Opera Philadelphia President David B. Devan was honored during a special event at the 23rd Street Armory March 9, 2024, the longtime leader of Opera Philadelphia will step down in June 2024, at the end of the season.
David B. Devan and husband Rev David A. Dubbeldam
Eddie and Rachel Eitches
David Levy and Frank Luzi, Founder & President at Luzi Media, who’s client is Opera Philadelphia, where he was the VP of Marketing for nearly 12 years
Susan Long, Andy Szabo, Ivy and Gary Kaplan (the 2 NY Giants fans walked in the 2023 5k Eagles Autism Challenge. last year to celebrate their beautiful grandchildren, Ari, and Davina. This years walk is coming up May 18.)
Leslie Miller and Richard Worley, philanthropists who recently made an incredible generous gift to the Kimmel Center at Ensemble Arts Philly, which will be going toward renaming the home of the Philadelphia Orchestra, currently, Verizon Hall. The officially re-dedication of Verizon Hall to Marian Anderson Hall will take place on June 8, in the afternoon. That evening is the 2nd annual Great Stages Gala and concert, and the first performance in the newly renamed hall.
Jamie Ray-Leonetti
Anita and James Dupree
Susan Long, Andy Szabo, Ivy and Gary Kaplan
Thanks to team photographer Andre Flewellen for photographing this event for PhillyChitChat
Stephen Klasko and Sarah Marshall
Board chair Steven Klasko told WHYY ‘s Peter Crimmins, “He [Devan] literally created a company in step with Philadelphia, created a very urban, new wave opera company”, “We have become one of the leaders in adding new American operas to the repertoire.”
The very talented John Jarboe of The Bearded Ladies, emceed and entertained for his long time friend, and his friends.
The company created 18 new operas during Devan’s tenure, which have subsequently been produced over 330 times by other companies in 10 countries. Opera Philadelphia also created a series of highly produced operatic films as part of its pandemic-inspired digital service. The soundtrack for one of them, “Soldier Songs,” was nominated for a Grammy Award.
John Jarboe with an epic piano hat
Joshua Blue
Devan was serenaded by vocalists who’ve performed with Opera Philadelphia including Will Liverman (’10 Days in a Madhouse’), John Holiday (‘We Shall Not Be Moved’), Daniela Mack (‘Carmen’), Ashley Marie Robillard and Joshua Blue (‘La bohème’)
Ashley Robillard
Stephen Klasko, Former president of Thomas Jefferson University flew into town from his Florida home, with long time friend Sarah Marshall, philanthropist and Board Member · USAFA Foundation, HelpUsAdopt.org, Pennsylvania Ballet, Opera Philadelphia
Jan Shaeffer and Jane Pepper, Chairman at Longwood Gardens Inc., formerly the president of Philadelphia Horticultural Society
Devan’s last full production with Opera Philadelphia, will be Puccini’s ‘Madame Butterfly’ for his grand finale (April 26 to May 5).
Opening Night Reception: The Good Person of Setzuan at the Wilma Theater; On stage through April 21.
On April 5, Wilma Theater celebrated the opening of The Good Person of Setzuan with a reception for subscribers, supporters and friends. Something they do for every opening, which is so nice. The guests mingle with each other as well as with creative leaders of the Wilma and the play they are about to see.
Wilma Theater Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg, Justin Jain, Director and Yury Urnov, co-artisitc director The Good Person of Setzuan
Eva and Michael Leeds, Carl Sheingold and Janice Madden
The play was written by the German dramatist Bertolt Brecht, in collaboration with Margarete Steffin and Ruth Berlau. In Brecht’s play, Shen Te, a kind-hearted prostitute, struggles to maintain her goodness in a harsh world where survival often requires compromise and self-interest. When she inherits a sum of money, she uses it to open a tobacco shop and help those in need. However, her altruism is quickly taken advantage of, forcing her to create a ruthless alter ego, Shui Ta, to protect herself and her business interests.
