Dance Moms Recap S5 E17 Showdown in Pittsburgh, Part 1: Nia's Video Premiere

Nia Frazier premiered her "Star in Your Own Life" video on Dance Moms

By REESE AMOROSI

Previously on Dance Moms, Abby Lee Miller and her Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) were in LA, and Jill Vertes and Holly Frazier ramped up the mama drama while their daughters – Kendall K and Nia Frazier, respectively – shot music videos. This week on Dance Moms season 5, episode 17 titled "Showdown in Pittsburgh, Part 1," Abby and the team are back in Pittsburgh, PA; Holly plans a premiere party for Nia's "Star in Your Own Life" video; and the ALDC prepares to compete against two rivals: Cathy Nesbitt-Stein, owner of the Candy Apples Dance Center (CADC), and Jeanette Cota, owner of the Broadway Dance Academy (and mom of former ALDC Select Team member Ava Cota).

Philadelphia's Deesha Dyer Named as Special Assistant to the President

President Obama

By A.D. AMOROSI

In mid-April 2015, the United States' White House announced that Philadelphia-native Deesha Dyer had been promoted to Special Assistant to the President and Social Secretary. This is a considerable leap for a woman who started as a young White House intern in 2009, then served as Deputy Director and Hotel Program Director in the Obama administration's White House Office of Scheduling and Advance. Mostly though, Dyer's new job is just one more step in the fine career of a Philadelphian who was a club promoter and a freelance reporter.

East Passyunk Celebrates Flavors of the Avenue and Grace & Pat's Opening

From Plenty: Crostini with Tasso ham, fig jam, sliced green apple and Gruyere

By A.D. AMOROSI

On Sunday, April 26, East Passyunk Avenue (EPA) – home to South Philadelphia's famed Restaurant Row – will show off its finest culinary wares in one place at the 8th annual Flavors of the Avenue under the big top tent between Tasker and Morris Avenues from noon to 4 PM. That same day will also be the debut of East Passyunk Avenue's newest eatery, Grace & Pat's ristorante, across from EPA's Singing Fountain.

'Dance Moms' Recap S5 E16 Video Killed the ALDC Star: Abby vs. Aubrey

L to R: Nia Frazier and Kendall Vertes, stars of Dance Moms on Lifetime

By REESE AMOROSI

Previously on Dance Moms, Abby Lee Miller and the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) were victorious in their rematch with Erin Babbs and the Murrieta Dance Project. This week on Dance Moms season 5, episode 16 titled "Video Killed the ALDC Star," the ALDC spends their last week in LA in a competition judged by kids, and the ongoing tension between Holly (Nia Frazier's mom) and Jill (Kendall Vertes' mom) comes to a head as both of their daughters shoot music videos, one produced by Abby (Kendall), and one not (Nia).

The Spirit of 'The Honeymooners' Jackie Gleason Lives on in 'To the Moon'

A still from "To the Moon" by 1812 Productions

By A.D. AMOROSI

On April 22, 1812 Productions – Philadelphia's sole "all-comedy theatre company" – premieres To the Moon, a fantastical tale of a hard working mook who dreams of hitting the big time, whatever that may be, with The Honeymooners' Jackie Gleason as his ideal. The play stars Scott Greer, known to 2015 audiences as the critically-acclaimed lead in Theatre Exile's The Whale (and also for the press surrounding his titular role in that company's upcoming Rizzo), is directed by Matt Pfeiffer and is written by 1812's Artistic Director (and Greer's wife) Jennifer Childs, with additional choreography from Bill Irwin.

Real Estate: Will Cavanaugh's Purchase Katmandu in Philadelphia?

Journalist A.D. Amorosi and Mayor Michael Nutter at an event in 2013

By A.D. AMOROSI

When Mayor Michael Nutter and Philadelphia developer Michael Samschick announce, on April 16, the development of a new 3,000 capacity Live Nation concert hall – the 2,500 person Fillmore and its 500-person artist development Foundry – at Frankford and N. Delaware Avenue, that won't be the only juicy news on the block. There's some great gossip going on just down the street from the Samschick/Live Nation workplace at the old Ajax Metal Company on Delaware Avenue: the rumored sale of the legendary Katmandu at Pier 25 to the folks behind the Cavanaugh's family of clubs.

'Dance Moms' Recap S5 E15 Maddie vs. Kalani, ALDC vs. MDP

By REESE AMOROSI

Previously on Dance Moms, studio owner Abby Lee Miller and the Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) left their Pittsburgh, PA hometown and returned to Los Angeles, CA for round two of competitions, workshops and appearances. This week on Dance Moms season 5, episode 15 "Maddie vs. Kalani," the ALDC gets a rematch against choreographer Erin Babbs and her Murrieta Dance Project (aka MDP, the team that beat them during their first trip to LA), and the tension between Jill (Kendall's mom) and Holly (Nia's mom) escalates as their daughters prepare to shoot music videos, one produced by Abby (Kendall), and one not (Nia).

