Tag: Philadelphia

Categories
Philadelphia

ERIN GO BYE (NBC10’s Erin Como Bids Good Bye To Philly)

Epic Saturday Night, whoever ask, I took their photo. I didn’t have a pad on moi so I didn’t capture names. Goodbye my sweet Erin, and by sweet I mean she is one of the nicest girls you will ever meet. She and her beau Danny are off to Nashville where she will start working at Fox 17 starting Monday.  I’ve already plotted my trip for July.

Saturday Night was alright. I was headed out to my friend Erin como’s going away party, but stopped by Serafina to take a photo of a bachelorette party.   My friend Colleen Walsh Spangler, 3rd from left, called a few weeks ago and asked where was a hot spot to go for the party and Serafina was one of my choices, then Whisper (1712 Walnut) for dancing. I continued walking by Rittenhouse Row I ran into a handful of people enjoying the evening. the place was buzzing, it got me excited as I wanted to see who was out with who and where (Although my dinner friends I swear I was walking fast cause I was late for dinner.)

Lindsey Napikoski Tara Malone Lesley Spriggs Joanna DiCiurcio Erin McMullen Jamie Hilton Anna Yocum Fazio Ashtyn Napikoski 

 Speaking of Bacherlor’s here’s Reid Rosenthal, serving the real estate needs of Philadelphia, PA, and the surrounding suburbs., he was on ABC’s Bacherlor Show.  He’s hanging with Samantha Trasatti

 I was to meet Erin and crew at La Viola, but popped into the wrong one first (they have two restaurants across the street from each other on 16th St) I ran into David Carroll (Bar Noir, Rogues Gallery)(backrow) and his birthday party.  There’s Jack Eldridge and Mary Beth Hallman, Lippincott House Bed & Breakfast in Rittenhouse Square, and singer/actress Erika Schiff in the foreground.

Finally found the right spot. Sitting Erin Como, Maria Papadakis, her fiance Brenden Kent, then there’s , Camille Cwienkala (director of operations, LNS) and Danny Schuyler standing

Lt John Walker, Erin Como, Danny Schuyler, Alissa Ingram (exec producer at NBC 10),  TONY, Maria Papadakis, Brenden Kent, and Camille Cwienkala BTW La Viola packed like I’ve never seen a restaurant. Plus it’s BYOB, the bill for 7 people $200

Danny and friends. I think this is Bucca, I was walking by and didn’t notice it. Looks good though.

WTF: Chest bumping in Opa Restaurant. (Is this how construction works say hello?)
 Livin La Vida Smokin’ –   Jen Sherlock, Erin Como, Susie Celek and Julie Dorenbos

Before Jon Dorenbos arrived, this guy on the left came up to us and showed us a few magic tricks. Reminded me of Jon, so when he came in I did the introductions and the two spent a good amount of time discussing the biz. so random. 

Alissa Ingram (exec producer at NBC 10), Kristen Johanson,L&S, Big Rube, and Erin Como. I was impressed how packed Opa was on a Saturday night. They have a great DJ too. Some peeps broke out in dance. Nicole Rossi was grooving as was

NBC10 reporter Cydney Long and her husband
After Opa we headed to G Lounge for a little dancing (when you’re sleeping or at home at 1AM, this is what 15th & Sansom looks like. Exciting chaos.)

Big Rube sees fashion every where
Waylon Nelson and Chris

Blame it on the night time


Erin Como and Fred Calang – co-hosts of RAW the monthly art event on the last Thursday of the month at G Lounge (Check out Raw Monday at Vlannis)

Tim Nork and

Marisa Magnatta and Ron Zawadsky in love and in the Vault. I forgot Justin Pizzi and Dawn Timmeney were both at Opa. Justin introduced me to Erin, but it was Marisa that really connected us. thanks you two. I do have a handful of really excellent girlfriends, like Marisa, but Erin was a jewel and I don’t think anyone would discount that. How lucky we are to know such a kind, warm, wonderful person. I’ve never heard her say a mean thing about anyone, which was very irritating.

PhillyChitChat followers, sweet as can be

Random Peeps wanted their photo taken in the Vault at G Lounge
Random guy wanted his photo taken
Erin and Danny – we love you!!

Thanks to my sponsors: For great limousine service try Secrets Limo.
Having a party, need a photo booth rent a Cool Pix Photo Booth
Need a wedding band, no not that kind, a musical kind CTO Entertainment is for you. Plus
they have DJ’s all the way down to a guy playing a keyboard for your party or
event. (I was just at an event at Tiffany’s Jewelers and there was a guy
playing the keyboard for entertainment & he was from CTO.  Mother’s Day is coming up, I think Teuscher’s Chocolate’s would be
perfect. How about taking mom to the Top of The Tower for a delicious
Brunch on her day May 13, 2012. Father’s Day is coming up, you need a signed
jersey from a Phillies player, a framed photo signed by an Eagles player get it
at the Philly’s Sports Cave.

