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Client News: East Passyunk Revs Up for 8th Annual Car Show

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District (EPABID) is revving up for the 8th Annual Car Show and Street Festival on Sunday, July 28, 2013, from Noon to 5:00pm, on EPA between Broad and Dickinson streets.  More than 140 cars, motorcycles and trucks are expected to compete for Best of Show and other top honors.  The accompanying street festival will feature live music, circus performances, street vendors, rack sales, kids’ activities and the Bang! Boom! CRAFT! Show.  Wine and dine among the cars as award-winning restaurants serve street food and summertime drinks at festival prices.  Admission is FREE for attendees and $15 for cars.  The rain date is Sunday, August 4, 2013. For information, visit www.visiteastpassyunk.com.

“East Passyunk’s Car Show and Street Festival is one of South Philly’s largest outdoor festivals,” said EPABID Director Renee Gilinger.  “Families from around the tri-state area, and beyond, flock to EPA to cruise the cars, root for their favorites, sample South Philly fare and enjoy live music on every block.”

More than 140 muscle, classic, antique, custom and show cars, trucks and motorcycles will line the five blocks between Broad and Dickinson streets. The fee for participating cars is $15 per vehicle.  Registration will take place at Broad and EPA between 8:00am and 1:00pm. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Trophies will be awarded in dozens of categories, including: Top 50, Best Stock, Best Modified, Best Engine, Best Paint, Best 50’s Custom, Best Street Rod, Best Low Rider, Best Truck, Best Motorcycle, and Best of Show Car and Motorcycle.   One winner will also be honored with the title of “People’s Choice” voted on during the show and on social media.

Live music will keep things moving and grooving with a different band on each block.  All music is outdoors unless otherwise noted. The line-up is as follows:

• 12:00pm to 1:00pm, Andrew Jackson Rock Band (between Tasker and Morris) 
• 12:00pm to 3:00pm, Ray Baccare playing Sinatra, Dean Martin and more (Stogie Joe’s, indoors)
• 12:30pm to 1:30pm, Joe King Trio (EPA and 13th)
• 1:00pm to 2:00pm, The Drive-Ins (EPA and 12th)
• 1:00pm to 5:00pm, DJ Lindsay Maria (Singing Fountain)
• 1:30pm to 2:30pm, We Are Fauna (between Mifflin and Broad)
• 2:00pm to 3:00pm, Alex Metzger Steely Pans Drum Band (between Tasker and Morris)
• 3:00pm to 4:00pm , Will Williams (between Mifflin and Broad)
• 3:00pm to 8:00pm , Joy Ride (Stogie Joe’s, EPA and Moore)
• 3:30pm to 4:30pm, Steve Cal Blues Band (between Tasker and Morris)
• 4:30pm, Car Show Trophies Award (between Tasker and Morris) 
• 8:00pm to 11:00pm, DJ Steve Nolfi (Stogie Joe’s, indoors)

East Passyunk’s award-winning restaurants will serve special street food and summertime beverages.  Nearly all food and drink served outside will be specially priced at $5.00 or less.  Specials below will be served outside on the street, unless noted below.  Drink and food menu to date includes:

• Belle Cakery – Dessert pop-up inside old Fond space (inside)
• Birra – Slices for the day (inside)
• The Bottle Shop – Craft beer bar
• Cantina – Regular menu in the outdoor yard with brunch and margarita specials
• El Zarape – Tacos al pastor on the outdoor spit and other Mexican favorites
• Le Virtu – Abruzzese fare in the garden
• Lucky 13 – Craft beer bar
• Mamma Maria – Italian specialties 
• Marra's – Pizza, Italian sandwiches, soft drinks, beer
• Ms Goody Cupcake truck – Special festival flavors (Classic Car, Doo Wop, Margarita, others)
• Noir – Montreal-style hot dogs, poutine, arancini, craft beer, Bai cocktails and complimentary Bai
• Plenty - $5 sandwiches (inside)
• Sophia’s – Outdoor craft beer
• Stogie Joe's – Outdoor craft beer bar and pulled pork sandwiches