Javier Mojica is the House Manager of The Wilma Theater
Jessica Johnson and Jaylene Clark Owens
Kevaughn Harvey and Gayle Smith
Jen Bohnenberger and Cat Bohnenberger
Debbie Fluck and Zoe Goldberg Smothern
Joan and Bill Goldstein
Donnell Powell and John Myers
Bash, Kel Fleming and Dezi
Theater goers in the Good Karma Cafe at the Wilma Theater waiting for the show to start. The Good Person of Setzuan at the Wilma Theater; On stage through April 21. INFO here.
This is not an April Fools Day Joke. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce flew into Philly airport ie Atlantic Aviation, on Easter morning at about 9AM. They presumably headed to Jason and Kylie’s house in Haverford to spend the day with family. The “End Game” couple then headed to the Four Seasons Hotel to spend the night (When touring Taylor always stays at the Ritz, but Travis, who was last in town for his brothers retirement announcement, stayed at the Four Season’s. When she toured last summer she did have JG George stay open late for dinner after the Saturday night concert), They flew out this morning around 10am.
The final destination today is Hollywood for the IHeart Radio Awards show tonight; their plane touches down around 12:30pm pacific time. Taylor is leading in the nominations. Tonight might be their official Red Carpet debut together. They did appear on the gold carpet at the Gucci after party on Oscar Night, but that was for a private event.
Today Show: This morning did you catch Kylie Kelce on The Today Show chatting about Eagles Autism Foundation this morning . Such a good interview, lots of Jason chat as well, she is such a supporter of his -All cards are on the table, he can do whatever he sets his mind to. He is so talented she told Hoda & Savanah. Kylie did not mention Taylor or Travis’ Easter dinner appearance. All that was mentioned of loved up couple was it was fun to see them together.
Then everyone headed out to the plaza where more about the work Kylie and the Eagles do on behalf of the Eagles Autism Foundation.
April Is Autism Awareness Month and the Philadelphia Eagles are inviting fans, arts and culture enthusiasts, autism supporters, and the community to experience a new gallery adorned exclusively with Eagles-themed masterpieces. The Eagles’ art gala, “Green Is the Heart Inspired,” will run from Thursday, April 11, to Sunday, April 14, at the award-winning Arch Enemy Arts gallery in Philly’s historic Old City District.
Speaking of former Eagles Players.
The Ertz Family Foundation (Julie and Zach Ertz) will host a benefit concert for House of Hope featuring Matt Quinn of indie rock band Mt. Joy, and surprise guests, at Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia on Friday, April 12.
Tickets went on sale today exclusively at brooklynbowl.com/philadelphia. A preshow package including a meet and greet, cocktails, light bites, bowling and photo opportunities, are also available.
House of Hope, a project supported by The Ertz Family Foundation, provides education, technology, and nutrition products and services to combat the ongoing food insecurity, gun violence, and drug use Philadelphia is experiencing.
After a pause that left many yearning for its delightful aromas and communal vibrancy, the much-loved Red Gravy Cook-Offis making a triumphant return, stirring excitement among food enthusiasts and community members alike. Organized by the East Passyunk Crossing Civic Association, this cherished event promises to rekindle the spirit of community and culinary excellence that has been its hallmark.
I hope you had a wonderful Easter, for those who celebrate, as well as a time to reconnect with friends and family. This year was the first time in 14 years I didn’t attend the Easter Parade on South Street. I love it, and I will return, but I was excited to try something different this year and that was enjoying a lovely brunch with friends hosted by TV personality Brian Balthazar (r) and Dennis St. Germain (standing), real estate agent to the stars, but he’d never tell you that. (They moved to our area during the pandemic, here’s their home feature on The Today Show.) Rounding out this photo are my friends Rich and Jimmy Eib, owner of 1600 Spruce Interior Design & Home
The Cherry Trees seem to bloom earlier and earlier each year. I hope you had a chance to see them this weekend. They were so beautiful and bountiful. I’m heading into the busy Spring Social Season, but I am going to work hard at not getting overwhelmed and will post here at least 3 times a week.
