Tag

What to do in Philly

Philly To Do, Uncategorized

On Cue: the Red Rum Opening Party

January 13, 2023 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Without a Cue, a murder mystery production company, founded in 2002 by Traci Connaughton, based in Montgomery County, celebrated its first brick & mortar space last night in the historic Curtis building . The space at 7th and Walnut will be called the Red Rum Theater, a 100-seat cabaret-style venue and will offer appetizers and spirits from Pops McCann Whiskey to guests seated at cocktail tables during live performances.

Liz Mattera,guest, Sheila Hess, Phila City Rep, , Traci Connaughton,Traci Connaughton – Executive Director – Without A Cue, Jen Jaynes and Mac Versak-Kennedy

The night kicked off with an official ribbon cutting, followed by a preview of their first production of its popular “Golden Girls” murder mystery, which debut earlier this year at Craft Hall.

The show’s opening night, January 17, coincides with what would have been “Golden Girls” star Betty White’s 101st birthday.

Jackie and Jessica Glosson

Each show begins as the audience arrives at a party thrown by the Golden Girls. Then suddenly, a party guest is murdered. Clues are then delivered to the audience’s tables as they interact with the cast to solve the mystery.

Dhruvi Shah, Evie Burt, Penny Gsell, and Nick Greeby
Gabrielle Ochoco and Sabir Peele
One happy family: Genvieve Mazzoli,Traci Connaughton,Tatyana & Chris Mazzoli

“This has been a project in the making for 20 years, and a major goal for the development of Without A Cue,” said Traci Connaughton, executive director of Without A Cue. “Choosing the Curtis as our future home seemed out of reach at first, but it was a dream venue and a perfect fit for our new theater. We are so excited to continue our in the heart of Philadelphia providing laughter and joy to many.” 

Tina Lynch, Jake Fruncillo, and Jen Jaynes

Red Rum can be reached from the entrance off 7th Street, in the space formerly occupied by Cooperage bar and restaurant. Parking for the Curtis Center is available in the building’s parking garage.

Colleen Dunn, Jay Vereen, Shannon Pepe, and Brooke Givens
 

“Golden Girls Murder Mystery” runs through April 29th. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to show time for check in. Your proof of purchase will serve as your ticket, but they have a list as well.

Hysterical!!

Thanks Andre Flewellen for shooting the opening for the team.

Around Town With HughE

Scene: CFEVA Postcard Sale, Next CFEVA Artist Open Studio Tours Next Week

October 5, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

On Thursday, September 22nd, 5-8 PM at Gross McLeaf Gallery I attended the Center for Emerging Visual Artists (CFEVA) secret postcard sale fundraiser; a clever fundraiser for the local arts center where art patrons buy postcards depicting art. The image is painted, or printed on the postcard. Each were like little treasures.. I’m going to post what they have on their website which explains the sale much better than I can.

This POSTcard-sized, original art sale offers more than 150 original and unique works, all created by artists in our CFEVA network, and created on a 4 x 6-inch “card”. Those who buy a ticket in advance have the chance to select one or more of these cards, either at our Cocktail and Card Selection party, on September 22, 5-8 PM at Gross McCleaf Gallery, or through our online selection opportunity! This is an incredible way to add affordable pieces to your personal art collection.

No matter how you play, the time that you buy your ticket (in advance) will determine the time you can enter the POSTcard selection room at the Gallery on the 22nd, or if you are playing from afar, when your card is selected for you online from the many displayed at the event that evening. The “secret” part? The cards will be offered without attribution to the artist. You will get a sneak peek to make your list of possibilities.

At the gallery, according to your time slot, choose the card you like! Once the selection has been made, the artist who made your card will be revealed! Each card is valued at at least $100 and many are valued at much more, so you will “walk away” with something amazing for your collection or to give as a gift!

Amanda Phillips, Executive Director, Development & Operations,
Center for Emerging Visual Artists(CFEVA) and Rebecca Segall, owner and Director of Gross McCleaf Gallery

There was a nice reception in an adjoining gallery for those waiting to get into the postcard sale, or to enjoy after previewing the artwork.

Guests would pick out their purchase, and the curators would put a blue dot on the piece. After the “show” was over at 7PM, art aficionados could pick up their art work.

CFEVA Instagram Post

Next up for CFEVA, note here Save The Date, this is going to be a lot of fun!!

We’re ready for the Philadelphia Open Studio Tours. Are you?!

Over 250 artists and partners CITY-WIDE are NOW on the map to open their doors to art-loving visitors, this October 15/16, 22/23, noon-6pm all 4 days. Want a map and guidebook? We got ‘em!

