Tag: Philly to Do

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Fireworks on The River; Father’s Day Dinner

THE Middle of June is happening already, time is at warp speed. My favorite time of the year is coming up – July 4th, so many activities to celebrate our country, and a gathering of family and friends. Rivers Casino has a full calendar of fun events, and delicious food choices. For Father’s Day they are having a special: Join us at Jack’s Bar + Grill this Father’s Day for the $25 Grilled NY Strip special! I had it a few months ago when I went to see Taylor Dayne and it was delicious. What a great day to eat on the river with Dad!

Jack’s menu features favorites like the Liberty Bell Pretzel served with beer cheese and spicy mustard, and the Pecan Crusted Salmon served with a maple bourbon glaze, mashed potatoes, and sautéed green beans. Jack’s is also the Philadelphia home of Flipt Burgers, a Rivers original. These fully customizable burgers never disappoint! Jack’s Bar + Grill is the perfect casual bar on the water to sip on a signature cocktail, glass of wine or cold beer.

DJ, producer, and West Philly native DJ Jazzy Jeff continues his residency at Rivers Casino, with another free performance coming up Saturday, July 2, at 8 p.m. at the Jack’s Bar + Grill stage. The last show was packed, so get there early to get your grove on. INFO

DJ Jazzy Jeff is part of the upcoming entertainment at Rivers Casino, which is scheduled as follows:

  • 6/3: Jeffrey Osborne
  • 6/17: The Stylistics
  • 6/25: Rodney Carrington
  • 7/2: DJ Jazzy Jeff
  • 7/30: Ed Bassmaster
  • 8/11: George Benson
  • 8/20: Jonathon Butler & Gerald Albright
  • 8/26: Gloria Gaynor
  • 9/17: DJ Jazzy Jeff

For tickets and more information, please visit RiversCasino.com/Philadelphia.

Fantastical Festive Celebrations for the Fourth

Party On The Pier At Rivers Casino Philadelphia July 4th Weekend

Rivers Casino Philadelphia is having a Party on the Pier to celebrate the Fourth of July on Sunday, July 3, starting at 6 p.m. The event will feature live outdoor music by Elton Rohn: North America’s Premier Elton John Tribute Show, along with food, fun and fireworks, which will end the night at 9 p.m.

This free, kid-friendly event will also include games, face painting, balloon artists and plenty of free parking.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting another Party on the Pier in celebration of Independence Day,” said Justin Moore, general manager at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. “This family-friendly party has everything from music to treats and spectacular fireworks to close out a terrific event.” MORE INFO HERE

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Around Town With HughE cool Philadelphia Philly To Do Uncategorized

Museum of Illusions is Spectacular

Stacy Stec, Marketing Manager at LOL Entertainment (the parent company of Museum of Illusions) , Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District, Rob Cooper, CEO of LOL Entertainment, ,Sheila Hess, City Representative for the City of Philadelphia and
Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Entertainment

A magical mystery museum opened this past weekend in Old City, the new 5000 square foot Museum of Illusions officially opened at 4th and Market ; it boasts 80+ visual and educational exhibits featuring holograms, stereo-grams, optical illusions, immersive rooms and special Philly installations unique to this location.

Jonathan Benjamin. Chief Executive Officer at Museum of Illusions, Councilman Mark Squilla and Jason Mitchell, Chief Operating Officer at LOL Ente

“We are very excited to be bringing the Museum of Illusions to Philadelphia and happy to be able to provide the city with such an engaging and exciting new museum concept,” said Rob Cooper, Philadelphia native and founder of LOL Entertainment, the parent company of the Museum of Illusions Philadelphia. “We are confident that people of all ages will love seeing and experiencing the Museum’s unique illusions and exhibits.”

I had a ball

Job Itzkowitz, executive director of Old City District is just hanging around in the Anti-Gravity Room

Have You Tried Your Luck at Rivers Casino Lately?

Michael Newmuis, COS Visit Philly “climbs” a Philadelphia row home at the Museum of Illusions.

The Museum of Illusions MOI is for all ages and offers visual and educational exhibits designed to tease the senses. Visitors will learn about vision, perception, and the human brain and experience firsthand the science of how the eyes can trick the mind.

Janelle Burrell the morning and noon co-anchor of CBS3 Eyewitness News hung out for a bit.

We weren’t sure how this exhibit worked, until Ray suddenly ran into the adjoining room and crawled through a tunnel popping up for a feast for our eyes.

