Coatesville Christmas Parade is back and bigger than ever on Dec. 7

Mummer’s String Band along the Lincoln HIghway in Coatesville,PAImage by: Robert O. Williams/ The Williams Group COATESVILLE — Once again this year, Chester County’s largest hometown parade, down the historic Lincoln Highway, takes place on Dec. 7, 2019.  The Coatesville Christmas Parade, a holiday classic, begins at 10:00 a.m. starting at Strode Avenue and Lincoln Highway, and...

Barrar won’t seek reelection in 2020

State Rep. Stephen Barrar (R-160) Long-time State Representative Stephen Barrar announced Tuesday that he will not seek reelection for a 13th term in 2020. Barrar, a Republican, represents the 160th District which covers an area from the Kennett Square area east into Delaware County. He managed to hold off Democrat Anton Andrew by about 800 votes in 2018. With Andrew running again in 2020 — and...

Chesco Coroner IDs body found in Valley

The Chester County Coroner’s Office has positively identified the skeletal remains recovered from a wooded area in Valley Township on October 29, 2019, as those of Julia Gonzalez, age 22, of Coatesville. After recovery of the remains, the Coroner’s Office worked with forensic odontologist,  John B. Nase, DDS, FAGD, FICD on a postmortem dental examination which identified unique features of...

On Stage: Big Damn Blues Revolution storms into Sellersville

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band Blues will be the order of the day on November 14 when the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) presents “The Big Damn Blues Revolution Tour” — a triple-bill featuring The Reverend Peyton’s Big Damn Band as the headliner and J.D. Wilkes and Dom Flemons...

Collins named to Longwood Gardens Board of Trustees

James C. Collins, Jr., EAST MARLBOROUGH — Longwood Gardens today announced the appointment of James C. Collins, Jr., Chief Executive Officer of Corteva Agriscience, to its Board of Trustees. The appointment is effective January 1, 2020. “We are extremely fortunate to have Jim joining Longwood’s Board of Trustees,” said Longwood Gardens President & CEO Paul B. Redman. “His extensive...

On Stage: The music inspired by Bucks County at Michener

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Karen Gross  If you enjoy visiting museums, listening to good music or are a history buff – or all three – then you should consider a trip to Doylestown on November 10 to visit the James A. Michener Art Museum (138 South Pine Street, Doylestown, MichenerArtMuseum.org). On Sunday afternoon, the Michener Art Museum will host singer and songwriter...

On Stage: Ghost appears locally as US tour leg wraps up

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Ghost Ghost, a Swedish rock band whose music spans many genres, rose to arena status a few years ago – and has continued to build on its success ever since. Now one of the most popular touring bands in the world, Ghost is coming down to the final few shows of its mammoth year-long schedule of live concerts.

On Stage: Hamilton storms into Philadelphia

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Hamilton This is the week for big stage productions to arrive in the area in a variety of genres – musical theater, international ballet and modern circus. First and foremost is the eagerly awaited arrival of the mega-hit musical “Hamilton,” the show that took Broadway by storm a few years ago and never let up.

On Stage: Albert Castiglia was born under a good sign

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Albert Castiglia Over the next few days, Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is presenting a series of shows that will please a wide variety of music tastes – blues, western swing, classic rock tribute, singer/songwriter and indie pop. It starts on July 25 with modern bluesman Albert Castiglia. “Born...

On Stage: Tim O’Brien brings bluegrass to Sellersville

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Tim O’Brien Band Tim O’Brien got interested in music at an early age and has stayed with it ever since. Growing up in Wheeling, West Virginia in the 50s and 60s, O’Brien was drawn more to traditional music than the rock music that dominated the airwaves. His musical path led him to bluegrass, country and, eventually, contemporary bluegrass....