Categories
Philadelphia

CABBIE HAS HIS OWN DEMOLITION DERBY ON 19TH STREET BTWN CHESTNUT & MARKET

I know this ugly facade & signage would make anyone’s head explode, but more than likely it was a Demi Moore moment that caused some cab driver to create his own demolition derby on 19th Street near Smith Bar & Restaurant.
I came upon this scene last night, 90 minutes after it happened. A cabbie turned left off Chestnut Street going the wrong way down 19th Street towards Market.and caused a mess. Instead of just stopping after he realized his mistake, he swerved to the left and in a series of chain reactions,starting with side swiping this carhit a car immediately behind it (not pictured here) and riding up on it, as well as pushing into the next two cars.resulting in a whole lotta damage (this is the car the cab rode up on). Can you imagine parking your car, paying the PPA and enjoying a Saturday night out and coming back to this.
I hear the cabbie tried to run away but was caught by a few bystanders and held until the cops came by. (This is the 3rd car.) Oh wait, thanks to a reader I have the 4th and last carbroken axle (1st car), behind that someone’s entire exhaust system. The person who owned this red Volt, did not come and claim their car, so it wasn’t towed. Someone left a note on it that said, there was an accident while you were gone. Call this number for info & a tow.I noticed the meter was running on the cab still, so were there passengers in the cab? There were no news vans on the scene, but hopefully the details will come out. The receipt before this fare was timed stamped at 23:06PM. I walked by about 12:30AM I’ve heard cabbies are notoriously under insured. I wonder how this one will play (pay) out.

Categories
Philadelphia

BRADLEY COOPER FILMING IN RIDLEY PARK, PA

As I reported back in August on Fox 29’s Good Day Show, Bradley Cooper began filming The Silver Lining Playbook in Ridley Park, Pa. Friday. (About 5 miles from Philadelphia)
The movie, which is based on the novel by Matthew Quick (which was set in Collingswood, NJ but maybe moved to Pa for the tax credits.), stars Cooper as a former high school teacher who is committed to a mental institution for depression. He is later released and begins wooing his former wife, but instead falls for her neighbor. Jennifer Lawrence is attached to play the neighbor, while Robert De Niro will play his father. Chris Tucker has also signed on to the movie. (A photographer friend sent me these shots of Bradley Cooper filming in Ridley Park, Pa. The scene consisted of Bradley running up and down the street in a plastic bag outfit, check out additional shots at www.splashnews.com.) You’ll recall DeNiro and Cooper filmed “Limitless” in Philadelphia in 2009. Guess they like us, they really like us. This week filming location is on 200 block of Madison in Upper Darby, PA. Tomorrow I will have lots of details from Tuesday’s film shoot.
(I also see that PhillyFilmGirl is all over this movie. Follow her on Twitter, check out her site)

More movie news from the set Tuesday: http://www.phillychitchat.com/2011/10/bradley-cooper-films-in-upper-darby.html
**************
Happy Birthday to my two sisters, Margaret and Crista.

Thank you to my Advertisers – CTO Entertainment, Secrets Limo’s, Del Frisco’s, Chris Gabello, Anne Nikolaus, RECESS, Chambord, According to Sherman, Skin Palette (Mention PCC for 25% off your first Spray Tan) Bellevue Sporting Club and the American Cancer Society, Have A Good Weekend!

Categories
Philadelphia

RUMOR PHILADELPHIA DANCE CLUB NO LONGER JUST A RUMOR

The wait is over Rumor Night Club Philly at 15th and Sansom St is now opened.

You’re probably not going to hear this song in the newest club that opened this past weekend in Philadelphia, Rumor the long awaited night club. The Emerald City of Trance.Buzz started last year about a new exciting club opening in Philly by Atlantic City promoter Mark Marek, who opened and managed G Lounge about 5 years ago. Although his new club is also in the basement of a building, many of the comparison’s stop there, well except for one of my favorite bouncers manning the door.
In the past 5 years, VIP rooms, bottle service and NYC entrance fees have hit this City, but for that price you are whisked away for a few hours into a fantasy glamorous night of fun, dancing and friends. Now if you can afford the bottle service for the VIP room (The Vault) at Rumor, I say go for it. It is definitely the best one in the City by far. It’s beautiful, spacious, plenty of room to dance with your buds, or just a great place to get away from the crowd, because that’s what going on outside of this room. The full service bar in the VIP room. As you descend the stairs of the old Roy’s Restaurant building, you will be greeted by a welcoming pink light and what I would call the main bar, kinda social room, and the only area that has seating if you do not have bottle service. Even though the space was huge, by midnight it became packed as this is also where the entrance to the club is, and the entrance to the VIP lounge, and well everyone thinks they’re a VIP so it was a shit show with people dropping names trying to get in the exclusive hideaway. I can assure you at this club they will be reserving it for actual VIPS and Bottle Service folks. (See the huge doorman, that is the VIP Vault on right.)
Legendary club promoter Dan Contarino is making magic happen at Rumor these days. He’s got the golden touch and he’s a really nice guy.
The VIP Vault is an imposing piece of real estate in Rumor, and at some points if feels as if it squeezes the other rooms. On either side of the Vault between rooms you can find hallways like this, but it is also a welcomed relief that you can cruise a complete circle. This is the only club I can think of in Philly where you don’t have to walk through the dance floor to get to the other side, which is a good thing, well unless you liked getting groped which isn’t so bad either.
This is the pop 40, house music, dance floor or one as of the Cashman girls told me the NYC room vibe room. On the left is a nice sized dance floor, banquette and bottle service. There’s a bar at one end, and the DJ on the other. In between the two rooms is a long hall with about 12 bathrooms on either side. They are individual and monitored by a guy, so kids one person at a time, really.
The other dance room is my favorite, It’s the Trance, Global room where you will find the likes of legendary DJ’s Issac Jordan, Markus Schulz, Mark Knight and other favorites from the circuit spinning. Rumor is to become a destination spot for Trance, House, Techno, Electro, Dubstep, Breaks, and Drum & Bass festivals, gatherings and all out fun. Nothing in Philly comes close to this kind of genre of music, except maybe the Weiss brothers’ Voyeur in the Gayborhood. (I only wish Rumor’s was a little bigger.)


