Tag: aversa pr

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Charity Philly To Do

The return of Black-Tie GayBINGO!

Action Wellness proudly presents the return of Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Now in its 26th year, Black-Tie GayBINGO! rolls out the glitz and glamour as it continues to raise significant funds for live-saving programs to help those with HIV disease. 

This year’s event holds special significance as AIDS Fund, the original creator of GayBINGO!, will be honored for over 35 years of leadership in the fight against HIV/AIDS and for establishing one of Philadelphia’s most iconic fundraising events. 

After passing the torch in late 2024, Action Wellness now takes the helm, ensuring the legacy of GayBINGO! continues to thrive for years to come. 

For this year’s grand return, guests will enjoy a fun-filled evening with: 

* Welcome reception and cocktails

* Silent auction

* Seated dinner with exclusive menu

* Dancing and music

* Musical performance numbers

* GayBINGO! and the famous Bingo Verifying Divas

* Community Award honoring AIDS Fund

“Black-Tie GayBINGO! is an event full of joy, affirmation and love,” said Action Wellness Executive Executive Director Mary Evelyn Torres. “It’s an opportunity to raise money and awareness about ending the HIV epidemic. This is our first year as an organization hosting the event and we are proud to honor AIDS Fund, an organization, like Action Wellness, that has done incredible work while positively impacting the lives of people with HIV over the last 30 years. Please join us for a night of dining, dancing and GayBINGO! with the incredible Bingo Verifying Divas.”

GayBINGO! is the fabulous, irreverent, campy and wildly popular monthly event that has been entertaining Philadelphia audiences for nearly 30 years. The “Best of Philly” award-winning event went on to host tens of thousands of people, attract sold out crowds, garner national attention, and raise millions of dollars.

Guests will enjoy a special cocktail reception, seated dinner with exclusive menu just for the event, music and dancing, and of course rounds of GayBINGO! The Bingo Verifying Divas will of course be on hand and please come ready with the compliments, as they will be looking more glamorous than ever! Two long-time fan favorites and GayBINGO! icons will be on hand to preside over the evening’s festivities. Carlota Ttendant will host the BINGO games, and Stella D’Oro will serve as hostess of the awards and program.

During the night, guests can help raise additional funds through a silent auction featuring gift cards, prizes and packages from local restaurants, hotels, music venues, museums and local small businesses.

Action Wellness will honor AIDS Fund with the 2025 Black-Tie GayBINGO! Community Award for their work in starting the event and for their work for the Philadelphia community. Former Executive Director Robb Reichard will accept on behalf of AIDS Fund, along with former staff and board members. In December 2024, AIDS Fund announced their decision to conclude operations.

“Founded at the height of the AIDS epidemic, AIDS Fund had been a steadfast force in addressing the challenges of HIV,” said Torres. “After 35 years of dedicated service, AIDS Fund concluded operations in December of 2024. This marked the end of an extraordinary chapter in the fight against HIV in Philadelphia – a chapter defined by resilience, compassion and community driven progress. Their work has been instrumental in raising awareness, supporting individuals and families, and funding critical services during times of crisis.”

GayBINGO! and Black-Tie GayBINGO! have raised over $4M to date and counting. Contributions are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

SAVE THE DATE: Black-Tie GayBINGO! on Saturday, March 22, 2025, starting at 6:30pm, at the Loews Philadelphia’s Regency Ballroom (1200 Market Street). 

Tickets and sponsorship packages are on sale now at aidsfundphilly dot org/gaybingo. For more information and event previews, please follow @actionwellnessphl on social media.

Monthly GayBingo will continue from April to June, before taking a break for the summer season. Events will be held at Congregation Rodeph Shalom, located at 615 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA.

Photos by Jeff Fusco

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Around Town With HughE

Opening: Manayunk Welcome Center

Manayunk’s new headquarters are now open at 106 Grape Street

Recently the Manayunk Development Corporation celebrated the grand opening and ribbon cutting for the brand-new Manayunk Welcome Center and MDC’s new headquarters. 

