‘Shark Tank’ Returns to Philadelphia for March 18 Open Casting Call at Rivers Philadelphia
Photo Credit: Rivers Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, January 26, 2026 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Casting producers for the Emmy Award-winning ABC television series Shark Tank will return to Philadelphia for an open casting call on Wednesday, March 18. The event will take place at The Event Center at Rivers Philadelphia in Fishtown in collaboration with WPVI-TV/6abc.
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Producers from the primetime series will hear pitches from entrepreneurs presenting business ideas, products, and services. Contestants may begin lining up at 8 a.m., with numbered wristbands distributed from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Pitches are expected to begin at approximately 10 a.m.
Applications will be available both online at ABC.com and on-site during the event. Entrepreneurs selected during the casting process may be invited to appear on Season 18 of Shark Tank, which is expected to begin airing later this year.
The Philadelphia casting call follows a record turnout at Rivers Philadelphia last year, when more than 900 people attended and producers heard more than 460 pitches. Several businesses that auditioned at the 2025 Philadelphia event later appeared on Season 17 of the show, which is currently airing.
“We were blown away by last year’s turnout and the quality of the entrepreneurs that presented to us. Returning to Philly was a no-brainer, and we can’t wait to see what innovative brands and entrepreneurs will impress us with in March,” said Mindy Zemrak, Supervising Casting Producer of Shark Tank.
The March 18 event will be one of a limited number of open casting calls held nationwide and the only East Coast casting event planned for Season 18. Entrepreneurs who auditioned at last year’s Philadelphia event are eligible to audition again.
Parking at Rivers Philadelphia will be complimentary, and a free shuttle will operate throughout the day between the property’s main entrance and Riversuites at The Battery, the venue’s boutique hotel located across Penn Treaty Park.
Only individuals auditioning are permitted to attend the open casting call. Participants will have the opportunity to deliver a one-minute pitch to a member of the casting team. The Sharks themselves do not participate in casting events.
For more information, visit www.abc.com/shows/shark-tank or www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia.
Source: Rivers Philadelphia
All-4-One and Montell Jordan to Perform at Rivers Casino Philadelphia in February
All-4-One • Photo Credit: Rivers Casino Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA, January 12, 2026 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Entertainment venue Rivers Casino Philadelphia has announced that Grammy Award–winning R&B group All-4-One and multiplatinum recording artist Montell Jordan will perform a joint concert on Saturday, February 28, at 8 p.m.
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The performance will take place in The Event Center at Rivers Casino Philadelphia. Tickets start at $59, plus applicable taxes and handling fees, and are available for purchase through the casino’s website.
Montell Jordan • Photo Credit: Rivers Casino Philadelphia
All-4-One, a California-based quartet, is known for a series of chart-topping R&B ballads including “I Swear,” “I Can Love You Like That,” “So Much in Love,” and “I Turn to You.” The group’s single “I Swear” spent 11 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 in 1994 and remains one of the most commercially successful singles of that era. The group has released seven studio albums and sold more than 20 million records worldwide.
Jordan will also perform during the event, including his 1995 hit “This Is How We Do It,” which topped the Billboard Hot 100 for seven consecutive weeks. Jordan released seven studio albums during his recording career and has sold more than 10 million records globally. His catalog includes songs such as “Let’s Ride,” “Get It On Tonite,” and “Falling.”
The concert is part of Rivers Casino Philadelphia’s ongoing schedule of live entertainment events hosted at the venue.
For more information, visit www.riverscasino.com/philadelphia.
Source: Rivers Casino Philadelphia
Rivers Casino Portsmouth to Launch Wedding Offerings With Bridal Brunch Event Featuring Randy Fenoli
Photo Credit: Rivers Casino Portsmouth
PORTSMOUTH, Va., January 5, 2026 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Casino and entertainment venue Rivers Casino Portsmouth, has announced a Bridal Brunch & Designer Showcase scheduled for February 15, 2026, marking the official launch of its wedding and event services.
