The Russian Ballet Theatre brings ‘Swan Lake’ To Our Area

January 26, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

RUSSIAN BALLET THEATRE LAUNCHES STUNNING NEW PRODUCTION OF BELOVED SWAN LAKE WITH FOUR PERFORMANCES COMING TO PENNSYLVANIA AND NEW JERSEY

The updated classic will feature unforgettable engagements in Sewell, Trenton and Newark, New Jersey, as well as a stop in Reading in Central Pennsylvania

Russian Ballet Theatre is thrilled to hit the road and tour with Swan Lake for the first time since 2019. Swan Lake is presented by Co-Producers Sasha Gorskaya and Gulya Hartwick. The production team includes Choreographer Nadezhda Kalinina, Production Designer Sergey Novikov, SFX Makeup Designer Irina Strukova, and Principal Ballet Mistress Tatyana Linnik. Prima Ballerina Olga Kifyak will dance the lead roles of Odette (The White Swan) and Odile (The Black Swan) – a unique and bold casting choice for the American 2022 tour. The cast also includes the amazing talents of Evgeny Svetlitsa as Prince Siegfried, Mikhail Ovcharov as Jester, Vasili Bogdan as Rothbart.

Award-winner Irina Strukova’s grand artistry will give a magical touch to this already magnificent production. Known for her film makeup creations (Netflix, HBO, Crazy Rich Asians), Strukova has created hair designs and special effects makeup that, together with the dazzling costumes, further enlighten this whimsical and glittering fantasy.

According to the press release Russian Ballet Theatre’s production of Swan Lake is replete with the visual splendor and virtuoso dancing global audiences have come to expect from classical Russian dance. The 2022 tour delights by pairing time-honored Russian traditions with some delightful new inspirations.

“Although we are telling the classic story of ‘Swan Lake,’ there are tweaks here and there that make the show new and exciting,” said co-producer Gulya Hartwick. “We have all new choreography. Usually there is one jester, we have five of them. We did what we could to make the production more lively and more colorful.”

RBT’s international ballet corps will draw talent from ten different countries for this new tour. The dancers will bring Kalinina’s choreography to life along with new exquisite hand-painted sets and 150 new hand-sewn costumes, all designed by the young, accomplished Sergei Novikov (Mariinsky Theatre, Omsk State Music Theatre, St. Petersburg State Music Hall) in the century-old tradition of the great theatrical masters.

“Swan Lake” takes one of Tchaikovsky’s most popular scores and mixes it with a love story inspired by Russian and German folk tales.

“Swan Lake” will be hitting the stage in each city for one night only. Tickets are now on sale for the dates, which include Sunday, Feb. 13, in Newark, New Jersey, at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center; Tuesday, Feb. 15, in Trenton at the Patriots Theater at the War Memorial; Wednesday, Feb. 16, in Sewell, South Jersey, at Investors Bank Performing Arts Center; and Thursday, Feb. 17, in Reading at the Santander Performing Arts Center. All theaters have amble parking nearby.

On Wednesday, February 16th, Swan Lake dance within minutes of Philadelphia, in South Jersey with a one-night only stop in Sewell, New Jersey at Investors Bank Performing Arts Center. This stop is just minutes from South Philly, over the Walt Whitman Bridge, at a venue that is well-known for hosting local and regional dance and ballet recitals and competitions. Showtime for this performance is 7:30pm. Tickets range $39 to $89. The Investors Bank Performing Arts Center is one of the Philadelphia region’s largest indoor venues, located at 519 Hurffville-Cross Keys Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080. For venue and health updates, visit https://www.wtps.org/Page/15570

Tickets for performances listed are available at www.russianballettheatre.com/tickets and also by visiting Ticketmaster. All venues offer onsite or nearby parking. All venues are accessible by public transportation.

For more information visit Russian Ballet Theatre’s official website, at www.russianballettheatre.com

Philadelphia

Photos: Winter Storm Toby, the Fourth Nor’easter in Philly

March 22, 2018 by HughE Dillon

Photos: Winter Storm Toby, the Fourth Nor’easter in Philly

Baby it’s cold outside, still despite the calendar saying spring

‘Playing Angels’ by Carl Milles everyone’s favorite art work along Kelly Drive, although I love Remington too.
If there wasn’t a car behind me I would have gotten that shot in the snow, it was beautiful
Moore College of Art
City Workers kicked azz yesterday, as well as did many folks keeping the sidewalks free of snow

I traveled around the City a lot yesterday, and the streets in Center City were relatively clear for the most part. Great job City of Philly, I purposely didn’t post photos of the clear streets as to not encourage others to follow my lead of “out on the streets.”