A dream nine years in the making! The building was purchased in 2016 and after years of meetings, architects, renovations, etc the new welcome center is ready to welcome visitors and tourists to one of Philadelphia’s top main streets and commercial corridors. 

Janine Gasarowski, Caitlin Marsilii, Rhiannon Smith and Joan Deneberg

Guests, and dignataries gatehered last month to celebrate the center’s opening, and tour the new buidling. A brand new, four-story building home to all MDC and MSSD operations.

This property features a Manayunk Welcome Center and a retail incubator space on the ground floor, leasable office space on the second floor, the MDC office on the third floor, and a fourth-floor Bridge Meeting Room – a community meeting space.

outdoor space over looking picturesque Manayunk

Enzhao (John) Liu, Jeddiah Gallery and Andrew Herman, GRIT Construction
Emily Rogers, Christiane Marques and Adjane Barbosa

Brandon Pagano was on hand to greet guests
Anthony Moore and noted singer Julian King
Gwen McCauley, Executive Director, Manayunk Development Corporation

Gwen McCauley, Executive Director shares “The Welcome Center serves as the gateway and a link to our thriving business community, offering visitors a warm introduction and ensuring they connect with the best local services, restaurants and retail. By guiding residents, customers, newcomers and tourists, it not only enhances their experience but also drives economic growth, fosters local partnerships, and promotes the unique strengths of  Manayunk. It’s the starting point for building lasting relationships and a vibrant business district.”

Chris Maguire, Tubby Robot & Flat Rock Real Estate, MDC Board President

Chris Maquire, board president,  owner of Tubby Robot and Manayunk residence  is thrilled and said “The Manayunk Development Corporation’s new building at 106 Grape street has been a long term project that was supported by many hands, and I’m thrilled that we’ve been able to push it across the finish line in 2024. This building will serve not only as a permanent home for the MDC but also as an invaluable resource for shopkeepers, residents, and visitors alike. If something interesting is happening in Manayunk it’s almost certainly going to be channeled through these walls, and I can’t wait to see how the community will grow around this beautiful space.

The space will act as an entry point to the best of Manayunk, offering valuable resources, local insights, historical information, and exclusive Manayunk merchandise for purchase. The MDC collaborates with the MSSD to develop a clean, appealing, secure, and well-maintained business district, aiming to make Manayunk a competitive and desirable place to live, work, shop, dine, and enjoy leisure activities.

Thanks sponsors

The Manayunk Development Corporations (MDC) is a nonprofit corporation with both a primary business development mission and a cooperating community development mission. As a business development organization, MDC takes primary responsibility for the management, promotion, and positive business development of the Main Street business district.

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Around Town With HughE

Sofitel’s Diamond Jubilee Anniversary Party

Amanda Kaewvichien – Pastry Chef – Sofitel Philadelphia, Jon Kline, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Clearview Hotel Capital, LLC, Gregg Caren, CEO PHLCVB, Maud Bailey, Sofitel, MGallery & Emblems for Accor; and Pierre Jotterand, General Manager of Sofitel Philadelphia

On Monday, June 3, 2024, the Sofitel Philadelphia in Rittenhouse Square (120 S. 17th Street), commemorated its Diamond Jubilee Anniversary with a grand celebration. Among the attendees were city officials, Sofitel executives, loyal patrons, and esteemed guests, who gathered to mark the unveiling of the newly renovated lobby, Liberté lounge, and restaurant. The occasion also served as a festive tribute to the hotel’s impressive sixty-year history.

DeeJay Shelly (@soundsbyshelly) kept the party going on the red carpet
Lauren and Hunter Voight

More like grey carpet, aligning with the classy Sofitel brand.

Liberté’s fresh menu combines American culinary delights and beloved Philly favorites with classic French dishes. Spearheaded by the hotel’s new executive chef Seth Fannin (not pictured), a seasoned industry expert with extensive experience at esteemed establishments like Paris, Bally’s, and Wynn resorts in Las Vegas, as well as luxury and boutique hotels such as Intercontinental and Millennium Hotels, this innovative approach promises a delectable fusion of flavors.