The Sweet Life Bakeshop Moves to Philly's Famous South Street

Megan Kennedy of The Sweet Life Bakeshop on South Street in Philadelphia

By REESE AMOROSI

After four successful years in their original South Philly location, The Sweet Life Bakeshop has moved to an airy pink and white space on Philadelphia's famous South Street. Since opening their doors on March 2nd, they've been doing brisk business welcoming fans old and new, all who stop by for the Southern-inspired American desserts made by Sweet Life's owners, the married team of Megan and Antonio Kennedy.

Dance Moms Recap S5 E14 Hollywood Round 2: Nia vs. Kendall

L to R: Dallas Lovato and Abby Lee Miller on 'Dance Moms'

By REESE AMOROSI

Previously on Dance Moms, Abby Lee Miller and her Abby Lee Dance Company (ALDC) had a rematch with Cathy Nesbitt-Stein's Candy Apples Dance Center (CADC) team, and for the first time in over two years, the CADC won. This week on Dance Moms season 5, episode 14 titled "Hollywood, Round 2," the ALDC leaves their Pittsburgh, PA, hometown and returns to LA for three weeks, Nia Frazier and Kendall Vertes prepare to make music videos AND go head-to-head in competition, and the entire team takes an acting workshop run by Dallas Lovato (Demi Lovato's sister).

Billie Holiday's 100th Birthday Celebrated with New Releases, Tributes

Billie Holiday

By A.D. AMOROSI

On April 7, 2015, Billie Holiday – jazz's greatest female vocal interpreter – would have turned 100 years old. To celebrate the occasion, cities integral in Holiday's history announced honors, Billie's official website was redesigned and relaunched, and there were record releases: compilations, full catalog unveilings, and separate tributes by jazz singers Cassandra Wilson (Coming Forth by Day) and Molly Johnson (Because of Billie).

David Lynch Quits Showtime Network's 'Twin Peaks' Reboot

David Lynch

By A.D. AMOROSI

On April 5, 2015, the famously cryptic David Lynch sent out a straightforward announcement that he was pulling out of the Showtime network's reboot of Twin Peaks, the surreal 90s TV series he co-authored with screenwriter Mark Frost. The reason? Money, according to Lynch. Showtime immediately responded that they're "holding out hope" they can work things out and bring Lynch back to Twin Peaks.

Bluecoat Barrel Finished Gin Debuts at Philly Bartending Competition

Bartender Jesse Cornell at Bluecoat Barrel Finished Gin Event

By A.D. AMOROSI and REESE AMOROSI

When Philadelphia Distilling introduced Bluecoat Gin in 2006, it was heralded as one of the most drinkable gins on the market, a spirit less dry than traditional British gins. On April 2, the state-run liquor stores in Pennsylvania began stocking Bluecoat Barrel Finished Gin, a small batch processed spirit – six barrels for every run – that will only be available until May 2. On March 25, at Iron Chef Jose Garces' Olde Bar, Philadelphia Distilling held a preview party and bartending competition for their newest offering. During the event, Bluecoat reintroduced the Clover Club, a gin-based cocktail that originated in Philly in the 1880s.

Sia Releases Third Video Starring Maddie Ziegler: "Big Girls Cry"

Maddie Ziegler stars in the video for "Big Girls Cry" by Sia

By REESE AMOROSI

Madison "Maddie" Ziegler, the 12-year-old phenom from reality TV show Dance Moms (Lifetime), is arguably the most famous dancer in the world right now, having starred in a trilogy of videos by pop chanteuse Sia: "Chandelier," "Elastic Heart," and the newly-released "Big Girls Cry," in which she runs through facial expressions and a mesmerizing, manic hand jive. In all three videos, directed by Sia and Daniel Askill and choreographed by Ryan Heffington, Maddie plays a young Sia while wearing the now-iconic costume of nude-colored leotard and platinum bob wig. With Sia's soaring vocals and Maddie's preternatural talent and lack of self-consciousness, they are an unforgettable duo.

'Dance Moms' Recap S5 E13 "Mackenzie's Time to Shine"

'Dance Moms' Recap S5 E13 "Mackenzie's Time to Shine"

By REESE AMOROSI

Previously on Dance Moms, studio owner Abby Lee Miller and her Abby Lee Dance Company won first place in a competition against nemesis Cathy Nesbitt-Stein and her Candy Apples Dance Center (CADC) team. This week on Dance Moms season 5, episode 12 titled "Mackenzie's Time to Shine," Mack Z gets a chance to bask in the spotlight while big sister Maddie Ziegler is in NYC performing on Saturday Night Live with singer Sia (Maddie dances in her videos for "Chandelier" and "Elastic Heart"), and the ALDC and CADC get a rematch.