What’s POST? A two-weekend-long, artist-driven event provides behind-the-scenes access to Philadelphia’s creative spaces. Philly residents and tourists can all experience how art is being created right here, right now. As they explore the spaces and places marked on our online and interactive map, they will be delighted and even surprised to find who is creating on YOUR street, in your neighborhood, contributing to the energy and sustainability of your city streets.

Need more details? Head over to our website, www.CFEVA.org/philaopenstudios for our interactive map + directory of participating artists and partners.

Philly To Do, Uncategorized

Scene: Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest 2022

September 22, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

Saturday was a beautiful day. Not only was the weather a 10, but the Avenue of the Arts was a buzz with activity, especially on the Kimmel Cultural Campus and inside the Kimmel Center.

The Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra kick off Philadelphia’s robust arts and cultural season with Philadelphia Fall Arts Fest, a day of FREE festival-style performances, the chance to interact with more than 50 arts organizations from across the region, and $20 tickets to a selection of over 100 events!

The opening night of OTELLO and the start of FESTIVAL O22 at Opera Philadelphia on FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23rd , 2022! 

Opening Night Celebration of Philadelphia Orchestra with Yannick Nézet-Séguin Conductor 
Lang Lang Piano , BalletX Christine Cox Artistic Director is September 28.

Though in-person programming is at the forefront of the Orchestra’s season, Digital Stage concerts will continue, featuring seven pre-recorded performances and audience favorites from last season. Highlights include a performance from the Orchestra’s 2022 Bravo! Vail Music Festival residency, and the recent Musikfest Berlin concert from the 2022 European Festivals Tour. Each performance will begin with a premiere, streaming in real time for viewers. Following the premiere, the online concert video will be available for ticket holders to watch on demand for one week. A complete listing of each Digital Stage program is included below and more details are available at www.philorch.org/digitalstage.

Kimmel Cultural Campus and The Philadelphia Orchestra are excited to welcome the Philadelphia community to kick off the 2022-23 season. “We are eager to once again bring thousands of arts and entertainment lovers, uniting the Philadelphia community as a sequel to the 2021’s Arts Launch.“

Philadelphia Ballet has a robust season coming up, and are breaking ground on their new North Broad space in a few weeks. Check out the schedule for the new season 2022/2023

The Avenue of the Arts was on hand to discuss all the exciting happenings on Broad Street; Home to one the most vibrant and successful performing arts, residential, educational, commercial, and tourist destinations in the United States.

I think we all love attending Broadway on Broad Street at the Kimmel Center. RAISES HAND VERY HIGH FOR The Tina Turner Musical!! Check out the rest of the schedule HERE

Stay tuned for the Center City Districts – Dinner and a Show specials, launching soon. And follow
the Kimmel Cultural Campus site for info on all the shows, events and special evenings happening !!

Uncategorized

RIVERS CASINO PHILADELPHIA JULY

July 15, 2022 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

The big news for Rivers Casino in July, is an appearance by Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge and the “We Are Family” Tour will echo through Philadelphia as she performs the band’s global anthem at Rivers Casino Philadelphia alongside a full band on Friday, Sept. 2, starting at 8 p.m. Tickets for The Event Center concert start at $29 and went on sale today. (TICKETS)

The “We Are Family” tour is part of the upcoming entertainment at Rivers Casino, which is scheduled as follows:

  • 7/30: Ed Bassmaster
  • 8/11: George Benson
  • 8/20: Jonathan Butler and Gerald Albright
  • 8/26: Gloria Gaynor
  • 9/2: Kathy Sledge of Sister Sledge and the “We Are Family” Tour
  • 9/3: Chingy
  • 9/17: DJ Jazzy Jeff
  • 9/24: Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes

    Check out the Entertainment Calendar Here!!
Fat Mezz Band
South Jersey’s definitive, authentic, rock and roll band.

Promotions, Contests and Sweepstakes

$106k Sizzlin’ Summer Cash Sweepstakes — All Rush Rewards members can earn sweepstakes entries on slots and tables from 6 a.m. on Friday, July 1, to 9:45 p.m. on Saturday, July 30. To be eligible for prizes, guests must activate their entries on July 1, July 2, July 8, July 9, July 15, July 16, July 22, July 23, July 29 and July 30 between 6:30 p.m. to 9:45 p.m. Five winners will be selected at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. to spin the prize wheel for their chance to win up to $50,000.