Laura Swartz – Deputy Editor, Digital – Philadelphia magazine, Gregg Caren , CEP PHLCVB and Joan Deneberg, Manayunk Development Corporation
Jessica Henneman, Dee Durgin, Dayna Leaventon and Caroline Foley
Jimmy and Rich Eib, 1600 Spruce Street Recently had a beautiful exhibition of work by artist Yatil Talisman, which I attended and will be showcasing soon.
Nina Castillo, Brenda Hillegas, Jennifer Lynn Robinson
Lauren Smith, Gionana Surhui, Sara Chiaravolloto, and Jamie Gialloreto
Regina Foley and her sister, Angela Bauer, former GM of Sofitel Philadelphia was recognized at the event for her longtime service,
which ended when she transferred to sister hotel Swissotel Chicago.
Stepping out: Denethia Durgin, AGM Vernick Fish at the Comcast Center.
Scott Barnes, Director, Events & Hospitality at Comcast, Karen Dougherty Buchholz serves as Executive Vice President of Administration for Comcast Corporation, Janet Binswanger, and Kevin Israel
The OG’s of Cater Waiters, these two have been serving guests for decades: Joyce Sambuca and Dash Merpier
Patty Jackson, WDAS and Ernest Owens, Ernest Owens Media
Paris Fit Philly, Alisia Amor, Kimberley Murray and Melissa Long
Sheila Hess, former City Rep under Mayor Jim Kenney (Who btw married his long time love Letty Santarelli, at the W last week, in a very intimate ceremony), Jasmine Armstrong, Visit Philadelphia and Pierre Jotterand, GM Sofitel Philadelphia
Kevin Lessard, PIDC, Laura Burkhardt, executive director of the Avenue of the Arts and Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director for Philly

Liberté’s is open Mondays to Thursdays at 12 pm to 11 pm (happy hour 4 pm to 6 pm every day except Saturdays and Sunday), Fridays and Saturdays at 12 pm to 12 am, Sundays at 12 pm to 10 pm. Reservations can now be made on OpenTable.

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Uncategorized

Founding Fathers Opens In Bucks County

A beloved Philadelphia sports bar Founding Fathers is expanding to Bucks County with a new restaurant, grill, sports bar and event/banquet space. A long-time restaurateur, a sport bar veteran and a rising new talent join forces on the grand opening of Founding Fathers Bensalem, presented by partners Dave Chiavaroli of Marmont and Cooper’s Riverview, Ken Hutchings of Cavanaugh’s Rittenhouse, Headhouse and Riverdeck, and introducing Zecheriah (Zek) Leeper.

The new concept will bring new life to the 14,000K space at 2900 Street Road that was formerly Quaker Steak and Lube and Great American Pub. It will include seating for up to 800+ people, free parking, a main bar and lounge, two brand new bars, a sports viewing suite and an affordable and beautiful private banquet room.

Founding Fathers Bensalem introduces The Franklin Room with a private event space for 150-200 guests for rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, family functions, corporate events, meetings and workshops, and special events.

From the kitchen, look for freshly made, high quality dishes that will include appetizers, salads, pizza, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, entrees and hand-carved quality steaks. The owners bring decades of experience with the steakhouse side of the menu – offering one of the best quality affordable steaks in Bucks County so neighbors and regular guests can enjoy their big cuts several nights a week, during games and during family dinner.

In the kitchen, Chef Tim Bennett leads the culinary team. He brings with him 20+ years of restaurant experience including 17 years of expertise in the steakhouse business. For the opening menu, look for great quality food at the fairest of prices. The expansive menu features a large selection of appetizers, salads, tacos, sandwiches, burgers, pizza, entrees, steaks and sides. During the year, look for changing daily and weekly specials, plus some seasonal additions. Opening services will include lunch, happy hour, dinner and late night, with weekend brunch to launch soon. Book now for your Super Bowl Party!!

