Tag: Philly Gossip

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Inside Love Is Blind Philadelphia Filming: What I’m Hearing So Far

Love Is Blind is a dating show built around a simple idea: can people fall in love without ever seeing each other? Singles talk and date in separate rooms where they can hear one another but not see each other, forming emotional connections first. If they feel strongly enough, they get engaged before ever meeting face to face. From there, they meet, and enter the real world, meet each other’s friends and families, and prepare for a wedding just weeks later, where they ultimately decide at the altar whether to say “I do” or walk away. The show is filming in Philadelphia, and most of the contestants live in the area, so it’s easy to do the meets and greets with familiar faces.

Love Is Blind contestants are generally paid a flat rate, often reported as roughly $1,000 per week or around $8,000 for the season, with some, like in season 6, earning up to $13,000 depending on milestones (pods, honeymoons, weddings).

With filming underway across some of Philly’s most recognizable spots, the city is officially center stage for a new round of relationships, dates, and inevitable drama. From what I’m hearing, there’s already a lot happening behind the scenes. While I won’t be revealing identities or outcomes, here’s where and when it’s been unfolding across the city.

BTW, I had never seen the show before and just started watching it on Sunday. I’m started with Season 6 . I wanted to watch a full season to understand how it all unfolds so I know what to share and when, after receiving weeks of tips.

Harper’s Garden

Love Is Blind has officially begun filming in Philadelphia as of March 2026, with production crews and contestants already spotted across the city.

Scenes have taken place at Ambrosia, Dear Daphni, Via Locusta, The Reading Terminal, Casa Oui and Harp & Crown, while one “meet the parents” moment for a lucky couple unfolded at Harper’s Garden two Sundays ago.

Other Half Brewing March 26 a newly engaged couple meeting the friends. (I’ve cut off their heads)

Notably, these weren’t full buyouts. Filming happened alongside regular diners, with plenty of Philadelphians witnessing it in real time and some snapping photos. The image above with the goblet was taken at Harper’s Garden, though I’m hearing production assistants did persuade a few onlookers to delete footage from their phones.

The grooms were spotted at LR2 at Liberty One to pick up their tuxes last week. The bachelorettes were spotted at Concourse Wednesday night celebrating their upcoming nuptials.

The “W ” might as well stand for Wedding Weekend for Love Is Blind. If you follow me on Instagram, you know Saturday night I ran into a wedding guest at the Ritz Carlton late night, who I didn’t know, who filled me in on one of the weddings he had just attended, seems they only signed a waiver to say they’d give permission to be filmed; while I’m not revealing much, let’s just say there were definitely moments that will have viewers talking.

Here’s where it gets interesting: a friend of mine was invited to one of the weddings scheduled for this weekend, only to get an email just days before saying it was canceled. And this wasn’t an early exit situation, this couple had made it all the way to the altar. Somewhere along the line, someone got cold feet.

Even more curious, the email instructed guests to reach out to the person who invited them if they had questions. Does that mean the usual tight-lipped NDA rules are loosening a bit, or just passing the buck? Either way, something clearly shifted at the last minute and I have a feeling we’ll be hearing more about it.

Philly’s season is shaping up to be a memorable one. I’m hooked!! Look for the Philly season to debut sometime next year, I hear… if you hear anything…drop me a line HughE@phillychitchat.com – Thanks

I goofed, Love is Blind didn’t film at Joe’s Pizza Saturday 3/28 night after Midnight, it was an indie film called The Stranger.

Meet and Greet legendary singer Deborah Cox and Signed Bottle of Kazaisu at Roger Wilco on 5/6/26 INFO HERE

Legend and local resident Patti LaBelle hosted a fabulous birthday dinner Saturday night for her daughter-in-law Lona at Borromini Ristorante; Joined by Lona’s husband Zuri Edwards and a stylish group of friends, Lona told me everything was delicious, especially the branzino and the chocolate cake. I’ve had that olive oil chocolate cake myself, and it is so good.

