35th Anniversary of Rocky

Philadelphia Museum of Art, October 15, 16

Visit the Facebook Event Page!

Philadelphia, Pa –Americas love affair with Rocky Balboa has impacted many lives, none more, than Mike Kundas’, wearing his Rocky persona like Superman’s cape. It’s probably why he won the first ever national Rocky look alike contest, held in Philadelphia, 2006. And it’s also why he’s co-hosting the weekend long event with his co-chairpersons, Joy Cooper from Bedford County, and Mark Sion Roberts, United Kingdom.

As Philadelphia’s number one Rocky impersonator, Mike juggles laughter and witty banter, pulling tourist and Philadelphians alike into his world of on the spot bad jokes, and victory poses, helping them find their inner Rocky. “This event, the first of it’s kind, pulls fans from across the country and – across the pond – to the home of Rocky. We just want to give fans a taste of what it was like when we first saw the sites. This isn’t about money. No money. It’s about Rocky fans and believing in our self.” The group stated.   According to Kunda, event goers will start Saturday at 10:00 A.M. boarding a bus, hitting key Rocky filming sites as Kunda brings to life the pugilistic hero.  Mike sums it up best, “I realized when people laugh, everything is perfect for ten or fifteen seconds. To me, laughter should be taught in school. I took three years of Latin and never used it.” After the tour, there is a 4:30 P.M. Dinner at The Victors Cafe in South Philly where the last Rocky movie was filmed. Sunday at the Museum of Art, Kunda and his crew will have a Rocky run and a Rocky look alike contest for prizes with their group, as Philadelphia’s very own Jimmy Binns stops by.

It doesn’t hurt when Mike shares a story or two from his recent memoir, Cue The Rocky Music, (available at Xlibris.com, Amazon.com and BarnesandNobles.com) be it a snippet about school yard bullies, the difficulties of dressing like Rocky for thirty years, or what it was like being on the Rocky Balboa set and having dinner with the man himself, Sylvester Stallone. As a documentary film crew currently follows Mike, his story is dedicated to every-nobody wanting to be somebody with a dream. “Basically, it’s about practice and opportunity – my definition of Luck.”

On life in general, “If it’s one thing I’ve learned—none of us do it alone. Family and friends, they gives us the belief to try to achieve, if nothing else, just to be standing at the end of the day. I think Rocky is a benchmark for that.”

For more information, visit the Event’s Facebook to communicate with Kunda and other fans attending >

UPDATE! October 6, 2011 – From Mike Kunda:

“Thought I’d give you a little bit of an update with some twist and turns. Email me with any questions. Though, the event is now closed to the general public, we look to have 45 – 50 of the world’s greatest Rocky fans in Philly on October 15, 16! Those of you going or just wanted updates can have a read. Also, anyone interested in T-shirts with our event logo on it, let me know! This will be posted on the above Facebook page.”