Lemon Hill, the best kept secret for sledding

MLK Drive
Falls BridgeI’ve envisioned this shot for years.
I’m pretty happy with the results so I’m picking it as my favorite photo of the FourEaster!!
At some point I will sell these as prints or in a book as so many people ask me for them.
I have no idea how to go about that, but will look into it.
Thanks, and thanks for supporting me here, on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook, I love doing this.

Philadelphia

Jason Kelce Beer, WaterBoys Conquer, and more Philly Gossip

March 11, 2018 by HughE Dillon

Jason Kelce Beer, WaterBoys Conquer, and more Philly Gossip

Hope everyone had a great weekend, it was beautiful and gorgeous with the snow. I hear we are expecting a dusting Tuesday into Wednesday with the bulk of the storm hitting New England. Let’s see what are friends are up to.

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Kory Aversa and Jennifer Logue, editor of Arts & Culture at Metro Philly at the first Newsmakers Round Table
held at the Pyramid Club every first Tuesday. Next up Marilyn Russell, Cari Feiler Bender and than moi in June.

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Yesterday Eagles Jason Kelce stopped by Broken Goblet Brewing, in Bristol to help launch “No One Likes Us, We Don’t Care” IPA, with him was pal Connor Barwin,

who’s foundation Make the World Better Foundation received a 10% donation from the sale of the beer.

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Speaking of Connor Barwin, he recently join Philadelphia Eagles Chris Long (above) and a group celebrities from the USA National Football League (NFL) and other sports organizations on a successful five day expedition, climbing to the highest peak of Mount Kilimanjaro.

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The expedition was organized by the US based Worldforce International and the Chris Long foundation “WaterBoys” in the US side but in close collaboration with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) targeting raising funds for sustainable water systems to communities. (source)

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Connor Barwin, who maintains a residence in Fishtown with wife Laura Barwin, also gave us an update on the progress of Smith Park in South Philly.

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Earlier this week I ran into Evan “OG” Harden of the Philadelphia Bar League (Calisthenics), at the opening of Chopper’s Hatchet House he’s helping design the Fitness Pod at Smith Park along with Connor Barwin. Look for news of it’s grand re-opening soon.

Congrats to Micah Gerhartm Assistant Athletic Trainer – Philadelphia Eagles and Korinne Patrice, Eagles Youth Partnership, the charitable foundation of the Philadelphia Eagles Football team who got engaged over the weekend.

Another happy engagement happened at Citizen Bank Park over the weekend when Luke Butler proposed to Megon Ungar . Luke currently works for Curalate, a leading marketing technology company that enables brands to sell online more effectively, but for 8 years served as a spokesman for the City of Philadelphia and a speechwriter for Mayor Nutter, and Megon, now at ‎Tempest, used to be at PHLCVB for several years.

Congrats to philanthropic socialites Cindy Caccuro and Uri Jacobson who were married last weekend.

Congrats to Marissa Reale, when she graduates Temple University in May she will be taking a full time position with Braithwaite Communications. Marissa has previously interned with 6ABC and Vault Communications.

Looks like The PokeSpot at 1804 Chestnut Street is getting ready to open it’s doors soon.

See you tomorrow on PhillyChitChat where I’ll have a wrap up to the Phila Flower Show, and this week the Choppers Hatchet opening party, 12 new contemporary Fishtown townhouses brought to you by @adamsgroupmarket and photos from several James Beard events I’ll be shooting. In the meantime go out and enjoy the day, and make memories.

Philadelphia

Deck The Hall at City Hall Holiday Sights Plus Show Times

November 21, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Deck The Hall at City Hall Holiday Sights Plus Show Times

Last night was the premiere of the Deck the Hall Light Show Presented by Independence Blue Cross, a dramatic light show, synchronized with music and projected onto the West Market Street portal of City Hall. Deck

Before the countdown to the kick off there was a small ceremony where speakers included

Deck Center City District President and CEO Paul R. Levy, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney, Independence Blue Cross President Executive Vice President and Chairman and CEO of AmeriHealth Caritas Paul A. Tufano, Esq., and 6abc President and General Manager Bernie Prazenica.