Happy Birthday, Lona 💜

And Miss Patti is getting ready to celebrate her own birthday on May 24. She’ll be 82 years young ❤️ Fresh off a series of concerts in Ohio last week, she’s still going strong.
Video used with permission ❤️❤️

Thanks for stopping by. Subscribe below for daily dish.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

ChitChat: LGBTQ, Flowers, Food

Stevie Williams

Recently I was talking with my friends Amira and Jermaine about a photo I took at Love Park around 2000. Amira looked at it and said it reminded her of Stevie Williams. I shared it on Instagram and, amazingly, Stevie himself commented. After all these years, the photo and the skater were finally reunited. When I took the picture, someone nearby told me he was a notable skateboarder, but I never caught his name. I even went back to Love Park many times hoping to find him again and tried to recreate the shot, but I never could. Some moments really only happen once. The March Issue of Philly Mag dropped and features Stevie Williams as one of the 25 Most Philly Athletes

I think the shot might belong in my greeting card collection at The Ground Coffee Shop. They just launched their new spring menu too.

I just recently returned from Florida and visiting my mom in the Keys. I was lucky enough to do some bird-watching as well. Excited that March is nearly here and bird watching season begins again. I enjoyed the snow over the weekend, and it’s the kind we normally get, wet and it melts within days. Not like the nightmare ice snow we got in January.

Since returning from Florida, Philadelphia’s spring social season has officially kicked into high gear. A significant moment unfolded this week in the Gayborhood.

The new Pride Visitor Center opened at 12th and Locust Streets, adjacent to Knock. Meg Kane and the Signature 57 family, who have owned Knock for nearly two decades, generously dedicated part of the popular restaurant and bar to create Pennsylvania’s first LGBTQ+ visitor center.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro placed Wednesday’s ribbon cutting into historical perspective, noting that in 1682 William Penn arrived on a ship called Welcome, seeking religious freedom from persecution in England and helping lay the foundation for what would become Pennsylvania.

Tyrell Brown, Philly Pride 365 and Tami Sortman

The evening before the ribbon cutting, Tyrell Brown of Philly Pride 365 and Tami Sortman, President of Washington West, at Knock, with a sneak preview of the space.

Monday I went to the Flower Show at the Convention Center. I know I say this every year, but this year, the show was fantastic. It’s beautiful, thoughtful and smells great.

This year the Marketplace was moved to its own floor instead of being squeezed in with the exhibition displays. It turned out to be a great decision. There’s now plenty of room to browse the vendors while still giving visitors space to fully enjoy the exhibits. I spoke with several vendors in the new Marketplace and, while they said they missed some of the buzz of being on the exhibition floor, many told me their sales were actually better.

I ran into a PhillyChitChat reader at the Flower Show. I always love meeting the people who follow along. 😊 Follow me on my Instagram PhillyChitChat Also check out recent party photos on CBSPhilly.

Socially Yours HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

ROCKY IS ON THE MOVE

Rocky is finally receiving his flowers after all these years…To commemorate the film’s 50 years, the Philadelphia Art Museum has announced a special exhibit. Also, the RockyFest will now be a yearlong affair in 2026, says the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Paul Farber, Director and Co-Founder of Monument Lab, is one of the nation’s leading thinkers on monuments, memory, and public space.

I read in the Inquirer on Tuesday and again on Paul’s social media that he is guest curating an exhibition on Rocky, working alongside Louis Marchesano, Caro Campos, and Joslyn Moore, and diving even deeper into the subject matter than previously explored. (these two photos are from his IG post.)

The Philadelphia Art Museum will debut “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments” on April 25, 2026, running through August 2, 2026. Guest curated by Paul Farber, Director and Co-Founder of Monument Lab and a national leader on monuments, memory, and public space, the exhibition explores why the Rocky statue and the Art Museum steps have become a global pilgrimage site. With 150+ artworks and artifacts spanning 2,000 years — including pieces by Keith Haring, Kara Walker, Andy Warhol, Carrie Mae Weems, Rashid Johnson, Hank Willis Thomas, Tavares Strachan, Ken Lum, and more the show examines how Rocky became one of the world’s most iconic cultural monuments. Farber calls the exhibition “a love letter to my city’s history of boxing champs, legendary venues, artists and athletes, and those defiantly rising up as underdogs — in and out of the ring, on and off the pedestal.”

