On Stage: Venues reopen briefly, but…close again, due to COVID-19

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times COVID-19 has almost completely wiped out live music and theater performances. There were glimmers of hope for live shows recently. Some venues actually hosted indoor performances in late July but the era of indoor live shows 2020 has drawn to a close. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced statewide mitigation efforts as COVID-19 cases surge in...

On Stage: Cirque Dream Holidaze at the Merriam

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Cirque Dream Holidaze “Cirque Dream Holidaze” is what you get if you pair the magic of a circus performance with the excitement of a holiday production. From 26-29, “Cirque Dream Holidaze” will visit the area for an eight-show run at the Merriam Theater as part of the Kimmel Center’s Broadway Philadelphia series (250 South Broad Street,...

On Stage: Sax and Brown return to Philly roots

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Scot Sax and Suzie Brown Nashville may be home to Scot Sax and Suzie Brown, but the duo will always have its ties to the Philadelphia area. Philadelphia is Sax’s hometown, the place where Brown began her music career and the city where the couple met and first fell in love. On June 28, Sax and Brown return to this area for a show at Bourbon and...

On Stage: No ‘Spin’ zone, Barron goes solo at The Flash

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Chris Barron Whenever the Spin Doctors come to the area, they draw a crowd – not surprising for a band that has been popular for almost three decades. One of the main cogs in the success of the band has been Chris Barron, who is the group’s guitarist and main songwriter. On January 27, Spin Doctors fans will have a rare opportunity to hear Barron perform...

On Stage: Motown the Musical hits Philly

With holidays over, music venues crank up the schedule By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times “Motown the Musical” starts a two-weekrun Jan. 6 at the Academy of Music in Philadelphia. The “Motown Sound” began in 1959 when Berry Gordy Jr. founded Tamla Records in Detroit, Michigan. One year later, the record company was incorporated as the Motown Record Corporation with the name coming...

On Stage: Jeffrey Gaines hit The Flash

Also: Serafin String Quartet, Micky Dolenz, Scrooge and more! By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Jeffrey Gaines brings his powerful music to The Flash in Kennett Square, Nov. 29. It’s been almost a quarter of a century since Jeffrey Gaines signed his first recording deal with a major label. It’s been 22 years since his debut album “Jeffrey Gaines” was released on Chrysalis Records. It’s...

On Stage: Jackie Evancho to record TV special at Longwood

Also, the Mavericks are back, Rivers Rockabilly Trio in Exton By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times With a voice beyond her years — she’s 14 — Jackie Evancho will be recording her third TV special for PBS at Longwood Gardens. Jackie Evancho, one of the brightest young stars in the music industry, is coming to this area for a pair of shows. She will be at the American Music Theatre...