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Dan Gross: Paper: Storch in tax trouble

SCOTT STORCH, the former Roots keyboardist and producer at Center City's Sigma Sound Studios, owes more than $500,000 in taxes on his $10.5 million home in Miami, reports the Miami Herald's Joan Fleischman.

S

COTT STORCH, the former

Roots

keyboardist and producer at Center City's Sigma Sound Studios, owes more than $500,000 in taxes on his $10.5 million home in Miami, reports the

Miami Herald

's

Joan Fleischman

.

Storch, 34, who produced tracks for Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton and Beyonce, and who reportedly used to earn $90,000 per track he recorded, didn't let any of his cash burn a hole in his pocket, lavishing gifts such as a Bentley on former girlfriend Lil' Kim and jewelry for Lindsay Lohan. Now he's in arrears on child support for one son, leading to a bench warrant for his arrest, and he has been sued over the paternity of a 16-year-old boy whom the 34-year-old Storch may have fathered in his teens. Storch's attorney, Guy Spiegelman, told the Miami Herald his client "intends to honor all of his obligations.' "

"He was a victim of mismanagement of his business enterprises, resulting in his current predicament," Spiegelman said.

Shia apologizes on birthday

Shia LaBeouf turned 22 yesterday in Philadelphia, where he is shooting "Transformers 2" around Penn's campus. The actor made news yesterday for apologizing for calling a friend a "f--got" in a YouTube video that apparently was shot several years ago and that made its way around the Web Tuesday.

La-Beouf's spokeswoman said yesterday the actor was sorry for using the word and was embarrassed by the video.

Thomas to fill in for Grossman

When NBC 10 meteorologist Michelle Grossman goes on maternity leave June 22, a familiar face will fill in for her. Karen Thomas, formerly of Fox 29, filled in on weekends after Amy Freeze left NBC 10 in February 2007, and worked until Grossman was hired in January.

Thomas will now cover Grossman's shift while she's off before and after her July delivery date. This is the first child for Grossman and her husband, Spencer, a dentist in New Jersey.

Fashionable enough

for MTV?

MTV and the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania are holding a casting call for high-school girls with an interest in fashion design for a new reality show about the industry.

Casting call is 4 to 7 p.m. tomorrow at the Girl Scouts of Eastern Pennsylvania's Freedom Valley Service Center (100 Juliette Low) in Valley Forge. Girl Scouts can audition for free. All other girls pay $10 to join and audition. Interested girls must register in advance. For info, visit gsep.org or call 215-564-2030.

Woody works pianist's muscles

Camden pianist Eric Lewis tickled the ivories for Woody Harrelson, Ben Foster and other cast and crew of the film "The Messenger," at Dominion in New York, a few nights back. Magician David Blaine also caught Lewis' act. Harrelson enjoyed the performance so much, he massaged Lewis' triceps at one point when they tensed up. What a guy!

Kelly leaves PW; Spikol returns

Sara Kelly is leaving Philadelphia Weekly at the end of the month, editor Tim Whitaker confirmed yesterday. She has been executive editor of the paper for 14 years and is off to teach journalism at National University in San Diego. Returning to PW to take her place is Liz Spikol, who used to be managing editor there and remained a columnist.

'Top Chef' host here next week

Chef Tom Colicchio, head judge of Bravo's "Top Chef," will be part of the Third Annual Great Chefs Event, to benefit Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation. The event will be Wednesday at Osteria (640 N. Broad). The event includes dishes from host chef Jeff Michaud, Daniel Stern of Gayle and Rae, Vetri's Brad Spence, and a dozen more world-class chefs from around the country. For tickets, visit alexslemonade.org or call 610-649-3034.

In other restaurant news . . .

The Independence Visitor Center (6th & Market) has a new outdoor cafe, Independence Al Fresco, operated by Max & Me catering, which also caters events at the IVC. Soft pretzels, ice cream, sandwiches, snacks, and hot and cold drinks are available there.

Harley honored in mural

Late jazz bagpiper Rufus Harley will be part of the Heart of Kensington Mural to be unveiled Saturday during the eighth annual Heart of Kensington Market Fest at Kensington & Allegheny. Mayor Nutter will dedicate the Mural Arts Program mural at 12:30. Harley was the subject of "Pipes of Peace," a documentary by George Manney. *

Visit PhillyGossip.com for Dan's latest stories. Have a tip? Call 215-854-5963, or e-mail grossd@phillynews.com. For recent columns, visit go.philly.com/dangross.