OUTSIDE Philly's City Hall Today: Watch/Listen

“Until we have done everything within our power

to bring the United States to its knees,

let us not lose sight of the enemy.

For every US military base that crumbles

and for every US soldier — who returns home in a casket —

we cheer.”

“May a Hamas rocket blow up your… pic.twitter.com/RaDvA4CHZf

— ThePersistence (@ScottPresler) March 26, 2026

When Philly Was A WORLD PREMIERE City!

From The Philadelphia Public Relations Association

 

The Lowdown On Philly's Hottest New Dining Spot

People are flocking to the newest Stephen Starr restaurant, Borromini on Rittenhouse Square in Philadelphia. 

Forget that Starr has five other restaurants on or near the fashionable square. Borromini is where diners want to be right now. Why? Because the wait for this place (more than a year in the making) has been so long and the buildup so big and the anticipation so high that now that the place is finally open, everybody wants first bragging rights.

Don't ask us how, but we managed to snag a Saturday night reservation in prime time last night. Here's what we found:

• Located on the first two floors of what was a spacious Barnes & Noble bookstore, the place is big, boisterous and boozy with large bar areas on both levels. The walls are lined with bottles of liquor lit from behind in strategic shapes and sizes and the huge crowd last night was loud and showy.
• The staff, as with all Starr restaurants is well trained and highly professional without being haughty. All staff members are helpful and do everything they can to be accommodating, and they do it with a smile.
• Though the joint boasts an Italian menu, there's nothing about the decor that is particularly Italian and you really don't get an Italian vibe from the staff either. In fact, Borromini looks more French than Italian as it's almost a carbon copy of Starr's hugely successful nearby French brasserie, Parc. A big difference is that this place doesn't have as much al fresco dining as Parc and does not seem quite as old school.
• And the food? Well, the Pane Focaccia ($9), a crispy, delicate presentation flavored with rosemary and sea salt was nothing short of heavenly. The 100 Layer Lasagna ($28) wasn't really 100 layers (far as we could tell) but it was delicate and tasty. The Tagliatelle Alla Bolognese  ($23, pictured above) with parmigiano reggiano was light and similar to the same dish we've enjoyed in Bologna. And the Chicken Milanese ($31) with arugula, tomatoes, lemon and parmigiano was basically a very large, thin chicken cutlet. We had the house gelato for dessert and it was forgettable -- sort of icy instead of creamy.
• The food was good -- not spectacular, not necessarily off the charts, but okay for now. 
• Our suggestion: give the place a bit more time. Right now it's a mob scene and appears to be somewhat overwhelmed. Plus, they haven't even started serving lunch yet. They say that's "coming". 
• Borromini is still getting its act together. We'll be back again -- but with not quite as much breathless anticipation the next time. And, we'll try to avoid it on a Saturday night and nestle ourselves into a cozy corner booth.

Not Sure How Reliable This Is, But . . .

Devastating Philly Loss: Iconic Store Closing!

Sometimes a store is more than a store. Sometimes when it's a landmark department store -- one that takes up a whole city block -- it's intertwined with the history, the culture and even the well being of a city.

Such is the case with Macy's (formerly Wanamaker's) in center city Philadelphia. Founded by John Wanamaker in 1861, Wanamaker's was one of the first department stores in the United States. And John Wanamaker was one of the city's most prominent and influential citizens. In fact, to this day, his likeness remains in the form of a bronze statue facing the store just outside Philadelphia's City Hall. 

The dramatic grand court of the original Wanamaker store at 13th and Markets streets is a veritable cathedral of commerce. In the center a huge bronze eagle faces the nine-story high Wanamaker pipe organ, the world's largest with 28,000 pipes. Both of these were transported from the St. Louis World's Fair more than 100 years ago.

For generations Philadelphians have gathered at the grand court calling on friends to "meet me at the eagle" and joining with family members for the spectacular Christmas light show in this inspiring public place. Macy's took over Wanamaker's in 2006, condensing the mammoth store but retaining the grand court, daily organ concerts, the light show and other beloved elements.

Now, Macy's, in an ongoing effort to eliminate unproductive stores, has announced the closing of 65 more stores including the center city Philadelphia location. 

