On Stage: Ben Brandt was born to play guitar

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Ben Brandt and the Soul Miners Union Independence Day Weekend has arrived — and so has an endless array of holiday celebrations. There are also many concerts on this weekend’s schedule – a wide variety of shows with something to please almost everyone. Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985,www.jameyshouseofmusic.com)...

On Stage: Country stars get together as The Frontmen

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Frontmen When The Frontmen take the stage at the American Music Theatre (2425 Lincoln Highway East, Lancaster, www.AMTshows.com) on June 17, the three singers will be bringing a lot of baggage with them – baggage in the combined total of more than 30 Number One hits, more than 30 million records sold and more than 50 Top 40 hits. The Frontmen...

On Stage: Stephen Kellogg revels in working solo

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Stephen Kellogg Stephen Kellogg has always maintained a dual career – as a solo artist and as a leader of his own band. He spent the first decade of the 2000s recording and touring with his band The Sixers. On June 4, Kellogg is returning to a venue that was the site of one of his first post-Sixers era shows — the Bryn Mawr Twilight Concert...

On Stage: Jefferson Berry displays folk roots in new tour

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jefferson Berry Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) is one of those venues where music fans know there will be great music every weekend. It doesn’t matter who is playing, the evening will feature top-flight acts performing in a comfortable venue with a great sound system. This...

On Stage: John 5 shows his versatility

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times John 5 The Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) has a reputation for presenting shows stretching across a wide swath of genres. This week is a prime example. The Sellersville Theater will present The Security Project (high level tribute project for the music of Peter Gabriel), Crack the Sky (classic...

On Stage: Baxter brings deep history to show at City Winery

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Jeff Baxter It’s hard to imagine music fans heading to a concert by a member of the NASA Exploration Systems Advisory Committee. It’s hard to imagine a guitarist who has consulting contracts with the Pentagon’s Missile Defense Agency. However, if it’s Jeff “Skunk” Baxter, it makes sense. Baxter, who will headline a show at City...

On Stage Extra: Candlebox Unplugged at City Winery

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Candlebox Unplugged Brian Quinn is a busy musician. The King of Prussia resident is a talented guitarist who performs solo and duet shows locally on a regular basis – and he is a member of the veteran Seattle-based rock band Candlebox. Several area venues have hosted shows by Candlebox Unplugged, featuring Quinn, a guitarist originally from Pennsylvania’s...

On Stage: For Segal, music led to recovery and soothing others with jazz

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Alan Segal Alan Segal had a life-changing event several years ago. Prior to the event, he had a positive effect on people financially – helping them navigate the world of personal finances. When Segal resumed activity after the event, he had a positive effect on people spiritually – not with religious topics but rather with soul-soothing music. Segal...

On Stage: Time for some laughs with Steve Treviño

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Steve Treviño These days, we all need something to brighten our day – something to laugh about. Fortunately, there are several comedy shows on the area schedule that are worth checking out. After all, April is National Humor Month. From April 21-23, Steve Treviño will bring his “America’s Favorite Husband” tour to Philadelphia for a three-night...

On Stage: We Were Promised Jetpacks flies into Underground Arts

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times We Were Promised Jetpacks We Were Promised Jetpacks, which is headlining a show on April 14 at Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, http://undergroundarts.org), is a Scottish indie rock band featuring Adam Thompson (vocals, guitar), Sean Smith (bass), and Darren Lackie (drums). “The band started back in 2004 when we were in...