The wait is over, and it was worth it. Jefferson Health has cut the ribbon on its new outpatient facility in Center City, a 19-story tower which will integrate multiple specialties under one roof when it opens to the public on April 15.
The Honickman Center, at 11th and Chestnut streets encompasses about 462,000 square feet , has more than 300 exam rooms, 58 infusion chairs, 10 operation rooms, six endoscopy rooms, imaging and laboratory services and a pharmacy. It also has an underground parking garage.
“We’ve created an experience that will change the way we view and define healthcare in the future,” says Dwight W. McBee, Executive Vice President and Chief Experience and Clinical Health Equity Officer for Jefferson Health. “We’ve learned that finding parking for your vehicle, making your way through the building to your appointment, and how many times you answer the same questions are as important as the surgery you have and the follow-up care we provide. We’ve studied each moment in the care journey and thoroughly curated experiences that redefine how we think about healthcare.”
“The Honickman Center stands as our flagship medical facility in Center City and as the epicenter of a more than $1 billion urban development project in East Market,” Jefferson Health CEO Joseph Cacchione said.
The Honickman Center, located at the 1100 block of Chestnut Street, across the street from Jefferson Hospital, took four years to build and stands 19 stories tall. It will host over 300 exam rooms, 10 operating rooms, and 58 infusion chairs for treatments.
“The Honickman Center was truly designed by patients for patients,” said Dr. Baligh R. Yehia, president of Jefferson Health. “We spoke with hundreds of patients and community members who shared their perspectives and informed our design from concept through completion. The Honickman Center also represents the future of health care by blending physical and virtual care, while enhancing the human interaction between a patient and their care provider.” (source)
Jefferson officials said their goal was to create a more seamless experience for patients by enabling them to have multiple appointments in a day without needing to travel between buildings in Center City. All of the patient rooms will have digital screens that enable other clinicians and relatives to participate virtually in appointments.
One of the waiting rooms
Jefferson Health received a $50 million gift from Lynne and Harold Honickman, (c) along with their children Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman 3rd and 4th from left) and Shirley Han 4th from right) and Richard Hahn, in support of its new 19-story medical building. More than 2,000 individual donors chipped in roughly $150 million as well.
Marjorie and Jeffrey Honickman helped pick out the art work with a committee for the new space. They wanted to make sure people going through treatment were surrounded by beauty.
58 infusion chairs for extended procedures, some have views of the City skyline.
One of the state of the art operating rooms, there are 10
Patients at the Honickman Center will have access to a number of Jefferson’s named care facilities, including the Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Nicoletti Kidney Transplant Center and Vickie & Jack Farber Institute for Neuroscience. See additional photos at CBSPhiladelphia
Oscar Night in Philly: It’s was a night of food, fun and movies, with guests dressing up, some as their favorite characters from nominated films, walking the red carpet all in the name of raising funds to benefit the Philadelphia Film Society.
Hostess with the mostess Scarlet and TV Personality Jen Su, PFS Board of Directors Hope you caught her on Fox29 today, recapping the Oscars, and last nights party at Philadelphia Film Center on Chestnut, near Broad.
Ann Marie and Sadie Mendlow, Cashman & Assocs.
Fashion designer Andre Moore with muse, personality Laura Mazurek
Barry Johnson and Ernest Owens
Ernest’s favorites this year were best picture Holdover and everyone’s favorite supporting actress Philly’s own Da’Vine Joy Randolph, actress Lily Gladstone, actor Robert Downey Jr., songstress Billie Eilish, although he’d love to see songwriter Diane Warren win in her lifetime. She’s been nominated 15 times, and has never won. He knows his stuff as nearly everyone he chose won.
Delicious fare by 12th Street Catering
Andrew Greenblatt Executive Director of the Philadelphia Film Society, Producer of the Philadelphia Film Festival
James Claiborne has returned to Philly, after being appointed Barnes Foundation Deputy Director for Community Engagement and with equally stylish Sena Sullivan
Usually he’s in front of the camera, but fashion model Jalen Hoang who always makes the scene next level does a favor for a friend.