James Duggan, Alexa, Kate Beaver and Thom Cardwell
Julianne Martin and Kristie Gonzales. Haven’t seen Kristie since she left town to take a position at ABC in Fresno. She loves it out there. good to see her.
Mike Jerrick, Michelle Chyatte, and John Bolaris. Check out Mike and I on Fox 29’s Good Day on Monday for our recap of the weeks event. (I’m on Fox29 Good Day now, twice a week, chatting about who went where, what happened and what’s coming up.)
James Boney and Arielle Johnson. James and I will be hanging out with Mike Vick at G Lounge tonight. Every Sunday home game, Vick and friends have a celebration party at the club, even if they loose. “It’s only one game.” Someone recently told me.

Tim Nork, Carrie Nork Minelli, Chris and Tiffany Nork and Dino Minelli
Did I mention I left my note book at home? A whole bunch of fashionable people with Hacina Saadi and the always beautiful 6ABC’s Shirleen Allicot.
Above is the entrance to the club. When I went to leave last night I was directed to exit through a door that was “a fire exit”. I’m not sure if that’s normally the exit, but you definitely need to ask someone where it is as there are a lot of doors marked Fire Exit. Maybe it was just because last night was so packed they used it.There is a guy standing there but it’s not marked specifically that it’s anything but the fire exit. The steps are really steeps, I see a lawsuit waiting to happen. Even though it’s common sense I would throw up some hold onto railing signs here warning peeps, especially the ones in super high stilettos that may have drunk their weight in Comos.
All in all Rumor is a welcome addition to the Philadelphia night club scene, especially having it in Center City. Usually you have to travel to Delaware Ave or to NYC to enjoy a club of this size. Get there early because I hear that because of the crowds Mark Marek closed the doors by 1AM both Friday and Saturday, which is a smart thing to do.
With lots of beautiful women. Finally Philly has an array of clubs to choose from, and they are all within walking distance. These days with the popularity of Philadelphia as a hot spot, the population of Center City rising there shouldn’t be any problem filling all the clubs.
About 1AM it was time for me to roll out of there because it was opening weekend the place was packed and I was curious how the other clubs were doing. It was a mob scene outside. 500 Degrees was packed, I felt sorry that Shank’s had left the area as the owner told me he was holding on til Rumor opened to catch that late night crowd, but I guess the wait was too long.

I walked down Sansom Street and the entire area had an electric excitement, even Agapios “Willy” Bouikidis’ 1518 Sansom St. has music at night (Great food too, and karaoke on Friday night he told me a few weeks back), Advice: Do NOT DRIVE DOWN SANSOM STREET if you want to get anywhere fast on a weekend night: See above video.
I checked out Whisper first. DJ Royale always packs them in and tonight was no different. There was a nice line outside, and a packed house inside. A huge birthday party complete with balloons and dancing girls could be seen up in the Boxed VIP lounge. Whisper has my favorite VIP lounge cause you can see the dance floor. Plus I love that they have a lot of seats (that aren’t bottle service) in the balcony area for my tired ass to sit on and mingle.
I headed over to G Lounge. They too had a crowd, maybe it wasn’t the crowd that ushered in the NYC 6th Boro feel 5 years ago (When I wrote that I had just returned from NYC and got so much grief from it.), but it’s a crowd that spends money. I know I have pleaded this before for a club to do a Polyester, oldies, 80’s club, and G Lounge is where I would love to see Jerry Blavet come in weekly and do a party, maybe on a Friday night, maybe once a month. My baby boomer readers, and XY Generation are looking for a place to groove. Although if any of the other clubs would like to step up to the plate and fulfill that wish one night a week, maybe an off night like Wed or Sunday that would be great.I didn’t include Recess in this assessment because that club is a different genre tucked away in Old City. I love Recess, it’s a different vibe, it’s like going to Cheers, everyone knows your name, the music is always top notch, you can party til dawn (open til 3:30AM), you can be dancing next to John Clark, Bam Margera, GN Kang, John Doe and Jason Thompson and there is no pretense; it’s exclusive and intimate by virtue of it’s size, and best of all there’s a parking garage above it.
Walking back to my car I ran into OPA restaurant to say hi to my buds, owners George and Vasiliki Tsiouris. I ran into a long time PhillyChitChat reader, Lindsay. You know if you tell me you’re a reader, then I’m gonna wanna put your pix on PCC. Sam Milarofsky, Yemi Bello, Lindsay christian and Billy Feingold. Sam and I are going to The SoCo Fiery Pepper Grand Launch Party at Ladder 15 on Wednesday. You wanna go? Check it out here. Tell em PhillyChitChat sent you, if you can remember.
https://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=228832667165942

Categories
Philadelphia

Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer Utley dedicate the “Kindness to Animals” mural – Is Jennifer Utley Pregant – The Latest Pictures

Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer Utley take a stand against animal abuse, as they dedicate the “Kindness to Animals” themed mural in partnership with the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program. The mural will help promote the proper care and treatment of animals across the street from the community epicenter, Anna B. Pratt Elementary School. Designed by artist Willis Humphrey, the mural was painted by students of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School, Chase & Jennifer Utley, and volunteers from the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program.