July Jackpot Sweepstakes — Every day in July, any Rush Rewards member who hits a jackpot valued at $1,200 or higher will earn one entry in the July Jackpot Sweepstakes. On Sunday, July 31, at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m., five winners in each drawing will be randomly selected to win $1,000 in cash.

Mian Play and Earn Food Voucher — On Mondays in July, all Rush Rewards members who play an Asian table game or Dynasty game with their Rush Rewards card can earn a $15 food voucher to Mian. Members must play for at least one hour at any qualifying game to earn the voucher.

Young at Heart — On Wednesdays in July, all Rush Rewards members ages 50 and older can swipe into a Rush Rewards kiosk and win free swag or Free Play.

Young at Heart: Jack’s Bar + Grill — Young at heart members ages 50 and older will receive unlimited soup and salad at Jack’s Bar + Grill on Wednesdays in July for $9.99.

Jack’s Bar + Grill — Jack’s is open every day at 4 p.m. and closes at 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and at 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, with the bar staying open until 2 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Guests can enjoy live music on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 p.m. to midnight.

$65 Beginner’s Poker Tournament Saturday’s 10:15AM
Legs & Eggs Drag Brunch July 31 2022

For more info on what’s happening at Rivers Casino Philadelphia

Uncategorized

This & That Friday: Dining Out, Philly To Do and What Does the Green Phase Mean

June 19, 2020 by HughE Dillon Leave a comment

It’s Friday and time for another column of “This and That” where we cover what’s happening and interesting in greater Philly area. Some of these posts appeared on my Social Media, but I like to save nuggets for us on the blog as well.

Let’s just start off on a sweet note. Kory Aversa, Aversa PR and I went to Morgan’s Pier (Kory’s client) for dinner this week. The view of the Delaware River was spectacular. Folks were socially distant, masks were up when people entered the eatery and relaxed when guests sat table side. You must wear your mask if you walk around the restaurant or use the bathroom. The food was delicious, but I had the best dessert of the year there – Fluffernutter Baklava – only $6 of deliciousness. Make Reservations, I like to ask people not to use their gift cards until 2021 if possible, and to tip the servers 25% for good service. Times are tough. I even tip the folks at my favorite fast food places and Nuts To You. And please wear your mask when you pick up your fast food while you’re in the car.
Etiquette for dining out

Barely re open a week and the stars are already lining up to eat at D’Angelo’s Ristorante 256 S. 20th St. Like @garydourdan who stop by earlier this week to the thrill of so many fans including @pattersonforstaterep @10kkellyj My fav dish at Sal’s place is the lasagna.#phillydiningout #celebritiesinphilly #openinphl 📸 provided

A sure sign of summer, the Art Museum Whole Foods is setting up their outside dining. No doubt the tables are out there as I type this. Definitely one of the best views of the City skyline from the 22nd and Callowhill location.

Karin Copeland’s CreateXChange presents Adrienne Bankert
Tuesday, June 23rd at 4:45pm – Free but you must register
for a discussion with 
ADRIENNE BANKERT
ABC NEWS and GOOD MORNING AMERICA
CORRESPONDENT and author of
YOUR HIDDEN SUPERPOWER:
The Kindness That Makes You Unbeatable at Work and Connects You with Anyone 
Philly is heading into the Green Phase beginning July 3, but next Friday the outdoor area of the Zoo will be open for guests. Plan your future visit by purchasing a membership today. My favorite benefit of the membership is definitely the free parking.
Spice up your quarantine wardrobe and help support Philadelphia Zoo!

A portion of our limited-edition t-shirts directly benefits our SPRING BACK Fund and the animals at the Zoo. Buy One Here
Saxbys announced a new line of coffee, Make Life Proud: Love Speaks, and 100% of proceeds go towards the Attic Youth Center dedicated to supporting LGTBQ young people. You can learn more at hellosaxbys.com/LoveSpeaks
#PHSGARDENINGCONTEST UPDATE: We’ve extended our deadline to enter to Friday, June 26!

Enter your garden, volunteer to be a judge, and learn more about this annual contest. Enter your garden for free
A few days ago I saw @98rouge build these wood structures which to me were obviously going to be an extension of their dining outdoors. Last night I was in @northliberties @elcaminophilly and got photos of what it would look like. Quickly drove by Rouge afterwards and they are serving dinner in the street now. Looks great, I couldn’t get a photo as the light was green, LOL.

Congrats KyleTanguay for making the Eagles Cheerleading squad again!!