Other festivities for everyone in the family will include:

• Bang! Boom! CRAFT! Show at the Fountain  – Handmade items from 40 crafters and artists, including Gearforms, Hog Island Press, Krista Peel Jewelry and Rachel Ink
• Charm City Movement Arts – Circus performances and tightrope demos between 2:00pm and 4:00pm
• Kid Zone  – Free moon bounce, art classes with Young Rembrandts, face painting, entertainment, more
• Mobile food – Little Baby’s Ice Cream,  Tot Truck, Weckerlys Ice Cream
• Pretzel Crisps – Free snack break station with free samples while supplies last
• Rack sales – 1600 Below Vintage, ADDICTION Boutique, Hip & Thrifty, Metro Mens, others
• Street vendors – Car memorabilia and accessories, jewelry, sunglasses, Italian-themed shirts and hats
• Other – Debut of East Passyunk branded tote bags, raffle from YELP and much more!

The 8th Annual Car Show and Street Festival, formerly known as the Doo Wop, is hosted by the Northeast Muscle Car Club and presented by East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District.  Sponsors include Yelp, Passyunk Avenue Revitalization Corporation, South Philly Review and WOGL.

ABOUT EAST PASSYUNK AVENUE BUSINESS IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT

East Passyunk Avenue Business Improvement District is home to 150 independently owned shops and markets that perfectly balances the best of the old and the new, mixing old world shopping, authentic Italian restaurants, world famous cheese steaks, with trendy boutiques, handmade arts, world-class cuisine and record-breaking events. For more information and directions, go to www.visiteastpassyunk.com, like East Passyunk Avenue on Facebook or Tweet @epassyunkave.

Client News: Serrano Celebrates Summer with Debut of "Street Fare" Food, Drinks and Entertainment

During a normal year, Serrano would close its doors for vacation in July. This year, however, the fun is just heating up as this Old City staple will remain open on Thursday, Fridays and Saturdays for the debut of "Serrano Street Fare," casual and discounted food and drinks, plus free entertainment.

The new "Serrano Street Fare" menu will offer eight to ten specially priced "grab n go" items that showcase Chef Gina Rodriguez's love of authentic street food. All food will be served casually (think paper, not china) as if they came fresh and hot from a local food truck. Special low prices will make patrons think they were outside reveling at their favorite food festival.

On top of delicious eats, proprietor Donal McCoy will serve up specially priced sangria, Aqua Fesca with an adult edge, signature cocktails and a tap takeover by Yards. McCoy also pays homage to the musical heart and soul of Tin Angel (upstairs) by arranging for great tunes during Street Fare, including Zach Brown on 7/13, and local legend Kenn Kweder on July 20th. Other acts will be announced soon. Entertainment is free.

Dates:
July 5, 6**, 11, 12, 13*, 18, 19 and 20*
(* Music, ** Old City District's Inside Out Festival )

Starting Menu:

• Pulled Pork Soft Taco (Braised pork, bacon, lettuce and pico de galo served in hand-made flatbread)
• Sonoran Hot Dog (Jumbo hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with beans, guacamole, pico sauce and chipotle aioli)
• Cheesy Cornbread Jalapeno Poppers (Filled with cheddar cheese, fried in a cornbread batter)
• Chicken and Rice (Grilled chicken kabob served over Spanish rice with roasted green chili sauce)
• Grilled Corn (Finished with cayenne honey butter and green onion)
• Yucca Chips with Charred Salsa
• Sopapillas aka "Donuts" (Fried dough dusted in cinnamon and powdered sugar)
• Fish Taco (Grilled mahi-mahi, shaved cabbage, pico de gallo, lime crema in corn tortilla

"Serrano Street Fare" is the perfect way to celebrate the success of Serrano's new spring menu and high profile chef appearances at COOK, Philadelphia Magazine's Wine and Food Festival, Taste of the Nation and the PAWS Chef's Dinner. Serrano will resume standard nights and hours of operation after July 20th. Later in summer, McCoy will debut his highly anticipated new drink menu in its entirety and Chef Rodriguez will announce her new seasonally-inspired fall menu.