Passionate animal advocates, Chase & Jennifer Utley created the Utley Foundation to educate the community about the proper treatment of animals and fund non-profit organizations that are active in the fight against animal neglect, pain, and suffering. Prior to the mural dedication, the Utley Foundation and the City of Philadelphia Mural Arts Program invited students of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School to participate in poster, essay, and photo contests.
Principal Denise Young of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School greets the guests.
Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden thanks everyone with her infectious voice and enthusiasm.
This mural is so beautiful. You will recall in my post in April about how this mural came about, their was dog fighting in the school yard which was terrifying for the kids.

The press
A crowd gathers to participate in the dedication of the mural.
Chase Utley and his wife Jennifer Utley , CEO of the Pennsylvania SPCA Susan Cosby, Principal Denise Young of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School and Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden cut the ribbon with the kids from the school.

On right – Principal Denise Young of Anna B. Pratt Elementary School Chase & Jennifer Utley at the mural dedication, along with Mural Arts Program Executive Director Jane Golden (I tweeted earlier to say to my readers do you think Jen Utley is pregnant. She looks great, but she has a baby doll shirt on and she’s glowing ? At one point she was hugging the kids and looking back to him like this is going to be us soon.)
hang in the playground as the kids participate in creating the outline of a dog.
Jen Utley hugs the kids in appreciations
Chase thanks the kids for participating

Categories
Philadelphia

Breaking Glass’ Visits Cannes and Gets The job Done

Breaking Glass Pictures is buying and selling films in Cannes again. This year Rich Wolff, CEO, Susan Helfrich, COO, Richard Ross, Co-President
Justin Giani – President of Accounting, and Scott Mostiko – research and development attended the 10 day festival, which is the most noteworthy in the world. Here’s the gang hanging out on their hotel balcony overlooking the South of France and enjoying a home cooked meal by Susan.
Red Carpet in Cannes. Established in 2009, Breaking Glass Pictures, including its specialty labels, Vicious Circle Films, and QC Cinema, takes a targeted approach to
its genre releases including Horror/Thriller, LGBT, documentary and
provocative, independent fare. A full service boutique East Coast based film
distribution company with in house legal, PR, marketing and an international
sales division that gives the company global reach.
Lady Gaga performed the first night and the second day on the beach. With a growing catalog of over 70 titles, including Spirit Award winner – Easier with Practice, The Lottery (short listed for a 2010 academy award nomination), controversial shocker – Run! Bitch Run!, Tribeca’s outrageous selection – Ticked Off Trannies with Knives, and John Hurt in Fest Fav An Englishman in New York.

At the after party for We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011). Later that evening
Breaking Glass Pictures attended the Queer Party at the American Pavilion,
with famous DJ, John Cameron Mitchell Spins a Queer Dance
BGP arrived at Cannes 2011 to acquire 10 to 15 films that appeal to both
mainstream and genre audiences. This year BGP entered the international
sales arena with a slate of 30 titles which we are selling worldwide. Above Susan with John C. Reilly who plays the father in We Need to Talk About Kevin (2011)
The next day at the American Pavilion Faye Dunaway was honored on the 64th annual Cannes film festival poster featuring a stylish retro image.
Also at the luncheon was Breaking Glass’ COO Susan Helfrich and actor Stellan Skarsgard. Breaking Glass won the North American rights to Laure Charpentier’s controversial free spirited drama Gigola about Paris in the psychedelic ’60s , starring Marisa Berenson. Based on Charpentier’s novel, “Gigola” is set in Paris’ Pigalles neighborhood in the early 1960s. Pic toplines French thesp Lou Doillon as a young and free-spirited woman. Breaking Glass’ bought 14 titles at Cannes besides Gigola they also got the rights to Rent Boys, Dirty Pictures, The Coffin, The Hide, and others. Look for Go Go Crazy, Rent Boys, and Gigola screening along with Walk A Mile In My Pradas screening in July at Qfest.

