Completing New Kids on the Block

Here is a report from Ashley Furniture at Bensalem, PA. It was announced that both Knight brothers, Jordan and Jonathan Knight from New Kids on the Block, would appear and do photo ops. Over the years I've met every member of NKOTB except for Jordan Knight who I failed on in 2024.  

The song "Step by Step" was big when I was in late elementary school and early middle school. So this event was a "must go" for me because it completed NKOTB without paying big money for their concert VIPs. 

I arrived at the store and a long line had already formed. Thankfully we were able to wait inside which was nice since it was arctic level cold outside. Two unique things about this event. 1) I found no familiar faces in the photo op line and 2) The attendees were predominantly middle aged females. This may be the first predominantly female combo related event I ever attended. 

I did see one Philly grapher I knew, and turns out he was actually running the event! So that was a little shocking.

NKOTB were scheduled for 2-4. They arrived 1:30. The line went very smoothly. When you arrived it wasn't even their own camera. You handed your own device (which I prefer) and your photo got taken. The Knights were friendly especially Jonathan who is even super friendly on the street. Jonathan also asked where I was from. My photo op with Jonathan is actually an upgrade compared to the 2024 NYC one where he has a cap and eye glasses. So basically one fresh op and one upgrade. 

I was a little nervous going to this event because I was expecting this kind of event to be a disorganized zoo and I was expecting people to be shut out. But it could not have been run better. I thank all who put this together. 

Jonathan Knight and Jordan Knight take 1

Jonathan Knight and Jordan Knight take 2

Crowd photo

Crowd photo

Kicking off 2026 for celebrity meets in January!

The first combo related endeavor of 2026 would be for 87-year-old blue grass legend Del McCoury. In his band are also his two sons who are somewhat valid. Wait after his show and see his barely valid bassist Alan Bartram (who is on wikipedia). This would be my first photo op of 2026. 

Then Christian Ward comes out and I get him. A little later him and his sons come out. He says in a laughing tone "you want a picture?" and we get ops. Also get his two sons (both of whom are on wikipedia). I tried to get Del to sign but he ignored. I have to say the guy looks fantastic for 87.

Del McCoury

Full list of photo ops

Next morning I go for actress Tisha Campbell. She arrives at the spot and is nice about photo ops. This marks my first movie/TV name of 2026. Go home to rest and come out in the evening for actress Jennette McCurdy (Melrose Place). Failed on her at the airport a couple of years ago where all I got was a mask shot. Wait at her hotel and former VP Mike Pence is spotted randomly. I got him in 2016, so this is almost a 10 year update. 

Jennette McCurdy leaves the hotel but unfortunately, I fail to get the photo op as she was rushed in the car (blurry and invalid). Wait at the venue till it lets out. There's a crowd of people and she enters the car. I begin to walk away to my car to beat her to the next spot. But then she starts doing photos from her. I got back and ask for a selfie she goes "didn't I get you already?" and I told her truthfully that it didn't come out. I then get a valid shot. Success!  

At the hotel she did perfect shots I didn't get there in time, but I guess 50/50 she would have done it with me since she recognized me. Go to the final spot for the evening for Joe Gatto (Impractical Jokers). Wait for his show to let out and get a photo with his opener Paris Sashay. Joe finally comes out and he is cool.

Tisha Campbell

Mike Pence

Jennette McCurdy

Paris Sashay

Joe Gatto

Next day I go for actor Adam Ray. Wait for him to enter his show. The car pulls up and he is nice as can be. First, he does car shots then he exits his vehicle and we ask for normal shots. He then walks into the venue. 

Adam Ray

Days later I have 2 main objectives. Director Brett Ratner (Rush Hour movies) and singer/actor Loudon Wainwright. I try a hotel for Brett but don't see him. I go the venue for Loudon and people are leaving. I enter and see Chris Smither mingling with fans. I get the photo op. I am wondering what is happening as I don't see cars for Loudon. Turns out Loudon was the opener and Chris was the second act. And turns out Loudon did a signing after his set. PUNCH! Because this meant he left after his signing. Who would have thought! 

It gets worse from here. Go to a spot hoping Brett Ratner and Jordan Belfort (Wolf of Wal Street) would show up. But don't see them. It's getting so cold my camera batteries are even dying! I get Howard Lutnick who is nice. Linda McMahon did nothing, but I have her. See Dr Oz but don't even bother asking him as I have a photo op. At this point decide to bail it's so cold. Went to my car and my remote wasn't even working as the cold was killing even that battery. Although it seems both Akon and Jordan showed up later at the spot. PUNCH. Overall a big bust of a day.

Howard Lutnick

Chris Smither

The final meet in January would be my first organized signing of 2026. And it was for original bassist of Faith No More, Roddy Bottum. Already have the lead singer so this would be my second member of Faith No More. Arrive and he is doing his book talk. As he is about to sign, we get photo ops and he is nice as can be. Also get the moderator Richard Morel who is some kind of song writer and DJ. 

Roddy Bottum

Richard Morel