This is a tremendous blow to Philadelphia -- a huge, devastating loss for a city that has been on a downhill slide for at least a decade now, if not a lot longer. 

The recently ended Jim Kenney era accelerated the city's decline as Mayor Kenney was a progressive ideologue with a fierce vindictive streak who turned his back on the city's commercial and financial district, paid little heed to business leaders and stood by as crime, violence, homelessness, filth, blight and open air drug markets took over more and more of the city.

Fueling all of it has been Larry Krasner, a criminal-loving district attorney funded by George Soros. Today, Philadelphia is paying the price, not just for Kenney, Krasner and their failures but for more than 70 years of iron clad one-party rule under one Democrat regime after another, largely enforced by union thugs and patronage appointees as much of those who might have led the town out of this morass sat idly by. 

This is the story of nearly all the Democrat-run cities in this country and now Philadelphia can claim the dubious distinction of being right up there with Detroit, San Francisco and Los Angeles among cities that have effectively gone to hell.

How sad!

Philly Homeless Will Get Pre Thanksgiving Dinner

Saint John's Hospice (SJH), a ministry of Catholic Social Services of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia (CSS), and the Knights of Columbus Philadelphia Chapter will team up to provide  early Thanksgiving meals to approximately 100 community members experiencing homelessness. 

Sunday, November 24, 2024
 12:00 p.m. – 12:30 p.m. 
 Saint John’s Hospice
 1221 Race Street
 Philadelphia, PA 19107

Knights of Columbus members will visit SJH on Sunday to help the organization feed hot meals cooked fresh by SJH staff. The Knights of Columbus typically visit SJH three times each year to help serve meals – on Easter Sunday, around Thanksgiving, and at Christmastime. This traditional service project has been ongoing since 1968, five years after SJH was founded.

Note: SJH was established in 1963 by Monsignor Anthony J. O’Neill, Pastor of Saint John the Evangelist Parish in Center City Philadelphia, and The Little Brothers of The Good Shepherd, as an outreach ministry to serve and assist those experiencing homelessness and poverty in Philadelphia. Today, SJH has residences that serve approximately 150 individuals transitioning from homelessness to independent living annually, meal services for more than 200 community members each day, mailroom services for more than 1,700 individuals, as well as case management and medical and behavioral healthcare services. To learn more about Saint John’s Hospice, please visit saintjohnshospice.org.

Delightful Christmas Show For The Whole Family!

It appears as if The Philly Pops (or the esteemed musicians of that group) are now the No Name Pops. This is the Pops successor to the branded group that ran into financial trouble and lost its right to perform at the city's concert hall, The Kimmel Center. Whatever . . .  The important thing here is that the No Name Pops is presenting a high-spirited Christmas show called A Very Philly Christmas  all this month at the Kimmel. We attended a performance of the show and we can tell you it's top-notch with the pops orchestra, a huge chorus, singers, dancers, a genial conductor and lots of delightful surprises.

Click here for more information and reasonably priced tickets!

More Trouble In Center City Philly -- AGAIN!

It appears ⁦@PhillyPolice⁩ getting in position to make mass arrests if protestors do not disperse from the front of Comcast Center. pic.twitter.com/2SGNvkKvIT

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) December 8, 2023

Another Great City Bites The Dust!

I worked in Center City Philadelphia for 30 years.

I have never seen Philly in worse shape. Never!

The crime, the empty stores, the vagrants and druggies on the sidewalks, the abandoned offices, the wild ATVs that have taken over the streets, the shuttered restaurants, the trash, the rampant disregard for humanity, for rights, for decency!
The latest ugly antisemitic incidents and the murder at Macy's represent a new low.

The brand known as "Philadelphia" is basically dead, over, kaput. Put a fork in it!

Sunday Night In Philly: Right In Front Of CITY HALL!

