On Stage: Tribute bands hit local venues
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
In recent years, new genre of live music has emerged – a genre that spans genres. The new genre is tribute acts.
Sure, tribute acts have been around for a while. For years, there have been artists who have devoted their lives to recreating music from previous stars – mostly solo singers like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley.
Now, there is a...
On Stage: Slambovian Circus of Dreams ready to rock in the new year
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Slambovian Circus of Dreams
The Mummers Parade is a great Philadelphia tradition which dates back more than a century, has its roots in South Philadelphia and is always held on January 1.
There is another Mummers tradition in Philadelphia which dates back more than a decade, has its roots in South Philadelphia and is always held on December 30.
Some...
On Stage Extra: A rockin’ voice from Ukraine headlines at Brooklyn Bowl
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Gogol Bordello plays international punk music that is wild, aggressive and filled with Eastern European influences. That’s because frontman/founder Eugene Hütz is wild, aggressive and a native of Eastern Europe.
This week, the band is celebrating 15 years of New Year’s Eve shows in New York and Philadelphia with shows at the two cities’...
On Stage: Three options to see ‘The Nutcracker’
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Brandywine Ballet Company
There are many holiday activities which have become yearly rituals for area families – decorated houses, exchanging presents around the Christmas tree, holiday parties with cookies and eggnog, listening to Christmas carols and, of course, shopping at malls (or Amazon).
Another popular family favorite is attending a live...
On Stage: Matt Cappy taps into holiday spirit at City Winery
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Matt Cappy
Matt Cappy, one of the top young trumpeters in the jazz scene, is a musician on the move.
On December 15, he will travel 1,125 miles south to be a guest performer at the Mississippi Jazz Foundation’s 19th Annual “Night of Musical Artistry” in Jackson, Mississippi.
In April, Cappy will travel 3,400 miles overseas to start a U.K. tour...
On Stage Extra: ‘The Butterfingers Angel’ at Uptown!
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) is bringing live theater to its stage with a rarely seen production of “The Butterfingers Angel.”
The official opening night for the comedic show is December 3. The show will run through December 23.
Created by William Gibson (The Miracle Worker), one...
On Stage: ‘Hairspray’ returns to Delaware Valley
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Hairspray
Prior to May 2022, it had been more than a decade since “Hairspray” went on a National Tour and played a run in the area. The show, which is filled with fun numbers and poignant messages, is a delight that shouldn’t be missed.
The National Tour touched down at the Miller Theater (formerly the Merriam Theater) in Philly in May. Now,...
On Stage: Boney James returns to Philly with show at Rivers Casino
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Boney James
Boney James has performed at many venues in the Delaware Valley, South Jersey and Atlantic City. Boney James has released a lot of smooth jazz albums.
This weekend, James returns to the Philly area with a new album and a show at a new venue.
James will treat fans to music from his recently released album, “Detour,” in a concert at...
On Stage Extra: Dreamers hit the road again
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Dreamers
After sitting back waiting a long time for the pandemic to pass, Dreamers, a pop rock duo featuring Nick Wold and Nelson, has shaken off the rust and is on the road again.
They are in the middle of their “The Cameras & Coastlines” co-headlining tour with Smallpools – a tour that touches down locally on November 13 at Brooklyn...
On Stage: Willie Nile returns to Philly
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Willie Nile
Willie Nile loves the Philadelphia area – and, without a doubt, the Philly area loves him back.
Around 16 months ago, Nile — much to his relief and much to his delight — started playing live shows for live audiences again after a year-and-a-half of pandemic restrictions.
Since mid-2021, Nile has come down from New York...