In 1980, Sylvester Stallone commissioned sculptor A. Thomas Schomberg to create the Rocky statue for Rocky III. The Art Museum steps were already iconic thanks to the first film when Rocky ran to the top, threw his fists in the air, and unknowingly turned those steps into one of the world’s most famous tourist destinations. The statue only deepened that legacy, transforming the site into a true Philly landmark.

And as many of you know, I’m a huge Rocky fan not just because of the story, but because of what it represents. Rocky is raw and grounded. It’s about emotion, not spectacle: the small apartment, the humble routines, the quiet moments with Adrian, the discipline to keep going. It feels real, lived-in, and deeply human. That’s why it resonates with Philadelphians, tourists, with anyone who’s ever rooted for an underdog.

Folks visiting the Rocky Statue over 15 years ago before the landscaping 12/21/10

I live across the street and the Rocky Statue, as well as the steps were my first beat. I was fascinated with the stream of visitors at all hours of the day, the lines on the weekends, in all kinds of weather.

For years in the 2000s, in conversations with folks connected to the Art Museum, it was clear some didn’t quite know what to do with the Rocky statue. It wasn’t embraced the way other public sculptures were, and one of my biggest frustrations was that it wasn’t even lit at night. I was told more than once that it “wasn’t a work of art,” even though it absolutely is as it was created by a sculptor, commissioned, cast, and installed like any other monument.

I used to photograph visitors at the statue in the evenings with my flash off and tag the City on social media to highlight how dark it was. After about a year of that, the Museum finally lit Rocky — around 2012 — and even refreshed the landscaping. You could feel a shift: a new guard beginning to take Rocky more seriously.

Michael B Jordan filming Creed March 2015

Sylvester Stallone, made an appearance at the statue with Mayor Jim Kenney while he was filming Creed II, April 2018

Still, the statue was a bit of a thorn in the Art Museum’s side, especially when so many tourists stopped for the photo but didn’t always make it inside our beautiful museum. But that was all about to chance…

When Kathryn Ott Lovell, the new President & CEO of the Philadelphia Visitor Center and a true embodiment of the Rocky spirit—set her sights on elevating the visitor experience at the Rocky Statue, everything changed. A lifelong Philadelphian from Mayfair with humble roots and big heart, Kathryn saw what so many of us already knew: people from around the world treat this spot like a pilgrimage. So she leaned in. She championed a dedicated Rocky-themed visitor center, filled with memorabilia and Philly pride, and even worked with elected officials to officially designate December 3rd —Rocky’s 1976 release date—as Rocky Day in Philadelphia. A perfect moment here: Kathryn welcoming Sylvester Stallone himself to see the impact of the legacy he created. 12/03/23, and on that day he himself walked inside the Art Museum for the first time, and wrote about it on his Instagram.

The following year, to celebrate Rocky Day on December 3 and the entire month of December, Sylvester Stallone lent Philadelphia the Rocky statue he keeps in his home. I had always wondered what it would look like back at the top of the steps — and it was a sight. The original Rocky statue stood at the top of the Art Museum steps during filming, most famously for Rocky III in 1982 and again for Rocky V in 1990. Afterward it spent years at the Spectrum sports complex before finally moving to its permanent home at the base of the steps in 2006 — the same year I lived across the street and had just launched Philly Chit Chat.

It was supposed to be returned to Sylvester Stallone right after New Year’s, and I even told everyone, “You’ve got seven more days after December 31 to enjoy it.” The steps were packed every single day. People from around the region were messaging me asking if the statue was still there. Then—just like that—it disappeared. I assumed it had gone back home.

Weeks later, a surprise: it reappeared when the Eagles won the Super Bowl, becoming the backdrop to the championship speeches on the steps, broadcast across the globe. In that moment, the Art Museum got it. The statue stayed. It has remained ever since.

And now, with Paul Farber’s upcoming boxing exhibition exploring the Rocky effect, the story continues, it is finally being embraced in what it embodies – ART.

