// events Posts

The Cool Kids that Stole Christmas

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 12.20.10

“Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful, and since there’s no place to go. – Yougetcho, Yougetcho, Yougetcho!!!”

PI – “What’s ‘YOUGETCHO?’”

RB – “It’s a phrase, it’s a drink, it’s a way of life.

PI – So “yougetcho” went from a private joke, to a catchy phrase, to a trendy topic on twitter. You can even buy a “yougetcho” drink at Cool Kids Tuesdays.

JW – “Everything we do, we like to do grandiose.”

-Excerpt from PhillyIn’s In-Focus Interview with the Cool Kids

And grandiose it will be!

In the midst of all the holiday shopping, decorating, baking and stressing out! –  it’s time for some actual fun! The Cool Kids have taken over. They are ready to offer you ONE night of Stress Free Holiday Debauchery.

This Tuesday Night, December 21, they come to “A Cool Kids Christmas” at Recess Lounge 125 S 2nd St | Philadelphia, PA 19106. Door open at 11 pm

Music by DJ Aktive who has DJ-ed for Kanye West, Marsha Ambrosius, Mario, and Tyga’s.

RSVP to get on the guestlist. It WILL fill up.

Bottle Service is STRONGLY encouraged…..

RSVP CoolKidsJackReggie@yahoo.com

Tell a friend to tell a friend, see you on Tuesday the 21st………..

Come get on the naughty list! #GetIn

 

“A Gala of Great Minds”

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 12.13.10

What happens when you throw a “gala of great minds” matched with A-List entertainment, gourmet hors d’oeuvres, fancy cocktails and influential guests ? Magic happens! And that is exactly what occurred on November 17th, 2010 when Philadelphia’s own Craig Williams debuted his historical novel The Olympian. This book opening was like no other I have ever attended. It was much more a celebration of talent and accomplishments of Philadelphia’s most elite artists and icons, than a simple book opening.

But first things first! The novel, The Olympian is a biography based on the life of Dr. John Baxter Taylor Jr., the first ever African American to win a gold medal at the 1908 Olympics. Dr. John Baxter Taylor was a track and field athlete and graduate of Philadelphia’s Central High School and the prestigious University of Pennsylvania (my alma mater, woot woot!!) The novel chronicles Taylor’s extraordinary Olympic experience which is “filled with love, passion and the achievement of a dream against all odds.” For more information visit www.theolympian.net

Kate and I had the honor of being invited to this exclusive event! I’m not sure about her but I was expecting a run-of-the-mill, old school book signing. This was everything but that! The event was held in at “Trust” (formerly known as the “Real World house”) in the Old City section of Philadelphia. The night featured artwork by Jules Arthur, an award-winning painter whose stellar clientele include Jay-Z, Kate Hudson, Iain Softly and Pras Michel.

A live performance by Rockjazz artist and piano iconoclast ELEW.

Music by Philadelphia’s favorite DJ and multitalented music artist and producer ?uest Love.

And, last but not least, the host and author of the book Craig Williams.

As you can imagine, this event was fabulous. It was 5 star celebration that incorporated many mediums of creativity and expression. There was music, there was writing, there was artwork and did I mention delicious food and signature cocktails provided by Grey Goose Vodka? (See gallery photos). Most importantly there was historical significance. Dr. John Baxter Taylor Jr. is a symbol of talent, dedication and success. This affair and its cream of the crop guest artists and attendees are an extension of his legacy and I was honored to be a part of it!
To learn more about Craig Williams, the man behind it all, check out his bio here…
Craig Williams is what some people might call a Renaissance Man. That is, if they are the type prone to understatement. A writer, historian, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Williams embodies his city’s ambition and civic drive like few others can. As founder of the local construction firm Pride Enterprises, Williams regularly fulfills multi-million dollar contracts for clients ranging from Temple University to the United States Army. He changed the life of injured Iraq War veteran Richard Bennett when he partnered with him in another area construction firm, Fidelis Design and Construction, now a multi-million dollar firm with several government contracts to work on Veterans Affairs medical centers. This very year, Williams founded Philadelphia-area multimedia arts and entertainment company Vintage World in an effort to chronicle the lives and achievements of real-life heroes from diverse backgrounds—like John Taylor Jr.—who he believes have been overlooked in the pages of world history. A new type of figure in entertainment, Craig Williams is more than just an entrepreneur, author, publisher and historian. He is a visionary, concerned with nothing less than the formation of a new mythic history.

Photography provided by Jati Lindsay.

 

Mixing it Up with White Mike O.Z.

posted by amber

posted by Amber-Joi // 12.9.10

We’ve told you before that Cool Kids parties are the place you want to be! And, that’s just where I was when I met “White Mike” MCing. He rocked it!  I would soon find out that not only is White Mike a popular and talented MC, but he is also an entertaining tweeter (@WhiteMikeOZ), and most importantly, a skilled rapper. On November 24th White Mike O.Z. released his fifth mixtape “I Hate Rappers”. The mixtape can be downloaded at www.whitemikemusic.com … FOR FREE!

