Ms Dardaris acting reel.
The Theatre Alliance of Greater Philadelphia announced that Charlotte Cloe Fox Wind was honored with the F. Otto Haas Award for an Emerging Philadelphia Theatre Artist, a cash award of $10,000, at the 15th Annual Barrymore Awards Ceremony. The award is given to a Philadelphia theatre artist (director, designer, actor or writer) who shows outstanding promise in his or her field and is dedicated to working in the Philadelphia theatre community. “The committee and I were awed by the talents of the five young finalists,” said Carole Haas Gravagno, who established the award in memory of her late husband. “In Charlotte we saw someone whose exceptional body of work reflected an extraordinary breadth of talent and someone who showed a tremendous commitment to the Philadelphia theatre community.” Carole Haas Gravago is on the left, and Charlotte Cloe Fox Wind on the right.
Jennie Eisenhower wins for Outstanding Leading Actress in a Musical in Forbidden Broadway’s Greatest Hits. Here she is given the mock Barrymore to pose with at the step & repeat, where I am waiting.
I remember when I photographed the Tony’s this past year, many in the press room tried to get Elton John, Stephen Dardry etc to kiss their Tony’s, but it took Liza Minelli to break out of the pack and give it a big smoocherooo. We didn’t even have to ask Michael Ogborn, won a Barrymore for Outstanding Original Music for “Cinderella”. He knows how to make this photographer happy with his spontaneity.
Three other special awards were given out. Lantern Theater Company received the award for Excellence in Theatre Education and Community Service for its Classroom Connections program. Dugald MacArthur received the 2009 Lifetime Achievement Award acknowledging his work as an actor, educator, director and mentor to many in the local theatre community. The Ted and Stevie Wolf New Approaches to Collaborations Award, honoring collaborative efforts between theatre companies and organizations of other disciplines, went to Delaware Theatre Company & The Ferris School for Boys for No Child… Here’s the afterparty, which was held at the Ben Franklin Ballroom at 9th & Chestnut… one guest stated I like returning to a theater to have the awards, then having the party at the Ben. No clinking glasses during the speech, and more socializing at the party.
How much fun did I have this night, mark my words I’m gonna cover Philadelphia Theater/actors & shakers this year, and do for it what I’ve been told I did for the charities, socials and events for Philly which is give it more visibility.

Follow me on Twitter @iPhillyChitChat for updates on what’s going on in Philadelphia, 10 – 12 times a day.

Introducing luxury nightlife with a bit of spice, Voyeur is the new Philadelphia nightclub where you become the show!

In the heart of Midtown Village, an enclave for the city’s hottest restaurants and shopping experiences, Voyeur Nightclub is the area’s new secret indulgence. 12,000 square feet of modern meets antique, a first floor modeled after a Las Vegas show lounge; The main floor features this huge dance floor.

Luxurious banquette seating along the wall to catch all the action on the dance floor. (This section was still incomplete, but they were nice enough to let me shoot it anyway)
Well stocked bars with your favorite drinks. Although there is a low yearly membership, something below $25, probably to allow smoking in the club (I’m not excited about that, wish there were designated areas for that), anyway, the drinks run average at $5 – $12.
The centerpiece includes an immersive visual experience of images, designed by Philadelphia’s own Ricardo Rivera of Klip Collective and displayed on a centerpiece structure in the middle of the main dance floor; and a view of it all from any part of the club.
A back bar with secret stairway leading to the 2nd floor. There is a more public staircase off the main dance floorThe brainchild of brothers Michael and Billy Weiss of Bump and Woody’s fame, with the overall design concept belonging to Billy, the purpose of Voyeur Nightclub is to bring to Philadelphia what people often leave to the city to do: have grand experiences and be a part of the star-quality that other big cities possess.
Club owners Michael and Billy Weiss, who also own Woody’s, at 13th and Walnut, have been involved in Transit and a number of other clubs. The new club will be marketed for gay and straight clientele. – This is the 2nd floor dance room which will feature more rap than anything else. (I kinda wish it was an 80’s room)
Voyeur boasts 2 VIP lounges comfortably seating 60 of your closest friends, with readily available bottle service;
Each of the VIP rooms look down onto the dance floor and the lighted center piece.
The VIP tables are reserved but the balconies are open to anyone.
Also on the 2nd floor, at any given time this case may be opened and
a sweet young lady may take her place on the perch and swing.
On the lowest level of the club is the sub-club housing another generous bar,

Also in the sub-lounge there is a stage for cabaret performances, karaoke and Quizzo. All in all Voyeur houses a plethora of exciting activities for the Voyeur or Exhibitionist to enjoy. I’m excited to have another awesome dance club to choose from in the very active Philadelphia nightlife excitement. Still need to get down to my friend Meesha’s Recess to check out the dance night club that opened on 2nd Street.

