Dan Gross | Joel croons for Borgata birthday

"DON'T TAKE any s--- from anybody," advised

Billy Joel

to a happy crowd of 2,400 as he left the stage after a private concert at Atlantic City's Borgata Saturday.

The hotel booked Joel in his first appearance in Atlantic City in over 30 years to celebrate its fourth anniversary, and the crowd of invited guests included both high rollers and local notables. Though many in the crowd drove in from New York for the show, the Piano Man did not. He flew in and out of A.C. along with his dog, who rested comfortably backstage while he performed.

610 WIP's Rhea Hughes, Howard Eskin and Angelo Cataldi, with wife Gail, were in the house, as was 102.9 WMGK's John DeBella with wife Lisa and another couple, PR pro Nicole Cashman and entertainment lawyer Justin Wineburgh.

Eagles quarterback Kevin Kolb took in the show, and NBC-10's John Clark with girlfriend Ashley Baker, 6ABC sports anchor turned Phillies exec Scott Palmer, Philadelphia Media Holdings chief Brian Tierney and wife Maud, Philadelphia magazine's Larry Platt and spouse Bet Mizgala, and Comcast-Spectacor's Ike Richman were also among the more-than-satisfied crowd.

Before Joel took the stage, the crowd was already on its feet applauding "Sopranos" actor Steve Schirripa who was escorted to his seat by Borgata president Larry Mullin. The Borgata kicked off its anniversary weekend with a topping-off ceremony for its new Water Club hotel, an 800-room, $400 million luxury property adjacent to the Borgata, slated to open early next year.

Because the hotel's Event Center had Joel Saturday and "Late, LateShow" host Craig Ferguson was performing at its Music Box, the Borgata held Josh Groban's gig at Boardwalk Hall.

DJ Vice had the crowd dancing Saturday night at mur.mur nightclub and Friday night, rockers Interpol, featuring West Philly native drummer Sam Fogarino, played a sold-out Music Box.

'Style' says imitation is flattery

Philadelphia magazine is including a miniature book of winners in its upcoming "Best of Philly" issue. And while the magazine's been publishing its annual awards issue since 1973, this is the first time it's including the small guide to winners. However Philadelphia Style last year introduced a mini-winners book after its "Best of Style" issue, and did so again this year, sending copies out to the magazine's mailing list.

Dana Spain-Smith, chief operating officer of DLG Media, which publishes Philadelphia Style, feels that Philly mag ripped off the winners book from her magazine.

"They steal quite a few of our ideas and mostly they don't reproduce them well. It keeps my staff entertained and very proud that the 'big boy' in town looks to us for all its new, fresh ideas," she said. "Now if they could only throw a five-star party and not have people fighting over the valet keys," she continued, referring to last year's Best of Philly party at the Mills in East Falls, remembered most for a parking nightmare that ensued.

This year's "Best of Philly" party is Aug. 1 at Rae inside the Cira Centre, which has Philly mag editor Larry Platt tickled pink as the Cira Centre has self-parking.

As for Spain-Smith's comments about being ripped off, Platt replied "Dana who? I've never heard of her." Last year, Philly mag was on the opposite side of the accusation spectrum when magazine lawyers sent a letter to Philadelphia Style encouraging the mag to cease using the phrase "Best of" in its awards issue.

'Nightmares' over at Spectrum

Fright fans will not find Lynton Harris' "Nightmares Xtreme Scream Park" attraction this year at the Wachovia Spectrum.

Global Spectrum Chief Operating Officer John Page told us the other day the Halloween spectacular has performed well for four years but he didn't want the Spectrum locked down for a full month, which would affect the Phantoms and other entertainment scheduling. Page is excited about the Walking With Dinosaurs show at the Spectrum Aug. 16-19.

The venue, which opened Sept. 30, 1967 is celebrating its 40th anniversary and the Phantoms will be wearing the original Flyers jerseys at a game.

Gerben wins Philly's Phunniest

Steve Gerben won $1,000 and the title of Philly's Phunniest Person from Helium (2031 Sansom) over the weekend. Comedian Craig Gass hosted the two-day contest for which Anton Shuford placed second and Chip Chantry third. Judges for the comedy contest included the People Paper's Stu Bykofsky, Q102's Diego Ramos and 93.3 WMMR's Steve Morrison. 610 WIP funnyman Joe Conklin stopped in Friday to check out Gass in action. *

If you have something you'd like to share with Dan, call 215-854-5963, or e-mail grossd@phillynews.com. To read Dan's recent columns, visit http://go.philly.com/dangross.