January 09, 2007
Sean Lennon, Musician
Theater of Living Arts, Fri., Dec. 15, 6pm.
 |
Sean Lennon’s newest album Friendly Fire was released in October.
Posted by jfusco at 08:31 PM | Comments (0)
December 19, 2006
Jonny Dubowsky, Lead Singer of Jonny Lives!
 |
On Philadelphia:“I grew up in New Jersey. My dad went to Penn for dental school. We used to go to Geno's and Pat's all the time. I've become ‘Pat's only' because of the whole Geno's thing. That really disappointed me. I have a crazy memory from when I recorded one of my first EPs here in Old City. It was in this guy's basement studio, and it was totally haunted. I saw a couple of really weird things. He said there were some battles that had gone on in that property and a lot of deep Philadelphia history. It didn't surprise me. It felt really spooky.”
Jonny Lives! plays Wed., Dec. 20, 8pm. $8. Khyber, 56 S. Second St. 215.238.5888.
Posted by jfusco at 10:32 PM | Comments (0)
Graham Parker, Musician
 |
On Philadelphia: “I played at the Tower Theater in ’77 opening for Thin Lizzy. I did the TLA in about ’88. I recorded it, and that came out as a live album. I used to walk up and down South Street just to dig the funkiness of it. There were all these burned-out buildings on one part of it. I remember looking inside and there were comic books that were kind of charred on the ground—the kind of thing that sticks in your head. Philly’s a real place. It’s not like going to Dallas where all you see is glass, and there are no people. I’ve walked around and looked at a few historical things—the big bell or whatever. I went to see G. Love one night. In fact, G. Love played harmonica on my last studio album. We did it in Bryn Mawr, and Pete, the bass player of the Figgs, said I needed a really good harmonica player. He said, ‘G. Love does that,’ and I thought, ‘All right.’ So he came down.”
Graham Parker is currently working on a new album that will be released in March.
Posted by jfusco at 10:30 PM | Comments (0)
December 08, 2006
Art Alexakis, Lead Singer, Everclear
 |
On Philadelphia: “I’ve been here probably about 50 times. Played here in ’96 and it was like 20 degrees below zero. So I went outside and much to the chagrin of Electric Factory I brought about 100 kids inside, because they were out in T-shirts, freezing. I’ve always had an affinity for Philly. But I’ve gotta say something that’s going to be inflammatory: The best cheesesteak I ever had was in Portland, Ore. The last time Everclear played here was Nov. 4, 2004, the day after Kerry lost. It was a dark day. I was really depressed, just coming off a divorce. But now, being here on this sunny day, this is good for me.”
Everclear’s CD Welcome to the Drama Club is out now.
ADVERTISEMENT
Posted by jfusco at 10:53 AM | Comments (0)
November 30, 2006
Kal Penn, Actor
 |
Sofitel Hotel, Tues., Nov. 21, 1:30pm.
On Philadelphia: “I came to Philly from my home in Jersey to do a TV show called Rap Around when I was 15. That was cool. I did speech and debate tournaments at Penn in high school. It's such a close city. Harold and Kumar Go to White Castle was written by Jon Hurwitz, who went to Penn. I didn't have any input into the writing of that, or in the writing of the sequel. I personally think White Castle is disgusting. It's pretty gross.”
Kal Penn stars in National Lampoon's Van Wilder: The Rise of Taj, which opens in Philly this Friday.
Posted by jfusco at 10:08 PM | Comments (0)
November 24, 2006
Shohreh Agdashloo, Actress
 |
On Philadelphia: “It's a mixture of Europe and the U.S. It's the Colonial buildings next to high-rises. It's so quiet and serene and clean. We should really be thankful to Mayor Street because it looks beautiful. When I was 24 I drove out [of Iran] singing ‘freedom, democracy, justice.' I appreciate each and every day I'm living in this country and this democratic society. I want to go to all the great museums you have here. I wish I could stay more and enjoy the serenity that exists in this city. You can hardly find it anywhere else. Don't take it for granted.”