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The event will take place at The Event Center at Rivers Casino Portsmouth and will feature bridal designer and television personality Randy Fenoli, known for hosting the TLC series Say Yes to the Dress. The program is scheduled to begin at 11 a.m. and will include a brunch, a runway presentation of bridal gowns from the Randy Fenoli Collection, and a live presentation offering wedding-related insights.
According to the company, the showcase is intended to introduce couples and wedding planners to the venue’s event capabilities, including on-site catering, event coordination, and flexible reception spaces. Attendees who register for the event will be entered into a raffle for prizes that include a wedding gown, a rehearsal dinner, or a wedding reception hosted at Rivers Casino Portsmouth, with prize packages valued up to $30,000. The first 100 registrants will also receive access to a private meet-and-greet experience with Fenoli.
“Brides, grooms, and wedding planners in Hampton Roads have a new venue in which to bring their visions to life. Our spacious Event Center, in-house culinary experts, and dedicated wedding services team are here to help plan your wedding your way,” said Antonio Perez, general manager of Rivers Casino Portsmouth.
The company stated that the event is timed to follow Valentine’s Day and is aimed at newly engaged couples, families, and individuals currently planning weddings. Tickets are priced at $50, plus tax and handling fees, and attendance is limited. Guests must be 21 years of age or older.
Rivers Casino Portsmouth is Virginia’s first permanent casino and is operated by Rush Street Gaming, which manages casino properties in several U.S. markets.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.riverscasino.com.
Source: Rivers Casino Portsmouth
Lisa Vanderpump Hosts Seventh Annual Vanderpump Dog Foundation Gala in Beverly Hills
Photo Credit: The Vanderpump Dog Foundation
BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., December 12, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Television personality and philanthropist Lisa Vanderpump hosted the Vanderpump Dog Foundation’s seventh annual gala on Thursday at The Maybourne Hotel in Beverly Hills, bringing together supporters, celebrities, and partners to raise funds for the organization’s animal rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
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The sold-out event began with red carpet arrivals, followed by a cocktail reception and silent auction featuring donated items including hotel stays, pet services, and beauty packages. Guests later moved into a decorated ballroom for a formal dinner program that included live music, performances, and a live auction of experiential offerings.
The gala focused on raising awareness and financial support for its ongoing rescue operations in the United States and abroad. The organization reported that its Emergency Medical Fund has provided treatment to hundreds of dogs and that more than 3,000 dogs have been adopted since the opening of the Vanderpump Dog Rescue Center on West 3rd Street in Los Angeles in 2017. The foundation also outlined recent initiatives, including spay-and-neuter programs in Baja Mexico, efforts in China, and planned international expansion.
Mario Lopez served as host for the evening. Additional presenters and performers included Lance Bass, Trixie Mattel, Emma Hunton, and C.J. Emmons. Entertainment during the dinner program was provided by the band VERSE. The Los Angeles Fire Department was recognized with the Dog Heroes Award of the Year for its service to the community and animals.
Learn more at: www.VanderpumpDogs.org
Source: The Vanderpump Dog Foundation
Ron Howard to Headline The NAMA Show 2026 in Los Angeles
Academy Award-winning filmmaker Ron Howard • Photo Credit: NAMA
ARLINGTON, Va., December 9, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Trade association NAMA, an organization representing the U.S. convenience services industry, has announced that filmmaker Ron Howard will headline The NAMA Show 2026, scheduled for April 22–24, 2026, at the Los Angeles Convention Center.
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The annual event is the primary gathering for the $40 billion convenience services sector, bringing together business leaders, technology partners and operators focused on vending, micro markets, unattended retail, and workplace coffee and pantry services.
Howard’s participation aligns with the show’s emphasis on leadership and innovation. The Academy Award–winning director is known for films including Apollo 13 and A Beautiful Mind, and is the co-founder of Imagine Entertainment, whose productions have earned multiple Emmy, Oscar and Golden Globe awards.
A veteran of both film and television, Howard began his career as a child actor before his roles in The Andy Griffith Show and Happy Days. His career has earned recognition in the Television Hall of Fame and on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
“There’s a shared DNA between storytelling and service innovation. The NAMA Show is where those ideas meet: where creativity, technology and human connection come together. Ron Howard’s perspective captures that energy perfectly,” said Kristen Griffith, senior vice president of member experience at NAMA.