WATCH as a tourist aboard top level of a Philadelphia double decker sightseeing bus records on the street next to Philadelphia City Hall. 9pm last night, George Colony from Florida watched helplessly as a male on motorcycle kicked in back windshield where two kids sitting. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/YzCQunfgs1

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) October 2, 2023

2/2 He had a gun that fell out of his waistband as he jumped down off her car. He then headbutted her with the visor of his helmet,as she fights back despite him being armed & she being way outnumbered. “She is @UberEats driver with 2 kids in car because babysitter to costly.” pic.twitter.com/g29qOP58YH

— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) October 2, 2023

Yet Another Disgraceful Moment For Philly!

🚨#BREAKING: All philly liquor stores have been closed today after at least 18 were broken after last night’s mass looting in Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/0Btz2jASv2

— R A W S A L E R T S (@rawsalerts) September 27, 2023

The Situation In Center City? It's WORSE Than Ever!

 

Free Philly Concert Set For 'End Of Summer'

In collaboration with The South Street Headhouse District, The No Name Pops is pleased to announce presentation of a free, family-friendly “Summer Send Off’ concert with a Philadelphia theme at Headhouse Plaza, 2nd and South Streets, at 7:30 PM on September 9, 2023. The event marks the No Name Pop’s first full orchestra public performance, featuring former American Idol contestant LaKisha Jones. Conducted by Stuart Malina, Music Director of the Harrisburg Symphony, the orchestra will feature music by Whitney Houston, Tina Turner, and many of your Philly favorites.

For Matthew Koveal, The No Name Pops Executive Director since its formation just months ago, this concert marks more than the end of the summer: “Like the classic Philadelphia story, this concert celebrates the simple fact that everyone in this city has a chance to succeed.” He considers the September 9^th concert collaboration with The Headhouse District as “a thank you to South Street, and the people and institutions of Philadelphia. It is only because of their generosity that we have gotten this far, this fast and we dedicate this celebration to them.”  

Guests are encouraged to arrive early, grab dinner and shop before the performance at the Headhouse Plaza, 2nd and South Streets.. Bring lawn chairs, seats, or a picnic blanket to set up at 6:30 pm before the performance begins at 7:30pm. It’s recommended to park with TargetPark, featuring two conveniently located parking lots on the east end of South Street. TargetPark is located at 530 S. 2nd Street or 215 Lombard Street with entrances located on 3rd near South Street, and Lombard between 2nd and 3rd Streets.

About No Name Pops:

Since its May 2023 genesis, the No Name Pops, made up of many of the musicians formerly associated with the Philly Pops, has been busy performing over 15 free shows, engaging new audiences, and collaborating with groups and organizations, including The South Street Headhouse District, to keep the sound of symphonic pops music alive. And now, thanks to the generous support of these organizations, the No Name Pops has successfully booked a concert on October 28 at 3 and 8 p.m. at the Kimmel Cultural Campus’ Verizon Hall called Let’s Groove Tonight: Motown and The Philly Sound and contracted with the Philadelphia Orchestra/Kimmel Center to perform nine Christmas season concerts, celebrating a beloved holiday tradition. For tickets visit, www.kimmelculturalcampus.org. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/nonamepops . (The website is about to be launched.) 

About The South Street Headhouse District:

The South Street Headhouse District (SSHD) is a business improvement district, or BID, which aims to provide a safer, cleaner, & well-managed community for the benefit of local business owners, residents, and visitors of the South Street Area. The SSHD has a rich history that has revolved around providing public safety, sanitation, and other services in addition to the helpful services provided by the City of Philadelphia. Now, SSHD continues planning improvements in the urban area by developing and emphasizing the artistic and creative aesthetic within the dynamic and diverse business community. Located between Queen Village and Society Hill, the SSHD is one of the most visited tourist destinations in Philadelphia and is home to over 400 businesses. The Philadelphia Magic Gardens, Famous 4th Street Delicatessen, Philly AIDS Thrift, Repo Records, and the Historic Fabric Row are some of the many attractions that can be found in this area. Whether you are looking for a bite to eat, a new favorite spot to shop, or simply a chance to learn about the interesting history behind the area, the South Street Headhouse District has many opportunities for fun and exciting experiences. For more information, visit https://southstreet.com

Well, We Certainly Won't Miss It . . .

 

VIDEO: Havoc In Philly As Lawlessness Reigns!