Jan’ah McClean and Diane Duncan loved Oppenheimer. The last film they saw was Dune 2, which they recommend. It’s sooo long you can grab a quick nap and still know what’s going on, but make sure you watch the first Dune so you can follow along.
All proceeds from this annual fundraiser support the Philadelphia Film Society’s mission of creating opportunities for diverse communities to experience film through initiatives that inspire, educate, challenge and entertain.
Artist Wendee Yudis (center tan slacks): Blending feminist views and women’s empowerment with vibrant pop art aesthetics in a playful yet thought-provoking manner, I create art infused with energy, dynamism and socially engaging narrative. Currently Showing at James Oliver Gallery 723 Chestnut Street through 3/16
I attended the opening night of Wendee Yudis new exhibition a earlier this month.
Lee Shuman and James Oliver, His gallery is unique contemporary loft-style, spacious art gallery nestled in the heart of the historic area, above the world-famous Morimoto Restaurant. Found in late 2006, James Oliver Gallery features local, national, and international artists in the realm of painting, sculpture, mixed media, photography, and installation works in the Old City/Washington Square West neighborhood.
Matthew Baron and Sasha Lizlyner
Vashti DuBois Executive Director/Founder of the Color Girls Museum and Elizabeth Wellington, Inquirer Reporter
Who doesn’t love the fashion folks wear to art exhibition opening nights, like the very stylish Nichole Alpas , Studio Teknik Salon and Jim Haer
Chris and Virginia
Bestie Lisa Gelfenson came out to support her friend artist Wendee Yudis
Maria Grande, Maryanne Deangelo, with Wendee
On View through 3/16: Untamed, featuring Wendee Yudis. View the exhibition catalogue here!
Yury Urnov, director and written by Sasha Denisova of MY MAMA AND THE FULL-SCALE INVASION
MY MAMA AND THE FULL-SCALE INVASION opened last week at the Wilma Theater on the Avenue of the Arts. Each opening night they have a pre show reception for friends and supporters of the theater, which is also attended by the principles of each show.
Jerry Goldberg, Vice Chair Board of Wilma Theater, Mindy Goldberg, Sharon and Dan Camson
My mother was born on the very day when the Germans were bombing so, when I told her to go to the bomb shelter, the first thing she said was: ‘I’m not going there. I was born there.’ That gave the start to our ongoing fight because she didn’t let me come and take her out and, as you will see in the play, this is a woman of a strong character, as all Ukrainian women are.
– Sasha Denisova, The Guardian
Mari Shaw wearing a 3d printed DOVE representing peace
Iryna Mazur Honorary Consul of Ukraine in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Managing Director: Leigh Goldenberg
MY MAMA AND THE FULL-SCALE INVASION
A co-production with Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company
BY SASHA DENISOVA TRANSLATED BY MISHA KACHMAN ADAPTED BY KELLIE MECLEARY DIRECTED BY YURY URNOV
Sasha’s 82-year-old mother has lived in Kyiv her whole life. When Russia invades Ukraine in 2022, Sasha copes with her fears by imagining her mother in increasingly fantastical situations: strategizing with President Zelenskyy, striking Russian drones with jars of pickles, and even debating with God. Playwright Sasha Denisova was inspired by her online chats with her mother to write this darkly funny and deeply heartfelt new play.
Bill and Joan Goldstein
Yury Urnov’s direction, much like the piece itself, proves playfully frenetic and utterly refreshing.
– MD Theater Guide
Pat Adams and Jaylene Clark Owens, AUDELCO and Barrymore Award winning actress, as well as a highly acclaimed spoken word poet.
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, join the Wilma Theater for a unique livestreaming experience!
You can watch the play from anywhere in the world, as it happens live on our stage in Philadelphia.
The League of Live Stream Theater (LOLST), pioneers in the world of live theatrical streaming, collaborate with The Wilma Theater to present a one-time unique viewing experience available world-wide.
$49 for a link to watch the livestream within 24 hours of your purchase.