The 2026 program will include technology showcases, product unveilings and education sessions focused on emerging trends in convenience services.
For more information, visit www.thenamashow.org.
Source: NAMA
Heidi Klum Kicks Off Empire State Building’s Fall and Halloween Celebrations with Seasonal Pop-Up and Tower Lighting
Photo Credit: Empire State Realty Trust, Inc.
NEW YORK, November 1, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Real estate company Empire State Realty Trust, which owns the Empire State Building, has announced a series of fall and Halloween celebrations at the landmark, including themed décor, a special tower lighting, and an exclusive marathon ticket promotion.
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“The Empire State Building has always been at the heart of New York’s holiday celebrations. Our fall festivities bring that same energy to the ‘World’s Most Famous Building’ as they blend tradition, creativity, and a bit of spooky fun for all our visitors,” said Dan Rogoski, Senior Vice President and General Manager of the Empire State Building Observatory.
Supermodel Heidi Klum, known as the “Queen of Halloween,” visited the building to light the tower and officially launch the festivities. Visitors are invited to tour the Observatory in costume through the Halloween weekend.
Through November 21, New York bagel shop Ess-a-Bagel will operate a pop-up on the 86th-floor observatory deck from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, offering bagel sandwiches, fall treats, and seasonal snacks. Additionally, from October 30 through November 3, runners in the 2025 TCS New York City Marathon will receive a 15% discount on tickets to the 86th- and 102nd-floor observatories upon showing proof of participation.
The 86th-floor observatory also features a fall-themed photo installation inspired by a New York apple orchard, open through November 6. On Halloween night, the building’s tower will be illuminated in orange and green to resemble a giant pumpkin, accompanied by a new hourly “spooky” chime display featuring flashes and strobes from dusk to dawn.
The Empire State Building’s Observatory Experience underwent a $165 million renovation that introduced a new ticket center, interactive museum, and redesigned 102nd-floor observatory with panoramic city views. The attraction has been ranked the number one top destination in New York City for four consecutive years by Tripadvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Awards: Best of the Best Things to Do.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.esbnyc.com.
Source: Empire State Realty Trust
Zach Bryan Performs First-Ever Concert at Michigan Stadium, Drawing Record 112,408 Attendees
Zach Bryan • Photo Credit: Jason Welling
ANN ARBOR, Mich., September 29, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) – Multi-Platinum, GRAMMY-winning artist Zach Bryan has performed the first-ever concert at Michigan Stadium, drawing a record-setting crowd of 112,408 attendees.
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The event, which took place on Saturday night, marked the largest ticketed show in U.S. history and generated $5 million in merchandise sales. The lineup included special guest John Mayer, along with support from Ryan Bingham and The Texas Gentlemen, and Joshua Slone.
Michigan Stadium, known as “The Big House,” is the largest stadium in the United States and the third largest in the world. While the venue has previously hosted major sporting events such as college football, soccer, and hockey, this performance was the first concert held at the stadium.
AEG Presents, the promoter of the event, operates across five continents and is known for organizing global tours and music festivals including Coachella, Stagecoach, and British Summer Time at Hyde Park. The company partners with numerous live music brands and venues to support artist development and live entertainment experiences.
For more information, visit www.aegpresents.com and zachbryan.com.
Source: AEG Presents
ABC’s ‘Shark Tank’ Investor Lori Greiner to Speak at Startup World Cup 2025 Grand Finale in San Francisco
SAN FRANCISCO, September 19, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) – Venture capital firm Pegasus Tech Ventures has announced that Lori Greiner, investor on ABC’s Shark Tank and entrepreneur, will speak at the Startup World Cup 2025 Grand Finale on October 17 in San Francisco.
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Greiner is recognized for her career as an inventor and brand builder, holding more than 120 U.S. and international patents and a portfolio of over 1,000 products. Several of her Shark Tank investments rank among the most successful in the show’s history, including 10 of the top 20. She is also an author, producer, and advocate for women entrepreneurs and social impact initiatives.