They have a cool gift shop too

Don’t take my word for it Metro Philly WHYY and then head to the MOI website

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St. Patrick’s Day Festivities at Rivers Casino

Top of the Morning To Youse My Friend…. St. Patrick’s Day is this week and the celebrations are underway at River’s Casino Philadelphia. There’s plenty to do, see, and enjoy on the property to celebrate.

The Young Dubliners (sometimes shortened to the Young Dubs) will get you in the mood as they perform Wednesday March 16 at the Event Center. The Young Dubliners is an Irish rock band formed in Los Angeles. Purchase your tickets in advance starting at $25 and enjoy a bar and live entertainment!

AllMusic.com states, “Their live shows a jam-like appeal, similar to the vibes of Phish and the Dave Matthews Band.”

Stop by Jack’s Bar + Grill for special St. Patrick’s Day Specials all month long: Irish Nachos $10 Guinness Burger $11 Shepherd’s Pie Soup $6 Corned Beef Reuben $12 Draft Green Beer $4 Guinness Bottles $4

March 17 – St. Patrick’s Day and March Madness in the Sportsbook at Rivers Casino Philadelphia

The BetRivers Sportsbook will feature college basketball jersey drawings during the NCAA men’s basketball tournament. Guests who place wagers of $50 or more on college basketball will be entered into drawings to win old-school NCAA jerseys including James Harden’s Arizona State jersey.

On the screens you’ll find Flyers 7:00pm vs. Nashville, March Madness first round: 16 games .

Trae Young Oklahoma jersey drawing will occur.

Sportsbook Drink Specials Celebrating St Patrick’s Day All Month Long inlcude Draft Green Beer $5 and Guinness Bottles $4

Pick Up Your Free Swag at Jack’s Bar + Grill

Jack’s Free Swag include beads, hats, T-shirts, and Souvenir mugs

Sportsbook – James Harden Jersey Giveaway

On The Screens: Sixers 7:00pm vs. Dallas; Flyers 7:00pm @ Ottawa; March Madness first round: 16 games

the only photo I took, the others were provided

March 18th and every Friday and Saturday in March
Pot O’ Gold Celebration Promo 8PM + 10PM

Saturday March 19 – Evolution X, 8PM – 12AM, Jack’s Bar + Grill

Sportsbook – Jersey Giveaway Kevin Durant Texas

On The Screens: UFC Fight Night: prelims begin at 1:00pm; March Madness second round: 8 games

March 20, 2022 – Sportsbook – Jersey Giveaway Kawhi Leonard San Diego

On The Screens: Sixers 8:30pm vs. Toronto; Flyers 2:00pm vs. NY Islanders; March Madness second round: 8 games

Hope to see you there. St. Patrick’s Day Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Guests must be at least 21 years old to wager, and no one under 21 is permitted on the Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s gaming floor. Responsible Gambling

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Around Town: Seen, Scene and To See

I’ve continued to bird watch, but not as enthusiastically as I wish I could as my business has been booming as well. I shot this cutie last week at John Heinz Nature Preserve. We’re so lucky to have this treasure so close to Philly. I can’t be everywhere so on occasion I will post photos and copy from others who have invited me, or attempted to hire me to shoot their event.

On Wednesday, the Thomas Jefferson University fashion merchandising and management (FMM)
students filled the Kanbar Performance Space with a celebration of fashion
streetwear in remembrance of one of their own. The students sold their
original clothing designs and accessories to benefit this year’s charity,
Children’s Miracle Network, which was selected in memory of Karigen Emig,
who tragically died just months after graduating from the program earlier this
year.
“Karigen loved working in the fashion industry and was motivated by the way it
brings together people from different backgrounds, inspires confidence and
creates change in the world. She deeply inspired everyone around her, not only
through her great sense of style, but also through her positive energy,
contagious work ethic, and her infectious smile,” says Julia Wazeter, Karigen’s
best friend and 2021 FMM graduate who, along with Karigen’s parents, will
attend the Pop Up Shop event.

The FMM program promotes active learning, industry engagement, and prepares forward thinking leaders to work in the global business of #fashion linktr.ee/jeffersonfashionmerchandising

Circle of Trees – November 20: A favorite of local families and children, Circle of Trees returns to
kick off the holiday season on November 20 at 5 p.m. This year, the event takes on a new
COVID-friendly format, with Santa’s firetruck making stops at several neighborhood locations,
the first at Woodmere Art Museum at 9201 Germantown Avenue. Stay tuned for more details
about where he’s touching down.