This is a unique LIVE viewing experience separate from our digital subscriptions. If you need assistance with the Live Stream, text 646.349.0139 OR email support@lolst.org.
Yana Fefelova, Stas Prochutia and Ellie Freedman
State Rep Ben Waxman and Julie Wertheimer, Project Director at The Pew Charitable Trusts
Vesna Sacks, arts and cultural supporter and Morgan Green, Co-Artistic Director
Andrew Panebianco notes his favorite dish which reminds him of home = Pasta
I love the Wilma Workshops. My readers always ask me to recommend interesting things for them to do, and the Wilma has just what your looking for: Check out the schedule here.
Celebrity cook and Philly native Steve Martorano and his cousin, chef Ray, have prepared a special Valentine’s Day prix fixe menu for Wednesday, Feb. 14 at their new restaurant at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. The three-course meal is $135 per person and highlighted by Martorano’s surf and turf. The menu features the following choices:
Baltimore restaurateur Alex Smith addresses the crowd at the ribbon cutting, as developer Carl Dranoff looks on opening day October 12. Loch Bar is on the ground floor of his Arthaus condo building at Broad and Spruce Streets.
In October Loch Bar, a seafood house based in Baltimore, opened in Philadelphia at the corner of Broad and Spruce streets on the Avenue of the Arts. Andre Flewellen and I photographed the ribbon cutting and party. Since that time I have eaten there a dozen times.
Joe and Christine Sweeney
I’m a night owl. I like the nightlife, I like to boogie and that doesn’t always mean on the dance floor. I love the Philly vibe, smiles, laughter, and at Loch Bar I always find that.
Teri Vo,Anne , Marie Borns, Steve McGrath, and Deanna Frost
Plus they have live music but it’s not over whelming a conversation as you dine. It’s kinda a unique atmosphere. According to a Philadelphia Inquirer article: The live music — mainly solos or duos starting (during) dinnertime — plays into the Avenue of the Arts leitmotif. Arthaus is on the former site of Philadelphia International Records, where producers Kenneth Gamble and Leon Huff created the sound of Philadelphia in the 1960s and ‘70s. The building was razed several years ago, making way for Arthaus. (Source)
Every time I go to Loch Bar, the bar is packed, and there’s always someone there I know. That’s a plus, especially since 4 square has ceased to exist.
Recently I ran into a few folks in the music industry at the bar: Luke Carlos O’Reilly, Eric Worthan and Durell Bottoms at Loch Bar. (12/28/23)
Chris Mullins, McGillin’s Ale House, David Blum, Montgomery McCracken and Bill Gehrman, board member of the Avenue of the Arts, and founder of EnRoute, was spotted celebrating the launch of the new Kimmel Center marketing project: NEWS: Ensemble Arts Philly Ensemble Arts Philly represents a wide variety of genres across the #KimmelCenter, #AcademyofMusic, and #MillerTheater in Philadelphia. The new brand from the Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra for everything that you already know and love. For more information, visit www.EnsembleArtsPhilly.org
Sheila Hess, Philly’s City Rep, Michael DelBene, CEO Welcome America and Nicole Cashman, Ceo Cashman & Associates
I love potato skins and now with the combination of caviar I’m in heaven for under $20
Frank Smrcka, Avenue of the Arts, Patrick Mullen, First Lady of the Avenue of the Arts, Laura Burkhardt, executive director, and Council Person Mark Squilla
Chef Michael O’Halloran brings over 20 years of exceptional culinary having formerly worked as executive chef at The White Dog Café and Stella of New Hope.
Aly Green, Sharon Pinkenson, executive director GPFO and Lynn Rinaldi, General manager Lynn Rinaldi was chef-owner of Paradiso in South Philadelphia and recently did a stint at Dolce at the W Hotel.
People on my social media the other day were surprised when I raved about the fried chicken at Loch Bar. They were surprised it was on the menu. It was delicious. I’ve ordered it more than once on return trips. I also like the steak and the crab cake, which I just had on Wednesday night. So good. It comes with a choice of salad or fries. It’s January so I went with the salad.