The Startup World Cup brings together founders from more than 60 countries through over 100 regional competitions. Finalists will compete at the Grand Finale in San Francisco, where the winning startup will receive a $1 million investment prize.
Confirmed speakers at this year’s event include Yossi Matias, Head of Research at Google; Mark Papermaster, Chief Technology Officer at AMD; Court Lorenzini, Founding CEO of DocuSign; Michelle Zatlyn, Co-Founder and President of Cloudflare; Ben Kus, Chief Technology Officer at Box; and Camilla Matias, Chief Operating Officer at Brex.
Startup World Cup was created by Pegasus Tech Ventures and is described as one of the largest startup pitch competitions in the world. The firm, based in Silicon Valley, manages $2 billion in assets and offers both venture capital investments and its Venture Capital-as-a-Service (VCaaS) model for corporations seeking to work with emerging technology companies.
For more information on the Startup World Cup, visit www.startupworldcup.io.
Source: Pegasus Tech Ventures
Esai Morales to Co-Host 2025 National Memorial Day Concert, Replacing Joe Mantegna
Esai Morales • Photo Credit: Filip Shobot
WASHINGTON, D.C., May 24, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Event production company Capital Concerts has announced that actor Esai Morales will co-host the 36th annual National Memorial Day Concert alongside Gary Sinise. Morales steps in for longtime host Joe Mantegna for this year’s event, which will air live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
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The concert will be broadcast nationally from 8:00 to 9:30 p.m. ET on PBS and streamed for global audiences via the American Forces Network, YouTube, and www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert. It will also be available on demand from May 25 through June 8, 2025.
The program will feature appearances by actors Robert Patrick, Blair Underwood, Gretchen Mol, and Mary McCormack. Musical performances will include Loren Allred, Scotty Hasting, Yolanda Adams, Angel Blue, and the National Symphony Orchestra conducted by Jack Everly.
The National Memorial Day Concert is an annual televised tribute that honors the service and sacrifice of U.S. military personnel and their families. It is produced by Capital Concerts in partnership with PBS.
For more information, visit www.pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/home.
Source: Capital Concerts
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson Delivers Commencement Address to LMU Class of 2025
Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson served as the keynote speaker at Loyola Marymount University’s undergraduate commencement celebration on May 17, 2025 • Photo Credit: Loyola Marymount University
LOS ANGELES, May 19, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Musician, filmmaker, and author Ahmir “Questlove” Thompson delivered the undergraduate commencement address at Loyola Marymount University’s 2025 ceremony. Thompson delivered remarks centered on navigating uncertainty and personal growth through four core principles: gratitude, breathing through fear, movement, and self-affirmation.
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Speaking at LMU’s Westchester campus, Thompson told graduates, “This isn't just for people with framed credentials. This is for anyone who's felt small in a big moment — or too big in a world that wanted you to feel smaller.”
Thompson discussed how daily practices have shaped his resilience. “Without gratitude, we become entitled ... But gratitude is what keeps you human, reminding us that even with our hustle and willpower, something bigger is at work,” he said.
Addressing stress and anxiety, he stated, “Your lungs can't distinguish between a panic attack and a standing ovation — so only your breath decides which story you're living.”
On emotional processing, he added, “What we don't process, we still carry — first in our hearts, then it's in our bodies. What we don't express will find a way to express through us anyway.”
He concluded with a message on self-talk: “Transformation begins with how you talk to yourself — by flipping that question … 'Am I good enough?' into 'I am good enough.'”
Thompson is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker, a six-time GRAMMY winner, and the musical director for “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.” His documentary Summer of Soul won the 2022 Academy Award for Best Documentary, and his latest film Sly Lives! premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
More than 2,880 students are participating in LMU’s commencement ceremonies. The university’s graduate and law school commencement will take place on May 18, with physicist and author Brian Greene scheduled to speak.
For more information, visit www.lmu.edu.