After reading the Inquirer story, indicated that a Rocky statue would be heading inside the Art Museum. Naturally, I wanted to know more. So I reached out to Valerie V. Gay, CFP®, Chief Cultural Officer to ask which one—and what would happen to the statue on the Rocky Steps, the one people connect with on such a deep, emotional level.

“Yes, the City of Philadelphia will be proposing a plan to permanently display Rocky (1980) by A. Thomas Schomberg at the top of the Philadelphia Art Museum steps, where it was originally intended. Sylvester Stallone commissioned the Rocky statue,  and generously donated one of three identical casts to the City of Philadelphia. The cast currently located at the bottom of the steps will be featured in a temporary exhibition inside the Philadelphia Art Museum in 2026 and then returned to Stallone’s private collection.

If approved by the Philadelphia Art Commission, the cast at the top of the steps will remain at the top where it was originally intended, as part of the City’s public art collection.” – Val Gay

The best day—until December 3, 2026, when Philadelphia celebrates the 50th anniversary of Rocky and the statue once again shines above the city from the top of the Rocky Steps. What a moment that will be for our beautiful city.

Thank you to everyone over the years who has embraced what the spirit of Rocky truly represents. It doesn’t hurt that it’s also one of the biggest tourist attractions in America, putting Philadelphia on the map day after day.

So for now, ChitChatters, snap those photos of Rocky at the bottom of the steps and tuck them away… they’re officially becoming vintage Rocky!!

If you’re new here, scroll to the bottom and subscribe. I cover People • Places • Pop Culture of Philly on this page.

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Almyra’s Kéfi Party – The Best Dinner Party

Last Saturday, Almyra’s bi-annual Kéfi Party proved once again why it’s one of the city’s most seductive, can’t-miss nights out. Guests arrived dressed to the nines glam fits, sharp suits, sparkle everywhere turning the dining room into a runway before anyone even sat down.

Restaurateurs Dean Pashalis and Anastasia Pashalis, whose family co-owns the Estia restaurant group were on hand for the festivities Saturday night.

Kylie McIlwain, Shannon St. Clair, Emily Uliano and crew

Dinner itself was a full-on food fest: a lively, family-style feast where plates kept landing on the table, conversations grew louder, and every course felt like a warm-up act for what was coming next.

By the time the last bites were finished, anticipation was buzzing through the room.

Maria Maraki, Teddy Sotirakis, Stephanie Algayer, Angelica Velikaris and Chris Valontis
Bailey Witherspoon and Casey Corradin – Betweenusgirliespodcast

And then….

right at 11:30 PM — the lights began to flicker.

That’s the signal everyone waits for.

the energy shifts and the room ignites, evolving into a vibrant club scene with dancing, bottle pops,

and plenty of napkin-throwing.

Making it the most Instagramable night in Philly. People want to remember it, and share it!!

Thanks to the staff who really help the night run smoothly, as it can get quite active with lots of moving parts throughout the evening.

Whether guests booked dining room tables or secured those coveted high-tops for the night, everyone was part of the same electric experience. Dinner was $55 with drinks à la carte, and the high-tops kept the cocktails flowing long after midnight.

Mark your calendars — the next Kéfi Party lands in April 2026. And trust me, you’ll want to be there. In the meantime check out my Instagram for video of the evening.

PR Punch Media Group

Have a great and safe Thanksgiving.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Philly Bike Race Returns, MIA is DOA

The bike Race Is Back!!
And I think it’s safe to say: Made in America is now history (it’s been dormant for 3 years, and missed the deadline to file for the 2026 permit); Plus other things to ChitChat, let’s get into it…

It was a good ride 🚴‍♀️ – it put Philly on the map and gave us unforgettable moments. Fittingly, former Mayor Michael Nutter, who helped bring MIA here, is also behind the return of the Philadelphia Cycling Classic. 🚴‍♂️

On August 30, 2026, a few days before Made In America would normally be held, we ride into the future — from beats to bikes, Philly keeps showing the world how we do big events. 💙✨

There will be both a 62-mile women’s race and a 120-mile men’s race on the event’s original 14.4-mile circuit.