Categories
Philadelphia

STEPHEN STARR does it again BUTCHER & SINGER Philadelphia is Opened

Last night I went to the VIP Opening Party of Butcher and Singer (1500 Walnut St., 215-732-4444),. Unbeknown to me about the history of the name, I kept telling my day boss that I was going to Butcher and Singer tonight, and he kept saying “They’re still open?” At which point I just rolled my eyes and thought, geez he’s only like 8 years old of me and he is so not hip. Later I discovered that Butcher & Singer, along with Janney Montgomery Scott and W.H. Newbold’s Son & Co., were for decades pillars of the local brokerage community and of the business community at large. It turns out that Butcher & Singer had their offices in the building a few years back. Even so

The restaurant captures the past when you walked through these doors you will be transported back to an era that is long forgotten.
In fact at first glance B&S reminds you of the famous “Brown Derby” a landmark restaurant in Los Angeles, California frequented by celebrities during the Golden Age of Hollywood.Last night was an invite only party. Stationed at the door are the Cashman & Assocs. publicist, or gate keepers. You’d better be on their list or there will be no entry.
One of the first things I noticed when entering the restaurant was the vast huge ceilings and the vibrant but warm golden tone to the hue of the walls, oh and these huge chandeliers. Sure I had been to the Striped Bass a few times, and that was huge, but it seemed huge, this is huge but it seems comfortable and much warmer. Tailored to a broad market of patrons, Butcher and Singer strives to bring back the “power lunch,” popularize the after-work cocktail and appeal to high-stakes business dinners or romantic evenings.

Chef James Locascio discussing menu business with partners. No doubt subjects include the variety of raw and chilled seafood selections, classic appetizers and salads and a wide array of steaks and domestic lamb chops Butcher & Singer will serve.
(I was too good and didn’t even have a nibble of all the delicious food that passed my way; today though I am craving steak, now I have to go back and get a taste of their menu) UPDATE: I have now been to Butcher & Singer and recommend of course the NY Strip, and the stuffed Hash Browns, infused with sour cream. My mom loved, loved, loved the Halibut. We both enjoyed the carrot cake for desert.
In Tuesday’s Michael Klein column: November’s Philadelphia Magazine is out with a photo spread of eligible singles. Those darn deadlines. Jimmy Contreras, co-owner of Kimberly Boutique, recently became ineligible after setting up house with publicist Matthew Vlahos. They’re now “out” on their Facebook profiles.
The bar is sleek and hugs your body while you’re waiting for your table to be ready. It’s the best seat in the house, and it’s also the most private if you want it to be.

Mary Patel has some good news which she says she will allow me to break on PCC, with her is Thom Cardwell and The Philadelphia Tribune’s Bobbie BookerMartini glasses lined with sugar waiting to be served
Scott Sigman, Marybeth, Joe Barber, Susan Helfrich and Laura Burkhardt

For this party they removed about 10 tables to create this social area
Mayor Nutter greets Donna Massanova and Carol Tamburino as former Mayor Green looks on.
I really like the low booths and tables along the wall
The kitchen was hopping
Ya gotta love Monica Malpass, she has that great devilish killer smile. She’s a sweetie.

Check out the Butcher & Singer Menu’s here on Foobooz

Categories
Philadelphia

THE JONAS BROTHERS INVADE PHILADELPHIA re: 40 yrs after the Beatles the girls still scream the same for their idols

I have to laugh when the so called pundits in this town say that we don’t get celebrities; since I moved back here 18 months ago, I have photographed more than 3 dozen, but nothing tops the excitement, turnout and thrill the fans got when they lined up outside the Four Season’s hotel in Center City today to maybe get a glimpse of the Jonas Brothers. How did you guys know they would be here?
For these kids their generation Beatles are the Jonas Brothers.
I went to meet the Jonas Brothers to hear about their good news for the fans.Michele Wiltshire, Sheldon Jones, Kevin Jonas, Joe Jonas, and Nick JonasYou probably know this:

Joseph Adam “Joe” Jonas (born August 15, 1989) – Lead vocals, percussion, guitar (in the song “A Little Bit Longer”). Joe is the “middle Jonas.” He originally had no intention of becoming a singer; he wanted to be a comedian and work on the show All That.

Nicholas Jerry “Nick” Jonas (born September 16, 1992) – Lead vocals, guitar (usually a Gibson SG in the original red stain color), piano in the songs “When You Look Me in the Eyes” and “A Little Bit Longer,” and drums in the song “Australia.” Nick is the youngest brother in the band. On November 16, 2005 he was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes.[69]

Paul Kevin Jonas (II) (born November 5, 1987) – Lead guitar (usually a Gibson Les Paul) and backing vocals. Kevin is the eldest of the band. Goes by Kevin rather than Paul. Kevin helped produce the bands’ self-titled CD Jonas Brothers.
The Jonas Brothers have teamed up with Verizon wireless and Samsung to offer fans a vacation with the band in the Bahamas. Forty lucky winners will get round trip airfare, free accommodation at Atlantis resort, car services and premium tickets to a private concert with the brothers and $500 spending money.