Source: Loyola Marymount University
Jim Thompson Hosts Beverly Hills Event with the Cast of ‘White Lotus’ Season 3
Walton Goggins, Tayme Thapthimthong, Frank Cancelloni, Dom Hetrakul, Natasha Rothwell, and Jon Gries attend the Jim Thompson soirée celebrating the brand and "The White Lotus" at Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge Estate. Photo Credit: Harmony Gerber
LOS ANGELES, April 28, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Lifestyle brand Jim Thompson hosted an event on April 24 at the Dawnridge Estate in Beverly Hills, California, to celebrate Thai culture and design. The gathering coincided with the brand's feature in Season 3 of the television series "The White Lotus."
Be Inthavong, Mike White, and Frank Cancelloni attend the Jim Thompson soirée celebrating the brand and "The White Lotus" at Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge Estate. Photo Credit: Harmony Gerber
The event showcased Jim Thompson's Thai heritage and introduced guests to its contemporary resort wear and home furnishings line. Attendees included "The White Lotus" creator Mike White and cast members Walton Goggins, Natasha Rothwell, Jon Gries, Tayme Thapthimthong, and Dom Hetrakul. Mr. Tor Saralamba, Consul-General of the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles, was also present.
"Our presence in The White Lotus Season 3 marks an exciting moment for the brand, introducing our ready-to-wear, accessories and fabrics to a new generation of global tastemakers. This is a key milestone for our vision to become the first global lifestyle brand from Asia," said Frank Cancelloni, CEO of Jim Thompson.
Natasha Rothwell attends the Jim Thompson soirée celebrating the brand and "The White Lotus" at Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge Estate. Photo Credit: Harmony Gerber
Founded in 1951 by James H.W. Thompson, the company is recognized for preserving and revitalizing Thailand’s silk industry. In addition to Thai silk, Jim Thompson has expanded into home furnishings and ready-to-wear fashion. The brand’s involvement in The White Lotus included custom ensembles for the main cast and set designs featuring Jim Thompson Home Furnishings.
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For more information, visit www.jimthompson.com.
Dom Hetrakul, Frank Cancelloni, and Tayme Thapthimthong attend the Jim Thompson soirée celebrating the brand and "The White Lotus" at Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge Estate. Photo Credit: Mark Humphrey
Walton Goggins and Jon Gries attend the Jim Thompson soirée celebrating the brand and "The White Lotus" at Tony Duquette’s Dawnridge Estate. Photo Credit: Harmony Gerber
Source: Jim Thompson
Marriott Bonvoy Announces Exclusive Member Access to Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER TOUR
Photo Credit: Marriott International, Inc.
BETHESDA, Md., April 2, 2025 (ENTERTAINMENT INTERVIEWS) — Hospitality company Marriott International has announced a new partnership through its travel program, Marriott Bonvoy, offering exclusive access to Beyoncé’s COWBOY CARTER TOUR.
As the official hotel partner, Marriott Bonvoy will provide fans with curated experiences including concert tickets, hotel stays, and promotional giveaways tied to the tour; including sweepstakes entries, on-property events, and VIP packages available through the Marriott Bonvoy Moments platform.
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The initiative features the “Bring Your Beyhive” sweepstakes, which will award five winners and five of their friends travel accommodations and concert access in select cities including New York, London, Paris, Houston, and Atlanta. Additionally, fixed-price packages and auction experiences will be available in markets such as Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.
Marriott Bonvoy will also introduce limited-time “1-Point Drops,” allowing members to redeem one loyalty point for two concert tickets and a welcome gift. The first drop opens April 7, 2025, for the April 28 Los Angeles performance.
In conjunction with the tour, select Marriott hotel properties will host themed events, including DJ sets and pre- and post-show gatherings.
Peggy Roe, Executive Vice President and Chief Customer Officer at Marriott International, stated: “The COWBOY CARTER TOUR is more than a concert—it's a cultural moment, and we're thrilled to give our members and Beyoncé's fans exclusive access to be part of it. This partnership goes beyond providing a place to stay—we have designed fun ways for Marriott Bonvoy's Beyoncé fans to immerse in shared experiences with friends and loved ones, and to enjoy more of the COWBOY CARTER TOUR—beyond the show.”
For more information, visit www.marriottbonvoy.com/cowboycartertour.