I’ve covered Juneteenth events in Philly for the past 3 years

On Friday, June 19, 2020, there are a number of events planned in Center City to commemorate Juneteenth:

9:30 AM – 12:00 PM – Art Museum – Children’s March- Play Without Fear

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM – 526 Market St – Liberty Bell – Black Lives Matter Fashion Protest

12:00 PM – 2:00 PM – (2 starting points) Broad & Erie and 60th & Market – Juneteenth Car Parade, both parades to end at City Hall

1:00 PM – March starts at 701 Arch St., African American Museum – Celebration to follow:  3:30 PM–6:00 PM at Eakins Oval

WE DID IT. The COVID19 has flattened. Let’s continue this by wearing masks, socially distancing and being patient and kind. Philly moves into the Green Phase in early July. Here’s what that means https://www.phila.gov/2020-06-18-what-the-green-phase-means-for-philadelphia/

See you on Social Media and back here on Monday. Have a safe weekend.

Philadelphia

Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Comes to Valley Forge Casino Resort

January 17, 2017 by HughE Dillon

Howl at the Moon Dueling Pianos Comes to Valley Forge Casino Resort

Howl at the Moon brings the dueling piano experience to Philadelphia’s suburbs starting this week and for every Saturday at Valley Forge Casino Resort (1160 First Avenue) and The Vault nightclub. Get ready to sing, dance and howl as the versatile and talented musicians perform live music from 80’s rock, 90’s pop and today’s dance hits on pianos. Doors open at 8:00pm and the live show from 9pm to 12:30am. The party continues at The Vault until 2am. Admission is free and open to those 21 and up only.

1-17-2017 8-29-59 AM (Custom)

“Howl at the Moon dueling pianos at the Vault is the perfect complement to the entertainment experience we strive to provide every day at Valley Forge Casino Resort.” said VFCR Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Galle. “It’s the next evolution of nightlife to add to our diverse mix of dining, live concerts and comedy shows, hotel and all the action and excitement of the casino.”

Pianos

 

1-17-2017 8-48-44 AM (Custom)

Howl at the Moon is a high-energy, interactive music experience that’s been a nightlife staple in cities across the country, from Boston to Chicago, as well as on Norwegian Cruise Line ships Epic and Breakaway. Philadelphia is home to Howl at the Moon in Center City on 15th Street. “Instead of driving into the city, we’re bringing the same great interactive party to the Mainline,” added Galle. Or if you want to do something different head out of the City and enjoy Howl at the Moon at VFC.

1-17-2017 8-42-48 AM (Custom) 1-17-2017 8-51-39 AM (Custom)

 

1-17-2017 9-35-05 AM 1-17-2017 9-34-29 AM

 

 

As the musicians ‘tickle the ivories,’ look for a new food and drink menu to debut for Howl at the Moon at The Vault. Drinks will include six varieties of frozen margaritas, themed shots, signature cocktails and craft beer bottles/cans. Drinks will all be priced under $10.00. From the kitchen, look for a new menu of street bites and bar favorites, including carnitas street tacos, triple grilled cheese, braided soft pretzels and more. All food will be priced between $3.00 and $8.00. Happy Hour will take place every week from 8:00pm to 10:00pm and include $3.00 Bud and Bud Light, $4 Triple Olives Vodka and $5.00 House Wine. VIP booth and bottle service will also be available weekly.

1-17-2017 8-52-39 AM (Custom) Pianos Pianos 1-17-2017 8-27-42 AM (Custom) Pianos Pianos Pianos 1-17-2017 8-34-34 AM (Custom) Pianos Pianos Pianos Pianos Pianos 1-17-2017 8-39-58 AM (Custom) Pianos 1-17-2017 8-40-47 AM (Custom) Pianos 1-17-2017 8-42-13 AM (Custom)

Thank to PhillyChitChat’s Andre Flewellen for shooting this event. i was at the Lemon Ball. Check out Philly Mag today for those pixs.

Philadelphia

Be Social: Charity and Notable Events in Philly, Plus #PCCBuzz

October 6, 2015 by HughE Dillon

Be Social – Every Sunday I’ll post upcoming events that have been sent to me that I think you’d be interested in attending, but since I’m creating this new “column” I want to play catch up. Often I put these events on on twitter, not so much on my other social media outlets. Nearly every time I photograph an event, a reader will ask “I wish I knew about this event.” I’ve always wanted to add these to my “public calendar” but doing that is too time consuming. So they’re here for you to put on your calendar.  Be sure to follow me on Twitter @iphillychitchat (#PCCBuzz), Instagram and Facebook: PhillyChitChat where I will post various events daily.

