HughE Dillon: Washington’s Birthday Bash at Union League
The Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution celebrate.
Washington's Birthday is seared into my head as a day my mom would pile my seven siblings into the station wagon and head to McDonald's where we would pick up several dozen cherry pies for 10 cents a piece to have as a snack in our lunches throughout the year. For the members of the Pennsylvania Society of Sons of the Revolution the birthday of our first president is more meaningful, as they traditionally meet on the Saturday before Washington's birthday to honor him in an elaborate ceremony at the Union League. Below: Robert McNelly, society treasurer, Christie McNelly, Sharon Holt, and committee member Stephen Holt.
HughE Dillon: GPTMC’s Philly 360 Party
2012’s Creative Ambassadors are named at annual event.
Last week the Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation held its annual Black History Month Philly 360° cocktail party at Tendenza in Northern Liberties, where they introduced the 2012 Creative Ambassadors. Below: Tenee Nelson, model, Serena Saunders, founder and lead artist at PassionArt Designs, DJ Diamond Kuts, and Meeka Johnson, fashion stylist. DJ Diamond Kuts and Serena Saunders were both named 2012 Creative Ambassadors.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Kevin Bacon at the Kimmel
The Philly-born actor talked about his career with Carrie Rickey.
The Kimmel Center channeled Inside the Actors Studio Wednesday as Philadelphia-born actor Kevin Bacon made an appearance in Philadelphia for the Kimmel Center’s 10th Anniversary special event, "Clips and Conversation with Kevin Bacon.” Philly film critic Carrie Rickey hosted the event, reflecting on Bacon’s career with a montage of movie clips and a candid discussion with the actor. Later, Bacon tweeted his thanks to Carrie: "it was a lot of fun thanks for being so well prepared. Another LinWin!" Bacon grew up in the Rittenhouse Square area. His mother was a school teacher, and his father was Philly's city planner for many years. Kevin's first acting gigs were at Plays & Players. Later he went to NYC to pursue his calling. One of the first gigs he got was as a bit player in 1978's Animal House. He won the part because he was able to do a "smarmy" face for George Lucas. He spent the money he earned in the movie in 10 days. He returned to NYC and worked on many stage productions. In 1983, he appeared in Barry Levinson's movie Diner. It was that role that got him noticed. Then in 1984, he starred in Footlose, and his career took off. Bacon has won Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild awards, was nominated for an Emmy, and was named by the Guardian as one of the best actors never to have received an Academy Award nomination. But he does have a trivia game named after him, Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon. Since I was in the audience does that make me one degree from him?
HughE Dillon: Bruce Springsteen Exhibit
A dose of rock ’n’ roll arrives at the National Constitution Center.
A little bit of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame will be calling Philadelphia home with the must-see exhibition "From Asbury Park to the Promised Land: The Life and Music of Bruce Springsteen" at the National Constitution Center from February 17th to September 3rd. I got a preview of the show at a press conference yesterday. Frank Stefanko photographed the singer with his 1960 Chevrolet Corvette when Springsteen was at Stefanko's Haddonfield home for an album cover shoot. (The iconic Darkness on the Edge of Town shot of Springsteen with the rose-flowered wallpaper in the background was taken in Stefanko's dining area.) Stefanko photographed Springsteen for several years and forged a 30-year friendship with him. The Corvette is the centerpiece of the Constitution Center exhibit. Springsteen bought it in 1975 with the money he earned from "Born to Run."
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Philly Sets Soul Train Record
Hundreds dance to best NYC for the Guinness World Record.
Nearly 600 people turned out yesterday so that Philadelphia could break the Guinness World Record for longest Soul Train-style line. Mayor Nutter paid tribute to the late Don Cornelius and the late Whitney Houston, and then kicked things off at about 4:30 p.m., dancing alongside Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, Congressman Bob Brady and Sheriff Jewell Williams. Below: Event organizers Dyana Williams, of Radio One (left), and Mannwell Glenn, 900 WURD talk show host, dance on the Soul Train line. The record was (unofficially) broken at 5:45 p.m. as 327 people danced the length of the Art Museum's pavement, beating the current record of 211 held by NYC. (The Guinness folks still have to verify.) Check out my column on PhillyChitChat.com for more pictures of the event.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: What Brad Lidge Will Miss in Philly
At a signing today, the former Phil said he’s sad to leave this city’s fans and its restaurants.