During the press conference, the boys said they love their Philly fans, all Cheesesteaks are a like, but they’ve never had better sugar waffles than the ones they get at Bonte on 17th Street near Sansom.
The Jonas’ are known for their wholesome, family-friendly image. The brothers are all committed Evangelical Christians, their father is a former pastor, and they were homeschooled by their mother. In addition, they all famously wear purity rings on their left-hand ring finger and have vowed not to have premarital sex. Joe has said that the rings symbolize “a promise to ourselves and to God that we’ll stay pure ’till marriage,” and Nick had stated that “it’s [purity rings] pretty awesome, and the rings are just one of our ways of kind of like being different than everybody else out there.” They started wearing the rings when their parents, Denise and Kevin Sr., asked them if they wanted to.[62] They also abstain from alcohol, tobacco, and drugs.[63]
Customers who purchase or upgrade to Samsung Glyde or Verizon Wireless Juke by Samsung at participating Verizon Wireless or Circuit City locations between Sept. 2 and Nov. 1, 2008, register the purchase online and install Verizon Wireless’ V CAST Music with Rhapsody software on their computers will be able to instantly download four complimentary exclusive live versions of songs from the Jonas Brothers’ hot new album, A Little Bit Longer. Customers will also have the chance to be entered to win a trip to Atlantis to see the Jonas Brothers. More details are available at www.jbconcerts.com/samsung
I bought a new lens this week and am still learning to use it. On the job training is not recommended. I completely overexposed this shot, which would have been a killer if it was done correctly. Here the Jonas brothers wave to their fans outside the hotel. It was about this time that I promised myself I would have a Tylenol since the piercing screams of the fans were giving me a headache.As they return to their cars, which will take them to the concert venue in Camden for rehearsal, a few fans made it up to the sidewalk and got a handshake and ‘graph from their idols.
During the press conference, the boys said they just checked into the hotel at 5AM, they couldn’t believe that a few fans were outside waiting. They signed for them and then went to bed. Well 7 hrs later we see Franklin “Frankie” Nathaniel Jonas or bonus Jonas as he’s called, sporting an Eagles shirt. Maybe he packed it, maybe he bought it in the gift shop, either we appreciate that you are wearing our sports team on your shirt. Mom knows how to represent when she’s in the City of Brotherly Love!!The Jonas’ are known for their wholesome, family-friendly image. The brothers are all committed Evangelical Christians, their father is a former pastor, and they were homeschooled by their mother. In addition, they all famously wear purity rings on their left-hand ring finger and have vowed not to have premarital sex.
Here Kevin signs an autograph for a fan as he waits for the light to change.
A lucky fan showed me the ‘graph he got from the boys.
As the crowds line the streets the boys were off. Kinda reminded me of the time Prince Charles and Camilla came to town and stayed at the very same hotel.
Don’t be left on the sideline watching your idols go by, instead win a chance to vacation with the Jonas Brothers. And as much as you might want to buy a phone to download their latest tunes, you don’t have to to enter this contest, the Verizon folks tell me, so check out More details are available at www.jbconcerts.com/samsung for all the details.

You know how newspapers like the Inquirer or the NY Daily News is getting into video to support their news sources, well Fox TV News is getting into photos. The women next to me was shooting for Fox 29 with a small digital camera. You would think they would want to invest in a better equiptment if they want to blaze the new trail. Check out these photos:
http://media.myfoxphilly.com/slideshows/jonas/1/med/IMG00091.htm

Fangapvids posted this video of the event on youtube, and you can be there!

Categories
Philadelphia

MR GAY PHILADELPHIA 2008 CONTEST PHOTOS

On Friday, August 8th, 2008, Bruce Yelk & http://www.nightlifegay.com/ , in association with BUCKmonkey, presented the 2nd Annual Mr. Gay Philadelphia contest at the University of the Arts’ Levitt Auditorium. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was there I ran into my old friend actor Jesse Archer who hammed it up for me, on the otherhand maybe he was just being Jesse.
I also ran into a columnist i love to love and hate, who told me he was dreading the upcoming NYC Fashion Week. Looking at his sense of footwear fashion I could see why. What the hell is this?
He was being interviewed by an equally put off interviewer from New York Edge, I can’t recall his name, but anyone who starts a conversation with “Does Philadelphia have an inferior complex to NYC?”, well I stammered in shock and said it’s not that we have inferior complex, it’s the fact that people constantly compare us to the #1 largest City in the country. I futher explained, having lived in NYC, that Philly is the way NY was 10-15 years ago, the way New Yorkers with NYC was like still; plus it’s much more manageable. If anything we complement NYC, but don’t call us the Sixth boro, that my friend does irk some people as I have found out. He did say that Philadelphia is a cleaner version of Boston, so I will give him that much.
Bruce Yelk of NightLifeGay.com produced the Second Annual Mr Gay Philadelphia contest hosted at the Gershman Y on the Avenue of the Arts. Here he instructs the judges on what to expect for the evening. Thank GOD Jesse brings the color to Philadelphia.
Bruce walks by Michael Musto and his look alike younger version. MM spent most of the time away from the other judges, maybe it was old hat to him, maybe he thought he was the star billing, maybe he was staring into the eyes of his new young love, who knows, but I didn’t get a lot of dirt out of him because of his distance. A few of the guest enjoying their Smirnoff. Mr. & Mrs. Dino & Carrie Minelli and Scott Barnes. Carrie & Scott are from Cashman & Assocs. A major PR Firm in the City. A lot of the events I cover are via their agency. http://www.cashmanandassociates.com/
Wayne Bowman & Mr Philly Gay Calender Ric Andujar
If there’s one good thing about gay people it’s about judging, whether someone is judging us about our lifestyle, or we are judging them about what the hell are they wearing? Tonight’s contest brought it home as these contestants will be judged on formal wear, swim wear and of course Q & A – it’s not all about looks, it’s about personality too, and these are the folks that will be doing the judging. Not a bad looking group to be judge by (missing Mark Segal, and Michael Musto who both seemed to be preoccupied with the company they brought, and I don’t blame them) Judges: Dr Frank Spinelli, Project Runway Jack Mackenroth, actor David Moretti, actor Jesse Archer, 1994 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Bruce Hayes,