Got questions!? I did too. So White Mike O.Z. and I had a little impromptu interview. This is what Philly should know about one of its up and coming rappers / entertainers extraordinaire…

Q: What’s the inspiration behind the title of your mixtape “I HATE RAPPERS”?

A: “There is a lot of ‘fronting and following’ with rappers lately. Everybody is trying to be a gangsta’ nowadays. Basically, the title is just how I feel and I think a lot of people agree with the statement.”

In other words White Mike O.Z. “keeps it real” with you.  He’s going to hit you with the truth. His truth! Mike doesn’t need to put up a facade to sell records. He is doing this for the love of the music. He stays true to who he is and you can hear it in his music.

 Q: What does the OZ in White Mike O.Z. stand for?

A: “My last name is Osborne, so people have been calling me Oz, Ozzie and O.Z. for years.”

Enough Said!!!

Q: How long have you been rapping? What made you start rapping?

A: “I have loved rap music since I was a little kid. I started rapping about 11 yrs ago.”

White Mike first fell in love with Hip Hop at the age of 9 yrs old. It was introduced to him by an older friend. His love for the music and the culture grew over the years. By the time he hit high school, he was writing rhymes and freestyling in the school cafeteria and at local parties. He has grown to become a popular and respected rapper in the Philly music scene.

Q: What is your favorite song on the mixtape and why?

A: “I would have to say, ‘One Step Away”’… It’s just a real song. I know people will relate to. It’s also how I feel right now. Shout out to Drumcrazie for a crazy beat! Dope producer!”

My personal favorite is “Put it On Repeat” with Marsha Ambrosius. But as a lady I may be biased, because it’s a love song. =) There is something for everyone on “I Hate Rappers”. White Mike is a versatile rapper and this mixtape really shows the many sides of Mike.

Q: What is your relationship with DJ Aktive and DJ A-Run? Why did you choose to collaborate with them?

A: “Aktive & A-Run are like my brothers! We rock parties together and they were the first DJs in the city to really show me love when it came to my music. So, it was only right we do the mixtape together. That’s my family!”

White Mike often works with DJ Aktive and DJ A-Run to DJ and host Philly’s hottest parties. DJ A-Run has worked with Skillz, Macy’s, Royal Caribbean and Rocawear to name a few. And DJ Aktive has toured with major artists like, Kanye West, Kelis, Marshia Ambrosius, and Tyga. Because of the great reputation they are even asked to travel to surrounding cities. They have teamed up to become one of Philly’s hottest crews.

 

Q: Who is your favorite rapper of all time?

A: “Myself! Lol! Sike! Nah…I’d probably have to say Biggie…his versatility was crazy!”

There he goes!!! Keepin’ it real!

Q: Where can people pick up / download your mixtape and how much does it cost?

A: “The mixtape is on my website www.whitemikemusic.com. It’s available as a free download.”

 Go there today folks!! Support Philly rappers! White Mike O.Z. has worked with Philly’s top rappers and DJs. His music has even received radio play. Google him!!!

Q: You’ve coined the phrase “Hustle Smarter” What do you mean by that? How does one Hustle Smarter? Enlighten us!

A: “ … Basically whatever you do, be smart about it. Do your research, have a game plan. You can work hard as hell but if you’re not smart about it you’re wasting time and probably won’t get very far. Hustle Smarter not harder, that’s the way I play!”

 And we appreciate the hustle Mike! 

Follow White Mike at www.twitter.com/whitemikeoz He’s tweets are awesome and you can also get updates on his music. You can also witness White Mike O.Z. MCing, with his partner in crime DJ Aktive, every Wednesday night at  Vango Lounge.

Download “I Hate Rappers” at www.whitemikemusic.com. I promise you will be entertained.

Just a note:  White Mike’s tweets and music are not for the sensitive and parental discretion is advised.

 

Preston and Steve: Making the Miracle Happen!

posted by kate

posted by Kate // 12.7.10

“You HAVE to do something, you HAVE to take a chance, you DO have to get involved. There are people that are having trouble making their miracle happen! There are people that don’t have enough to eat! There are people that are cold! You can go out and say ‘hello’ to these people! You can take an old blanket out of the closet and say ‘here’ or you can make ’em sandwich and say ‘Oh by the way, HERE!’  Then it can happen, then the miracle can happen to you! It’s not just the poor and hungry, it’s everybody’s who’s gotta have this miracle! ” – Bill Murray in Scrooged.

263 Tons of food collected! OVER $64,119 raised!  (More final totals and prize winner details on the Official Camp Out page here!)

WMMR’s Preston and Steve Show and Philabundance, know how to make Philadelphia’s Miracle happen for Philadelphians in need.