Shohreh Agdashloo stars in 24, and her latest film The Nativity Story opens Dec. 1.
Posted by jfusco at 11:28 PM | Comments (0)
November 10, 2006
Ludacris, Rapper/Actor
 |
On Philadelphia: “Philly’s like a mini-New York, if I had to say so. All I know is the streets are narrow as hell. That’s what I know about Philly. I put Beanie Sigel on a song that had other rappers who were incarcerated. Not to mention he’s a great MC. Will Smith was a historic figure in hip-hop and rap. Look where he’s at now. ‘Summertime’ was an inspiration. He shot that video here in Philadelphia. Always a fan. Just like in the South—Atlanta, where I’m from—they have hard crowds here in Philly. If you’re not good, they’re gonna tell you. Yep.“
Posted by jfusco at 08:17 AM | Comments (0)
November 02, 2006
James Carville and Mary Matalin, Political Consultants
|
On Philadelphia: JC: “I've lived here. It's tumultuous. Colorful. Center City has really changed. It's a lot cleaner, a lot safer. There are a lot more artsy things and restaurants. I remember when Friday Saturday Sunday was the ultimate, and I used to love to go to the Saloon. There's a place Tom Foglietta used to take me to in a house. Shanks? Am I right? Yeah.”
MM: “When James was working here, I used to come up on the train. He was in the middle of the campaign, so I'd wander around by myself. It's just an incredible, inspirational, beautiful city. When we had the convention here, my baby was a year and change, maybe 2, and the one that's now 11 was sort of post-toddler and talking. They came to the convention and it made such a good impression on them. You're lucky to live here.”
James Carville and Mary Matalin were in town to speak at the Main Line Chamber of Commerce 2006 Red Carpet Dinner.
Posted by jfusco at 10:48 AM | Comments (0)
October 27, 2006
Jeff Daniels, Actor and Musician
|
On Philadelphia: “I think it’s my first time in the city. Great sports town, I know that of it, much like [my hometown] Detroit. Their reputation is they accept nothing less than excellence. Anything less is unacceptable. And it seems sometimes even the excellence is unacceptable. They demand a lot, and like Detroit, whenever they win, it’s the best place to be. Tiger fans know about that. It’s a privilege to play here. I’m looking forward to it. I’m riding this actor-who-sings-and-writes-songs thing as far as I can. The expectations for me are so low. Everyone thinks, ’My God, this could be a 20-minute version of “Michael Row Your Boat Ashore,” a pretentious serious-minded actor trying to sing.’ And it’s not. It’s a lot of fun. I think I’ll like it here. I just wish the Lions had Donovan McNabb.”
Jeff Daniels was in Philadelphia to play songs from his debut CD Live & Unplugged: To Benefit the Purple Rose Theatre.
Posted by jfusco at 09:34 PM | Comments (0)
October 20, 2006
Big Sandy, Lead Singer of Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys
 |
On Philadelphia: “I’ve been here probably 15 times over the years. Early on we’d be on a mixed bill, playing with punk bands. Then we settled into a thing of our own. At some point in the ’90s a swing scene developed and we were playing for that crowd. When we play in Philadelphia I end up getting into these pretty interesting conversations with record collectors. There are hardcore record people in town. They love to talk about all the musicians who used to play here and about doo-wop records. It’s something I want to find out more about. Sounds like there was a pretty vibrant scene going on. I suppose there still is. There’s a passion here for the old vinyl, and that’s a passion I share.”
Big Sandy and His Flyrite Boys’ newest album is Turntable Matinee
Posted by jfusco at 10:25 PM | Comments (0)
October 12, 2006
Alejandro González Iñárritu, Director
|
On Philadelphia: “I’ve seen nothing but a Spanish restaurant that was very nice, very good food, which normally you don’t get in L.A. Then I passed the street where the creator of the flag live. What’s her name? Betsy Ross, yes. My very humble impression is a kind of combination between Boston and New York, like a mix of those cities. I haven’t been able to see those historical things, just this lonely room in this hotel. They showed me where Rocky Balboa ran. This film, Philadelphia, was it shot here? Cheesesteak? What is that, like a baguette? Did you invent it here? Should I try one? I’ll have about two hours tonight to walk after the screening. It’s hard in two hours to get something to say about a city, but at least I’ll have the smell of it, you know?”
