----------------------------------------------------- AUGUST 12, 2002 ----------------------------------------------------- Source: Philadelphia Daily News http://www.philly.com/mld/dailynews/news/columnists/3846516.htm Yes Men: Band Ends Day at Smerconish Party By Stu Bykofsky What is the definition of Power? How about getting a Major Metropolitan City to designate a "day" in the name of Yes, one of your favorite rock bands, and then getting the mellow rockers to attend a party in your own backyard? That's what Your Second Favorite Columnist, Michael Smerconish, did last week (with a little help from his friends, Councilman Rick Mariano and promoter Denny Somach.) The 100 guests (All Good People) arriving at Smerconish's Villanova mansion had their SUVs, Porsches, Jaguars, BMWs (and my hot Dodge Neon) grabbed by valets at the gate, then walked down a driveway the length of a football field to a house the size of the Palestra. Band members -- Jon Anderson, Steve Howe, Chris Squire, Rick Wakeman, Alan White -- arrived in a black stretch limo, their ladies in a white stretch, after the band was honored with "Yes Day" at City Hall for all the times they played Philly. (The next night they played the Tweeter in Camden, but never mind.) After the City Hall honors, Yes did a group grope on Mike's WPHT (1210-AM) talk show. Guests received laminated "passes" on a lanyard marking the party at "The Villanova Tour" for the band. (The laminates and party arrangements were handled by Mike's bride, the ravishing Lavinia.) All Smerconish -- the lawyer/columnist/radio host -- had to do was entertain. He clearly was not the Owner of a Lonely Heart when he said, "I'm standing there knocking back drinks with guys I listened to all my life in my backyard." Drinks were wine, margaritas and beer, catering was done by the 12th Street Cantina. Among the wide range of guests were Montco DA Bruce Castor, civic leader (and mayoral candidate?) Sam Katz, next-door neighbor Pat Croce, Judge Frank Brady, Rick Mariano, radio execs Sil Scaglione and Rick Feinblatt, broadcaster Sid Mark, political consultant Larry Ceisler, lawyer Shanin Specter and Tammy Reid, wife of the Eagles coach. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, problems, corrections, or additions, contact YesinthePress@aol.com