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Uncategorized

Saturday: Brauhaus Schmitz South Street Oktoberfest 10/15/22

The line for 2022 Armory Oktoberfest last Saturday…
Thanks Doug Hager @brauhausschmitz for bringing Oktoberfest To Philly a decade ago, and then to 23rd Armory. I love we have an event of this magnitude, and entertaining in Philly!!

The photos are from last weeks Armory Oktoberfest, but the info is about tomorrows Oktoberfest at Brauhaus Schmitz on South Street, as well as South Street Fest, and nearby Philly Thrift Block Party.

If you missed last weeks epicness at the Armory (these photos are from that event), you can still catch the vibe of Oktoberfest on South Street on Saturday, at Brauhaus Schmitz. They’ll be partying in the street, on the sidewalk and inside.

Doug Hager, owner of Brauhaus Schmitz.

They’ll even have a VIP experience you might enjoy, with a little space and food.

For the 14th year in a row (2020 doesn’t count), South Street Oktoberfest will be held on the 700 block of South Street. This year, it will anchor the South Street Fall Festival! With 10 different German beers available on draft, a wealth of German food, live Oompah music by Die Heimatklänge, German dancing by the United German Hungarians, flower crowns,

Liter Lift, games and more, it is one of the fall’s most exciting food-and-drink events and a do-not-miss celebration for beer lovers! This event is family friendly and free to attend (pay as you go) Young or Old, there is something for everyone at this event! … but if you want more of an exclusive pass – the VIP Experience is for you! VIP PASSES are $120 include: Entrance to our Brauer Bund Bierhall, a special buffet from 12pm-6pm, Liter mug, 7 Bier/Merchandise Tokens, 2022 Oktoberfest Tee Shirt, Haus Swag, and private bathrooms (no porta potties!) – VIP PASSES are limited and must be purchased in advance!

14th Annual South Street Oktoberfest
Brauhaus Schmitz
700 Block of South Street
Saturday, October 15, 2022
11:00am to 8:00pm
https://brauhausschmitz.com/events/

The festival is an all day street fest complete with family fun, live music, face painting, delicious schnaps and the very best German food and Bier anywhere in the city! They’ll be tenting the street and have seating for 1000 people!

The Brauhaus Schmitz party is part of the greater experience of South Street. The South Street Headhouse District’s South Street Fest is happening as well. On Saturday, October 15, 2022 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. festival goers can enjoy international food and drinks, handmade crafts, and iconic eclectic vendors, plus plenty of new experiences and festivities. This event, spanning South Street from 2nd to 8th streets. 

NEARBY: Philly AIDS Thrift 17th Anniversary Block Party will take place at the 700 blocks of S. 5th Street and E. Passyunk Avenue (between Bainbridge St. and Monroe St.) (PS I was one of the first volunteers at the Philly AIDS Thrift, when it opened 25 years ago.) on Saturday, October 15, 2022, with the streets opening at 12:00pm and closing at 6:00pm. The celebration will include live music, food trucks, celebrity dunk tank, carnival games, craft/vintage vendors, pie-eating contest, face painting, and dancing in the street! Look for Peabody Award-winning radio host and producer at WXPN, DJ Robert Drake – who will be spinning tunes all day for everyone dancing in the streets. Live performances by: Lilith: Circus Sideshow Act – You will be wowed by her performances with fire breathing and more! Performing at 1:30PM. Philly AIDS Thrift will also be hosting its 3rd Annual Pie Eating Contest, emceed by CBS 3’s Jim Donovan.

The contest is open to everyone; however, spots are limited. In partnership with MANNA, the berry pies will be graciously provided by the wonderful organization, in correlation to their annual fundraiser, Pie In The Sky, which began on October 1st. The contest starts at 2:30PM. MOBBLUZ – Philly’s own hard-working musicians will be delivering such a soul-grabbing, hard-hitting, Jazz and Boom-Bap experience. Performing at 4PM. Plus food trucks, artists and vendors, and a Celebrity Dunk Tank with WXPN’s Raina Douris, the host of the podcast “Conservations From The World Café”, WXPN’s John Stanley, the host of the podcast “John’s Dollar Bin” and drink-slinger at “Ray’s Happy Birthday Bar”, and Stefanie Jolles from Philly’s Premier Punk Rock N Roll Shop, Crash Bang Boom. You will also be able to have the chance to dunk the fabulous staff and volunteers of Philly AIDS Thrift.