Alejandro González Iñárritu’s film Babel will be released in Philadelphia on Nov. 3.
Posted by jfusco at 12:11 AM | Comments (0)
October 06, 2006
Cindy Sheehan, Activist
 |
On Philadelphia: “I was here last September for our Bring Them Home Now bus tour. Philadelphia, of course, is very supportive. The American Friends Service Committee is here. I was a history major in college and there’s so much history here. I like that about this city. It just makes me want to fight hard for our country to get back the freedom we’ve lost during the Bush administration.”
Cindy Sheehan’s book Peace Mom was published in September by Atria Books.
Posted by jfusco at 04:16 PM | Comments (0)
September 27, 2006
Dito Montiel, Author and Filmmaker
|
On Philadelphia: “I played here at a club called JC Dobbs with a band called Gutterboy. I just remember hanging out there and doing all the corny things everybody does here, like eating cheesesteaks till I was gonna die. JC Dobbs was cool. Oh, it’s gone? It was like CBGB in a way. I loved that place. I was here in 1993 or something like that. Nirvana had just been here because someone was telling me about it. That’s the last time. Before it was just for a school trip to the Liberty Bell and Hershey, to eat the chocolate. We took a bus trip from Queens. I was so excited. I wanted to hit the Liberty Bell, but you know, they don’t let you.”
Dito Montiel, the author of A Guide to Recognizing Your Saints, also directed the film adaptation opening Sept. 29. The film won the Dramatic Directing Award and a Special Jury Award for Best Ensemble Performance at the 2006 Sundance Film Festival.
Posted by jfusco at 08:49 AM | Comments (0)
September 21, 2006
Johnny Knoxville and Bam Margera, Jackass stars
 |
On Philadelphia: JK: “I usually spend time in West Chester, where Bam's from, and come to Philly every now and then. I like it. I love the bar Silk City, but they closed that down. What was the one we were at last night? Tattooed Mom. If I had a memory of it, it'd probably be pretty good. They had a pool table. For most of our stunts we just go where the best bars are. And Philly has some good bars, so yeah, we could do a stunt in Philly.” BM: “And Dr. J's from here, Darryl Dawkins, Rocky—we saw those steps today. Declaration of Independence. Cheesesteaks. Wawa, I think. I have a Wawa tattoo. It's right above a tattoo of Leon Spinks. People generally like it.”
Jackass Number Two opens this Friday.
Posted by jfusco at 08:45 AM | Comments (0)
September 13, 2006
KT Tunstall, Musician
 |
Electric Factory, Fri., Sept. 8, 4:45pm.
On Philadelphia: “Philly’s always sounded quite hip to me, as a British person. It’s good when the nickname for a town reaches you in a different country. So it’s always been ‘Philly’ to me, and that gives it a good youthful energy. We arrived here last night and got pulled over by the police, which was quite amusing because there was absolutely nothing wrong with the bus and he just wanted to know who was on it. We’re just sitting there going, ‘Oh God, is he gonna, like, tear the whole thing apart?’ We live on the bus. The only thing I really remember about here is walking up South Street on a sunny day absolutely starving, and we ended up in a Whole Foods. We just sat in the cafe and bought food by the pound, and we just ate so much. It was one of those … you’re about to fall down dead and you’re presented with a full buffet in a box, and you just end up going for it.”
KT Tunstall’s latest release is Eye to the Telescope.