Shows will be presented during the evenings through January 1, every hour on the half-hour from Sunday to Thursday and more frequently on Friday and Saturday evenings. Weekdays (Sunday-Thursday) 5:30pm 6:30pm 7:30pm 8:30pm Weekends (Friday-Saturday) 5:30pm 6:00pm 6:30pm 7:00pm 7:30pm 8:00pm 8:30pm 9:00pm 9:30pm

Afterwards there was a party for the sponsors which included Independence Blue Cross in partnership with Center City District and 6abc,

Sheila Hess, City Representative and friends from Independence Blue Cross
oh heat lamps next to the ice skating rink

Just learning to skate, you can rent one of those penguins on the right for $10 an hour. They have nearly a dozen.
I’m going to need one. I saw adults use them as well. There’s no embarrassment especially cause they’re so cute
The City Hall Courtyard Merry Go Round is back
The amazing maze is back again, and thankfully it’s not completely surrounded by the white tents that hold the shops. You can gaze into it in case you don’t want to navigate the maze.

The Made in Philadelphia Holiday Market opened last week. The stores featured are all based in the Philadelphia area, whereas the stores across the street at the Christmas Village (see white tent in center across the street at Love Park, that is where CV is and it opens on Thanksgiving) are from around the world. Open daily through Jan 1, 2018 (CV closes on Christmas Eve), Sun thru Thurs 11am to 7PM, and Friday and Sat 11AM to 8PM Closed on Christmas Say. Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve the shops close at 5PM

On the North Side of City Hall is where the Christmas Tree is this year. It looks amazing. Last night they were testing the lights and the colorful base. I’m so excited for the festivities officially lighting the tree on Black Friday at 5PM.
Craft Hall, a new venue by FCM opening in Northern Liberties in the fall of 2018, will be offering food and beverage service as a “pop-up restaurant” from Nov. 24 to Dec. 23 at City Hall at North Broad Street alongside the Philly Holiday Tree. The Craft Hall Pop-Up Restaurant, in partnership with Lost Bread Co. Bakery and Barefoot Wines, will include a beautifully decorated heated tent with indoor seating for over 100 people as well as tables outside the tent next to the tree.

The Deck the Halls lights at City Hall are a perfect compliment to the other light shows around town. Don’t forget to check out the Macy’s Christmas Light Show in the Grand Court and the Comcast Light Show.

Macy’s Light Show runs from the Friday after Thanksgiving through December 31.

Showtimes: 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 8pm. The Store is closed Christmas Day. (In the past, on occasion, additional unscheduled shows have been presented when the Store became too congested. Good times for viewing are Monday through Thursday.)

Comcast Light Show Times
Daily at the top of each hour, 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (excluding weekdays at 5 p.m.) through December 31 and 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. on New Year’s Day

Philadelphia

Cherry Street Pier Will Be Transformed into a Destination

November 19, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Cherry Street Pier Will Be Transformed into a Destination

If you build it, they will come: This has been proven on Penns Landing already, despite the super highway 95 not being capped. For years, and by years I mean decades, City leaders have tried to convince us that by capping the space above 95 it would spur growth at Penns Landing. Penns Landing over the years has always had great attractions like the waterfront stage, Tall Ships, the Moshulu, the Olympia, and the water, but

I think visionaries at the Delaware River Waterfront expounded on the idea of creating amazing entertainment in the past decade from Spruce Street Harbor where you can hang around in a hammock, while eating delicious Garces fare or Federal Donuts, the Blue Cross River Rink (summer and winter use), now the lodges, so popular that even Nicki Minaj hung out there a few winters ago, and the amazing Race Street pier which was transformed a few years back and is a great place to go unwind, do yoga, or watch the most amazing fireworks July 4 and on New Year’s Eve.

NOW it’s next door neighbor pier is about to undergo a transformation as the officials are planning to transform Municipal Pier 9 into a beautiful destination, bringing the historic pier back to life.

You might have been in the Cherry Street pier, officially known as Municipal Pier 9 if you attended Feastival in 2011 & 2012 as that is where is was held before moving across the street to it’s permanent place at La Peg. It’s a fairly run down pier with

a gorgeous view of the Delaware River and Ben Franklin Bridge from the sidewalk in front and a few of the nooks and crannies in the wall if the building on the pier. Let’s see what’s in store for the pier.
According to the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation (DRWC)website “Development of the Pier will involve a range of carefully chosen interventions, including selectively removing a portion of the roof and repairing the stone headhouses, in order to preserve and celebrate the historic value of the structure” Plans for the pier a market place, garden, local art gallery space, food and a DRIVE IN MOVIE, say what?

