Your guide to Philly's diverse creative scene, nightlife, music, food & more
You are viewing 263 posts in the category The Insider
Curt Chambers At The Legendary Dobbs - May 26
Grammy-nominated songwriter, musician and artist - Curt Chambers - returns to his hometown to perform songs from his debut album One Way Ticket. He's hitting the stage at The Legendary Dobbs on South Street this Saturday, May 26.
Curt has been a touring guitarist with some of the biggest names in music, like Diddy, LL Cool J and Eminem. Now, the songwriter/singer is stepping into the spotlight as a solo artist.
Insider Tip: Download his album for FREE here.
Event Details
Saturday, May 26
9:30pm Doors Open
10:00pm Show Starts
The Legendary Dobbs
304 South Street
$10 Entry
Rakia's Style Nation: Style Stars Of Philadelphia – Sparkle Hill
Next up in our style star series is a woman responsible for giving celebrities and tastemakers an extra shine. Sparkle Hill is a make-up stylist on her way to the top.
I met her at a photo shoot, and she did an amazing job on the models. I knew then that she was a style star. When I was featured in BUST Magazine, I got an unexpected dazzle from the stylist. I usually do my own make-up but the editors arranged for make-up services. I was hoping that Sparkle would show up. Oddly enough, she came through the door, and we both shared a smize!
Recently, Sparkle Hill launched her own make-up brand LUXX inspired by clients who wanted to shine on-the-go.
Philly 360 caught up with Sparkle Hill at Apricot Lane right in the heart of Suburban Square in Ardmore. Watch the video to find out what makes Sparkle a style star of Philadelphia.
Jay-Z Announces Philly Music Festival Taking Place Labor Day Weekend
It's about to seriously go down musically in Philly.
Hip-hop mogul Jay-Z announced today that he will be putting together a music festival that will take over Philadelphia's Benjamin Franklin Parkway for two days - September 1-2, 2012.
Today, Jay-Z joined Mayor Michael Nutter, along with representatives from Anheuser-Busch and United Way, at the Philadelphia Museum of Art to officially announce Jay-Z's music festival aka "Budweiser Made in America” which will benefit United Way and will be produced by Live Nation.
Jay-Z spoke on why he chose Philly as the location to launch his festival. He said, "Everyone knows my love affair with Philly." He went on to talk about some of his other ties to to the city. Jay-Z mentioned that he's been working with Will Smith and James Lassiter at Overbrook Entertainment to produce major motion pictures, and he brought up his signed hip-hop artist, Philly's own Freeway.
For two days, there will be 28 acts on three stages along the Parkway. Jay-Z says that they have about 70% of the talent confirmed. The lineup will be announced May 21. We can expect major talent ranging from rock, hip-hop, R&B, Latin and dance.
We can't wait to see what Jay-Z has in store for us. As Jay-Z said today, "It's gonna be a great day in Philly."
Ticket and Event Info
Budweiser Made in America
Saturday, September 1, and Sunday, September 2
Benjamin Franklin Parkway
Tickets for “Budweiser Made in America” music festival go on sale Wednesday, May 23, through ticketmaster.com and livenation.com. A limited number of 2-day tickets will be available for $99 (plus service charges). Budweiser Facebook fans will have access to pre-sale tickets beginning Tuesday, May 22. To become a Budweiser Facebook fan, please visit facebook.com/Budweiser.
Philly 101 Video: Black Thought Of The Roots
We mentioned before that our friends at uwishunu.com launched a video series called Philly 101.
Next up in their Philly 101 series is our Creative Ambassador Tariq Trotter aka Black Thought of the legendary Roots crew. Find out what this emcee wishes you knew about his hometown.
And, make sure you catch The Roots and some of their friends June 2-3 at The Roots Picnic. Find out more here.
Video - Philly 360° Exclusive: Biz Markie
It's springtime in Philly and if you're like me, you definitely get the fever as the sun gets hotter. There's so much to do with all of that energy in Philly, so I took mine and headed over to the famous vintage sportswear company Mitchell & Ness to celebrate the release of its Spring 2012 Collection with the legendary DJ Biz Markie.
It was the first time I had been to the new location at 1201 Chestnut and all I can say is wow! The beautiful and enormous location housed some of Philly's most prominent tastemakers as they checked out the new "old school" spring fashions.