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Philly To Do

Sunday: 2nd Street Festival Takes Over Northern Liberties

The 13th Annual 2nd Street Festival will pop-up and take over Northern Liberties on Sunday, August 7, 2022, from 12:00pm Noon to 9:00pm. This year the event will extend to the largest footprint in the event’s history, along N. 2nd Street from Spring Garden extending all the way to Girard clocking in at more than three-quarters of a mile long.

The all-ages celebration includes restaurants, food trucks, beer gardens, family fun, live music, artists, pop-up shops and entertainment. Street food and summertime sips will be available from a giant list of 50+ restaurants, bars, breweries and food trucks, including 15 outdoor beer and cocktail gardens. Get ready to dance in the street with live music and DJs on two main stages, plus throughout the festival, with Moonroof, Bougie and the Beasts, Bickel Brothers Band, Mobbluz, Koser, M11son, Dell-P, Solar Circuit, Upholstery, Plush in the Box, Gretchen Emery Band, Venn Sung, Dirty Soap Band, Reggae Thunder, Last Generation on Film and Swing That Cat, plus DJ MostHated, DJ Eric, DJ Frosty, DJ Xtina and Rebel Foster, DJ Nate G. and Uptown Eddie.

“2nd Street Festival is back and bigger than ever in Northern Liberties,”  said Ann Lastuvka of Virginia Belle Events, the Executive Producer for 2nd St Festival. “One of Philadelphia’s largest and greatest summer traditions returns with the largest footprint in our history, plus tons of new programs and vendors this year. We have been working for months and months to bring back this beloved event and we can’t wait to see everyone back on N. 2nd Street this summer!”

“When we started this festival, we just wanted to celebrate our neighborhood and have fun doing it. It’s amazing how much interest it draws now and how much life it brings to 2nd Street,” said Oron Daskal, co-founder of the festival and owner of North Bowl and South Bowl. “The event is important to bring attention to our neighborhood, but it also raises money for our neighborhood organizations for the services they provide for our residents and businesses.”

LIVE MUSIC AND DJS

2nd Street Festival will bring the region’s local music scene back to life with two dozen acts on two main stages, plus areas throughout the festival.

Germantown Stage sponsored by Piazza Alta

12:00pm – Moonroof
1:00pm – Bougie & the Beasts
2:00pm – Bickel Brothers Band
3:00pm – Mobbluz
4:00pm – Koser
5:00pm – M11son
6:00pm – Dell-P
7:30pm – Solar Circuit

DJ’ed by DJ Xtina and Rebel Foster

The festival is free to attend, and pay-as-you-go for food and drink. Bring the kiddos and the pups, as this event is fully family friendly! More information about the festival, with registration for art vendors, can be found at www.2ndstfestival.org. Thanks to generous support from Penn Treaty Special Services District for their support of this event. Stay up-to-date with festival news on Facebook or Instagram.

SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

For some vendors, this is their first major time back on the road and at this type of festival since the pandemic. The event will support our region’s thriving food truck, mobile food vendor economy and live music scene that was devastating to the industry, all while showcasing the red-hot food neighborhood of Northern Liberties.

Founded in 2008 by Northern Liberties business owners, Owen Kamihira of El Camino Real, William Reed of Standard Tap and Oron Daskal of North Bowl, the 2nd St Festival was established with the goal of bringing people to Northern Liberties in a fun and engaging way.

In addition to drawing visitors into the neighborhood, 2nd St Festival also raises money to support programming for two established neighborhood civic organizations, The Northern Liberties Business Improvement District and the Northern Liberties Neighborhood Association.

For more information, visit www.2ndstfestival.org and follow @2ndstfestival. See you Sunday… bring your smile, and sunscreen.