For more information, please visit serranophilly.com, call (215) 928-0770 or tweet @serranophilly

 

 

Job Postings: Philadelphia Social Media Assistant, Social Media and PR Intern, Blog Intern

Aversa PR and Philly Loves Fun are pleased to present three job and internship opportunities. Please see each listing for specific job descriptions, instructions on how to apply and other details.

Social Media Assistant - Philadelphia, PA and South Jersey

Aversa PR & Events seeks an organized, creative and driven social media rock star to assist with 20+ client accounts that cover retail, fashion, beauty, food, neighborhoods, tourism and much more. We work with small business owners, entrepreneurs and nonprofit leaders that expect the best from us - including smart and creative results, on a budget, in a timely manner, with measurable results. We're seeking a proven professional with documented experience in collecting and organizing content, developing short and long range strategies, growing social media followings, crafting an ongoing, unique for each business, teaching social media best practices to clients, and maintaining a content calendar.

Successful candidates will exhibit attention to detail, be good communicators, work well under pressure, have a sense of humor, work within budget and  time frames, and be able to generate award-winning messaging on the fly. Proven experience in managing social media accounts (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest) preferred. This is a new starter position with ten to fifteen hours per week with option to grow position in future. Dependable transportation at all times is a must as clients require store visits, photo shoots, meetings and event support. Office-based position in South Philadelphia.

Please submit cover letter, resume and list of social media samples/handles to [email protected]. Applications will be considered incomplete without all three elements. No phone calls please. For more information about us and our company, visit www.aversapr.com or follow us on Twitter at @koryaversa

Social Media and Public Relations Fall Intern - Philadelphia, PA and South Jersey

Aversa PR & Events seeks a motivated, mature and responsible intern to assist with our award-winning, unique and fun clients. You’ll gain experience in working to promote everything from theatre to cupcakes to circus arts and everything in between. Qualified candidates will have an understanding and some experience with social media, public relations and event planning. We seek someone that is creative, driven and detail-oriented with a good sense of humor. Excellent
communications skills and a strong knowledge of social media are a must! Our agency works with a small businesses, arts groups and nonprofit clients and has the most interesting portfolio in the
region. You will gain a great deal of knowledge and practical professional experience and enjoy some fun perks from those with whom we work. This internship can be full time or part time, but at least 12-15 hours per week. Start and end dates are flexible.

The successful candidate will have the following qualities/experience:
-Strong written and verbal communications skills
-Social media knowledge and presence
-Attention to detail
-Ability and desire to take initiative
-Sense of humor
-Willingness to learn
-Flexibility
-Ability to juggle multiple projects at once and meat deadlines
-Interest in and ability to attend and represent Aversa PR at events

Please submit resume, cover letter and social media handles/samples to [email protected]. Complete applications only. For more about us, visit www.aversapr.com

Philly Loves Fun Fall Intern - Philadelphia, PA and South Jersey

Philly Loves Fun seeks a motivated, mature and responsible intern to assist with social media, public relation and events. We are a website that writes and promotes many of the great activities that happen in Philadelphia that make the city so remarkable. We seek an intern with strong writing skills and a personal polish who can help us cover some of these events. You should have excellent verbal and written communications skills; be experienced in blogging and social media channels including Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram; and come to the position with drive, focus and ideas. You will gain a great deal of knowledge and practical professional experience and enjoy some fun
perks from those with whom we work. This is a part-time internship ranging between 10-20 (or more if desired) hours a week and offers a small weekly stipend.