Wednesday night Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of the Friends of the Avenue of the Arts hosted a Fundraiser at the Dina Wind Art Foundation. It was a lovely evening of shopping with 25% of the proceeds going directly to AAI. 

Great news! John has offered to extend the 25% contribution to Avenue of the Arts, Inc. through this Sunday for orders placed through www.johnwind.com

When you add an item to your cart, you will see a box to write an ‘Order Note’. Just put ‘Avenue of the Arts’ there and your order will be included! If you have never seen John’s jewelry, take a look. The holidays are coming (Thanksgiving is next week!).  Want to learn more about the Dina Wind Art Foundation? Visit www.dinawindfoundation.art 

Moving from the Wells Fargo Parking lot, Spectacor Events & Entertainment has jollied the Tinseltown Holiday Spectacular presented by Dietz & Watson to Oaks, Pa. The massive, immersive, one-of-a-kind experience offering a winter wonderland of lights, shopping, and dining will take place from November 26 (Black Friday) through January 2 at the Fairgrounds at the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center in Oaks, Pa.

Tinseltown is also announcing a Flex Ticket, which will allow guests to purchase a ticket without pre-selecting the date and time for a visit. Perfect for a holiday gift or those on a fluid schedule, the Flex Ticket is $38.99 and can be purchased here. 

General admission tickets for Tinseltown are limited and start at $19.99 for adults and $13.99 for children under 13 – admission is FREE for children under five. All ticket buyers will be required to select a designated arrival window when purchasing - patrons are encouraged to book their timed tickets early as sell-outs are anticipated. Purchase your tickets NOW at TinseltownHoliday.com.   This year I am tooo busy to make it to the new site, but it’s spectacular, family fun with food and lots of holiday photos to be had.

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TODAY: Head To The 45th Annual PMA Craft Show

The 45th Annual Philadelphia Museum of Art Contemporary Craft Show kicked off Thursday night with the preview party at the Pennsylvania Convention Center (enter at 12th and Arch). Everyone was excited that we were attending in person. To enter you must show your vaccination card, but I did notice most people were wearing their masks. What happens a lot of times when I take photos, people will ask me “Mask on, or Mask Off.” I always say whatever you are comfortable enough. Then they put their masks back on.

Selected by an esteemed panel of jurors, the 2021 Craft Show features 170 of the finest craft artists in the United States in person at the Pennsylvania Convention Center with an additional 25 artists participating online only.  The 195 talented artists represent a vast array of work in 13 diverse categories of art created by hand. In addition, we welcome select student artists from local universities to exhibit and share their work with the public.

David Rozek started Pandemic Designs 2 years before the pandemic, but he created a lot of beautiful items during the pandemic. You must see his wood figure 8 coffee table. So unique.

I really enjoyed this years show as it was more eclectic, with lots of variety. Clothing and jewelry are always popular booths and there are plenty. The reason they’re so popular is you can get one of a kind items, not the everyone found it at Target or another chain dictating style.

Everyone wears their most crafty, fashionable clothes when they attend the craft show. Often times it’s something they bought a previous year.

It’s also very casual. You can get super dressed up to spend the afternoon with your friends, or you can look sporty fall like Arthur and Duanne, who at first were we aren’t very dressed, to me saying, you’re comfortable and cool. These guys are so cool. Very philanthropic in arts & culture, as well as funding homeless endeavors.

So what are you doing today that is more important than catching the beauty of the Philadelphia Museum of Art Craft Show> It’s affordable, and will inspire you.

General Admission

Tickets can be purchased online or during the show at the Convention Center. Prices One Day: $20 Two Days: $25 Children under 12 years old: $5

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The 2021 Barnes Art Ball

The Barnes Museum hosted its annual Arts Ball on Friday, October 15th, a special evening to celebrate the institution and its enduring legacy. The black-tie event raised critical funds that ensure the future of the Barnes Foundation’s educational mission, exhibition program, and wide array of community, artistic, and scholarly projects.

Guests enjoyed an exhibit of Suzanne Valadon: Model, Painter, Rebel, the first exhibition dedicated to the French artist and model Suzanne Valadon at a major US arts institution.

Katherine English and Paul Wood

The annual soiree attracted fellow artists, collectors, philanthropists, community partners, thought leaders, and connectors who reconvened in person for a night of diverse and dynamic creative experiences.

Sharon Kim and Andrew Teufel arrive at the ball, accepting a glass of champagne as they enter

The Vaccine Mandated event had guests enjoying the pre festivities in the courtyard before enjoying special performances, exhibits, dinner, and mingling inside the museum, mask free.