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Main Line Today Uncategorized

Save The Date: Best of the Main Line Party

And it’s back : Main Line Today and Today Media announce the grand return of the Best of the Main Line and Western Suburbs Party on Thursday, July 28th, at Drexelbrook Special Event Center (4700 Drexelbrook Drive).

Eat, drink and dance the night away while celebrating the 2022 winners that include top restaurants, bars, retail shops, small businesses and people of the region as voted by the people and the critics. This year’s event will feature over 50 top businesses and special guests.

There will be food samples, as well as cocktails and beer to enjoy

From 5:30pm to 9:00pm, guests will sample fabulous food and drink from this year’s winners, dance to live music from the award-winning band Jellyroll, and participate in a silent auction to benefit Brandywine SPCA. (Tickets)

Many of the Best of Mainline Winners will be on hand to show you why they were chosen.

Main Line Today and Today Media thank this year’s sponsors, including Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Fox & Roach, REALTORS /The Trident Group/Prosperity (Melissa Cunningham); Exton Dental Health Group; Pinnacle ENT, LLC; Republic Bank; Roots Landscaping; Fleming’s Steakhouse & Wine Bar; Main Line Chamber of Commerce; and Delaware County Chamber of Commerce. We’re also thrilled to be partnering with Drexelbrook, Aversa PR & Events, BVTLive!, Pictures by Todd and Valley Creek Productions.

Main Line Today proudly announced this year’s beneficiary for the event, which is  Brandywine SPCA. Guests will be invited to support the organization, meet the staff and some adoptables, and bid on the silent auction that will go to fund the group’s critical animal welfare and rescue work. Founded in 1929, the Brandywine Valley SPCA exists to end animal suffering and to involve the entire community in the welfare and well-being of animals.mission is to put the “human” back in humane animal treatment and advocate on their behalf. Our vision is to be the recognized leader in animal welfare that empowers communities to treat life with respect and dignity. Donations can also be made direct at: https://bvspca.org/donate/

“The party of the year is back on the Main Line,” said Main Line Today Associate Publisher Marie Edwards. “Celebrate this unforgettable evening of bites, drinks and dancing – and get ready to toast the best of the best! We are thrilled to be back inside the ballroom with an exciting and diverse line-up of winners that include the region’s best restaurants, bars, boutiques and so much more. This event is truly a celebration of the top quality businesses and people that make the Main Line and Western Suburbs special. We can’t wait to see everyone again. Come with your dancing shoes ready to party!”

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South Jersey

Do This: RENAULT WINERY AND RESORTS CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY WEEKEND

Renault Winery and Resort celebrates America’s birthday with a two-day, all-day celebration this Saturday, July 2nd and Sunday, July 3rd. Music fans are invited to the first-ever Renault Winery 1st Annual Country Music Festival with two days of live music and bands, multiple stages, wine, food trucks, family fun and other surprises. The line-up includes Scotty Testerman Trio, Brian Corcoran, Warren Montgomery Band, Parker Barrow Project, Jess Zimmerman Band, Lisa Bouchelle, Kenny Curcio and Garrett Shultz Band. Admission to the festival grounds for each day is only $10 per person. Next, Renault presents the first-ever Red, Wine and Blue 5K Run and Red, Wine and Blue Kids’ Run on Sunday morning, starting at 8:30am. On Sunday night, look to the skies above Renault for an Independence Day themed fireworks show, free with admission to the music festival, or $10 per car to watch from the Renault parking lot. All events take place at Renault Winery and Resort, and the new Renault Winery festival grounds, located at 72 Bremen Ave, Egg Harbor City, NJ 08215. For more information, visit the events tab and calendar on the Renault website at www.renaultwinery.com.

Renault Winery and Resort is proud to present its first annual Country Music Festival Weekend filled with Nashville performers, local favorites, food trucks, country line dance lessons, lawn games, axe throwing and more. Admission to the festival grounds is only $10 per person for day and night shows. Free entertainment will also take place around the winery grounds for free earlier in the day.