The successful candidate will have the following qualities/experience:
-Strong writer
-Experience working with blogging content management systems
-Social media knowledge and presence
-Attention to detail
-Ability and desire to take initiative
-Sense of humor
-Willingness to learn
-Flexibility
-Interest in and ability to attend and represent Philly Loves Fun at events

Interested candidates should forward a cover letter, resume, social media links and blog samples to [email protected]. For more about us, visit www.aversapr.com and www.phillylovesfun.com

Client News: Diner en Blanc Returns to Philadelphia with White Hot Party of the Summer

From global phenomenon to highly sought-after “secret,” Dîner en Blanc returns to Philadelphia this summer for an unforgettable evening of elegance, beauty and magic. On Thursday, August 22, 2013, twenty-three hundred participants will celebrate and re-purpose a highly-visible public space by enjoying a night filled with food, wine, fashion, culture and music.  This très chic picnic, now celebrating its 25th year internationally, is part mystery tour, part pop-up feast and part je ne sais quoi.  The waiting list to secure an official invitation is now open at philadelphia.dînerenblanc.info.

Last year, Dîner en Blanc made its grand debut in Philadelphia when 1,300 guests descended upon the secret pop-up location that was revealed to be Swann Memorial Fountain in Logan Circle.  In its second year, event co-hosts have worked hand-in-hand with top city officials to again secure a memorable spot that is unexpected, well known and celebrates the cultural spirit of the event.

“The thing I loved hearing most from guests at last year’s event was the sense of community they felt and how they fell in love with Philadelphia all over again, ” said Co-Host Natanya DiBona. “The focus of our event is to really celebrate the great public spaces the city has to offer and how they can be creatively used.   Sharing an elegant meal in a beautiful space with new friends creates an everlasting memory. As one participant said after last year.. every time I pass Swann Fountain my heart smiles!”

Registration for this exclusive event will be limited and available on a first come, first served basis. Invitations are available first to all registered members who participated in the 2012 Philadelphia event. Other interested parties can also secure an opportunity to register by placing themselves on a waiting list.  Once potential participants add their name, they will join a growing list of interested parties who share a common love for the event – as well as for the City of Brotherly Love.  A sense of community is fostered through preview events, such as the one last Wednesday at William-Sonoma, as well as online discussion forums, Pinterest boards and social media outlets.

In early to mid July, all waiting list members have an equal opportunity to register themselves and a guest after a summer of suspense. Each registration will sign up their date, pick a meeting spot for the day of the event, and have the option to pre-order picnic food from the official event caters, Garces Catering and DiBruno Brothers. 

On the day of the event itself, true to tradition, bystanders around the city will witness groups of 200  people gather at specific rallying points and then converge on the final location by foot or by other means of transportation.  All participants are asked to dress elegantly in white, from head to toe, as well as bring an epicurean feast, chairs, fine china, silverware, white tablecloth and elegant table decor.  . 

Over the course of the evening, participants will celebrate dinner as an art form through time-honored traditions, live music and even dancing.  Visually breathtaking moments will include the waving of a cloth napkin to mark the beginning of the dinner, as well as the lighting of sparklers to let participants know they are now free to circulate, mingle and dance. 

Mole Street Productions has returned again to help assemble a musical line up that will dazzle guests.  Carte Blanche, a highly unique revivalist jazz group, will provide dinner music featuring sounds of the classic American 20's and 30's to jazz, French and Latin American music.  After dinner, DJ Bruce will get the crowd up and get the dance party rolling.  While the accessories and fashions are white, the event is green and eco-friendly, leaving the public space exactly as it was found.  When it is time to leave, guests pack up their belongings, pick up all their litter and head to the official after party, leaving behind no sign of their elegant revelry. 

The Sofitel Philadelphia will also serve as the official hotel partner by offering a  special package for an overnight stay in the city.  The special rate of $199 USD (plus tax) includes luxury king accommodations, breakfast for two in Chez Colette, one French baguette and one large bottle of limited edition Evian Water for dinner.  Other sponsors include Williams-Sonoma at the Bellevue and XIX Restaurant. 