WATCH:Wild scene early this morning on Cottman and Torresdale. Waiting on report from @PhillyPolice @FOX29philly 🎥 Eli Morales pic.twitter.com/hMFWBnkJrE

— Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) June 4, 2023

Breaking: PA State Police say a shooting on Interstate 95 left one person dead Sunday morning, and caused traffic delays for several hours. Shooting happened around 4AM when groups of ATVs, motorcycles and cars caused chaos and shut down the highway overnight. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/UbSqrUiDV6

— Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) June 4, 2023

We're Convinced, It's Allan Domb In The Primary!

 

Philly Crime Emergency! Does ANYONE Care?

Please note: When it comes to what's plaguing Philly it isn't simply a matter of guns. It's rampant, brutal crime of all sorts -- often right in broad daylight and right in center city. It's brutal beatings, car jackings, stabbings, ran sacking and all sorts of brazen theft and destruction. The culprits are vicious and fearless amidst a breadown of law, order and justice. It's a disgrace!

Lovely Concert, Beautiful Setting, Great Price!

The Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO), an ensemble of PYO Music Institute (PYOMI), invites guests to take a musical journey “Around the World in 60 Minutes” on Sunday, March 19 at 3 p.m. at the Perelman Theater in the Kimmel Center at Broad and Spruce Streets in Philadelphia, PA. Tickets range from $10 to $20 and are available at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org/.

PYAO is directed and conducted by Maestra Rosalind Erwin, who leads the very talented music students in a travelogue through Western Europe. The concert includes Verdi's Overture to I vespri siciliani, Rimsky-Korsakov's Capriccio espagnole, and Hanson's Second Symphony, entitled "Romantic." 

 

Maestro Erwin shares her thoughts on the program: "The Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra will present a very diverse program on March 17, performing works from two of the great composers of the Romantic era of Western art music and ending with one of America's highly regarded composers of the 20th century. Guiseppe Verdi's overture from his opera I vespri siciliani showcases virtuosic abilities of the PYAO string sections; Capriccio espagnole, Rimsky-Korsakov's tour de force for orchestra, features numerous solos for woodwind, brass and the concertmaster; and Howard Hanson's Second Symphony is an excellent example of melding great "romantic" melodies with decidedly 20th century compositional techniques."

 

About Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO)

Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra prepares younger classical music students through a sophisticated repertoire and rigorous intellectual and musical discipline. PYAO further provides the opportunity to work with a highly experienced professional conductor, musicians, and teachers; to rehearse a standard orchestral repertoire at a professional level; and to perform in high-profile professional venues throughout the greater Philadelphia region. PYAO, conducted by Rosalind Erwin, was established in 1996 under a grant from the Pew Charitable Trusts.

 

About PYO Music Institute:

The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute is the tri-state region’s premier youth orchestra organization for gifted, young, classical musicians, and one of the oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestra organizations in the United States. For 83 years, the PYO Music Institute has been providing professional-caliber musical experiences to young instrumentalists, while thrilling audiences in the Greater Philadelphia region and across the globe.

 

The organization has nine program divisions: Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO), Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO), Young Musicians Debut Orchestra (YMDO), Bravo Brass, Prysm Strings, Pizzicato Players, Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO), Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), and Tune Up Philly - Orchestral Pathways Program. Ranging in age from 5 to 21 years, the musicians of the PYO Music Institute come from a 70-mile radius of Philadelphia encompassing nearly 20 counties within Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Through advanced orchestra repertoire, students are challenged to perform at the highest levels, to strive for advanced musicianship, and to achieve superior technical, musical, and personal application. Former PYOMI musicians currently hold chairs in most of the top 20 professional orchestras in the United States, with 12 PYOMI alumni currently serving in The Philadelphia Orchestra.

 

Extraordinary artistic leadership is a hallmark of the PYO Music Institute. Adolph Sorian (1940–1941), J.W.F. Leman (1941–1952), William R. Smith (1952–1954), and Joseph Primavera (1954–2005) served as Music Directors, with Maestro Primavera having had the extraordinary distinction of being the longest-serving active conductor of any orchestra in the world. Louis Scaglione, appointed in 1997 by Maestro Primavera and the PYOMI Board of Trustees, continues the legacy of leadership, currently serving as the PYO Music Institute’s President, CEO and Music Director.