The race is sponsored by AmeriGas Propane and owned by Race Street Partners, whose organization which not only includes former Mayor Michael Nutter, financier Eric Robbins and business owner Carlos Rogers, with veteran race organizer and pro team manager Robin Morton, principal of g4 Productions, returns as race director. (Press Release)

Did you know that the former First Lady of Philadelphia, Lisa Nutter is an amateur competitive cyclist. She’s the 2024 ICI Masters Track Cycling Worlds Silver Medalist !! 🏆

Another Return: 🐦✨ The chimney swifts are swirling at 19th & Wood around sunset (one street north of Vine Street, near the Free Library), before diving into the old school chimney for the night 🌆🔥 Pro tip: don’t stand right under them… I caught a couple “lucky” 💩 drops last night 😂🍀This phenomenal will continue for at least a week during bird migration.

Speaking of the Free Library, congratulations to former Councilwomen Blondell Reynolds Brown on her autobiography officially being launched tomorrow night at the Philadelphia Free Library at 6:15pm. Get your tickets

Finally it’s 100 Days til Christmas. Won’t you support the efforts to Save The Light Show ?

Social season has begun, it’s barely been a week but so many fun events have happened. Photos have been distributed to Philly Style Magazine and Main Line Today, but don’t fret this season I will be publishing here as well. Tonight I have the Calder Museum opening, and a very special dinner with friends. Tomorrow. The Salvation Army Luncheon, the Mayor’s Reception, and KYW’s 60th Anniversary Party.

See you on Instagram. Socially Yours, xoxo HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Ring It On! One Philly, A United Celebration -Philadelphia 2026

Plus Who Was In The Room for this historic announcement.

Philadelphia is gearing up for the nation’s Semiquincentennial in 2026 and this time, the celebrations won’t just be downtown.

On Wednesday, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker unveiled “Ring It On! One Philly, A United Celebration,” a citywide initiative designed to bring America’s birthday party directly into neighborhoods across the city.

“Philadelphia is ready for America’s 250th — Ring It On!” Parker said during the announcement at the Independence Visitor Center. “My administration is committed to creating meaningful opportunities for residents across our great city to enjoy this historic milestone, while sharing in the economic, cultural, and civic benefits of 2026.”

“Philadelphia, America’s birthplace, is putting our residents at the heart of the nation’s 250th birthday,” said Michael Newmuis, 2026 Director, City of Philadelphia. “Not only are we hosting a year of exciting major events, but we’re creating lasting opportunities for our communities while showcasing Philadelphia to the world. We’re seizing a once-in-a-generation chance to attract global attention, investment, and energy, ensuring a celebration that uplifts our city and its people for years to come.”

At today’s press conference, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker introduced Philadelphia to “Ring It On! One Philly, A United Celebration” — a bold new program that will bring America’s 250th birthday party into neighborhoods across the city.

Jazelle Jones, City Representative and Director of Special Events

The “Ring It On” investments fall into three key categories:

✨ Activations – Neighborhood festivals, tours, and cultural experiences designed to spotlight Philadelphia’s communities and bring residents together around history, arts, and civic pride.

🌿 Beautification – Citywide efforts to uplift and refresh neighborhoods, from painted Liberty Bells and public art installations to community cleanups and streetscape improvements that reflect Philly’s spirit.

🎉 Celebrations – Block parties, concerts, and family-friendly gatherings that bring the energy of the nation’s birthday into every corner of the city, ensuring everyone can take part in the Semiquincentennial.

“Philadelphia is ready for America’s 250th — Ring It On!” Parker declared, underscoring her vision to make 2026 not just a historic milestone for the nation, but a moment of unity and pride for every Philadelphian.

With this framework, the city is making sure the celebration isn’t just about Center City or historic sites, but a yearlong party rooted in neighborhoods

— by the people, for the people. KEEP up to date on all the fun events by following the Philadelphia 250 Website.

I was impressed by the strong turnout for the Philadelphia 2026 press conference, postponed from earlier this summer. Stakeholders, business leaders, hospitality pros, and Philly cheerleaders like Jackie Lewis (forefront) and Sheila Hess packed the crowd.