I love the shops set in a container. THIS is an exciting project. All done without the cap, but I do know the DRWC is excited about that as well, the funding is in place and work seems to be underway which will connect Old City, Society Hill and Philadelphia to the waterfront seamlessly.

The DRWC assures me that the buildings on the left side of this graphic were just speculative, I mean seriously why would anyone block the view of the Ben Franklin Bridge from the multi million dollar park they just built. Check out Philly Curb for more info on this fantastic park.

Also check out Visit Philly as they have a great recap of the wonderful attractions along the Delaware River

All photos courtesy of DRWC, except the two Festival Shots which were by me.

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Philadelphia

#PCCBuzz Shawn Mendes Parties in Philly, The Chainsmokers Spotted, MIA Road Closures

August 24, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Good Thursday throwback. Let’s see what’s happening around town in #PCCBuzz Shawn
I sure do miss those days when Phillies wives, Phillies players hosted fun charity fundraisers. Here’s Stephanie Kendrick (wife of Kyle) hosting a charity shoe auction along with MC GN Kang *now Butler. Both these ladies have moved on from Philly – GN is in San Diego with hubby Ian and son. Stephanie and Kyle live in Florida, when Kyle isn’t playing for the Boston Red Sox. They have two kids Kyle Kendrick Jr., Sophia Marguerite Kendrick. 7 years ago I was covered Kyle’s surprise 25th birthday party.

Shawn Shawn Mendes spent quite a bit of time in Philly this week leading up to his concert at the Wells Fargo Center on Tuesday night. He stayed at The Logan hotel on The Parkway, enjoyed dinner at Urban Farmer, checked out the Parkway view at rooftop bar The Assembly and worked out at LA Fitness 2425 S 24th St, Philadelphia, PA 19145 a few times. Seems Shawn has a membership there as he works out at LA Fitness across the country on many of his tour stops. Another stop he makes is the fan photo stop as he’s doing here with Ian Aubry, who you might recall brought Dance-rock band DNCE to his Social Media Marketing class at Temple last year. Monday night Shawn Mendes , Charlie Puth and crew celebrate the end of their North American tour at Buffalo Billiards at 118 Chestnut St.

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I was down the shore when this nugget came into my email, at first I was thinking can it keep til Tuesday, nah, I did the intro to the sender with Jennifer Logue at Philly Metro which resulted in this great article. Then I sent it along to Fox 29 and they ran it too. Here are additional photos and the story. Thank you EBE for thinking of me.

Philadelphia’s own EBE’s L.A Starz Plays with The Chainsmokers At A Wedding

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Morgan and Harry met and fell in love…who knew one of Harry’s best friends was Andrew Taggart of the Chainsmokers!??! So close that Andrew had Harry add backup vocals to their hit song Paris! Needless to say, when Morgan and Harry contacted EBE to enlist the amazing LA Starz for their wedding, they did so knowing the band could effectively provide a concert like atmosphere….and boy did they! The 18pc band not only provided an incredible array of music and precision but added an exciting backdrop to the 3 song “concert” when Chainsmokers,

along with bride and groom and members of the wedding party, took to the stage and performed Closer, Paris and Something Just Like This. The over 200 attendees were blown away as The Rittenhouse turned into the show of the year and the wedding of the century!!

This bride and groom had a great time tonite! Pretty cool having your groomsman being @drewtaggart @thechainsmokers #phillywedding #phillygram #rittenhouse

A post shared by flyerzboy (@flyerzboy) on Aug 19, 2017 at 11:23pm PDT

Moustaki at 21st and Race streets is getting ready to open. It’s owned by Pete Ampatzis of Pete’s Famous Pizza, there’s one near me in Fairmount. Check out the story in the Phl Biz Journal to hear more about the new place.

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DATEBOOK

Shawn

Made In America Road Closures Begin Sunday

Road Closures: The Made in America Festival will take place on the Parkway on Saturday, September 2nd and Sunday, September 3rd between the Philadelphia Museum of Art and N. 21st St.

