South Philly Wedding Traditions

110833821

It is almost 50 years ago that I wrote in these pages about the agony of the traditional Italian wedding and the rituals leading up to it. I use the word “agony” without any reservation whatsoever. How else to describe, for instance, a…

Piano man Andy Kahn enjoying second wind

139557921

Having pondered a life as an actor and a lawyer, Andy Kahn can certainly claim his third vocational choice has proven the charm. The pulsating-with-positivity pianist garnered his initial success more than three decades ago…

Crowning achievements

141774331

Playing with as much, maybe even more, drive as the area’s professional performers, many contributors had their schools reveling by earning titles, signing with prominent postsecondary education sites and giving their all no matter the circumstances.

Painting with a Twist pairs acrylics with spirits

140597651

New City Stage chronicling ‘Frost/Nixon’

141246561

While a freshman at The University of the Arts, Marissa Bescript confessed “I just don’t like myself” to instructor Aaron Cromie, with the Barrymore Award winner and Newbold dweller replying “What are you doing about it?”

Ex-school worker busted

110833861

Zara Sims, 42, who oversaw the student-activity fund at the Edward Bok Technical High School, formerly 1901 S. Ninth St., pleaded guilty Monday to embezzling from the endowment, police said through an affidavit of probable cause.

Meek Mill’s Dreamchasers Thanksgiving visits Vare

139557971

When Philadelphia rapper and South Philly favorite Meek Mill decided he wanted to give back to his city, he came to the mayor’s office. Tumar Alexander, the Mayor’s Deputy Director of Legislative and…

David Brenner shtick-ing to his guns

141774261

David Brenner has loved espousing loyalty to levity for the lion’s share of his 77 years. The laugh-inducing legend has long aligned himself with similar souls and will tout four such figures tomorrow through Sunday and New Year’s…

Silk City Diner

139558071

Several years ago, I received a book called “Save the Deli.” The focus was on the dwindling number of authentic delis in the country, which made me long for the days when real Jewish delis dotted the American culinary landscape.

Johnson spreads holiday cheer in ‘Elf’

140597331

With numerous dream roles on her theatrical wish list, Jessica Johnson knows each occasion to contribute to a production will prepare her for prominence. Since early November, the 25-year-old has been gaining priceless…