The Scotty Testerman Duo kicks off the weekend with a free small stage performance in the Champagne Patio Garden from 12:00pm to 4:00pm on Saturday. The WIne Tasting Room will be open with solo performances from Brian Corcoran from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Renault’s Festival Grounds open at 5:00pm with entertainment starting at 6:00pm featuring Nashville natives Warren Montgomery followed by Parker Barrow Project, a back to back show country music fans will not want to miss!

On Sunday, The Jess Zimmerman Band will warm everyone up with a more intimate free show in Renault’s Champagne Patio Garden from 12:00pm to 4:00pm. Lisa Bouchelle will perform in the Wine Tasting Room from 4:00pm to 7:00pm. Nashville rising star (and Pennsylvania’s own) Garrett Shultz headlines the main Sunday night concert and the fireworks extravaganza in the Festival Grounds. The festival space opens at 5:00pm with an opening set from local legend Kenny Curcio starting at 6:30pm.

DJ Dancemaur will play and lead favorite country line dances in between sets both nights in the Festival Grounds.

INDEPENDENCE WEEKEND FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR 

Renault celebrates our country’s independence with a special Independence Weekend Fireworks Spectacular on Sunday, July 3rd, at 9:00pm. Come to Renault for a front row seat to this annual new tradition. Come early and listen to live music all day, enjoy a bite from the food trucks, and sip wine in the winery. Country Music Festival ticket holders will enjoy free admission and free parking before 8:00pm with their ticket. For those coming just for the fireworks, admission is $10 a car for the parking lot, with any food and drink pay-as-you-go. Viewing areas and parking for the fireworks only open at 8:00pm. 

ABOUT RENAULT WINERY RESORT

RenaultWinery Resort is the second oldest winery in America, where legendary hospitality and centuries old winemaking traditions blend. Founded in 1864, Renault is a VIVÂMEE Signature Collection Resort, proudly welcoming guests from around the world, providing intimate authentic hospitality that revives the soul. Home to artisanal cuisine, unique events, festivals, and world-class Vineyard National golf course, Renault welcomes more than 250,000 guests and visitors a year. European elegance and endless adventures await you at www.renaultwinery.com

Kory Aversa

Aversa PR

215-840-9216 

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Uncategorized

Sofitel Philadelphia: Art Exhibit Returns, as does Pride

Last week Sofitel Philadelphia at Rittenhouse Square and J. Nunez Gallery present a special happy hour, art reception and influencer mixer on Wednesday, May 4, 2022. After a pause during the pandemic, Sofitel is excited to bring back its monthly, quarterly and annual signature events – including new art installations in the Sofitel lobby. It was a beautiful event, fun to see everyone out and about, enjoying themselves and the highlights on Liberté’s new spring menu. It’s good to see the folks at the Sofitel, Anthony Geistwite, (r) and the team at Sofitel Philadelphia. There’s a lot of plans in the works, as Philly and events bounce back, especially at the Sofitel, not only is it a hotel with a restaurant but it serves Philly as a community advocate. The exhibit is Travel by Colors by artist Dana Salzone (c)

Angela Bauer, the hotel’s general manager “Sofitel Philadelphia is passionate about supporting our local community,” said Angela Bauer, the hotel’s general manager. “We are prouder than ever to celebrate June as Philly Pride Month and fly a giant Philadelphia Pride rainbow flag outside the hotel to publicly show our commitment to inclusiveness.”

No hotel in Philly celebrates Pride with gusto as the Sofitel. The Sofitel in Rittenhouse Square is preparing to expand its annual observance of Pride Month with a lineup of special events. The hotel is also bringing back its Drag Afternoon Tea series each Saturday in June from 2 to 4 p.m. at its restaurant Chez Colette Brasserie. I will definitely be there the first Saturday June 4th, with my pearls on.

Proceeds from the drag series are being donated to the William Way LGBTQ Community Center to support its ongoing programming and services.

On June 4, Brittany Lynn is hosting one of three afternoon teas. Lynn runs Philly Drag Mafia, a drag performance collective featuring nearly 20 artists and performers. Lynn is the creator of Drag Queen Story Time at Philly’s schools, parks, libraries and museums. 