The Philly Social Scene is underway, whether it’s a grand gala, a trunk show, Forbes 30 under 30 I’ll fill you in, and in most cases will have photos and info from the event. Next to the events where I know I’ll be shooting I will say Smile, I’ll be here shooting.
but that doesn’t mean I won’t be at the other events it all depends on my client event schedule.

***********************

10/9/15 – “Barcelona on Broad” Gala – The Pa Ballet Gala  – Pennsylvania Ballet Kicks off Artistic Director Angel Corella’s First Full   Season with “Barcelona on Broad” Gala – Smile, I’ll be here shooting. (before 9PM)

10/9/15 – MANNA 25th Anniversary Celebration at the 23rd Street Armory, for an incredible night of celebration honoring our past 25 years and sharing our exciting future. Las Vegas legend Wayne Newton will help MANNA honor Steven Korman, Founder of Korman Communities, for his tireless efforts and deep commitment to MANNA’s mission. Smile, I’ll be here shooting. (After 9PM)

***********************
10/13/15

 @bbbs_sepa ‪#‎bigbrothersbigsisters‬ turns 100 years old and we are going to do it BIG #101315! You must get your tickets for the ‪#‎bignightout‬. – Smile, I’ll be here shooting.

Event Highlights:
• Celebrity Emcees Marlon Wayans & Mo’ne Davis
• Performances by Third Eye Blind’s Stephan Jenkins, Macy Gray & Shontelle
• 1,200 Guests Brought Together for an Epic Centennial Celebration
• Live Concert & Awards Ceremony produced by Live Nation
• VIP & Gala ReceptionOur Award Honorees:
• The Corporate Partner of the Century Award: Comcast NBCUniversal
• The Humanitarian Award: The Bentley Family
• The Charles Edwin Fox Memorial Service Award: Wilson Goode, Sr. D. Min
• The Community Service Award: Fox Rothschild
• Big Brother of the Century Award Finalists: Lee Fisher, Tom McElvogue, Doug Tolbert
• Big Sister of the Century Award Finalists: Angela Soto-Hamlin, Joan Tishgart, Kris Townsend
*********************** 
Congrats to PGN founder Mark Segal, legendary Gay Rights Advocate, on his new book “And Then I Danced” which publishes today. You can pick it up on Amazon, and book stores like Barnes & Noble on Rittenhouse Square, where he will be doing a signing next week. He’s having a private book party Wednesday that I will be photographing, so check out those photos in Philly Mag on Thursday.
Barnes & Noble Rittenhouse Square Wednesday October 14, 2015 7:00 PM

Because of activists like Mark Segal, whose life work is
dramatically detailed in this poignant and important memoir, today there
are openly LGBT people working in the White House and throughout
corporate America. 

 
***********************
 Fashion Under the Shambles 2015 South Street Headhouse District Wednesday, October 14, 2015 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT) Philadelphia, PA Smile, I’ll be here shooting.
*********************** 
Great Networking and lecture event. 10/15/15

Join us for a conversation, in partnership with the Arts + Business Council, with pioneers from the worlds of arts and technology: prolific
street artist and activist Shepard Fairey (Photo by Jon Furlong. Courtesy of Shepard Fairey.), and co-founding entrepreneur of Android and Google Ventures lead Rich Miner. Tickets and Info:
(I highly recommend attending this event, if not only for the fascinating Shepard Fairey, but the Arts & Business council is a great networking event)

Smile, I’ll be here shooting.
*********************** 
Oct 16, 2015 6:00 PM – Oct 16, 2015 10:00 PM
You’re invited to PHeaSt, the region’s most delicious event! PHS’s
one-of-a-kind celebration to benefit the City Harvest program, PHeaSt
pairs local growers and top-tier regional chefs for an extraordinary
garden-to-table dining experience. Sample garden-fresh dishes from the
region’s finest restaurants, sip playful cocktails and craft beers, and
get gardening tips from growers.
***********************
Smile, I’ll be here shooting.
***********************

Pink Tide Ball – The Susan Komen Gala
6:00 PM – Main Event

8:30 PM – Young Professionals 

Party Vie by Cescaphé Event Group 600 N. Broad Street,
Smile, I’ll be here shooting.
6:00 PM – Main Event
8:30 PM – Young Professionals Party Vie by Cescaphé Event Group 600 N. Broad Street, Philadelphia Call for tickets/tables: 215-238-8900 – See more at: https://komenphiladelphia.org/events/ptb/#sthash.wGxvVLVg.dpuf
*********************** 
Follow us @ Instagram
This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.