Street Closures will begin on Sunday, August 27th through Tuesday, September 5th. The following is the first set of closures:

Sunday, August 27th – Closure #1 • 7:00am – Closure of two traffic lanes directly in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs

Monday, August 28th – Continue closure #1 – Closure #2 • 7:00am – Spring Garden Street between Ben Franklin Pkwy and Pennsylvania Ave Work hours: 8:00am – 7:00pm

Tuesday, August 29th- 7:00am – Continue Closure #1– Closure # 2.(no closure # 3) Closure #4– North side curb lane on Park Towne Place between N. 22nd St and N. 24th St • 7:00am – South side curb lane on Pennsylvania Ave between N. 22nd St and N. 23rd St. Work Hours: 8am-7pm

Philadelphia

#PCCBuzz Heidi Hamels is now a Country Song Writer; Plus See Their 32,000 sq ft Home For Sale

August 14, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Good Monday Morning. Hope you had a wonderful weekend. I was in Sussex NJ enjoying the NJ State Fair, 4H Club and Horse Show. Great country fair with rides and farm animals. There are still plenty fairs around, and you should do a google search and find one near you. Speaking of country, Heidi Hamels, former reality TV star on Survivor, former Phillies player Cole Hamels wife (now Texas Rangers)

Hamels

and philanthropist Heidi Hamels is now a country song writer and producer. Country singer Lee Gantt’s first EP, “Casa Boulevard,” will be released in mid-September on HH Entertainment, a label created by Heidi Hamels. Gantt’s first single, “Ruined This Town,” was co-written by Heidi Hamels and Zac Maloy. The music video was shot in Gantt’s hometown of Grove City, Ohio, as well as Buffalo, Missouri, Heidi Hamels’ hometown. (additional source)

8-14-2017 12-09-30 AM (Custom) The Hamels are coming home to raise money for their school in Malawi – Here’s a message from her instagram.
Hey ya’ll come join us on September 7 (5:00-9:00pm)!! It’s time for the Top of the Hill @thehamelsfoundation event in Glen Mills PA at the famous Arasapha Farms (Bates Motel). Come out with your entire family to hang with @colehamels and I along with carnival games, rides, food, petting zoo, playground and live music by @saraspicermusic !! Get your tickets at http://www.thehamelsfoundation.org. And please note ALL (every cent) of proceeds go to kids that attend our school in Malawi or to local public schools in need of help to get them through the school year!! Can’t wait to see you there!!
8-14-2017 12-25-18 AM (Custom) Speaking of homes, since the Hamels now live in Dallas they’ve decided to sell their nearly completed French provincial style mansion in Missouri for nearly $10 Million. Located just outside of Branson, Mo. near where Heidi grew up, the home features nearly 32,000 square feet of living space with 10 bedrooms, 13 bathrooms, six half-baths, and four living areas. The massive home sits on approximately 105 acres that include more than 1,700 feet of shoreline access to Table Rock Lake as well as a private dock. (Realtor) Hamels
Congrats to Chef Barbie Marshall who will be returning to Hell’s Kitchen in the upcoming “The Chefs Return as All Stars – Season 17 September 29 pm Fox 29

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Remember the sad story about the accidental fire that claimed the life of a woman in Bensalem, 39-year-old Tabetha Oakes Rutecki who died trying to save two pets from a house fire. One of the pets lived through the fire, Lil’ Man who was taken to the hospital by a Bensalem Animal Control Officer, who called Red Paws. He spent a few hours being observed, but was ok and released into our care, and has been boarding at Central Bark Falls Township for over a month. Recently he was reunited with the survivors of the fire after they were able to begin to get their life back together. We need to raise the funds to cover the cost of his boarding so that we can continue to keep families like Lil’ Man’s together after disasters. (source)

Philadelphia

Dollar Store General Concept to Piazza; M∙A∙C Returns To Rittenhouse, Bruce Willis Spotted

August 11, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Hello Friday, August is just zipping by; BTW if you’re reading this before 830AM I’m on WOGL for another sing a long today with Marilyn Russell, and my pick for event of the weekend – it’s a killer. That’s a hint. Here’s another edition of #PCCBuzz (yes I know I changed the day again; Friday is a good day for gossip cause you need fun chitchat for the weekend, dinner and the beach) Last week I went to the 2nd Street Festival, it was fun. It wasn’t a client event so I got to really take my time to look around, and guess what I found a very interesting story.