I have had the fried lobster tail, so good. Never had it fried before.
Eric Settle, and Caron Graff
Happy Hour is Monday through Friday. Wouldn’t it be fun to do a Happy Hour crawl through Center City?
Marianne Harris and Barbara Gall of Art Haus Stop by to check out their units.
Philly’s night life mayor Raheem L.Manning and Salima Bradley checking out the night life at Loch Bar.
I think I am most excited about Loch Bar is it’s open later than most Center City restaurants ( another fav restaurant Steak 48 is across the street, but they close at 9ish most nights). It’s beautiful, there’s nothing like looking out of the expansive windows to see the ever changing movement on Broad Street. It’s great pre and post theater, and as I wrote last week Yannick Nézet-Séguin likes to head over after his gig at the orchestra, so you never know who might be on the scene. As for dining, I still have a long way to get thru the menu. I’m thinking the Seafood Tower is next on my dance card.
On November 8, RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) celebrated the 10th anniversary of its signature annual event – Trash Bash, last night at the beautiful Atelier FAS in North Philly. RAIR a unique, non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia. Ginger Rudolph, Sara McCorriston and Billy DuFala, co-founder of the Recycled Artist in Residency (RAIR) program in Philadelphia, which aims to raise awareness of sustainability through the creative reuse of materials. Dufala describes his work as an investigation of human beings and their relationships with themselves and others. Sarah M, Judy Wicks, author/activist , Christopher Plant, KISMET COWORK, RADIOKISMET, and Jermaine Jenkins, Director of Development & Strategic Partnerships at AIA Philadelphia, board member of PMA’s Collab Philly. Their annual event is happening Novermber 18, this year’s Design Excellence Award honoring American designer Stephen Burks. Samantha Wichen and Fern Gookin, Director of Sustainability, Revolution Recovery, and co-founder of Rair Philly, who’s mission is to continue challenging the perception of waste culture.
The whole concept of this creative organization is very unique and the work created is definitely one of a kind. An eclectic crowd gathered at this annual event, from business executives – Michael Newmius and Kevin Lessard, creatives Sarah H Gamble , philanthropists, politicians including Sen Shariff Street, entrepreneurs Lindsey Scannapieco,
Alexis Tuttleman and Max Tuttleman, Husband, Father, Philadelphian, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist.Rachel Zimmerman, Founding Artistic and Executive Director of InLiquid, Co-Chair Philadelphia chapter of ArtTable, Board Member of GPCA (Save the date March 9 for InLiquid’s annual fundraiser- InLiquid’s Art for the Cash Poor) and John Wind, founder and chief designer of Maximal Art, wearing a Andy Warhol inspired Campbell soup sweater from Joan Shepp. You can find his jewelry at the iconic fashion store on Chestnut Street as well.Blair M was happy to support Rair as well as to connect with old friends. Tony Diaz loves the unconventional items which are given a new purpose.Salt Design Studio = Angela Fleagle, Rian Herilla, Sara Pevaroff Schuler, Le Xu, Olivia Boon and Katrina RogusJason Kim, Ellen Houle, Leanne Weiner, Emilly Rollet, Kiet Tran, and Jon Wybar is the co-founder and owner of Revolution Recovery (the incredible company who created the material that built the temporary bridge on 95 which collapsed earlier this year, it makes sense he’s connected with a recyling art organization)Reny Beloff, Kristin Katz, Yameen Allworld and Liza Tedeschi, board member RAIR (Recycled Artist In Residency) is a non-profit arts organization uniquely situated within a construction and demolition recycling center in Northeast Philadelphia.The RAIR workspace includes a large project space, wood shop equipment, metalworking facilities, access to the waste stream for materials, and a material storage area. Artists-in-residence receive attentive support from RAIR’s staff who act as liaisons between the artist and the recycling facility. In addition to providing artists on-site access to recovered materials, construction equipment, and a fully-equipped studio space, RAIR’s residency program offers artists the opportunity to use the entire 3.5-acre facility as an expansive project space for the development and presentation of ambitious experimental work.