Vincent Thompson, Communications Director Philadelphia City Council left black shirt, brown shirt – Jack Tomzuk, Metro Newspaper, Martin Alfaro, Alfaro Media Consulting LLC and Joe Grace, a spokesperson for Mayor Cherelle L. Parker; red hair Valerie Gay, Director of Creative Philadelphia
Jennifer Nagle, Vice President, External Affairs & Special Projects @ Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau and Greg Caron, Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, Laura Swartz, Philly Mag, Joe Val, Ally Management Partners, and Fox 29 Camera Person who I adore but can’t remember her name.
Tiffany Tavarez, Jefferson’s Office of Community Impact and Belonging and the team from Jefferson Health, a sponsor of Philadelphia 250
Everett Jackson — aka Mr. Hollywood DJ — has been on the grind for over a decade, carving out his own lane as Philly’s go-to vibe maker. He’s the Flyers’ in-house DJ, rocks the Phillies and Eagles rally bus, and shines as a host/MC. From the Spartan Race to strutting as a Mummer, Everett proves you really can do it all. His genre? Hard work, good vibes, and being one of the nicest guys around.
Meg Kane, Signature 57, Cari Feiler Bender, Relief Communications, LLC, and Tony Sorrentino, chief executive officer of the Fairmount Park Conservancy

Meg Kane is the President & CEO of Signature 57 and the Host City Executive for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, leading the city’s preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup—from logistics to messaging—ensuring Philly is ready for the global stage. Cari Feiler Bender, representing Historic Philadelphia, is gearing up for the city’s big birthday with 52 Weeks of Firsts! All through 2026, Philly will shine a spotlight on its incredible legacy of “firsts”—from inventions to iconic places to unforgettable celebrations—educating, commemorating, and showing off 250 years of creativity and ingenuity, one week at a time. Fairmount Park Conservancy just announced the appointment of Anthony “Tony” Sorrentino as its new Chief Executive Officer! comes from University of Pennsylvania, where he most recently served as Associate Vice President in the Office of the Executive Vice President. More on Tony here.

Nicole Cashman, Matt Ray, Kathryn Ott Lovell, Erika Murillo and Michael Newmius

More of the Team behind the scenes of Philadelphia 250 Planning: Nicole Cashman, Founder and CEO of Cashman & Associates Matthew Ray, who’s Chatterblast company helped with the branding of Philadelphia 250 and “Ring It On!”, Sudha Suryadevara, Chief of Staff at the Philadelphia Visitor Center, Kathryn Ott Lovell President and CEO Philadelphia Visitor Center and President and CEO Philadelphia250, Erika Battle Murillo, Vice President, 2026 Initiatives · PHL 250/Philadelphia Visitor Center Corporation and Michael Newmius, Philadelphia Director of 2026

Michael Newmius, and Tyrone Dixon, Deputy Director 2026 | City of Philadelphia

Big congrats to Tyrone Dixon on being named Deputy Director 2026! He’ll be joining the leadership team under Michael Newmuis to ensure a smooth and successful 2026!!

Spotted & Overheard:
Scott Mirkin from Roc Nation was deep in conversation with Live Nation’s Geoff Gordon. Across the room, Angela Val and George Leone were comparing notes on the Navy and Marine galas set for early fall. (Insider tip: keep your eyes on the Delaware River—a big boat parade and a concert to remember are coming. Bill Gehrman and Tracy Buchholz who were in the room have all the details on those events Enroute Marketing dropped the details on their IG.)

PECO’s David Vahos and Doug Oliver made an appearance—cheers to PECO for stepping up as a 2026 sponsor. I caught Laura Burkhardt mentioning her consulting biz is booming, including a project with Avenue of the Arts… and word is, that stretch will be a big stage for 2026 festivities. Cassandra Coleman, Director of Pennsylvania 2026, Rep. Jared Solomon and Councilperson Rue Landau.

Ensemble Arts’ Leslie Patterson-Tyler looked like she’s already in countdown mode for the 5th Annual FREE Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest (mark it: Saturday, September 13, 11 AM–3 PM).