Make a 100% tax-deductible to support the Barnes Foundation donation online

John Medveckis, Honorary Consul of Latvia and Helen Drutt English, renowed art crafts person

Scene stealer of the night had to been Jen Su, TV and Radio presenter, wearing a beautiful dress by Philadelphia Designer Conrad Booker. HE also did her shoes.

  • Gregory Walker, The Brothers Network and Doris Parent
  • Jeanette Lerman-Neubauer and Joseph Neubauer, Barnes Board of Trustee
Bonnie Young and Tuesday Gordon-Gaines.

Singer, song writer Laurin Talese, legendary music maven Dyana Williams, celebrity strategist and James Claiborne, Curator of Public Programs · Barnes Foundation

Sarah Hall and Aileen Roberts, Chair of Board at Barnes Foundation
Kiersten Ensley, Marianne Dean, one of the co-chairs of this evenings event and son Michael Dean,

Sharon Pinkenson, Tina and Julian Krinsky, Garret Snider, Lauren Jarvis, and Lauren Colovita

Steven Lagos (3rd from left) and his team, including long time GM Janice Waitkus (2nd from right), who is retiring next week. Best wishes to you Janice.!!

And then it was time for me to go to the next event that evening, the Gravediggers Ball at the Penn Museum. More on that next week. It’s so nice to see events, galas, parties come back, and people enjoying themselves, at a pace they are comfortable with, and most importantly to support the arts, culture, business and each other once again. Enjoy your weekend and thank you for subscribing (only 60 more for 43ks. You will receive the post right in your email, you don’t have to click on anything to see what is happening around our area) . Look for more photos from the Barnes Art Ball in the December issues of Main Line Today and Philly Style Magazine. Thanks for visiting PhillyChitChat.
Best wishes, HughE

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Philly To Do

Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the Arts Debut

Photo from uArts page

October 7, 2021 was a celebration of the reopening of the Philadelphia Art Alliance at University of the
Arts, which had largely been closed during the pandemic. It included UArts leadership, its board of
trustees and the many donors who supported the first two phases of improvements to the alliance. The
evening cocktail party was held in the newly renovated first-floor galleries and meeting space, as well
as in the garden.

Founded by artists in 1915 and located in the former Wetherill Mansion on Rittenhouse Square, the Philadelphia Art Alliance is considered one of the first multidisciplinary art spaces in the U.S. Its remarkable legacy includes presenting the work of visionary writers, composers, dancers, musicians, sculptors and architects from Igor Stravinksy to Gertrude Stein to Diego Rivera, among many other luminaries.

In 2018, the celebrated Philadelphia Art Alliance merged with the University of the Arts uniting two century-old institutions as the Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts. Its new name: Philadelphia Art Alliance at the University of the Arts.

President David Yager, president and CEO of uArts, and Jud Aaron, Board of Trustees for the University of the Arts greets the supporters, friends and thanks them for their help in renovating the building.

Ralph Citino ,Lawrence Taylor, Eleanor Davis, Suzanne and Ron Naples
  • John Medveckis and Patricia Fowler
  • Dr.Bettyruth Walter, and Julie Curson
-John Fry, Carol Graney and Jud Aaron
  • Gregory Segall, Joe Aristone, and Jack Soloff Jr.

Larry and Harriet Weiss, Ronald Gross and Sandra Taub

Thanks to Andre Flewellen for shooting. For more background on the Art Alliance, and University of the Arts Common Field Phila Inquirer Sorry I missed you yesterday, it’s been very busy this week, which is great. You can always follow along on Instagram, in my stories as that’s where I report current, as it happens in my life stuff. Hello to the 127 new followers since the beginning of October. Most of youse came over from Instagram, and I appreciate it. Here on PhillyChitChat we go much more into depth about the events we cover with links so you can easily read about them as well.
Otherwise see you tomorrow for more ChitChat. Thanks so much!! HughE

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Philly To Do

Commonweal Art Gallery Opens In Philly

In the past few months people have been yearning to go out , and we here at Philly Chit Chat have been very busy photographing many of the hot and happening events. Thanks to team photographer Andre Flewellen for capturing the opening of Commonweal Art Gallery earlier this month. Let’s see who made left their leggings at home and came to check out this new art gallery.