Posted by jfusco at 01:40 PM | Comments (0)
September 09, 2006
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Actor
 |
On Philadelphia: “I've been here many times, yep. I came here to an Eagles game in high school, got plenty drunk, ate a lot of cheesesteaks—you know, the typical things you do when you're from a small town like Bethlehem. It's like, ‘Let's go to the big city! Let's go to Philadelphia.' I also came here to play Temple when I was playing for the University of Miami. Temple was still playing at the Vet. What an awful field. At that time I still had three ruptures in my back. I had to get shot up before the game and after the game. The Vet's turf was awful, so that memory I leave behind me. I also got to speak at the Republican convention here in 2000. I had a chance to sit with President Bush and Barbara Bush. There's a place here I always go: Morton's. They stay up for me, and the chefs don't mind cooking late.”
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is currently starring in Gridiron Gang.
Posted by jfusco at 07:20 AM | Comments (0)
September 02, 2006
Candi Staton, Soul Singer
 |
Candi Staton’s gospel/soul album His Hands was released in April.
Posted by jfusco at 10:22 AM | Comments (0)
August 22, 2006
Sean Astin, Actor
 |
On Philadelphia: “Of all the movies, 50 or 60 movies and TV shows, I've done, when people ask me my favorite movie experience, I say Kimberly, which I filmed here for six weeks in the autumn of '97, '98, something like that. We lived in the Korman Suites and shopped at the Whole Foods around the corner. We filmed around the boathouses, where I learned how to row. In the movie four guys fall in love with the same woman, Gabrielle Anwar. She gets pregnant and they all think they're the father. Making the movie just felt like the most easy, comfortable, beautiful experience. Philadelphia is rich with American tradition, in a kind of remote, elevated space in my mind. Rowing was always this Ivy League thing I never thought I'd be able to participate in, so it broke down a lot of self-imposed barriers about life. I'd live here in a second-in a heartbeat.”
Sean Astin was in Philadelphia to discuss bipolar disorder and www.learnaboutbipolar.com
Additional articles by Cassidy Hartmann:
Posted by jfusco at 06:43 PM | Comments (0)
August 19, 2006
Monte Irvin, Baseball Legend
 |
On Philadelphia: “At 44th and Parkside and at Connie Mack Stadium, we used to play there, and we did pretty well at that time. We drew a lot of fans—upward of 25,000 to 30,000 fans on a given Sunday or Saturday afternoon.
”But I first got acquainted with Philadelphia because I matriculated at Lincoln University, and it’s only about 50 miles south of here on Route 1. Every weekend we’d come in here. We wanted to get away from the campus, have some diversion, so we’d come in and go to the movies, visit friends and so on. So I’m very familiar with Philadelphia.
Continue reading "Monte Irvin, Baseball Legend"
Posted by jfusco at 03:09 PM | Comments (0)
August 09, 2006
Justin Long, Actor
 |
“I used to come here as a kid. My dad was a teacher and he’d have conferences and stuff at Temple or Penn. It was the first place I ever got lost too—so lost that it traumatized me. It was in Rittenhouse Square and I just remember, you know when you’re a kid, that feeling, like all of a sudden, ‘Oh my God, I’m not part of my family anymore’? They called the cops. I wasn’t used to seeing pigeons and I love wildlife, so I followed one and eventually lost my family. And then I used to be in Boy Scouts because I was an adventuresome nerd, and so I walked the whole Freedom Trail a couple times on my hands and knees. The only people who recognize me lately seem to be like, ‘Oh, hey, the Mac guy!’ Last night I was at the Walnut Room and this girl just walked up to me and said, ‘You know what, I have a PC.’ And then she walked away and I didn’t know if it was like a flirty fun thing she was doing or if it was aggressive.”
Justin Long, currently starring in Apple commercials, appears this month in the film Accepted.
Posted by jfusco at 01:22 PM | Comments (0)
August 02, 2006
Jodie Sweetin, Actress
Franklin Mills Mall, Mon., July 17, 9:30am.
 |
“I’ve never been here, but it’s been fun. We got to walk around the mall, and we’ve been in the FYE store and stuff. Because I’m leaving tomorrow I won’t, unfortunately, get much chance to see Philadelphia. That’s kind of how it is when you do these things—you go in the mall or wherever and then you leave. I made some friends on the plane who were from Philadelphia, and Bob Saget’s from Philadelphia, and of course I have a good impression from him. I wish I had a chance to get a cheesesteak, do some of the traditional Philly stuff. I would love to come back. We’ll be traveling all over the place, so maybe we’ll make it back to Philly sometime.”