 

For more information, please visit https://pyomusic.org/.

Live Music At And Affordable Price! Hooray!

Bravo Brass, the all-brass ensemble of the PYO Music Institute (PYOMI), performs “A Blast from the Past”, on Saturday, March 11^th, 2023, at 7:30 p.m. in Center City Philadelphia at the historic St. Mark’s Church - 1625 Locust Street. The ensemble will take a musical tour of Western Europe in the late 16th century by performing music of the Renaissance.

Paul Bryan, Conductor of Bravo Brass explains, “The Renaissance was a period of extraordinary discovery. Many rhythmic, textural, and instrumental aspects of music that are commonplace today originated during the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Preparing for our March concerts has given Bravo Brass students the opportunity to see the beginnings of much of the music we know now.” The program will feature pieces written by composers from different countries including England, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy.

Repertoire highlights of the program include Galliard Battaglia composed by German composer Samuel Scheidt; A Toye composed by English composer Giles Farnaby; and, Sonata Octavi Toni composed by Italian composer Giovanni Gabrieli.

General admission is $15. Students under 18 are free. Tickets can be purchased via credit cards, check, or cash at the door, or pre-purchased at this link: https://rb.gy/kqwr5z. For more information about the concert call 215-545-0502 or visit www.pyomusic.org.

About Bravo Brass:                                                                                                                             

Bravo Brass, the only year-round brass ensemble in the Philadelphia area and one of only three in the country and under the direction of Paul Bryan, offers the highest level of individual and ensemble training opportunities for the most accomplished young brass musicians in the area. In addition to the opportunity to showcase their talents through multiple live performances throughout the year, members have distinguished themselves and gained acceptance to some of the most competitive and prestigious institutions for music and higher learning around the globe. Paul Bryan serves as an administrator at the Curtis Institute of Music. An accomplished trombonist and teacher, he also holds positions as Conductor of the West Chester University Symphony Orchestra, Director of the University of Pennsylvania Wind Ensemble, and a faculty member at Temple University’s Boyer College of Music and Dance.

About PYO Music Institute:                                                                                                                      

The Philadelphia Youth Orchestra Music Institute is the tri-state region’s premier youth orchestra organization for gifted, young, classical musicians, and one of the oldest and most highly regarded youth orchestra organizations in the United States. For 83 years, the PYO Music Institute has been providing professional-caliber musical experiences to young instrumentalists, while thrilling audiences in the Greater Philadelphia region and across the globe.

The organization has nine programs: Philadelphia Youth Orchestra (PYO), Philadelphia Young Artists Orchestra (PYAO), Young Musicians Debut Orchestra (YMDO), Bravo Brass, Prysm Strings, Pizzicato Players, Philadelphia Youth Jazz Orchestra (PYJO), Philadelphia Youth Symphonic Band (PYSB), and Tune Up Philly - Orchestral Pathways Program, an El Sistema-inspired program. Ranging in age from 5 to 21 years, the musicians of the PYO Music Institute are selected by competitive audition and come from a 70-mile radius of Philadelphia encompassing nearly 20 counties within Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Through advanced orchestra repertoire, students are challenged to perform at professional levels, to strive for advanced musicianship, and to achieve superior technical, musical, and personal application. Former PYOMI musicians currently hold chairs in most of the top 20 professional orchestras in the United States, with 12 PYO alumni currently serving in The Philadelphia Orchestra.

Extraordinary artistic leadership is a hallmark of the PYO Music Institute. Adolph Sorian (1940–1941), J.W.F. Leman (1941–1952), William R. Smith (1952–1954), and Joseph Primavera (1954–2005) served as Music Directors, with Maestro Primavera having had the extraordinary distinction of being the longest-serving active conductor of any orchestra in the world. Louis Scaglione, appointed in 1997 by Maestro Primavera and the PYOMI Board of Trustees, continues the legacy of leadership, currently serving as the PYO Music Institute’s President, CEO and Music Director.

For more information, please visit www.pyomusic.org.