On June 4, Brittany Lynn is hosting one of three afternoon teas. Lynn runs Philly Drag Mafia, a drag performance collective featuring nearly 20 artists and performers. Lynn is the creator of Drag Queen Story Time at Philly’s schools, parks, libraries and museums.  (Then we can head to the Roots Picnic)

Through June and the rest of the year, Sofitel will donate $1 per each banquet menu item sold that features the William Way Community Center logo to the LGBTQ organization. 

Additionally, for every Liberté cocktail sold in the Liberté Lounge during June, Sofitel will donate $1 to William Way. Proceeds raised from the drink special will go toward William Way’s programs for LGBTQ elders, as well as its Trans Resource Center. 

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Around Town With HughE

Positano Coast in Old City, Philadelphia Reveal

Photo: Adriano Martino

Aldo Lamberti and family are proud to introduce and unveil the new Positano Coast in Old City, Philadelphia. The award-winning Italian and seafood restaurant, bar, lounge, event space and outdoor dining destination has been renovated inside from top to bottom.

I had a chance to go the other day, which was not a twist your arm kinda thing as it is one of my favorite restaurants, and the Lamberti family is like family. They make everyone feel that way. I love all their places, but the new space, the new menu wow so good. It’s like a new restaurant opening. I had never had the veal chop, it was delicious. Yes I ate this whole thing. Yes I know, I am mostly plant based, but as my friends will testify not out, usually. There were good vegetarian options as well but when I saw someone nearby order this beauty, it was all over.

Danielle Avarez, Sip on What and Toi Storr, Toi Time

Congrats to Danielle who recently got engaged. She met her beau at one of these Kory Aversa media/influencer events I’ve been told.

Nothing says spring like Lilly and a nice yellow sweater.
Chelsea Logan and Penny Gsell, Penny in Philly

I thought I’d have fun tonight while covering this event. I asked guests “Do you sleep with your phone?” I am guilty. I know, radiation. No good reason except I’m too lazy to put it on the end table, plus I wake up and I am always curious of the time. Not much else. I also go to sleep with my ear pods in either listening to the news, Luther Vandross, or some scary podcast. Yes I have interesting dreams. Chelsea tells me she does not sleep with her phone in HER BED EVER!!! She stressed!! Penny sleeps with it right her head, in bed, to my relief. I see Penny and I have other things in common too. Love that Veal girl.

GNOCCHI 24
potato dumplings, cream of zucchini, lemon zest was Chelsea’s dish. A new menu item.

George Bank ,Laura Swartz, Kelly Meerbott and Ernest Owens

George, and Laura both sleep with their phones. Leadership and Team Development Coach Kelly doesn’t, and she probably recommends that to her clients I imagine. Congratulations to Ernest Owens who revealed his book cover “The Case for Cancel Culture” the other day, he says when he is asleep, the phone is in the other room. Now that is disconnecting.

Rachel Viggiano, @rach_ontheradio sleeps with her phone under her pillow. Mario LoVerde, @mano__loverde on the bedside, Dhruvi Shah @dhruvii__S under her pillow and Vybar Hiraesave @why_be_10 on the nightstand.

Davida Janae @vidafashionista is an under the pillow gal as her phone also acts as a baby monitor and she wants to know Cora is alright at all times.

Compatible: PHL Date Night Francesca Geonnotti with friend Anastasia Geomotti are definite no’s on sleeping with their phones.

Rivers Casino

Ray only lets Miguel sleep in the bed, but the phone is nearby to keep abreast of news on his Rebuild Philly projects. Happy Birthday Sunday to Alex Holley, who jetted off with friends to a tropical location for non-stop celebrations with the gals.

Josh Moore @josheatsphilly, Rebecca Neckritz @phillyfoodladies and Kaitlyn McLaughlin @phlmyplate

For more about the new menu and the history, visit https://www.positanocoast.net/. For reservations visit Open Table or call 215-238-0499.