But the true comedy act? Nicole Cashman wrangling Philly’s mascots as the program began. Franklin kept ringing the bell, Gritty wouldn’t surrender the mic, and the scene turned full “Three Stooges” with five mascots battling for attention. Pure Philly entertainment.

Socially Yours, xo HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Abbott Elementary at The Phillies and the Library

Photo credit Patty Jackson

RUMOR MILL: Abbott Elementary’s Quinta Brunson hinted at Comic-Con that Philly sports fans would love what’s coming — and it looks like Citizens Bank Park is about to take the spotlight. From what I’m hearing, Abbott Elementary is filming their big “live event” next Thursday and/or Friday at the @phillies – @braves game. ⚾️⚾️

Although rehearsals and extras will be filming on Wednesday at CBP as well.

Speaking of good things, Sunday August 24, 2025, Sen. Vincent Hughes and the first lady of the 7th district Sheryl Lee Ralph will be hosting “Men in the Classroom: with Read to Succeed and The Center for Black Educator Development with appearances by William Stanford Davis best known for his role as school custodian Mr. Johnson on the popular ABC sitcom, along with Dr Tony Watlington, School Superintendent. See you Sunday!!

Remember to catch me on the Fox29 App with Drew Anderson at 10AM on Sunday, and hear about what’s coming up during the fall social season.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

ChitChat: Jennifer Garner, Gwen Walz Eats a Cheesesteak

Hello Chit Chatters. I know I didn’t keep my promise of publishing at least 3 times a week. It’s a busy season, and to tell you the truth after I shoot an event in the evening I get tired. So sometimes I go out afterwards, I’ve been going to the gym, or sometimes I just chill. I do have plenty to publish so stay tuned. Also I do publish in Philly Mag, Philly Style, Main Line Today and CBSPhilly. Let’s chat…

Actress Jennifer Garner was in town yesterday to meet with the folks from Kamala for Pennsylvania (this is a photo from their IG page.) I got two sightings of her at the Four Seasons yesterday. She had a bite to eat at JG Sky High, was friendly with everyone who said hi, and looked radiant they tell me.

Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz’s wife Gwen Walz was in town yesterday as well. In the evening she spoke at the Philly Gay News’ (PGN) 48 LGBTQ+ Leaders event, then like a good visitor headed to a favorite spot to enjoy a cheese steak – Jim’s on South Street. She ordered a whiz with and

Posed for photos for those who asked. Look for more celebrity sightings as we head into the final weeks.

Also in town last night was Hillary Rodham Clinton who spoke at the Academy of Music. I heard she was enjoyable and entertaining.

Then I remembered when she was running in 2008 for president, her daughter Chelsea did a gayborhood crawl with PGN’s Mark Segal, Gov Ed Rendell and actor Rob Reiner. I got this shot for Michael Klein’s, then gossip column, Inklings.

Miguel Martinez-Valle Instagram

Ahhh this is so sweet, love these guys. Congratulations to NBC10’s Miguel Martinez-Valle and Comcast’s Ray Smeriglio who got engaged in Cape May over the weekend. They were also honored last night as Philly Gay News’ 48 LGBTQ+ Leaders!!

I don’t know how I missed the Northern Lights last night. I was shooting an event near Penn Valley, and then drove to Old City for another event. The traffic on the Schuylkill was abysmal but I didn’t see a thing. Eventually went to Jersey after the 2nd event a saw a faint pink sky.

They say tonight should be just as good, so I’ll give it another try. Glad I saw them in Charlotte, NC last May. I no longer have to travel to a cold climate for the bucket list chance.

Have a great weekend. Catch me on IG for the latest,

Socially yours, HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Pre Party: Soirée on the Square

The Ball on the Square is returning this fall to Rittenhouse Square on September 26th. The Ball on the Square is the Friend’s largest fundraiser of the year and is a truly unique opportunity to enjoy an evening in with friends, family, neighbors, and colleagues in Rittenhouse, all while ensuring its continued care and maintenance of the beautiful square for the years to come.

