A fantastical, fabulous party of fashionistas at Kimmel Center
Philly Style outdoes itself with annual soiree
The Chesire Cat, the Mad Hatter and the Queen of Hearts were among the guests of honor at Thursday's Philadelphia Style magazine's "Best of Style" party, at the Kimmel Center (300 S. Broad St.).
The Alice in Wonderland-themed fiesta hosted dozens of Philly socialites, dignitaries and notables, who indulged in free-flowing cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, including an entire area just for desserts.
Allow me to name-drop just a few in attendance: Philly-born actor Vincent Young, best known for playing Noah Hunter in "Beverly Hills 90210"; local Chef Christine Hazel, from Season 14 of Fox's "Hell's Kitchen"; Alex Holley, from Fox 29; Sheena Parveen and Deanna Durante, from NBC10; Jim Donovan, Nicole Brewer, Tori Woodill and Erika von Tiehl, from CBS3; Jeff Skversky and Melissa Magee, from 6ABC; Sharon Pinkenson, from the Greater Philadelphia Film Office; Jesse Rendell; and Montgomery County District Attorney Risa Vetri Ferman, who was celebrating her daughter's 21st birthday, Dave Warren, Fox 29 and Jade Starling.
Hot ride for good cause
Two of those pretty party participants put on their spandex and biking shoes to battle the heat yesterday for the Irish Pub's 28th annual Tour de Shore.
Last year, Durante completed the trek just seven weeks after giving birth to her daughter, and this year she broke her personal record. Yesterday marked Ferman's sixth year making the long haul on behalf of her Wheels of Justice nonprofit.
A record-breaking 2,300 cyclists geared up for the 65-mile ride from 20th and Walnut streets to the original Irish Pub & Inn (164 St. James Place) in Atlantic City.
"I've tried to train as much as possible this summer - tough to do as a working mom - but I'm grateful to those who have joined me on the trails early in the morning or late afternoons to get ready," Durante told me. "The hardest part is getting over the Ben Franklin Bridge."
The event aims to raise more than $800,000 for children's charities and the families of fallen first responders in the Greater Philadelphia and South Jersey area.
Phillies' broadcaster Gregg Murphy, Congressman Pat Meehan and Casey Boy, from WMMR's the Preston and Steve show, also took part in the ride.
OUT AND ABOUT
* New Jersey big shot and presidential hopeful Chris Christie ate nachos at Stephen Starr's El Vez (121 S. 13th St.) on Thursday. I hear he graciously took pictures with people and shook many hands.
* Neil Young and Daryl Hannah were spotted at the Whole Foods (1575 The Fairway) in Jenkintown Friday. Young was in Camden for a show Thursday night.
* Eddie Levert, lead singer of The O'Jay's was at Ruth's Chris Steak House (260 S. Broad St.) last week.
* Veteran journalist Dan Rather stopped by The Barnes Foundation (2025 Ben Franklin Parkway) Thursday. I do believe that man ages gracefully, (though it could be his juxtaposition with the art).
'V' is for that voice
Interscope Records artist Jasmine V was in town to perform at the TLA (334 South St.) Saturday night. Originally from San Jose, Calif., the R&B and hip-hop singer opened up for rapper Jake Miller as part of their "Dazed and Confused Tour," with Radio Disney host and hip-hop DJ Alex Angelo as the closing act.
Speaking to me in advance of the show, Ms. V said she's been to Philly many times and says her favorite thing about Philly is its food.
"I'm super excited. This is my second tour of the year," she said. "I'll be performing a couple of news songs to really get the crowd hyped, and also play a lot of the crowd favorites. It's going to be a lot of fun."
Why wait to open gifts?
It's about to be Christmas in July for 100 lucky local kids.
Tomorrow, at 10 a.m., the Philly Pops will play Santa Claus when they give some two-wheeled presents away from their South Broad Street headquarters.
One hundred needy kids, ages 3 to 17, will receive brand new bikes and helmets, which will be waiting for them in the Commonwealth Plaza, inside the Kimmel Center.
There will be spirited music, compliments of the Philly Pops Brass Quintet, Christmas cookies and more treats for the kids, who were chosen for their participation in or affiliation with the Police Athletic League (PAL), the Philadelphia Fire Department and families in the military.