Prizes awarded during Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia will include Most Elegant Man, Woman and Table.  Additional details will be posted closer to the date of the event.  “Philadelphia really shined last year and we will be watching for even more elegant attire and tablescapes this year,"said DiBona. “As many of our guests showed, this is a unique opportunity to wear your finest white gloves, hats, fascinators and perhaps even unpack that  gorgeous wedding gown you haven’t seen in a few years!”

Dîner en Blanc is BYOB and therefore all participants must be at least 21 years old.  Dîner en Blanc’s Philadelphia is produced entirely by local volunteers that include two Co-Hosts, eight Group Leaders, 48 Table Hosts and several on-site volunteers.  For more information and to sign up for the waiting list, visit philadelphia.dînerenblanc.info. To join the growing online community, join in discussion forums on the website, or follow Dîner en Blanc Philadelphia on Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter (@debphl).

About Dîner en Blanc International

The worldwide phenomenon known as Dîner en Blanc will celebrate its 25th anniversary this year.  Launched by François Pasquier and a handful of friends in 1988, the Paris Dîner en Blanc now attracts more than 10,000 people each year. What began as a “friends and word-of-mouth only” event has grown into an international epicurean phenomenon on five continents. While the technology behind the event may have changed over the years, the principles fuelling this fantastic event have not: diners continue to gather at a secret location for the sole purpose of sharing a high-quality meal with good friends in one of their city’s most beautiful locations. Dîner en Blanc International, based in Montreal, is responsible for developing this secret posh picnic in over 40 cities by the end of 2013. Each event is headed by passionate local organizers who fell in love with the concept and wanted to bring it to their city, giving this rendezvous a local flair.

For photos or videos of Dîner en Blanc events from around the world, go to www.dinerenblanc.info, select the city you wish to view and click on the media tab in the top right corner. 

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Client News: Brat Productions Dishes Up New Spaghetti Western with The Last Plot in Revenge

This June, Brat Productions gives you dinner theatre like you’ve never experienced it before. The Last Plot in Revenge is a spaghetti western, dinner theatre, musical – with the signature Brat twist of mixed genres, surprising collaborations and rock star talent.  Up-and-coming local playwright Brian Grace-Duff takes you to Revenge, Montana, a land where the wild rule, the whiskey runs, the whores are tired, the guns are smokin’ – and there is only one cemetery plot left in the whole town.  Let the Scrapfields and the MacGruels duke it out, because when the Nameless Gunman enters, who knows who will be left standing?  After all, revenge is a dish best served with a plate of spaghetti. 

Revenge begins previews June 12, opens on June 15, and runs through June 29, 2013 at the Archive Space at Lucy’s Hat Shop (247 Market, Philadelphia, PA). Show time varies per night between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM. Times can be confirmed on the ticket link page. Tickets are on sale now for $15.00 to $20.00, and available at www.bratproductions.org and bratproductions.ticketleap.com. Promotional support is provided by Yelp. 

Grab a glass of whiskey to settle the stomach, because The Last Plot in Revenge is not for the faint of heart.  Audiences members will be immersed in blood, violence, and nightmares.  Select audience members may even choose to sit in the "blood splash zone."  Directed by Obie-Award winning director and co-founder of the NYC Fringe John Clancy, The Last Plot in Revenge features haunting new music by Peter Gaffney, innovative puppetry by Aaron Cromie, and in-your-face fight choreography by Brett Cassidy.  With lighting design by Matt Sharp and scenic design by Doug Greene, immerse yourself in a world of illusion, lust, and an actual spaghetti dinner – provided by Nick’s Roast Beef with the support of Esposito's Meats.

The stellar cast features performances by Lesley Berkowitz, Nathan Foley, Rachel Icenogle, Sarah Larsen, Sarah Schol, Johnny Smith, and Jordi Wallen as well as up and coming talent Lana Brucker, Dane Eissler, and Frankie Gallucci.    