Former Phils pitcher Brad Lidge appeared today at newish sports memorabilia shop Man Cave at Liberty Place for a signing before heading to spring training with the Washington Nationals. Here, he’s autographing a painting for fan Will Yip. Yip's friend Bobby Zeik just painted the Lidge portrait (showing him at his World Series closer moment) so that Yip could get it autographed today. He said the paint was still drying this morning. Lidge told reporters that he was leaving his heart in Philadelphia and that Philly fans were the greatest and that it will be bittersweet when he returns this season to pitch against his old team. Lidge told me he’ll miss the great restaurants here, especially the Farm and Fisherman and his favorite, City Tavern. He said the Old City restaurant was his family's go-to spot and that he frequently took out-of-town guests there.
HughE Dillon: Greg Osberg Crowned Mardi Gras King
Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania honors Philadelphia Media Network CEO.
For the fifth year, the Epilepsy Foundation Eastern Pennsylvania (EFEPA) hosted its Annual Mardi Gras Gala, complete with beads, masks and boas for guests. This year, the popular event was held at the Crystal Tea Room. The Gala honors a Philadelphia leader for his or her commitment to those living with epilepsy/seizure disorder. This year, Gregory J. Osberg (center), publisher and CEO of Philadelphia Media Network, was crowned King of the 5th Annual Mardi Gras Gala. Greg has a son Eric who has suffered from epilepsy since he was a child. Below, from left to right: Kevin Feeley (event vice-chair), Lisa Feeley, Osberg, and Barbara and George Pipia.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Jersey Boy’s Solo Show
Jarrod Spector croons at the Loews Hotel.
Philadelphia native Jarrod Spector, who currently stars as Frankie Valli in the Tony- and Grammy Award-winning musical Jersey Boys on Broadway, made his Philadelphia concert debut last night at the Loews Hotel for the monthly concert series called "Live From Loews." Spector’s show, “Minor Fall, Major Lift,” is a biographical journey of his life in song, starting with the song that was number one on the day he was born, “Kiss on My List” (by Hall & Oates), and continuing up to landing the role in Jersey Boys on Broadway. The room was packed with family and friends, with his mom and dad, Chuck and Beth Spector, sitting stage-side. Next up for Live From Loews on March 19th is Camden-born and raised ELEW, a talented jazz pianist who has melded ragtime, rock and pop to create an original genre of music he calls Rockjazz.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Private Movie Screening at the Prince
Actors and producers turn out for a showing of The Goat.
Last night at the Prince Theater, a private screening for The Goat was held for investors, potential investors and friends of the production. These screenings are held to show the progress on the film, as well as to pique the interest of potential investors. The Goat was written and produced by William DeMeo and Paul Borghese. Borghese also directs the film, while DeMeo stars along with his fellow Sopranos alum Vincent Pastore, as well as Armand Assante, Ice-T and Cathy Moriarty. Local guy Dennis Shea, of Sheazam Productions, is among the producers. Shea told the audience that this is a "Work in Process" test screening, or a rough cut with 90 percent of the film finished.
You Really Shouldn’t Look at These Wing Bowl Pics
But we’re showing them to you anyway.
This is the part where we warn you that Wing Bowl isn't for everyone. It's not for children. It's not for those with weak stomachs. It's not for prudes, people with exorbitant amounts of integrity, or anyone aiming to impress. It is, however, designed for the large contingent of Philadelphians who would like to get drunk before work on the Friday before the Super Bowl.
HughE Dillon: Auto Show Black-Tie Tailgate
The annual car showcase kicks off at the Convention Center.
The Philadelphia Auto Show rolled into town over the weekend. This year when they said it was bigger and better, they meant it. After decades of being held on multiple floors in the older section of the Pennsylvania Convention Center, the show was held in the brand-new addition. Keeping with tradition, the show kicked off with a Black-Tie Tailgate gala with more than 3,000 guests dressed in tuxes, gowns and cocktail dresses; they enjoyed food by Starr Catering and music by the Jellyroll Band. The Auto Dealers CARing for Kids Foundation is the philanthropic arm of the Philadelphia Auto Show, and this year's event benefited the division of gastroenterology, hepatology and nutrition at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Below: Kathy Laufer tried to convince her husband, Chris Laufer, chief marketing officer of Omni Hotel, that the 2012 Escalade Hybrid was much more practical for carting around their kids—especially in the summer with their surfboards—than their current BMW.
HughE Dillon: Academy Ball 2012
The Philadelphia Orchestra celebrates 155 years with Yo-Yo Ma, Mayor Nutter, Governor Corbett and more.
The Academy of Music celebrated 155 years with its annual concert and ball on Saturday night. It was a night filled with festivities all over Center City, and then at 8 p.m., nearly 1,500 people walked down Broad Street to enter the Academy of Music to attend a performance by cellist Yo-Yo Ma, jazz singer Diana Krall, and dancers from Philadanco and Society Hill Dance Studio. This was the first Academy anniversary concert for Yannick Nézet-Séguin, who is slated to become the Orchestra's music director next fall. Bucking a century-old tradition, party-goers had dinner before the concert at restaurants around town, and then headed over to the Academy, where they stayed the entire night; after the concert, the party was held in the building instead of at the Bellevue, as had also been the tradition for several generations.
Party Pics: Man & Woman of the Year Kickoff Celebration
On Monday, January 30, 2012, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society of Eastern Pennsylvania hosted a Kickoff Celebration at Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar in Radnor. The 2012 candidates for the Man & Woman of the Year fund-raising campaign were announced. Over the next ten weeks, they will each raise money for LLS; every dollar counts as one vote. Winners will be announced at the Grand Finale at the Union League of Philadelphia on Thursday, April 12, 2012.
Party Pics: 2012 Academy Ball
On Saturday, January 28, 2012, the Philadelphia Orchestra held an anniversary concert and ball at the Academy of Music.
The Philadelphia Orchestra played with Yannick Nézet-Séguin as conductor, Yo-Yo Ma on cello and special guest artist Diana Krall. The event featured fabulous dance bands, champagne, cocktails, post-concert fare, dessert and coffee. Notable attendees included Mike Mills of R.E.M. and Senator Bob Casey. Photography by Jeff Fusco.
HughE Dillon: DN Sexy Singles Party at Palomar
Q102’s DJ Maxwell, Jennifer Carroll and more celebrate their sexiness.
It looked like there wouldn't be any celebration of the 2011 Daily News Sexy Singles as the DN decided to forgo their usual party last year, but leave it to 2011 Sexy Single and Q102 DJ Maxwell to save the day. Last night at the Hotel Palomar in Center City, Q102 listeners, a few of the Daily News singles and friends were feted with an acoustic concert by popular singer Jojo (center). Maxwell (left) hosted the hotness as Q102’s Romeo (right) stopped by to enjoy the festivities.
Party Pics: Porsche of Conshohocken Unveiled the New Porsche 911
On Wednesday, January 25, 2012, Porsche of Conshohocken unveiled the next era of sports car by holding an invitation-only event to showcase the new Porsche 911. The event gave brand followers a chance to be one of the first to learn about the car and see how it has been enhanced. Over 300 people attended to see the changes made to the legendary sports car.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Jane Pauley at Drexel
The famous TV anchor celebrated 60 years of the Today show.
Last night at Drexel, the Kal and Lucille Rudman Institute for Entertainment Industry Studies hosted "Drexel Celebrates 60 years of Today” with long-time host Jane Pauley (center), producer Steve Friedman (right) and TV Guide's Stephen Battaglio (not pictured). The event marked Kal Rudman’s (left) reunion with the legendary TV anchor and Friedman. Rudman, publisher of the Friday Morning Quarterback trade magazine, was a regular contributor to Today during the 1980s as its “Man With the Golden Ears,” picking out songs that later would become nationwide hits. Afterward, the panel signed TV Guide business editor Stephen Battaglio’s new book, From Yesterday to TODAY: Six Decades of America's Favorite Morning Show Book.
Party Pics: The Philadelphia Industry Lounge at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival
From Friday, January 20, 2012 to Sunday, January 22, 2012, the Philadelphia Industry Lounge made its third appearance at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Utah. This three-day Philadelphia-inspired lounge allowed entertainment professionals to learn about filmmaking and producing in Philadelphia while enjoying treats from iconic Philadelphia brands like Tastykake. Celebrities spotted signing the “LOVE” statue replica included Justin Long, Laura Prepon, Kate Aselton and Christina Hendricks. These stars were also seen sporting “made in Philadelphia” gift bags. Photography by Seth Browarnik, Tiffany Rose and Nickydigital.com.
HughE Dillon: Flyers Wives Fashion Show
Spouses sashay down the runway in Nicole Miller to benefit Comcast Spectacor Charities.
Last night's first-ever Flyers Wives Fashion Show was a stylish evening of fun and excitement at the Hyatt at the Bellevue. Fourteen wives sashayed down the runway sporting Nicole Miller's new clothing line, Artelier, from her Spring 2012 collection. Guests enjoyed a signature drink, the Orange Crush, and dined on sliders, chicken wings, chicken and beef burritos. Dessert was Pamcakes and a candy bar. Below: Flyers wives who weren't even on the runway wore Nicole Miller. But Clancy Carle, Mandy Shelley, Kristen Laviolette, and Lisa Hanrahan told me they were ready for their catwalk debut.
HughE Dillon: Hair O’ the Dog Party
Center City’s glamour quotient shot sky-high at the Westin on Saturday.
On Saturday night, one of Philadelphia's swankiest, black-tie affairs, the 18th Annual Hair O' the Dog, was held at the Westin Hotel in Center City. The event was created by Rob Molinaro and Dan Cronin (below, second from right), of Chorus Communications, and began as a post-holiday, thank-you party for clients of their business. After a successful first year, they decided to add a charity component and make it an annual event. Every year, it has grown in size and prominence. It's really the first social event of the season and sends the glamour quotient up—way up into the stratosphere—with long gowns and short skirts, Jimmy Choos and BCBG Max Azria, eye candy all around, and delicious food and spirits. This year, Hair O' the Dog benefited two charities: the Garden of Reflection, Pennsylvania’s official 9/11 memorial, and Friends Are by Your Side, a network of beauty pros dedicated to helping women with cancer. Also below: Rob Wright, of G Lounge, with friends.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: Veep Biden in Town for MLK Day
The vice-president joined Mayor Nutter and Ron Jaworski at Girard College.
Philadelphia honored the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with its 17th Annual Martin Luther King Day of Service. The event, run by Global Citizen, is the biggest volunteer effort of its type in the U.S. This morning, Vice-President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden visited Girard College and helped to prepare meal packages with the "Stop the Hunger Now" organization, which provides meals for millions of people around the world and locally. Below: Todd Bernstein, president of Global Citizen, Andrew Sullivan, program manager for Stop the Hunger Now, VP Biden, Mayor Michael Nutter, Shelton Mercer, chair of the NE Advisory Board of Stop Hunger Now, and Ron Jaworski, of Jaws Youth Playbook.
Party Pics: The Lemon Ball
On Saturday, January 14, 2012, Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation held the Lemon Ball at the Philadelphia Marriott Downtown. This evening of cocktails, dinner, silent and live auctions and entertainment brought together supporters of Alexandra “Alex” Scott and her life’s work to find cures for all children with cancer. Photography by Jeff Fusco.
HughE Dillon: Keith Leaphart’s Replica Celebrates Launch
Business VIPs and creatives turn out for new Center City design and print firm.
Last night, Mayor Nutter attended the celebration of the opening of Replica, a design and print firm at 33 South 18th Street. The new space offers double the work area for the local firm; it also houses a small-business incubator with workstations for freelance designers, as well as a place to hold business meetings. Keith Leaphart, brand manager at Replica, is on the right.
HughE Dillon: Sandra Bernhard at the Painted Bride
The comedian opens "I Love Being Me, Don’t You?"
Last night, quirky, brilliant comedian Sandra Bernhard opened "I Love Being Me, Don’t You?" at the Painted Bride. The show runs through this Saturday (1/14). After the sold-out performance, there was an after-party at the Palomar Hotel, where the audience was invited back for a meet-and-greet with the star. Sandra posed for the paparazzi before entering the Burnham Ballroom to greet her fans, including (below, left to right): Susan Shapiro, Leneshe White and Lynne Strieb.
Party Pics: "Thaw Out the Night" Cocktail Party and Benefit
On Wednesday, January 11, 2012, the Take Back the Night Foundation kicked off the new year with a party held at the Saturday Club in Wayne. Highlights included the carving of a 1000-pound block of ice as well as the auctioning of several exciting items, including an autographed Eagles football and jersey, a year of in-home massages, tickets to Philly sporting events and many more. All proceeds went to supporting victims of abuse and violence. Photography by Jaime Perez.
HughE Dillon One-Shot: NBC 10 Girls’ Night Out
An evening on the town (with a big box of chocolates)
Saturday night was alright as Alissa Ingram (exec producer at NBC 10), Jillian Mille (NBC 10 reporter), Christine Maddela (NBC 10 traffic reporter), Marisa Magnatta (of WMMR's Preston and Steve), Erin Como (news planner for NBC10), Camille Cwienkala (director of operations, LNS), Jackie Rendeiro and Laura Elliot enjoyed a girls' night out. First they had dinner at La Viola near Rittenhouse Square; for dessert the girls polished off a 32-piece box of Teuscher chocolates. I caught up with them at Ladder 15, which had a line running halfway down the street.