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I saw this awning at The Schmidt’s Commons – DGX Philadelphia. Inside the space was still being built out. I check it out online to see what kind of business it was and it’s a subsidiary of Dollar Store General. According to a story in the Tennessean: Dollar General has a new demographic in mind with its smaller-format store concept DGX: millennials. .. There are similarities between a traditional Dollar General store and DGX, but the smaller-format store features a more modern design, a curated selection of goods and a brewed coffee station for metropolitan shoppers.

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It’s very similar to a convenience store with chips, a fountain machine with a variety of sodas, grab and go sandwiches and many of items to serve city dwellers.
“We are excited about our new smaller store concept and the opportunity to serve busy, city-dwellers with everyday low prices on the essentials they need in a convenient, easy-to-shop format,” Todd Vasos, Dollar General’s CEO, said in a statement. “The DGX format is geared to meet the needs of the millennial shopper, which is an emerging and important part of our customer base and will help us broaden our appeal to attract a new segment of urban customers who put a high premium on value and convenience.” (source) I asked around last Sunday and nearby neighbors told me at the end of August.

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Yesterday I was walking up Chestnut street and saw that Campers Shoes (1734 Chestnut St) had closed and in it’s place was this store window full of an explosion of fantastical colors but what did it mean. I did some research, and it turns out that it’s a new campaign connected with the launch of M∙A∙C Cosmetics stores opening around the world. The Chestnut Street store is opening in the Fall of 2017,

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and for what I’ve seen on the internet the store openings are a lot of fun. I can’t wait to shoot it. How awesome that M∙A∙C Cosmetics will have another stand a lone store in Rittenhouse

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Speaking of Rittenhouse Square, Bruce Willis who was in town prepping for M Night Shyamalan’s movie “Glass” was spotted @ Barclay Prime for dinner arriving at 7PM and leaving at 9:30PM, b4 heading across the park to Scarpetta for nightcap last nite. He’ll be back in September along with the rest of the cast of Glass – James McAvoy, Samuel L. Jackson, and Anya Taylor-Joy along with franchise newcomer Sarah Paulson. Samual Jackson said in an interview in Collier “We start rehearsal on [September] 18th and I start shooting on the 25th.”. They’ll be filming for 8 weeks, with many weeks of the shooting happening on the streets of Philadelphia, a bit in the studio and the rest outside of the City. Paparazzi HughE is ready. Filming is scheduled until Thanksgiving, with a movie release date of January 18, 2019. Heery Loftus Casting can help you become a star, or at least an extra on this movie. Glass is a direct sequel to Split and Unbreakable, bringing together the casts of both movies helmed by Shyamalan.

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Check out Gina Gannon tonight on 6ABC News during the crucial 4PM and 5PM newscasts.

Dollar
Crazy, Greg Seitter gets back from a relaxing vacation, then spends a day getting pies thrown in his face for charity. Sweet.
“I will be hosting a pie in the face fundraiser tomorrow afternoon to raise funds for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society‘s #LightTheNight campaign. A $20 (or more) donation will entitle a colleague of mine to throw a pie in my face in your honor. Make a donation now: http://pages.lightthenight.org/epa/Phi17/gseitter
#PieInTheFace #Charity #Fundraiser”
His supporters raised over $1000. I wonder if he’ll take more pies for more money?
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Save The Date

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Nina Tinari, Chairwoman of The Marian Anderson Award, announced today that five-time Grammy winner Dionne Warwick will receive the 2017 Marian Anderson Award on November 14, 2017, during the eagerly anticipated Gala and Concert at The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts.

Philadelphia

#PCCBuzz DelFrisco’s Grille Headed to Broad Street, Will Smith & DJ Jazzy Jeff ; WXTU’s Crockett on the Move

August 5, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Hope you’re Friday was awesome!! Yesterday morning I made my debut on WOGL radio and then prepared two columns about Thursday night’s party – Philly Mag Best of Soiree, check out photos here: Philly Mag and one for Metro Philly ; I ran kinda late getting my post up earlier today so let’s just call this Saturday Scoop

P.S. Did I photograph you this week. Click on the links at the bottom for the links to the party pictures, but first check out what’s happening around town

Will
What a dream come true to be live on air on my favorite radio station WOGL FM Thanks to the extraordinary producer Kevin Crockett, and the legendary Marilyn Russell for today. Listen to me again next Friday at 830am, and hopefully every Friday afterwards til eternity. I’ll be chatting about events around town and dropping some dope news, and celebrity stories that happen in Philadelphia, just like you’re about to read below:

Good news for Crockett on the horizon..

