Whole lotta love at the Admiral Theater this morning as local TV legend JP Patches put on a show for loyal fans of all ages, known as “Patches Pals.” That’s a clip of JP signing autographs and meeting fans in the lobby afterward – more video ahead:
Inside the theater, JP — who recently celebrated his 80th birthday — arrived to plenty of applause:
(Forgive us the washed-out video from inside the auditorium – very low light in the Admiral.) For his “performance,” which included guest magicians, JP told jokes and interacted with kids – including little ones he invited up to lead the Pledge of Allegiance:
Sorry, no Gertrude — JP joked that she/he was “in the trunk.” Back in the lobby afterward, JP Patches merchandise was available too.
Part of today’s proceeds go to the JP Patches Statue Fund (read more about it on his website), which also is raising money for Children’s Hospital. JP himself – aka Chris Wedes – is fighting health challenges himself (undergoing treatment for a bloodborne cancer), but still in good spirits and a crowd favorite. How’d he wind up doing a show at the Admiral, you’re wondering? We asked Admiral proprietor Steve Garrett, who said simply, “I called up and asked!”
| 8 COMMENTS