Get Ready for Glendi

Greek culture is known for its food, music – and parties. That might explain why Opa – a new Greek restaurant in Midtown Village – is closing down Sansom Street to debut the first in a new series of Thursday night fetes: Glendi.

Produced by Noel Zayas, Glendi will create a Grecian street fair vibe featuring arts, entertainment, music and fashion (June 9). “We are closing down Sansom Street between 13th and Broad and turning the blacktop into a runway with models from House of Talent PA and music by Philadelphia’s DJ Rahsaan,” says Garden Wellington-Logan, a spokesperson for the event.

The fashion show will also feature collections from Philadelphia’s own designers and boutiques, like Carmelita Couture showing Resort Collection and Priscilla Costa’s Summer 2012 Collection. Also on the Glendi runway, expect to see LGBT favorites like Commonwealth Proper, Matthew Izzo and Rock and Soul Apparel Company.

“Models will carry sought-after Nahui Ollin handbags and footwear fashion by Bus Stop Shoes,” says Wellington-Logan. “Modern Eye will provide eyewear for the show. Hair and makeup will be beautifully crafted by Follicle Studio and Charlie Salon with makeup by Susan Sorrell Makeup.”

Can it get any gayer? Yep.

Thom Cardwell, the director of QFest and GPPN, hosts the event, kicking off the new weekly series of summer soirees each week just footsteps from the Gayborhood. Since it opened it’s doors, Opa has hosted GPPN events and is involved in the Film Festival. “Thom will be introducing the male models and media maven G-N Kang will announce the women,” says Wellington-Logan. “Our goal is to bring Midtown Village together for a night of fabulous fashion, music and entertainment.”