Insider Tip: Look out for more female apparel that is being added to the store.
After I got over the initial shock of being overwhelmed by the upgrade, I set my sights on DJ Biz Markie, who has a long relationship with Mitchell & Ness and an even longer one with Philly. Check out the video as he dishes about his long love affair with Philly and what he loves most this city.
Visually Fly With Flygirrl: Mother’s Day In Philly
If you’re anything like me, you’re always looking for something unique to gift the people you love. And, there’s nothing better than a one-of-a-kind, handmade gift. Of course we always think about sending flowers, but what about a beautiful hand-pulled glass flower? Or instead of buying a great vase, why not take your mom to go and make one together? And you can sip Mimosa’s while you’re at it! Check out the great Mother’s Day festivities below.
Make Your Own Glass Flower for Mothers Day
Through Sunday, May 13
26 S. Strawberry St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(267) 319-1887
$45 | 11 years old and up
I’ve always wanted to try glassblowing. I can’t wait to make a few flowers for the ladies in my life. They have great colors to choose from and the great part is it will only take about 15 minutes! (It will cool overnight and can be picked up the next day)
Insider tip: Still want something delivered to mom? You can also get the flowers delivered for $7 extra!
Mother’s Day Clay & Mimosa Brunch
Sunday, May 13
139 N. Second St.
Philadelphia, PA 19106
(215) 925-3453
$65/ $60 members
If you’re looking for something fun and different to do with mom this Sunday, this may be the place to go. Grab your mom, friend and grandmother and enjoy a catered brunch with mimosas and learning to work with clay. Then you’ll get to create an original piece together to keep for years to come. (Allow 2 weeks for firing, glazing and shipping)
Masters Behind The Music: Aisha “Creative Agent” Winfield
The next creative genius we’re highlighting for Masters Behind the Music is one of our favorites, Philly 360˚ Creative Ambassador Aisha Winfield. There isn’t a soul in Philly that hasn’t been touched by Aisha’s charm. The Executive Director of Jill Scott’s Blues Babe Foundation, Founder and Creative Director of Jr. Music Executive, a mentor to aspiring artists and entrepreneurs—you name it, Aisha’s all up in it. Her multiple talents have even landed her the nickname “creative agent” because she’s brilliant when it comes to bringing people in the industry together in creative ways.
A graduate of Cornell University and a former marketing and promotions exec at Epic Records, Aisha’s been playing in the game for more than a minute. Her unique experience in the biz is what makes her such a vibrant part of Philly’s creative scene. And, she reps Philly everywhere she goes—even in Texas with Philly MC Khemist at the SXSW Music Festival. She may not be a native, but she’s definitely a Philly girl now and we’re embracing her with love.
Check out our chat with Aisha!
Insider tip: If you’re interested in joining the Aisha fan club, make sure you check out what’s coming with Jr. Music Executive and the Blues Babe Foundation.
James' Arts & Culture Revival: The Barnes Foundation Grand Opening
On May 19, when The Barnes Foundation opens its new campus, galleries and garden on the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, Philadelphia will witness the world's biggest art story unfold right in our own backyard.
The new 93,000-square-foot facility which will house this world famous collection of art has been designed as a "gallery within a garden and a garden within a gallery," and sits on a beautifully landscaped four and a half acre site along the Parkway. The new Philadelphia campus will not only house the remarkable Barnes collection, which includes 181 works by Renoir, a sizable collection of African art and more Cezanne's than in all of France, but also includes classrooms, a 150-seat auditorium, a café and courtyard for outdoor dining and a gift shop.
With a facility and collection of this magnitude being added to the Parkway's already impressive collection of cultural institutions like The Franklin Institute, The Academy of Natural Sciences and of course the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Philly really has reason to celebrate.
And, a celebration is exactly what the Barnes and Philadelphia have in mind!
The Barnes will kick off its inaugural week with ten days of free admission beginning May 19. The celebration will culminate with a free Memorial Day Weekend Festival featuring 52 consecutive hours of round-the-clock admission to the collection and an amazing entertainment lineup in honor of the historic institution and collection.
