I went back and forth about this. Am I going to post something about it? Will anyone care? Have too many days gone past? Well after a conversation with my mother who has a way of putting things into perspective, I’ve decided to go forward with my blast of everyone involved in the catastrophe that was “The Philadelphia Wine Mixer.”

When this event first came to my attention a little over a month ago, I thought it would be a great night.  A night of music, hobnobbing with elected officials, upscale dress, DJ Jazzy Jeff, spirits, and hors d’oeuvres is definitely something I could get with. I saw the invitation on Facebook ( which should have been my first clue) the event was FREE ( which should have been my second clue). A friend of mine who I was to go to the event with, called the number on the Facebook post to confirm that the event was INDEED free and that no tickets were required.  The person she spoke with confirmed that that information was correct. Several people posted questions on the page where the event was advertised asking about invitations and tickets and were also assured that NEITHER was available OR necessary. Ok.

The event was scheduled to take place during the week of the Democratic Convention at the African American Museum from 8-12. My game plan was to get there between 8:15 and 8:30 because when you throw the word “Free” around, people lose their damn minds.  When I arrived at the museum there was a crowd of people waiting to get in. No line, a crowd. Also, some people CLEARLY didn’t get the memo about “upscale dress” as some women showed up in their afternoon at the mall best (remember, I’m a little bougie) After 20 mins of being bum rushed into the building and a scanning at the metal detector, I was in. (My friend didn’t get there until close to 9-BIG mistake) As I walk around there are people walking about with drinks and small bites. I see a mixture of professionals who can read directions and people whom I shall call “riff raff”. A bit snobby I can admit, but I also call it as I see it.  Anyway, my friend texts me that she is in line. Next thing I know, I get another text saying they aren’t letting anymore people in. WHAT?!?!?! I attempt to go to the back where there are tents and additional seating and tables and was told that if I went out there, I wouldn’t be able to get back in. Again, WHAT?!?!?! A short, somewhat pushy lady tells me that there are people getting in without invitations and they were trying to get a grasp on the situation. I then inform her that I didn’t have an invitation which prompts her to ask me, “Well how did YOU get in?” Wait, WHAT?!?!? So without letting my north philly out, I advised her that there were no invitations, and that the information on the Facebook post said there WERE no invitations or tickets for the event. “Do I need to show you the post?” I asked her. She said she didn’t need to see it and since I was already in, I was in, but that no other people would be admitted.  Since I was in, and my friend was not, I left and we went else where. The next day through a source that shall remain nameless, I was told that it got worse after I left. The mayor of Chester who was hosting the party got kicked out of his own shindig. The city only an hour after I left, came and shut the whole thing down because of the noise level and for being OVER capacity.  So it was over at 10. It showed the African American Museum in a bad light. What was supposed to be a classy event became nothing more than a turn up at a museum and here are a couple of questions I have for the “planners” of this disaster:

If the party was invitation only, how come no one checked for invites?

If the party was 21 and over, how come no one was checking ID’s?

Why wasn’t there better organization at the door?

Here is the list of people who I am BLASTING for piss poor planning during a week where ALL eyes would be on Philly and with this particular event, the african american community:

Mayor Thaddeus Kirkland of Chester

The African American Museum of Philadelphia

Mr. Ron Starr- Host

Live in the Moment-Host

Model Mixers- although they only served the drinks they were associated with the event, so I’m blasting them too

Sweet Home Healthcare- Sponsor

This was a MAJOR FAIL, oh and if you didn’t know, this is most definitely a RANT of epic proportions!