Cumulus Media announces that veteran Philadelphia on-air personality Kevin Crockett has been named co-host of 100.7 WLEV/Allentown’s new morning radio show Selena and Crockett. The new show will air weekdays from 5-10am and debuts in mid-August. Crockett joins 100.7 WLEV and Cumulus-Allentown-Bethlehem-Easton, PA, from CBS Radio-Philadelphia, where he’s been heard in the market for the last eight years. Crockett most recently served as the Executive Producer of 98.1 WOGL‘s The Breakfast Club and was previously heard mornings on 92.5 WXTU. He also spent time at the former Wired 96.5, where he started his career.

OH I forgot to mention Kevin and I both graduated from Paul VI High School, 20 years apart – ha

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Ok let’s get to the big breaking news. Everyone has been wondering what restaurant is going to be a part of the new CAMBRiA hotel & suites Philadelphia project being built in Center City at Broad & Locust Sts.

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On June 8th, 2016 Choice Hotels International Inc., Pearl Properties (who owns the parcel of land – 3 lots running from mid block to the corner of Broad and Locust Sts) and Concord Hospitality Enterprises Co. broke ground for the for the CAMBRiA hotel & suites Philadelphia ( 219 S. Broad St.)

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Ground Breaking Shot: Rob Wonderling, President and CEO, Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; Meryl Levitz, President and CEO, Visit Philadelphia; Steve Joyce, CEO, Choice Hotels International; Reed Slogoff, Partner at Peal Properties; James Pearlstein, Founder and President of Pearl Properties; Janis Cannon, Senior Vice President of Upscale Brands, Choice Hotels International (photo provided by PHI-TNC)

The 15-story, 223 room hotel is being designed by DAS Architects Inc. (they do most of Pearl Properties) and will be managed by Concord. The hotel sounds spectacular in the amenities they are planing including a state of the art fitness room, free wi-fi, a grab-and-go gourmet salads, sandwiches as well as a barista bar and a 3,000 square foot rooftop bar with views of the city where I can’t wait to hang; And it’s just been announced that

8-4-2017 7-38-45 PM (Custom) Del Frisco’s Grille . “a more casual take on the upscale Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steak House” will offer seating for 230 in the main dining area, with a private dining room to accommodate special occasions and celebrations for up to 35 people, as well as patio seating for 30 fronting Broad Street. There will be an extensive selection of wines in custom designed displays throughout the dining area and the space will highlight the high ceilings, expansive storefront windows, and a prominently positioned curved bar to create a modern, elevated and vibrant feel. (According to DelFrisco’s spokesperson in a DM on Aug 1, 2017, they stated it’s going in at Broad & Locust Sts., which could mean the Perch/Varalli Restaurants, of the main hotel since the whole project is at Broad & Locust Streets) and the press release

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The company describes its’ Del Frisco’s Grille delivers a more creative twists on American classic comfort food. Menu examples at the eatery include ahi tacos, wild mushroom flatbread, steakhouse salad, burgers, chopped chicken and farm greens salad, Filet Mignon, prime rib-eye and mesquite smoked pork chop.

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(Illustrations from website and press releases)

Del Frisco’s Grille is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2018 and is going to have spectacular views of Broad and Locust Streets. The Grille, will be located across the street from the very hot, newly renovated and opened Palm Restaurant at the Bellevue (had lunch there yesterday, they’re starting to put up fun caricatures), and a couple blocks away from the delicious DelFrisco’s Steakhouse down the street (Was there Thursday night, and it was jammed packed with singles. Better than Tinder.)

Summer, summer, summertime
Time to sit back and unwind
Will
You might have read last year that Actor/rapper Will Smith and Jazzy Jeff are “Gettin’ Jiggy Wit it” as they are reuniting and touring this summer. They’ll be headlining Livewire Festival in the UK on August 27, and then stopping by Croatia’s MTV Summerblast on August 25 and 26. The duo will no doubt performed songs from their new CD Consequence Of Sound, as well as songs from the five CDs they did together, including 1991’s Homebase, which spawned the Grammy-winning “Summertime”. For the three weeks running up to the tour, the West Philly guys are rehearsing the tour in Philadelphia. There have been sightings of Will Smith running on Broad Street, and unfortunately for Jazzy Jeff, his car broke down on RT 95 near the Linc the other day as he was heading into town from the Wilmington area, where he lives.