Returning this year for the first time since 2019, The Soirée on the Square will be returning on September 27, the night after the Ball. The Soirée is an opportunity to enjoy an evening of cocktails, small bites, a band, and a DJ who will provide an exciting environment for dancing and socializing – all in support of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square. Last week supporters and committee members gathered at the Fitler Club to celebrate the upcoming fundraising effort. Tickets start at $250.00

Bruce Bohnri, Laura LaRosa, Board President of Friends of Rittenhouse Square, Erica Marting and June Armstrong, executive director of the Friends of Rittenhouse Square
Rachel Pritzker and Jennifer Rossiter
Chuck Peruto, Vince Peruto, Lindsay Furman-Alexander, Director of Development- Friends of Rittenhouse Square Org. (a non-profit organization), Silver Brahin and Pia Arellano
Megan Nicoletti Walsh, co-chair of 2024 Soiree on the Square and Mark Nicoletti, sponsor of Ball on the Square
Peter Watson, Elina Pargamanik and Sandra Hazeltine
DJ Smooth
Daniel Grobman, owner and chef Mike’s BBQ and Matt Cooke
Emre Kara and Bora Ozkan
Pex Arellano and Matt Fingerman, Senior Vice President and Team Leader for BNY Wealth

REMINDER: Surround yourself with like-minded people. Life is the ultimate team sport. Connection helps us to stay the course and this takes a village. – Pex Arellano

Taylor Schwartz, Sam Schwartz and Christina Mitchell

This cocktail-attire event is a unique and exciting way to spend a Friday night in Rittenhouse Square with all proceeds going towards supporting our mission. Hope to see you there!!

Socially yours, HughE

Categories
Around Town With HughE

Save The Date & Did Tabu Sell

Here we are the last Friday of the unofficial end of Summer. It really went by fast, right? Before I set out on our weekend trip, I thought I’d post a few events, and news on the sale of a local LGBTplus bar to a group of philanthropic gentlemen who own two of the most popular water holes in the City, popular piano sing a long, dance bar Tavern on Camac, and UBar, where the bartenders are good listeners.

One of the exciting additions to happen to the Philly skyline is the lighting of City Hall. Out of all the iterations over the last generation, this is definitely the best one. All 4 sides are lit, usually in white, but on special occasions like this one honor Philadelphia police.

There’s a lot of exciting news coming to the little screen in the fall.

How awesome Fox 29 is bringing back the weekend edition of “Good Day Philadelphia.” The show was a staple on the Saturday and Sunday before the pandemic, with Bill Anderson, who is concentrating on his Fox29 show “The Pulse” now.

Taking the helm is reporter Shaynah Ferreira “It’s a new day and a new era here @fox29philly. I’m happy to announce my promotion as the Anchor of the Weekend Morning Edition of Good Day Philadelphia. ☀️☕️” Shaynah wrote on her IG. Joining her will be reporter Marcus Espinoza and zany weather reporter Drew Anderson.


Begins Saturday starting September 14th at 8am, and Sunday September 15th.

Save The Date: You’re going to want to attend the STAND UP FOR FREEDOM fundraiser in support of Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta for Auditor General, not only because he’s the right guy for the job, but it’s going to be a laugh a minute with Wanda Sykes, Connor King, and Gov Shapiro. I kinda had a feeling he wasn’t going to be the VP contender as he committed to this event before the announcement of Walz.

I saw this nugget on Reddit, have the owners of Tavern on Camac, and UBar bought bad boy Tabu It would be great to have a redo on that place and bring it back to it’s Equus glory of the 1980s, when I frequented the place.

Spring Garden Sunflower Festival is happening September 7 along Fairmount Ave.

Thanks for the memories Summer of 2024. One of my favorite finds was Ike’s Famous Crabcakes on the Ocean City Boardwalk. Enjoyed a few meals there, this time with Michael Newmuis and Kevin Lessard. Mike Toub is in this photo but as a vegan he did not partake.

Speaking of the Mike Toub, we celebrated our 30th anniversary of our first date 7/10/94 (Married 5/24/2014). It’s been a blast. I never imagined the life I have, and can’t imagine a life without him. Lucky me.

Socially yours, xoxo HughE