The Last Plot in Revenge was developed, created, and produced as part of Brat Productions' Resident Artist program, which supports groundbreaking artists interested in challenging misconceptions about what theatre is and can be.  Resident Artist Brian Grace-Duff's successor for the 2013-14 season will be soon-to-be graduate of the Pig Iron School of Advanced Performance Training Scott Sheppard.  

ABOUT  JOHN CLANCY

John Clancy is an Obie award winning director and a partner in Clancy Productions, a critically acclaimed international theatrical touring and production company. He is the founding Artistic Director of The Present Company, a leading Off-Off Broadway theatre company and a founding Artistic Director of The New York International Fringe Festival, North America’s largest theater and performance festival.  He currently serves as the Executive Director of the League of Independent Theater, the advocacy organization for Off-Off Broadway.  His plays have won The American Shorts Contest, The San Francisco Playwrights Center Dramarama, the Edinburgh Festival Fringe First and have been short-listed for the Julie Harris Playwrighting Award and the Actors Theatre of Louisville Heideman Award.  He has directed six Scotsman Fringe First winning productions at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and two Best of the Fringe Award winning productions at the Adelaide Fringe. His shows have played the Menier Chocolate Factory (London), The Helix (Dublin), The Traverse, (Edinburgh), The Tron (Glasgow), the World Stage Festival, (Toronto), The Belvoir Street Theatre, (Sydney) and PS 122, the Ohio Theatre and Barrow Street Theatre in New York City. He serves on the Advisory Council of The New York Theatre Experience, Inc., the city’s preeminent resource center for downtown theater. He is a New York Theatre Workshop Usual Suspect and was awarded The New York Magazine Award in 1997 for “creativity, enterprise and vision”. In 2002 he received a Glasgow Herald Angel for excellence in direction at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. In 2007 Clancy Productions was awarded the inaugural Edinburgh International Festival Award.   He lives on the Lower East Side with his wife, Nancy Walsh.

ABOUT BRIAN GRACE-DUFF

Last year, Brian was a playwright-in-residence with PDC@ Plays and Players, which gave him the opportunity to participate in a writing intensive with Robert Smythe at the Eugene O'Neill Center's national puppetry conference. Brian's play The Death Card was seen in the 2011 Fringe Festival, and originally conceived during P. Seth’s Bauer’s playwrighting workshop at the University of Pennsylvania where Brian worked as the Student Event Coordinator at the Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts. There, he originated a new performance series for local and student theatre collaborations, called MERGE. Brian has also created For Change  (PTC@Play), Remains (Endtimes Productions), The Opposite of Moths (PDC), Sports Centered (Tactile Theatre), Criminal (Pittsburgh New Works Festival).  He is a proud member of The Foundry and alumni of West Chester University. 

ABOUT PETER GAFFNEY

Peter Gaffney has lived, taught and performed in Prague, London, Paris and (since 1999) Philadelphia. Co-founding Cabaret Red Light in 2008, Peter has served at various times as artistic director, music director/composer, and head writer for more than twenty-three original musical productions in Philadelphia, Baltimore and New York. When he is not working on a show, he teaches philosophy, literature and cinema at University of Pennsylvania and Curtis Institute of Music. He is the editor and co-author of the book "The Force of the Virtual: Deleuze, Science, and Philosophy" (University of Minnesota Press, 2010), nominated for the Michelle Kendrick Memorial Book Prize in 2011. http://www.neosequitur.com.

ABOUT BRAT PRODUCTIONS

Founded in 1996, Brat’s mission is to create new theatre-going audiences by producing theatre that breaks the rules; theatre that tests conventions; theatre that rocks! Over the years, Brat has established itself as one of Philadelphia’s most adventurous theatre companies and is known for using unusual performance venues to enhance original and noteworthy productions.  Its numerous productions have included Three Chord Fiction, winner of the Ted and Stevie Wolf Barrymore Award for New Approaches to Collaboration, Haunted Poe, A 24-Hour The Bald Soprano, A Very Merry Unauthorized Children's Scientology Pageant and EYE-95, Retarred.