On Stage Extra: Mia X Ally put their twist on traditional instruments

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Mia X Ally If someone told you to check out an interesting music act – a duo featuring two young women playing violin and bagpipes – you’d probably envision a folky duo playing an acoustic blend of Celtic tunes and traditional Appalachian songs. If the group was Mia X Ally, you’d be in for a surprise. Mia X Ally, who are headlining a show...

On Stage: Reverend Peyton overcame a lot to become a blues guitar ace

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band If it’s country blues and top-flight fingerpicking you’re looking for, then look in Reverend Peyton’s direction. Reverend Peyton has performed many times at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) and he’s coming back again on November 16. The Reverend...

On Stage: Nellie McKay returns to area for show at Arden Gild Hall

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Nellie McKay Nellie McKay is a talented singer/songwriter from the Poconos who has been making impressive albums for more than three decades. Fortunately, she heads south on the Pennsylvania Northeast Extension now and then to perform shows in this area – including a spell-binding show at Longwood Gardens, a show at Rrazz Room in New Hope, and...

On Stage: ‘Wicked’ returns for shows at Academy of Music

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Wicked Did you ever wonder what the witches of Oz were doing before the time they encountered Dorothy and her entourage? Many questions that were left unanswered in “The Wizard of Oz” were answered at a later date — questions such as what the witches of Oz were doing before they encountered Dorothy and how they got to be the way they were. They...

On Stage Extra: Sue Foley rocks the Loft at City Winery

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Sue Foley There will be no tricks but plenty of treats when Sue Foley, a Canadian guitarist, singer, songwriter and bandleader based in Austin, Texas, performs a show at The Loft at City Winery (990 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, https://citywinery.com/philadelphia) on October 31. It’s Halloween night but the only scary thing will be how well Foley...

On Stage: Paxton, McCutcheon celebrate ‘Together’ at Sellersville

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon When Tom Paxton and John McCutcheon perform together on October 26 at the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com), they bring together years of professional music experience – Paxton (61 years) and McCutcheon (53 years). They are touring in support of its new album, “Together,”...

On Stage Extra: Matt Andersen at City Winery for rare Tuesday night show

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Matt Andersen Mondays and Tuesdays are tough days for live music shows. Some venues such as Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester, Jamey’s House of Music in Lansdowne and Kennett Flash rarely have shows during the early part of the week. Fans frequently spend Mondays recuperating from the weekend and Tuesdays getting ready for the...

On Stage: The 60’s come back to Phoenixville

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Sixties Show If you grew up with the music and the vibes of the 1960s or if you’re a later day fan of that era, there is a show coming to the Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com/events) on September 30 that you don’t want to miss — The Sixties Show. The Sixties Show played the Colonial in Phoenixville...

On Stage: Kennett Symphony opens new season

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Kennett Symphony’s Music Director Michael Hall On October 15, the Kennett Symphony will open its 2023-2024 season with a program called “Masterworks 1: Stories of Love and Nature. The concert, which will run from 7:30-9:30 p.m., will be performed in the Exhibition Hall at Longwood Gardens (1001 Longwood Road, Kennett Square, kennettsymphony.org). The...

On Stage Extra: The Friendship Commanders ready to rock Mid-Atlantic

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Friendship Commanders Commander may have been sent into exile in Delaware, but the Commanders are currently out in full force in the Mid- Atlantic region – the Friendship Commanders, that is. The Friendship Commanders, a heavy rock duo from Nashville featuring guitarist/singer/songwriter Buick Audra and drummer Jerry Roe, are touring in support...