Jim Gardner

Is it true that the Sixers are the only team in Philadelphia to fail/refuse to congratulate the Eagles on reaching the Superbowl? Obviously there’s an awkward confict with Sixers owner, Josh Harris, owning the team (Washington Commanders) the Eagles beat to reach the summit. But that raises two notions: either Harris could have the class to congratulate the team that bested him, or an owner shouldn’t be allowed to own teams in different sports in competing markets. I hate the fact that the owner of the Sixers roots with everything he has against the Eagles every Sunday. There’s something distinctly wrong with that. Of course it drives home the inescapable point that owning a professional sports franchise is “strictly business,” when for the fans, it’s all about love, passion, pride, identity, etc.
Having said all that, Couldn’t Harris just give a nod to Jeff Lurie, “job well done, get you next time.”
Now, if the report is false, and the Sixers did, in fact, congratulate the Eagles, well then, never mind!

Wicked: 10 Oscar nominations. Extraordinary. But no nomination for director John Chu. He’s responsible for hiring everyone on screen and creating and implementing the vision that has captivated audiences worldwide. How is it possible he’s been bypassed? That’s just plain ABSURD. Shame on the Academy.

My talented daughter, Emily!

Thank you to my friends and colleagues (former?) for your kind birthday wishes. They mean a lot.

I was honored to be able to make this announcement at the No Name Pops concert on April 20th. A bit of musical history in Philadelphia!

https://fb.watch/rAQ7in4EPd/?mibextid=w8EBqM

The No Name Pops Board of Directors and the Nero family are excited to make the following announcement: The No Name Pops is pleased to announce that it has entered into discussions with Peter Nero’s family to be able to perform under the Philly Pops trademark and carry on Peter Nero’s legacy. Both the orchestra and the Nero family look forward to the day that Philadelphia’s proud tradition can officially be reborn under the name that Peter Nero made famous.

What a memorable day this was. I was doing a story about Peter Nero’s final concert with the Philly Pops in 2013. And while it was the end of his extraordinary career with the orchestra he created and parented for almost 35 years, it was also the beginning of a friendship that I valued until Peter’s death, and still value, perhaps even more now. As a lover of his work, and as a board member of the No Name Pops, I am so excited about the approach of our April 20th, 3 PM concert paying tribute to Peter Nero. The Kimmel Center will feel Peter’s presence, as will the musicians and the audience. Rhapsody!

I’ve expressed my excitement at being involved in an organization committed to the survival of POPs music in Philadelphia. That doesn’t mean the is confined to the City. We are excited about our next concert: Broadway in the ‘Burbs at Immaculata University on Feb. 17th! Please join us! For one afternoon, Malvern becomes Broadway. Very cool!

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1r4cp-UVXe306VbfVR8Km6fW7v68N_lbBPCZqEwI-L3E/edit?usp=sharing

I am honored to be a member of this group! This is the Board of the No Name Pops. We’re working hard to assure that Philadelphia continues to have a brilliant pops orchestra. And while we will always honor the legacy of Peter Nero, we are also looking forward to exploring new music and new audiences! We hope every music loving resident of the Philadelphia area comes to know the extraordinary musicians of this orchestra, whether at the Kimmel Center or other venues in the city and the ‘burbs. It’s an exciting time for “pops” music around here. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be part of the organization to explore its future!

Somebody has hacked my page and is sending inappropriate messages to people who have left comments. Please ignore, and please don’t be offended.

I was truly honored to see this from one of the truly respected members of the public relations profession in Philadelphia, Sharla Feldscher:
“I’m happy to say I’ve listened to all of Jim Gardner’s More to Explore podcasts! Every one of them has left me thinking after and feeling privileged to listen to such fascinating conversations. Do yourself a favor and subscribe!”
Thank you Sharla!