There are few celebrations more quintessentially Philadelphia than Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly Party, and in 2026, BVTLive! and On It Productions were proud to serve as the exclusive entertainment providers for one of the city’s biggest nights of the year.
Held at the National Constitution Center in Philadelphia, the 2026 Best of Philly Party brought together some of the region’s best restaurants, businesses, tastemakers, and personalities for an evening celebrating everything that makes Philadelphia special.
For BVTLive! and On It Productions, the night was especially meaningful. Not only did we get to entertain a crowd filled with some of Philadelphia’s best, but we did it during a historic year for our hometown and the country as America celebrates its 250th anniversary.
Live Music from Deja Blue at the Best of Philly Party
The celebration started early for VIP guests with live entertainment from Deja Blue, one of BVTLive!’s Philadelphia dance bands.
Performing as a six-piece band for the evening, Deja Blue brought their signature energy, versatility, and musicianship to the National Constitution Center. The band kicked off the VIP portion of the event and continued performing throughout the night, providing a live soundtrack as guests explored the party, sampled food and drinks, mingled, and celebrated.
For an event designed around experiencing the very best of Philadelphia, live music was an essential part of creating the atmosphere. Deja Blue delivered exactly that: a polished performance that could complement the earlier portions of the evening and turn up the energy as the celebration continued.
Rhythm and Reed: A DJ Hybrid Welcome
Guests encountered another entertainment experience as soon as they entered the event. Rhythm and Reed, On It Productions’ exclusive DJ and saxophone hybrid ensemble, performed at the entrance to welcome guests into the Best of Philly celebration.
The duo features DJ Jim Pierson alongside saxophonist Sam Yenn-Battah, combining a live DJ set with the energy and improvisation of live saxophone. DJ Hybrid entertainment has become an increasingly popular option for Philadelphia weddings, corporate events, galas, brand activations, and private parties because it offers the versatility of a DJ while incorporating the visual and musical impact of a live performer.
For Best of Philly, Rhythm and Reed helped make the entertainment part of the experience from the second guests walked through the doors.
Celebrating America’s 250th, Philadelphia Style
With the 2026 Best of Philly Party taking place during the celebration of America’s 250th anniversary, we wanted some of the entertainment to reflect the significance of the year while still feeling fun, interactive, and completely at home at a Best of Philly party.
On It Productions provided two America-themed specialty performers, along with an Uncle Sam stilt walker who quickly became one of the hits of the evening. Towering above the crowd, Uncle Sam was impossible to miss and gave guests an interactive entertainment moment as they moved throughout the National Constitution Center.
We also brought two familiar faces from Philadelphia and American history into the celebration: Benjamin Franklin and Betsy Ross impersonators. At a venue like the National Constitution Center, during the nation’s 250th anniversary celebration, the characters were a natural fit. They added another layer of Philly personality to an event already centered around celebrating the city.
Our Longstanding Relationship with Philadelphia Magazine
Being part of Best of Philly 2026 also continued a relationship between BVTLive!, On It Productions, and Philadelphia Magazine that has grown through numerous events over the years.
Our teams have had the opportunity to provide entertainment for Philadelphia Magazine events ranging from Best of Philly celebrations and the Social Media Influencer Awards to WhiskeyFest and other signature events.
That relationship means a great deal to us.
BVTLive! has spent more than 30 years entertaining Philadelphia, and Philadelphia Magazine has spent decades documenting and celebrating the people, businesses, restaurants, experiences, and personalities that define the region. Best of Philly itself dates back to 1974.
Coming together for events like this gives our team the opportunity to do what we do best: help create the atmosphere behind some of Philadelphia’s most memorable celebrations. For the 2026 party, that meant bringing together the different specialties of both of our companies.
Full-Service Entertainment for Philadelphia Events
Philadelphia Magazine’s Best of Philly Party celebrates the people and places that make this city what it is. Being trusted to provide the entertainment for the 2026 celebration was an honor for both BVTLive! and On It Productions.
It was big. It was interactive. It was unmistakably Philly. And we couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate the best of our hometown during one of the biggest years in its history.
If you’re planning a corporate event, gala, convention, wedding, fundraiser, private party, or large-scale celebration in Philadelphia, BVTLive! and On It Productions can create an entertainment experience built around your event.
Contact BVTLive! and On It Productions to start creating your Philadelphia event entertainment experience.
Photo credits: Theresa Reagan Photo
For more about BVTLive!: call us at 610-358-9010 or email at info@bvtlive.com
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Kurt Titchenell
Guided by his experience as the bandleader of Philadelphia’s top band, Jellyroll, and President of BVTLive!, Kurt Titchenell has kept dance floors packed and created unforgettable memories for thousands of events nationwide! Widely acclaimed as an entertainment expert, Kurt and BVTLive! have earned the most prestigious accolades in the industry. Most notably were two Jellyroll performances at The White House. Kurt's dedication to the success of every event is evident through his passion for creating the ultimate party experience. As President of BVTLive!, Kurt is committed to making your event a success.