Joan Bressler, Director of GPFO & Sharon Pinkenson, Executive Director of GPFO

SIMPLE FACTS:

– PA’S ELECTED OFFICIALS ARE PLANNING TO CUT THE $75M A YEAR PROGRAM TO $49M

– PA WILL HAVE TO PAY YOU, YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS, YOUR NEIGHBORS UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND ALL PENNSYLVANIANS WILL SUFFER
An Artistic Group: Sophie Steur and Gary Steuer, director of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture and Creative Economy, Diane Dalto, Chairperson of the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Richard Woosnam, Alan Greenberger and Greta Greenberger. Alan was Director of Philadelphia City Planner, but is now Acting Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development. Greta is a former art teacher, current Director of the City Hall Tours.
Erica Atwood, Deputy City Rep and James Claiborne. I was glad to run into Erica as I’ve been getting a lot of hits on PCC asking when is the Philadelphia Christmas Tree going to be lit, I guess a lot of peeps are making their plans early, they probably did their shopping already too; The City Hall Tree lighting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 2nd.
Jimmy Contreras, Vera Masi, and Matthew Vlahos. Look for something big in the media for Matt & Jimmy. Erin Elmore & Nina Tinari. Erin is newly single and I will be vetting her dating card. Send inquiries to me. Nina Tinari is entirely too busy lobbying in Harrisburg for many of the good causes in our City not to be forgotten in the state budget.

TAKE ACTION NOW; Fight For The Pa Film Tax Credit! 1. EMAIL YOUR GOVERNOR AND YOUR PA LEGISLATORS WITH THE FOLLOWING LINK Click here to send the following email to all of the legislators that need to hear from you. Please write your message or copy and paste the text below into the body of your email. Dear Elected Officials: I LIVE AND WORK IN PA AND MY FAMILY’S (AND OR MY FRIENDS’/NEIGHBORS’) LIVELIHOOD DEPENDS ON THE FILM INDUSTRY. A CUT IN THE FILM TAX CREDIT TO $49 MILLION OR LESS MEANS THAT I WILL BE COLLECTING UNEMPLOYMENT IN PA INSTEAD OF PAYING TAXES. A PA FINANCED STUDY OF THE FILM TAX CREDITS SAID THAT OUR PROGRAM CREATED 4,000 NEW JOBS IN ONE YEAR. AN ANNUAL UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFIT COSTS PA $14,500 PER PERSON. IF ONLY 2,000 OF US LOSE OUR JOBS OVER THE CUT TO THE TAX CREDITS, PA WILL HAVE TO PAY OUT $29 MILLION IN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS. AND THE TAXES WE PAY TO THE STATE WILL BE FURTHER REDUCED. PLEASE, STIMULATE JOBS WITH THE $75 MILLION TAX CREDIT NOW. RESPECTFULLY, ____________ 2. CALL YOUR GOVERNOR AND YOUR PA LEGISLATORS AND TELL THEM TO FULLY FUND THE FILM TAX CREDIT

Governor Edward G. Rendell’s Office
Phone: (717) 787-2500 Inga and Sal D’Angelo with Erin Elmore. Jack Nicholson often ordered take out from D’Angelo’s restaurant and had it delivered to him at his hotel around the corner.
Thanks to the sponsors. The AKA has been home to a lot of the stars that have stayed in our fair City of late. OH and if you are that certain someone who keeps lifting ideas from my blog & using them, I wouldn’t mind a little credit, a little promo, a shout out, or something. It’s become kinda funny when the folks come back to me to say you’ve called them right after I posted the tidbit on my blog (They’re excited that you’ve called, but also wonder why there’s no credit or mention of me two diff folks asked this week. [If you need a reference check out Michael Klein’s column yesterday where he mentions the see thru Boyd’s floor I broke on my blog, or Dan Gross’ column a few weeks back where he mentions I broke the Renee/Bradley Starbucks visit])
Nicole Ross, Gar Giles (Congrats to Nicole & Gar who just got married!!!), Shane Mayo, Nakia Mayo & Marcus von Hippinstal.
Kristie Bergey & Danille Alderman. Kristie is hard at work on the Philadelphia fashion Week which begins 10/8 which is going to be awesome. I will be there Thursday & Saturday nights!!
Erin Elmore and Susan Helfrich (Can you tell who I brought as my date to the GPFO party)

Thanks to the sponsors. Last month the Reese Witherspoon/PaulRudd/Owen Wilson just filmed a scene inside Union Trust for the James L Brooks movie.
Call your reps and tell them that the Tax Credit for the Film Office matters,: