The 157th Anniversary Concert and Ball, Philadelphia’s annual white-tie gala, celebrated the Academy of Music’s 157th birthday on Saturday, January 25th.

Music director Yannick Nézet-Séguin and The Philadelphia Orchestra along with host stars the Bacon Brothers and special guest artist Jill Scott entertained attendees during the concert. Nézet-Séguin told the audience that he had been a long-time fan of Scott’s and when he found himself in his dream job of conducting the Philadelphia Orchestra, he just had to perform with home-town girl. He called it a dream come true.

The night began with an open house reception before the anniversary concert at the Academy of Music where guests dined on delights by chef Jose Garces. During the concert portion, newly installed Adele Schaeffer, chair of the board of trustees of the Academy of Music, told the audience that the evening’s funds would be used to restore the building’s HVAC system, which dates back to 1966. After the concert, guests made the annual trek up Broad Street to the Hyatt at the Bellevue Hotel. The ball included dinner and dancing to the music of six bands, including The Eddie Bruce Band, in the Grand Ballroom.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Yesterday, Tommy Domalski (pictured above) and Amber-Joi Watkins hosted their second annual Super Bowl party. Domalski owns the penthouse that was the former pad of Pat Burrell. Attendees included the suddenly ubiquitous Kate Beaver, Miss Pennsylvania Intercontinental  Julia Pauline and chef Jason Cichonski, who served vegan burgers, a new addition to the menu of his forthcoming bar/eatery, Gaslight, which had a soft opening on Saturday.

For even more from the party, visit HughE’s blog, PhillyChitChat.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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On Friday night, January 31st, young professionals gathered for Global Glam! to celebrate the Barnes Foundation’s newly commissioned works by contemporary artist Yinka Shonibare MBE. The evening started with an intimate cocktail party with the members of the Contemporaries in one of the private rooms. The Contemporaries are a dynamic group of young patrons and art enthusiasts that promote The Barnes Foundation’s educational mission through a wide variety of programs and social events (membership starts at $500). Then the party really got started in the main hall with DJ Royale spinning tunes from the ’80s and }90s that packed the dance floor. The guests enjoyed the colorful Shonibare exhibit, some items which will be available for sale in the future, as well as global fashion ensembles on loan from Moore College of Art and Design.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Benjamin’s Desk celebrated innovation last week with a cocktail party on “The 8th Floor,” its new work and party space at 1701 Walnut Street. Benjamin’s Desk is a coworking space for mobile professionals, entrepreneurs and startups on Rittenhouse Row.

Individuals and companies can rent space at the Desk  from $99 a month to $1,100 plus for full-size companies. The atmosphere is similar to a think tank, with lots of people from different companies working alongside each other. At any given time conversations and ideas can flow from one work station to another, and a new innovative idea is born.

The newly-acquired eighth floor will welcome the first “smart-space” in Philadelphia, featuring Nest thermostats, seven flat-screens, Philips Hue lighting and streaming video, all of which can be controlled by an iPad. The space can be rented for events to outside vendors. Eventually it will have a roof deck.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Nearly 4,000 people came out to enjoy the 2014 Philadelphia Auto Show’s annual Black Tie Gala. Guests got a first look at nearly 700 cars while dining on Garces Catering delights, desserts and dancing to the sounds of Jellyroll. The event beneficiary is the neonatology division of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The Auto Show runs from February 8th to February 16th at the Pennsylvania Convention Center on 1101 Arch Street.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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On January 30 the Ready For Hillary Super PAC had its first fundraiser — despite the fact that Hillary Clinton has not yet announced a run for the White House in 2016. Nearly 200 eager young friends gathered at G Lounge, paying $20.16 each (get it?), to organize and rally for the former First Lady, Senator and Secretary of State. The evening was a one-two punch for Hillary as bigger donors first gathered at 5:30 p.m. at the Morris Cafe for a soiree hosted by Duane Morris partner Alan Kessler and Ballard Spahr partner Ken Jarin with tickets ranging from $1,000 to $5,000. Then the party moved down the block to G Lounge at 7 p.m. for a party hosted by Dan Kessler and a committee of 30. The supporters were fired up, and plan many more parties to help get Ready for Hillary.

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Jack Ferguson, president and CEO of the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau, joined Mayor Michael Nutter and regional sales, marketing, business, and economic development leaders on Wednesday to launch “PHL: Here for the Making,” the city’s first joint attraction campaign. The campaign celebrates the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship in Philadelphia, a city with a long history of people who make and do.

On stage from the left:

Nina “Lyrispect” Ball, renaissance woman and cultural curator

Bob Zender, marketing manager of Goldenberg’s Peanut Chews

Dr. Stephen S. Tang, president and CEO of the University City Science Center

Alan Greenberger (partly hidden), deputy mayor for economic development and director of commerce

Kristy Jost, a Ph.D. candidate in the Shima Seiki Haute Technology Lab at the ExCITe Center, Drexel University

Olivia Brown, general manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia, and the Residences at the Ritz-Carlton, Philadelphia

Lele Tran, fashion designer and owner of LELE

Mayor Michael Nutter, snapping a photo of the crowd on his phone (see below)

Jack Ferguson, president and CEO of the PHLCVB

Pam Yaller, creative director and sales manager of Magnificent Balloon and Floral Events

Rob Wonderling, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce

Ed Grose, CAE (partly hidden), executive director of the Greater Philadelphia Hotel Association

Nicholas DeBenedictis, chairman, president, and CEO of Aqua America, Inc.

Bill Hunt, CEO of AgustaWestland Philadelphia Corporation

And here’s the mayor turning the tables on us:

At "PHL – Here For The Making" event, great energy in the crowd, everyone working together to promote PHL! pic.twitter.com/CDqDULGHYj

— Michael A. Nutter (@Michael_Nutter) February 12, 2014

For more about the campaign, visit www.discoverPHL.com/makeitPHL.

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Tuesday night, Comcast Corporation and EVP David L. Cohen hosted an Olympics viewing reception in the Comcast Center lobby. Comcast and NBCUniversal demonstrated to hundreds of guests how they are delivering the most comprehensive and technologically advanced viewing experience for any Winter Games — and recording number of people watching over the air as well as live streaming on the Internet. In addition to watching Olympics content on The Comcast Experience video wall, attendees interacted with the company’s newest technologies, including the X1 entertainment operating system, 4K ultra high-definition content, SEEiT (Comcast’s new partnership with Twitter), and cloud DVR.

Several former Olympians were in attendance along with members of the Philadelphia Curling Club, and guests got to have their pictures taken in a real bobsleigh. It was a very spirited party, and everyone was given Sochi Olympics pins to wear and American flags to wave. Guests were also treated to samplings of Russian cuisine and drinks throughout the evening.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Last night Philly’s funny man and impressionist extraordinaire Joe Conklin and WIP on-air sports savant and Wing Bowl creator Al Morganti presented the “The First Annual Philly Sports Roast” at the Crystal Tea Room. More than 600 people filled the room to see former Eagle and NFL bad boy Terrell Owens roasted by media personalities, politicians, former and current Eagle players, and Damon Feldman.

In a no-holds-barred night, everything was on the table: marriages, baby mamas (four), salaries, tights, his big ego and even, shockingly, suicide attempts. Proceeds from the evening went to firefighters support organization All Hands Working.

A couple of the zingers at the event: “Former Eagles defensive tackle Hollis Thomas is here tonight. Look at that guy. Hollis, are you OK? You’re sweating profusely. I haven’t seen someone sweat this much since Freddie Mitchell’s tax audit.” And: “Joe Conklin, Man of 1,000 voices, and he can’t get laid in any of them.”

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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On Saturday night, February 22nd, more than 400 guests attended the inaugural Red & White Ball benefitting The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. The evening began with a festive cocktail reception and an extensive silent auction, featuring items ranging from trips to Africa, personal stylist consultations and a Terrell Owens signed football.

At 8 p.m., guests headed to the Millennium Ballroom for dinner and the program, which was hosted by Erin O’Hearn from 6ABC. The evening’s honoree was Bob Levis, who shared his incredible story of survival after being diagnosed with chronic lymphocytic leukemia in 2002. During the past 12 years, Bob had undergone various treatments and trials, including a trial involving modified t-cells in 2013. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society helped fund the cutting-edge research by Dr. Carl June and his team. Today Bob Levis’s blood work is normal, and Saturday night was a celebration for everyone.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Lubavitch of Bucks County held Bubby’s Cook-Off at Vie Wednesday night where Philly’s best chefs competed for the title of Best Kosher Dish. Proceeds from the event went to The Friendship Circle Foundation and Lubavich of Bucks County. The Friendship Circle serves families of children with special needs.

The chefs included:

• Laura Frangiosa, co-owner and proprietress of the Avenue Delicatessen, who made a delicious chopped liver arancini with hearts of palm, celery and schmalz-aioli;
• Patrick Szoke, executive chef of Alla Spina, a Vetri family restaurant, who created a brisket stuffed cabbage;
• Sonny Pache, executive chef of Ocean Prime who made his veal and porcini mushroom kreplach;
• Rich Berardi, chef de cuisine of Rat’s Restaurant, a Stephen Starr property, who made a lamb shoulder with white bean puree, pickled beet salad and pistachio pistou;
• Jae Shin and Sterling Reitzel of Citron & Rose who made their pomegranate braised lamb shank.

Two top chefs competed in the Best Jewish Dessert, which took place on stage and was judged by the area’s most influential Bubbies, Rebbetzin Meriam Shemtov, Sharon Pinkenson co-chair (along with Joe Weiss), Hope Cohen and Marciarose Shestack. Master of ceremonies was Philly.com’s Michael Klein.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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On the evening of Saturday, March 1st, Friends of The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia hosted Cheers for CHOP at the Valley Forge Casino Resort in King of Prussia.

The event began with guests walking the red carpet into a cocktail reception where there was an expansive silent auction underway as well as butlered hors d’oeuvre and carving stations. Guests had the opportunity to bid on gift certificates to nearly every notable area restaurant you could think of, as well as spa treatments and sporting experiences.

After the cocktail hour, guests were whisked into the two-level dance floor of Seven The Nightclub where DJ Bizz from CTO Soho entertained the crowd — with the exception of a surprise performance by Rob “It Takes Two” Base, who sang his biggest hits backed by Kyle Rifkin.

The proceeds from the evening went to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia Center for Fetal Diagnosis and Treatment, and the Buerger Center for Advanced Pediatric Care.

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Last night I attended the opening of the Container Store in King of Prussia. The turnout was amazing, with about 500 people in the store at any given time perusing the “lifestyle” aisles packed with some of the best products for organizing your home or office.

Many of the people I talked to told me how excited they were that they would no longer have to drive to the Cherry Hill Container store for their purchases. Catering was provided by Feast Your Eyes and the Vincent James Band provided the entertainment.

Traditionally, I always go to the Container Store the first week in January in hopes that it will encourage me to organize my life. I found this great item to keep track of my keys and phone in my briefcase and bought it back in January (when I Instagrammed this photo).

During the King of Prussia Container Store’s grand opening weekend, 10% of your purchase will be donated to Philadelphia Ronald McDonald House.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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The second annual United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Mayor’s Masked Ball in Philadelphia took place Saturday, March 8th, at the Marriott Downtown. Nearly 600 business owners, civic leaders, supporters and volunteers joined in the celebration.

Congratulations go to the 2014 Masked Award winners, so honored for assisting students in reaching their graduation goals: Sheldon M. Bonovitz, chairman emeritus, Duane Morris, LLP; Willie F. Johnson, founder and chairman, PRWT Services; and Michael A. Rashid, president and CEO of AmeriHealth.

The evening’s co-chairs were Daniel J. Hilferty, president and CEO of Independence Blue Cross, and Julie Coker, senior vice president, convention division, for the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau (PHLCVB), Craig L. Adams, executive vice president of Exelon and president and CEO of PECO, and Albert P. Black Jr., COO for the Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP).

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

(For best results, view slide show in full-screen mode.)

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Last night I attended The 2014 Only in America Gala and the kick-off of the new “Chasing Dreams: Baseball and Becoming American” exhibition at the National Museum of American Jewish History.

Many notables were on the impressive guest list, including Edward G. Rendell, chair of the Only in America Gala, who noted, “Baseball is an all-American sport; the players are of all nationalities, as are the fans.”

The evening started with a cocktail party on the lower levels of the museums; the dinner was held upstairs in the ballroom adjacent to the exhibition. Throughout the evening, guests were encouraged to visit the exhibit, which is composed of objects representing players of all the many ethnic groups that have taken part in the game, as well as the many notable contributions of Jewish players. The exhibit officially opens on March 13th and continues through October 26th.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

(For best results, view slide show in full-screen mode.)

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The 18th Annual Stars for Stroke Gala and Silent Auction to benefit the Delaware Valley Stroke Council was held Saturday evening, March 15th, in the ballroom of the Society Hill Sheraton. The Delaware Valley Stroke Council works to reduce the incidences and impact of stroke through public awareness, education and advocacy.

The annual black tie event paid tribute to individuals and organizations that have made extraordinary contributions to the community, presenting The Lifetime Achievement Award to Congressman Chaka Fattah, senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. He established the Fattah Neuroscience Initiative, the first ever federal inter-agency collaboration focused on neuroscience. The Volunteer of the Year Award was given to John Roussis. The Stroke Survivor and Caregiver Award was presented to Roger and Peggy Myers for their relentless perseverance. A Special Recognition Award was presented to the Delaware Valley Stroke Council’s Medical Advisory Board chaired by Dr. Paul Katz. After the program, guests dined on beef and chicken, and danced the evening away to the tunes of Stu Weitz and his orchestra.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

(For best results, view slide show in full-screen mode.)

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The annual Zarwin Baum March Madness watching party has blossomed into one of the largest networking events in the city. Over the past 12 years it’s moved from the firm’s office space to Top of the Tower and now to the Crystal Tea Room.

More than 2,000 people stopped by to catch up with friends, network and catch the NCAA games on wide-screen TVs throughout the rooms during the nine-hour party. The menu was pleasing to any sports fan and included cheesesteaks, hot dogs and hamburgers, fries, and wings. The free event has always benefited Philabundance but this year’s event specifically supports Chester nonprofit grocery store Fare & Square. There was an extensive silent auction, as well as a live auction to raise funds. There were also receptacles on hand to collect canned food donations.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

(For best results, view slide show in full-screen mode.)

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Saturday night at the Union League the Joel A. Gingras Jr. Memorial Foundation held its annual gala. The memorial fund has raised more than $1,400,000 for the American Brain Tumor Association since 1989.

Seventeen research fellowships have been awarded with funding provided by the Joel A. Gingras Jr. fund. These fellowships have increased research into brain tumors and have started the careers of talented and dedicated scientists. The evening began with a cocktail party and then a dinner program in the newly finished Lincoln Hall.

(For best results, view slide show in full-screen mode.)

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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“I’m an eagle flying high across your sky, watch me soar” sang the 60 young women who participated in “Girls Today, Leaders Tomorrow” (GTLT), The United Way’s signature program for girls in grades 7 through 12 from Philadelphia, Montgomery, and Delaware counties.

Nearly 1,000 guests gathered at the Crystal Tea Room, for the annual celebration, which also honored Karen Dougherty Buchholz, senior vice president for Comcast Corporation who is the 2014 Women’s Initiative Award recipient. Buchholtz said it was society’s responsibility, as well as women’s, to ensure that all women have the opportunity to succeed in their lives.

(For best results, view slide show in full-screen mode.)

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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Valley Youth House hosted its fourth Always Bet on Youth Casino Night & Gala Saturday night, March 29th, at the Wyndham Philadelphia Historic District.

The night began with a cocktail party and a program where several people were honored, including Patricia A. Coulter for her individual contributions to Valley Youth House, and community achiever Five Below, which was represented by marketing manager Dana Zuppo.

Valley Youth House provides a first line of defense for troubled young people and their families. Protection from abuse, neglect, and family disintegration is achieved through a strategy involving prevention, crisis intervention, and long-term help.

HughE Dillon covers parties, events and more for Philadelphia magazine’s The Scene. You can follow him on Twitter at @iPhillyChitChat and visit his daily online social diary PhillyChitChat.com.

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