The festival is jam-packed with amazing performances, film screenings, lectures and activities - I can't even begin to list them all here. I've noticed lots of my Philly favorites on the program schedule, including Philly 360° Creative Ambassador Jeri Lynne Johnson and The Black Pearl Chamber Orchestra, The Tindley Temple Choir, Relâche, Olive Dance Theatre, AfroTaino Productions, Spoken Hand Percussion Orchestra and Transcontinental Verses Poetry Event with Qualified Qool.
And, this is just the short list. There are tons of other performances mixed in with wine tastings, film screenings, artist talks, art lectures, family activities and so much more! I definitely will be stocking up on the Red Bull, coffee, espesso and whatever else it takes not to miss one minute of this 52-hour art explosion. You know I'm always down for a good old-fashioned arts revival, right?
Insider Fact: A number of city organizations and cultural partners have joined forces to celebrate Philly's eclectic and world famous art offerings with the innovative new campaign, With Art Philadelphia. Find out more about The Barnes and Philly's art scene here.
On The Reel: Video - Jill Scott's "Blessed"
Jill Scott is back with a video for the fourth single off her album Light of the Sun. Check out the video below to see "Blessed." And click here to see our exclusive footage of an album listening session with Jill.
Insider Tip: Jill is bringing her Summer Block Party back to Philly on June 23 at The Mann Center. Get your tickets here.
Rakia's Style Nation: Crop Tops Are The Top Crop
Before you read this, put down that Federal Donut and get your mind right for one of the hottest trends for spring-summer 2012. Close your eyes and take a few leaps back in time and think about the clothing conventions of the teeny bopper 50s, the free-wheeling 60s, glitzy 70s and the Madonna-esque 80s. What do they all have in common? If you said ‘crop top,’ you and a few other celebs who rocked out Coachella are true style stars. Sidebar: Rihanna and Chanel Iman came ready for school with their fab midriffs.
Believe me, if you want to rock that midriff-exposing garment when the flowers are in full bloom and all the pretty things come out to play, you’ll want to get those abs in shape ASAP. And by shape, I mean tight and lean like the girls who walk out of Pure Barre.
Thankfully, today’s crops are boxier, less clingy, and more silhouette-driven than their semi-distant cousins, but they still require a well-proportioned tummy to keep the look sharp and sassy. I’m living proof - after three children and a few lines that stretch, I can still rock a fly crop top with the best of the young and fabulous. Knowing what to wear and how to wear it puts me ahead of the midriff game.
This spring, I’ll pair my fave crop top with trousers or high waisted long flowing skirts, perfect for a high-fashion romp through Rittenhouse Square or Midtown Village. Or, I’ll highlight the smallest portion of my waist by breaking out a pair of high-waisted pants and a sexy crop for a child-free night on the town.
Though the crop top can be a cruel mistress for hibernating abs, there’s a way to make it work for the curvalicious, too.
Style Tips
Stay on trend and follow these tips: Pick a length that’s most appropriate for your environment/event—belly cleavage may not mix well with the morning coffee crew, so think it through; choose your bottom wisely, ensuring it is form-fitted but not so tight that you can see through to that freshman year rose tattoo your mom told you not to get; finally, own your look and knock ‘em dead because there’s nothing sexier than confidence!
Places to Shop for Crops
819 N. 2nd Street
219 Market Street
504 South Street
37 N. 3rd Street
-
- Philly360: RT @uwishunu: 56 Hour Celebration: @The_Barnes is celebrating its opening with 56 hours of free access & activities this weekend: ht ...
- Posted May 24, 2012 5:12PM
-
- Philly360: Video: Will Smith on the set of MIB3 http://t.co/xKfxl1h5
- Posted May 24, 2012 5:10PM
-
- Philly360: Planning a family trip to Philly? Check out @MommyFactor's list of attractions: @TheFranklin @aampmuseum @phillyzoo http://t.co/HIQocJ31
- Posted May 24, 2012 4:54PM
-
- Philly360: Enjoying lunch with @mommyfactor and @KyleenTheDiva at City Tavern!
- Posted May 24, 2012 1:37PM
-
- Philly360: Have you toured the @muralarts African-American Iconic Images Collections? http://t.co/SNzJNo0g #withartphl
- Posted May 23, 2012 5:16PM