In tough times, help is needed more than ever! So, the PhillyIn cast set their alarms and headed out bright and early. (Ok, Justin was brighter and earlier than Amber-Joi and myself. But we got there!) We made our pilgrimage to the Metroplex Shopping Center in Plymouth Meeting on Friday to drop off our donations. (“Lug” our donations would be more accurate. Those cans are heavy! I’m thinking about quitting the gym and transporting food for Philabundance as an alternative to working out.)

Each year, Preston and Steve take their show out of the studio and hunker down in an RV to “Camp Out For Hunger”. Their week-long drive includes special guest appearances from athletes (Phillies Pitcher Ryan Madson talking to Preston and Steve in photo below) and celebrities, along with live music, free coffee and goodies, and a chance for listeners to watch their favorite morning show and witness the magic as it happens! People are encouraged to drop off food and monetary donations to benefit Philabundance, an organization dedicated to feeding the hungry of the Delaware Valley.

It’s only been a few years since my last visit to the “Camp Out”, but WOW! has it been upgraded! I remember huddling for heat in my little 76ers velour warm-up. So, this time, I came prepared with many layers. But, the tent was “ginormous”! It had lots of seating, and even HEAT! The “set” included a small stage for performers, stage lighting, and flat-screen TVs. The “Camp Out” keeps growing and it’s awesome to see how it’s turned into a major opportunity for people and businesses to come together in support of their community; while providing all a goodly measure of Holiday fun.

It was inspiring to see how much the MMR team truly cares about giving back to our city. Preston and Steve were both losing their voices (and probably their minds) while we guzzled down free coffee from McDonald’s and enjoyed the sounds of rock band, Finger 11.

We bumped into Jenn Frederick and John Bolaris of Fox 29.

Their ability to generate such enthusiasm over such a good cause, is just one reason that the cast of PhillyIn is proud to call the cast and crew of the Preston and Steve Morning Show friends.  

Personally, “P and S” and I go way back. I actually paid my very first visit to the studio when I was just a Rookie on the Sixers Dance Team back in 2005. Here’s a throwback.

What sticks indelibly in my mind these many years later, was how welcoming the “P and S” family was to a newly minted Rookie.  Since then, they’ve had Amber-Joi and myself on-air and on-cam numerous times. And, talk about welcoming; even Justin recently had a chance to visit the studio. (He wrote about his experience here.) I wonder if they’ve scheduled his “Hottie Cam” appearance yet?

Just a note: simply because the “Camp-Out” is over, doesn’t mean you can’t still help. Click on Philabundance to make a donation and discover more ways to help. To find out more info about the “Camp Out” go to the Official Preston and Steve Camp Out For Hunger Page.

Follow them on twitter

@Philabundance

@933WMMR

Giving back is a great way for the whole city to #GetIn.

“And it can happen tonight for all of you! If you believe in this spirit thing, the miracle will happen and then you’ll want it to happen again tommorow! You won’t be one of these bastards that says ‘Christmas is once a year and its a fraud’. It’s not!  It can happen everyday, you just gotta WANT that feeling!  And if you like and you want it, YOU’LL GET GREEDY FOR IT! You’ll want it everyday of your life!! And it can happen to you!!!” – Bill Murray in Scrooged

 

Visiting the Preston and Steve Show at 93.3 WMMR

posted by justin

posted by Justin // 12.2.10

This past week, myself and PhillyIn friend, Seth Birch, paid a visit to the WMMR studios for the Preston and Steve Calendar release broadcast. Having always been a huge Preston and Steve fan, I was very excited to check out the behind the scenes and meet the whole group.We had picked a great day to attend the broadcast, with some of Philly’s own local celebrities showing up as well, including weatherman John Bolaris, model and 2010-2011 Preston and Steve cover calendar model Lauren Harris, Pete of Chickie and Pete’s and comedian Jeff Ross.

If you have yet to catch a live airing of the Preston and Steve show, it is worth taking the morning off of work to check out. Listeners are welcome to sit in on the broadcast, and there is always food being brought in by local restaurants.

In case you didn’t know, this week is the Preston and Steve Campout for Hunger, which PhillyIn will all be attending  to support the cause and help the less fortunate.  I’ve heard it’s always a great time and an event filled with laughs. 

Camp Out Event Information: 
 
When:  Monday, November 29th thru Friday, December 3rd (It’s over at the end of the broadcast on Friday – about 10am)
Donations are accepted Monday through Thursday from 6am to about 8pm, and Friday from 6am to 10am. <
WMMR- Preston & Steve Camp Out For Hunger

Where: The Metroplex Shopping Center in Plymouth Meeting, PA

All donations benefit Philabundance – feeding the hungry of the Delaware Valley

For more information check out PrestonandSteve.com and we hope to see everyone there.

Special thanks to Marisa Magnatta and the producers and crew of the Preston and Steve show for having us out. It was a great time, and we will hopefully be stopping back in the near future, and maybe can get on air sometime. Thanks, you guys ROCK!