Jodie Sweetin is the celebrity host of the Fuse network’s Get Malled tour, airing in August.
Posted by jfusco at 02:26 PM | Comments (0)
July 26, 2006
Jenny Shimizu, Model
|
On Philadelphia: “This is the first time I've been here, and it's funny because I lived in New York for five years and I just never thought of coming to Philadelphia. It's like a hidden secret. A lot of friends who are architects in Los Angeles and people interested in design said I really got to go to Eastern State. So I'll see the Liberty Bell and the Penitentiary, the yin and yang of Philadelphia. There's a Gayborhood, I hear, but I don't think it's as segregated as it might be in Los Angeles, where people feel unsafe being outside of West Hollywood. I haven't been here long enough to know about the history of hate crimes, but there doesn't seem to be that kind of tension here. I'm going to Sisters tonight, and then they're taking me to another bar down the street. I love to go see all the clubs in whatever city. It tells what the community is about.”
Jenny Shimizu was in Philadelphia to accept the Lesbian Icon Award from the Philadelphia International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival.
Posted by jfusco at 01:17 PM | Comments (0)
July 20, 2006
Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton, Directors
 |
On Philadelphia: “I hate to bring up Rocky,” says Dayton. “It's a little bit like people asking us how we work together, being married. But what was funny to me today is how small the steps are where he does his famous run. But I realized that works well, because he's actually much smaller in real life. So the scale served him well.”
“When you fly in you get this aerial view of the city,” says Faris, “and it still was like a half an hour before landing, and there was just so much farmland. It's really beautiful. Our geography is terrible, but what was interesting was seeing how the rivers are a really big part of this city. I would never have thought of Philadelphia as having so much water.”
Valerie Faris and Jonathan Dayton's film Little Miss Sunshine opens Aug. 4 in Philadelphia.
Posted by jfusco at 11:49 PM | Comments (0)
July 13, 2006
José Alberto, Salsa Singer
 |
On Philadelphia: “I played in a couple of festivals here before—big events with artists like Celia Cruz, Tito Puente. What can I say? It's a very fun city. It has a very good nightlife here. I've seen beautiful womans [laughs], eaten very well, and I did about three boat rides a couple of summers ago, like private parties and stuff like that. They are very great audiences, especially the Latinos. They go crazy when they see me onstage. They ask me for so many different songs, and I say, ‘Wow, I can't sing all this. Too many.' It's a lot of memories in Philly. You want me to say them? You're not missing much from other places. You have a little bit of everything. I love coming here. I come maybe three, four times a year. I can't complain. They pay me very well. That's one of the most important things.”
José Alberto performed last week at the Hispanic Fiesta at Penn's Landing.
Posted by jfusco at 12:48 AM | Comments (0)
July 08, 2006
Esera Tuaolo, Author/Former NFL Player
|
On Philadelphia: I remember coming over here with various teams and your fans were very, uh, colorful. When you're the opposing team walking into an environment like that, it's not a pretty sight. When I was here it was at the old stadium, and the turf was horrible, horrific. The worst field I've ever played on. It was like playing on concrete. They would tell us to keep our helmets on just in case someone would throw something at us. I met Randall Cunningham because he played with the Vikings, and I knew Reggie White throughout my whole career. I live in Minnesota. I love places with history, and there's a lot of history here. It's incredible—all these cobblestones and old buildings. We don't have this in Minnesota. Philly's so diverse, right? You guys have a Chinatown, a Germantown, an Italian section and stuff like that. We don't have that in Minnesota."
Esera Tuaolo's book Alone in the Trenches: My Life as a Gay Man in the NFL is in stores now.
Posted by jfusco at 09:24 AM | Comments (0)