The arts scene in Philadelphia continues to grow with the opening of Commonweal which happened October 1st, 2021. The gallery features emerging and mid-career Philadelphia artists and designers from across the city’s creative communities.  The artists for Commonweal’s inaugural program were chosen because their work focuses on social and cultural themes important to our city and its residents while remaining engaged with evolving national and global conversations. The works of featured designers form a capsule collection of objects exclusive to the gallery. The designers have engaged their material expertise to create an array of unique functional objects whose quality and thoughtfulness are intended to enrich their user’s daily experience through their use.

Photo on Right: Caitlin Clark, Alec Conner, Owner of Commonweal Gallery and Priyanka Setty

Kate Marlys, Philly PR Girl and Andrianna Acosta check out the art at Commonweal Gallery located at 1607 Latimer Street, 19103 featuring feature G. Farrel Kellum and Warith Taha

Sitting Pretty: Gabrielle Ochoco, and Sabir Peele, Men Style Pro

Alec Conner, chats with creators Dan Tague, multi-media artist and Olivia Verdugo, Founder and Designer at C R U S H

October featured designer is C R U S H studio, an ongoing materials collaboration between Jenna Robb and Olivia Verdugo. They have created the Grounding Cushion, an object that is intended to reduce stress and refocus on the present moment through touch, for the gallery’s capsule design collection.

Making the scene is Ian Michael Crumm, and Toni Leslie, who had stepped away for a bit to explore lives other offerings, but the pandemic has brought them back to the Philly scene . I have a feeling we’ll see more of these two creatives in the near future. Plus Happy Birthday this week Ian!!

For more information, you can also follow Commonweal on their Instagram and Facebook pages. For press inquiries and/or media requests, please contact Katerina@PhillyPRGirl.com. 

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Philly To Do: To See BalletX Summer Series at the Mann – Pixs From Opening Night

Christine Cox co-founded BalletX
  • Lynn Rinaldi, GM Dolce coming to the W Hotel and Laura Burkhardt, Executive Director of Avenue of the Arts
Christine Cox co-founded BalletX with guests from Julliard
I did a fun reel of the evening, catch the two future ballerinas dancing in the aisle at the Mann. Tickets are still available for today’s show, and catch a future show. BalletX
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Flower Show Brings all The Fashion to the Park

I know having an outdoor flower show was an idea planted in the minds at PHS Flower Show for years, and 2021 was the year it blossomed. The space is vast, but it’s an enjoyable walk, a planned park with lots of ideas on how you can plant your little park, or container garden. It was great to get outdoors, even in 90F temperatures at the opening party last night. Get there by car, train or pedal as it’s conveniently located near all transportation, but definitely, absolutely wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking involved. I love attending the flower show for the fashion, and last night didn’t disappoint. (It’s been awhile since I’ve photographed an event so let me remind you: Note some of these photos may appear in other publications, but I also held back photos to appear in other publications exclusively as is in my agreements with them. PS I can’t send any of the photos to you as the are for media only or PHS, as per my agreements. Photo columns Philly Mag [Sept Issue], Mainline Media News, Philadelphia Tribune, Mainline Today, Philly Metro; CBSPhilly; PhillyStyleMag) Subscribe To PhillyChitChat Blog on the upper left of the page. THANKS – The Flower Show is at FDR Park in South Philly Through June 13th.

Marcia DeWitt, Helen Horstmann, Henry DeWitt and Laura Gregg

Sneakers and flats are a good choice

  • Tanya Smith and Keith Cripper

Couples who coordinate

My husband always finds the best spot to observe
Megan Smith, Browstone PR, Kristyn Aldrich, ASAP Michelle Histand and Angela Val both of Ready Set Philly!!
  • Jackie Lacey and Valerie McLaughlin
Jeff Leatham’s “Habitat” presented by Four Seasons Hotel Philadelphia at the 2021 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show (I was so excited to meet Jeff and chat with him about this installation.)
Check out what these guys wore during the day as Alex Holley saw them, and I saw them at night. Every year they bring it!!
Michael Newmuis,, Kevin Lessard and Mike Toub
Councilwoman Katherine Richardson Gilmore who just presented City Council with a bill on instituting conflict resolution training for kids in school, in hopes to end violence. Kids today don’t know how to resolve issues, conflicts.
George van Sciver and Nancy Bass Anderson (who I went to 8th grade with in Cherry Hill)
Councilwoman Katherine Richardson Gilmore, again this time with Malini Doddamani, ‎Chief Marketing Officer ‎The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society

The Flower Show is at FDR Park Through Sunday June 13. INFO HERE> Head to CBSPhilly for more photos. Remember to subscribe to PhillyChitChat Hire Us TO Shoot Your Event.