On Stage: Gov’t Mule embraces holiday with special show at The Met

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Gov’t Mule When Gov’t Mule headlines a show on November 1 at The Met (858 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, http://themetphilly.com), the band’s fans will be in for a special treat. Every year, Gov’t Mule plays a special show at the end of October — Mule-O-Ween. Gov’t Mule — Warren Haynes – guitar, lead vocals (1994–present),...

On Stage: Vegas sends a couple of legendary acts to Del. Valley

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Cindy Blackman Santana There will be two shows in the area this weekend featuring music acts which have been based in cities around the world and now call Las Vegas home – Cindy Blackman Santana Band at City Winery and ASIA featuring John Payne at the Sellersville Theater. Cindy Blackman Santana, a world-renowned drummer and bandleader,...

On Stage: Veteran music acts come to local venues

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Claudettes Music fans have a choice of tasty concerts by veteran bands over the next week including a veteran New Jersey band that is celebrating its 45th anniversary, an Anglo-Dutch band that has released well over 100 albums since forming in 1980, a Chicago band that is soaring to new heights with a recently-added singer and a Philly band...

On Stage: With a new name, Brandywine Valley Symphony opens 85th season

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Brandywine Valley Symphony The Brandywine Valley Symphony will present its debut concert on October 12 in the Duffy Arts Center of Malvern Preparatory School (418 South Warren Avenue, Malvern, bvsymphony.org) and Chester County will be in its DNA. Actually, the concert is a debut in name only — because of the orchestra’s new name. A...

On Stage: ‘Ragtime’ returns to local stage

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Ragtime “Ragtime,” an award-winning musical from nearly three decades ago, is a show whose time has come again. The musical had its world premiere in Toronto in December 1996, and ran for nine months. A concept album, “Songs from Ragtime: The Musical,” featuring the Toronto cast was released in February 1996. In 1998, it was nominated...

On Stage: Killer Queen brings Freddie and Queen to life

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Killer Queen There are cover bands and tribute bands galore these days. Some are really bad, some are acceptable, and some are good. Many simply play their versions of classic songs straight up. Some attempt to look like the band they’re covering but usually fail – like guys flailing around stage trying to imitate Mick Jagger while the band...

On Stage: Daniel Donato is making real music

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Daniel Donato Many of today’s 30-and-under music acts lack substance. They are musicians (?) who sit in their rooms making songs on their computers and then become internet sensations with a gazillion hits on popular websites. At the other end of the range, there are real musicians – talented singers, songwriters and instrumentalists who...

On Stage (Extra): The Wildwoods return to Philly with a unique sound

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Wildwoods In the heart of Lincoln, Nebraska, The Wildwoods emerged as a folk/Americana trio — a musical tapestry woven by the husband-and-wife duo, Noah Gose (guitar) and Chloe Gose (violin), alongside long-time friend and bassist, Andrew Vaggalis. United by a passion for folk/Americana, the trio’s influences range from Watchhouse...

On Stage: Veteran acts hit local venues

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Eric Andersen Over the next few days, there will be several music acts playing shows in the area which have longevity as part of their DNA. There will be singer/songwriter Eric Andersen, whose first album was released in 1965. There will be Orleans, a veteran band of hitmakers who have been making music since 1972. There will be Humbleman Band,...

On Stage: Grant-Lee Phillips comes to Philly to support new album

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Grant-Lee Phillips Acclaimed Nashville-based singer-songwriter Grant-Lee Phillips is out on the first leg of a U.S. tour in support of his 13th album – “In The Hour of Dust.” This leg begins on September 7 in Vienna, Virginia and now swings into the “City Winery Segment” with three shows in a row at City Winery venues in Philadelphia,...