Project Runway Jack Mackenroth and 1994 Olympic Gold Medal Winner Bruce Hayes. Since 1991, the two have been good friends having met when Jack begun swimming ith The New York Aquatics (TNYA) team, among the largest and most respected in the country. Largely gay, the squad competes regularly at age-appropriate mainstream competitions. Mackenroth was honored as all-American three times and ranked 22 times in the top 10 by the national adult league, United States Masters Swimming, which comprises all U.S. teams. Bruce was glad to spend tonight participating in tonights Mr Gay Philadelphia, but his mind was on the Olympics, as he won the 1984 Olympic gold in Los Angeles, anchoring the U.S. men’s 4 x 200 m. freestyle relay team in what is widely acknowledged as one of the most exciting races in Olympic history, coming from behind to out-touch West Germany’s Michael Gross by .04 seconds and setting a word record of 7:15.69

Michael Musto scribbling notes as Jesse Archer tells him of one of his many wild adventures; You can read some of them here: http://www.jesseonthebrink.com/
Jack & Jesse camp it up as Bruce looks on. This was the “Backstage” area. Although the auditorium has new a/c this room was hot on many different levels. The Philadelphia Mr. Gay competition is Philadelphia’s premier one day event – garnering more press and celebrity than any other event in the region. The winner will go on to the U.S. Nationals and represent Philadelphia in the competition.
This is a shot about an hour before the show. My friends thought because I had to show up at 7:30PM, the show started at 8PM, but the show started at 9PM and they enjoyed thier cocktails before hand. Last year the event sold out, this year the City was full of competiting events, firstly Laura Burkhardt’s 2nd Annual Big Bang Birthday Party, then of course it was 08/08/08, the first week in August where everyone goes to the beach, and the biggest crowd drainer, the Opening Night of the Olympics. All in all it was a good crowd, but a big venue.

The co-hosts for the evening were Brittany Lynn and Sirius Satellite Radio Frank DeCaro, who is also on the Game SHow Network’s new program “I’ve got a Secret”. It was no secret that night, that Frank declared he lost 35lbs on Weight Watchers and is happy as a clam about it.
The contest was broken up into three parts, with entertainment in between segments. The University of the Arts Dancer’s were amazing
Then the contestants were introduced. Jason Brown representing Matthew Izzo clothing store and hair salon. Here is Ken Medley doing his best tribute to Bernie Mac Dennis Kinney represents STIR Philadelphia.
Derek Gibson represents the 12th Street Gym.
Matt Vlahos says if Derek’s a trainer, he will be switching his membership because he wants that body, er he want’s his body to look like his body.

You will see more Speedo bikini swimsuit swimwear in the next few photos than on any other beach besides Rehoboth Beach “Poodle Beach” Here’s Matthew Maguire in his Speedos;

Neil Grieves – His Myspace pages says: “they say that I’m cruel and I’m evil but how else can a starving boy be??”Male 28 years old Exeter (not too far from philly), PENNSYLVANIA United States. To say he’s a huge Vanessa Williams fan, would be an understatement.Ric Andujar representing http://www.phillygaycalendar.com/ and John CaputoRepresenting: Joe Pesci with Mr Gay Philadelphia 2007 Andrew Petruzelli 2007

31 year old David Bolduc Representing: Tavern on Camac Thom McIntyre Representing: Pure showing his sense of street style. Check out those boots. Tim Laskey

Ken Medley wins for Mr Congeniality

I was backstage when Steve McCann of http://www.phillygaycalendar.com/ interviewed the constestants, and msot of them said “I can represent Mr Gay Philadelphia because I am not your typical gay man, I am just a man who happens to be gay.” ie their Match.com ads probably say “Straight acting gay man date me”, this was also a question put forth to one of the constestants. According to Angelo Pezzote’s new book Straight Acting: The Truth Behind the Myth “I think there’s basically two camps of the young generation. One that fully embraces who they are, censoring nothing about themselves, and wanting to be recognized and treated just like anyone else—which represents progress.However, other gay youth ditch the gay label, wanting to be seen as “normal” from that place of shame I’ve been talking about.”
One of Philadelphia’s most dynamic performers, Marisa K. Devine, is performed at the event. The performance featured an exquisite set design, Asian themed resplendent costumes,
The judges hard at work
At one point Brittney Lyn played I’ll show you mine if you show me yours…

The rules to enter the Mr. Gay Philadelphia Contest are stricter than the Big Brother or American Idol shows.
Mr. Gay competitors.
-The Contestant must be 18 years of age by the date of the competition.-The Contestant must self-identify as a gay or bi-sexual male and sign a Release Form that assigns rights to all images including film of his participation in the contest series to Community Promotions & Nightlifegay.com. -The Delegate is not currently in open criminal proceedings, on felony probation and does not have a felony record.
-Contestant must provide attire for the following competitions: Evening wear and swimwear – both of the contestants choosing.
-Photograph for pre and post promotions.
-Biography
-Contestants may participate in the contest from any region of the country.
-Contestants must report to Gershwin Hall by 5:00 p.m. the night of the event.
tension mounts, Johnny really wants this to happen