Will
The Child Life, Education and Creative Arts Therapy Department at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and Comcast NBCUniversal held a special screening of Illumination Entertainment and Universal Pictures’ animated film, “Despicable Me 3” while it is still in theaters. CHOP President and CEO Madeline Bell and Comcast Corporation Senior Executive Vice President David L. Cohen delivered opening remarks prior to the movie screening. Patients got to interact with Minions in the Hospital’s atrium. Following the screening, the movie was streamed into hospital rooms for patients who were unable to attend in-person.” (Photo provided) HD1_6279 (Custom)
I could write a whole blog on what’s happening on Walnut Street, this week bad news True Religion is going out of business after nearly 6 years at the Ritt Row location. The good news everything is 50% off. You can still buy them at Macy’s across from Broad Street.

DATEBOOK
Will

On Thursday, August 10 the PSPCA will partner with 62 Chipotle locations throughout the Philadelphia area, Central Pennsylvania, and Southern New Jersey as part of their community giving efforts.

For the second consecutive year, Chipotle will invite customers to make eating a selfless act, by joining the fundraiser to support the PSPCA. Those who visit any Philadelphia or Central PA Chipotle on Thursday, August 10 from 10:45am-10pm, bring the below flier, show it on their smartphone or simply mention the fundraiser will have 50% of the proceeds from their meal donated to the PSPCA.

The participating locations will donate 50 percent of their sales from August 10 (10:45 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.) to the PSPCA’s life saving-mission when the fundraiser is mentioned at check out or the designated flier is presented via hard copy or smartphone.

Did PCC Photograph You This Week?

Photos: East Passyunk Car Show and Street Festival 2017

PHOTOS: Hugo’s Frog Bar & Chop house hosts Sunset Soiree

The Gerald Henderson Charity Golf Invitational

Christmas In July At Stratus Rooftop Lounge

Amino Payments Official Launch

East Passyunk Car Show on PHL Biz Journal

Published on: Aug 5, 2017 @ 01:25am

Philadelphia

Where did the Trees Go at 17th and JFK, Happy Birthday Mimi, Ben Simmons,

August 3, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Hello Thursday, August 3. Summer is slipping by, but we’ve had a lot of fun this year haven’t we?

Mimi

Let’s see what’s been going on around town.

Mimi
Sixers Ben Simmons headed to Rumor last night for SIPS After Dark. Here he is with Legendary doorman with

Mimi
Nicole Brewer: T-1 week til I’m back on CBS Philly! It will be extraordinarily difficult to leave my little ones, but I know it will get easier. (Right?!?!) And I’ll have the support of my colleagues and friends, especially fellow Momma Kate Bilo. Thank God for girlfriends who just “get it.”

Mimi
Happy birthday to my niece Mimi Bateman. Here she is with my sister Crista and her hubby Michael.

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Missing something, seems the City removed the planters along JFK Blvd. Hope they’re going to do something about the mismatched
concrete, it looks ridiculous.

Mimi
And I hope they saved the trees as well. Where am I going to sit now, I guess I’ll go up to 18th and JFK they have a wall to sit on.
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Timberland opened a Tree Lab Experiential Store yesterday at their King of Prussia store.
The experiential Tree Lab concept store will feature carefully curated product collections and brand stories in a gallery-style setting that will completely change every six weeks. Similarly to an art gallery. Hope it comes to the Center City store as well, I love that place.

Mimi
Congrats to Josh DeMarco who is a finalist in BehindTheChair’s “Haircut of the Year” competition.

FOOD PORN

Mimi
Looks like Lombard Cafe (700 Sansom St.) is nearly opened. Michael Klein wrote about it earlier this year.
Now when is PJ Clarke’s opening across the street at the Curtis Center?
I did stop by Craftsman Row around the corner for my favorite Buffalo Cauliflower last week.

Mimi
After the Car Show Sunday night, Mike and our friends headed to Barcelona Wine Bar on East Passyunk
What a surprise. The place was gorgeous, the staff was very nice, the food divine. Mike and I enjoyed the above dish Parrillada, which was $26.50 a person and so delicious.