Brittney passes her magic hand over the contestants heads
and settles it on Johnny Caputo the new Mr Gay Philadelphia 2008
Johnny’s sister is very proud and was part of his rooting section all night. She told me that he worked out hard to get in shape for this contest, and that he deserved it.
it was really wonderful to see all the support he had.His 15 Minutes of fame begins NOW. Here three of his new fans want to pose with him, David . writer Gary Kramer, and director Robert Gaston, who should probably get Johnny’s infor and cast him in his next film.
Congratulations to John Caputo Mr Gay Philadelphia 2008

Categories
Philadelphia

MAMA MIA THE MOVIE IS A HIT, BLAST, SUPA STAR re: go see it

MAMMA MIA! employs the hit songs of famed pop group ABBA to tell the story of Sophie Sheridan, a young girl who hopes to discover the identity of her father. On the eve of her wedding, she brings three men from her mother Donna’s past back to the Greek island they visited over two decades ago. It was here that the story began, well not began, but was played out for the first time. The story began with British Judy Craymer who in 1995 was working with Tim Rice on Chess in collaboration with Björn Ulvaeus (at the 5th Anniversary of Mama Mia on Broadway 10/18/06) and Benny Andersson (orginal members of ABBA); she had an idea to produce a play using ABBA songs, as she was a huge fan and knew there was a story that could be weaved around these songs. Björn and Benny were nervous, they were very protective of their work, soon their fears were put to rest.She commission Catherine Johnson to write a screenplay about love, loss and triumph. When the script was finished tapped Phyllida Lloyd to direct the piece. Three strong women were behind the success of this musical about three strong women. Mama Mia opened on April 6th 1999 at prestigious Prince Edward Theatre in London’s West End. October 2001 heralded the Broadway premiere at The Winter Garden Theatre. And it was at that time that I saw the musical, it was just the life that NYC needed after the tragedy that befell the City the month before. – A few months back I photographed the Lincoln Center Salutes Meryl Streep event. At the time I had no idea who this bloke was, but now that I have seen the movie I know why he was at the event. Actor Stellan Skarsgard [Sophie (Amanda Seyfried) has sent wedding invitations to the three men who might be her dad: Bill (Stellan Skarsgard), Sam (Pierce Brosnan) and Harry (Colin Firth)] Meryl Streep seems to channel her inner silliness; hitting every note effortlessly, with an appealingly light pop voice, she prances through the movie as if ever-so-slightly tipsy. She twists her lines into appealing little knots, and does a bit of comic business involving a cordless drill that’s almost a movie in itself, and this is why the film is so great, it’s not to be taken seriously, it’s trivial, fun, lighthearted and totally Streep. And when was the last time you heard an audience clap at the end of a song in a movie, ok that’s right Dreamgirls, well they did it tonight too, but I’m not going to tell you which song, you will just have to see it for yourself.
The downside of the movie: OK, let’s get this out of the way: Streep is 20 years too old for this role. Any attempt to put the characters’ histories into a coherent time frame will result in a splitting headache and I did spend a good part of the movie trying to figure out what age Meryl is supposed to be, finally the daughter states her age and I thought, THAT’S RIGHT!! This is a movie and we are supposed to suspend our sense of reality. My advice: Just roll with it.
But then again Meryl’s real daughter Mamie Gummer born 8/3/1983, so it could happen? Sassy little thing isn’t she. Here she is at the Film Society event I mentioned, it was in April 2008


Christine Baranski [56 years old, so at least her age is in context with Meryl Streep, because had they cast say Uma Thurman or that bitch Jennifer Aniston, well it would be way off [see 5/17 for reference why the biotch comment] plays one of Donna’s best friends. She was amazing, and in the words of the Swedish super group, she can dance, she can jive, she’s having the time of her life and it shows in this movie. Her scenes are delicious, and girl Ms Baranski can kick as high as a Rockette. Currently she can be seen on Broadway in Boeing-Boeing. I took this shot at the Tony Awards last month in NYC.

One more downside, Pierce Bronson was miscast, but who cares, he’s so handsome. Ironically one of the songs he sings is SOS, and I just wanted to laugh when he sang that line.

The Trailer

I doubt this movie in the long run effects the Broadway run of Mama Mia, but I do think the timing of the touring show coming to Philly the same week as the movie opens might have some effect on the ticket sales. But I hope not. 7/18 – 7/27 at the Academy

AND don’t forget to go see the PHILADELPHIA INTERNATIONAL GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL as it winds down next Tuesday, http://www.phillyfests.com/piglff/2008/home.cfm I will be posting right through the weekend as I have a lot to say. Also subscribe to my blog and everytime I update it you will be notified in your mailbox between 9AM & 11:59AM so you won’t miss a thing. Then if it sounds like something you want to read, you just click on the link. (I’m lying, I want you to click on the link whether you care or not – LOL) Thanks HughE