On Stage: Collective Soul celebrates 25 years
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Collective Soul
Collective Soul, an Atlanta-based rock band, is celebrating its first quarter-century in music this year with its “25th Anniversary Tour,” a tour that will touch down locally on October 3 at Xcite Center at Parx Casino (2999 Street Road, Bensalem, 888-588-7279, https://parxcasino.com).
Formed in 1992, Collective Soul released...
On Stage: Jinjer, a Ukraine import all about honesty
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Jinjer
In the world of spices, ginger is one of the heaviest hitters. Ginger a spice that is strong – not in a tongue-burning way but rather in an attention-getting powerful way.
In the world of metal music, Jinjer is one of the heaviest hitters. Jinjer is a metal band from the Ukraine – a foursome from Donetsk that is brutal even in its softest...
On Stage: Hackett keeping Genesis’ sound alive
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Steve Hackett
It would be an understatement to describe former Genesis guitarist Steve Hackett’s fanbase in the area as sizable.
Genesis was one of the best progressive rock bands ever — one of the genre’s trailblazers. The band broke up quite a while ago and prospects of any type of reunion are non-existent. Fortunately, the band’s guitarist...
On Stage: Don’t ‘sleep’ on Toby Lightman
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Toby Lightman
Toby Lightman, who is headlining a show on July 26 at the World Café Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com), released her latest album “When The Lion Sleeps” earlier this year.
Lightman, a talented pop singer-songwriter, has been making albums since 2004. Her new LP is unlike anything she has...
On Stage: Legendary Don Felder comes to Chester County
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Don Felder
There is an obvious link between Slash, Richie Sambora, Peter Frampton, Orianthi, Joe Satriani, Bob Weir and Alex Lifeson. They are all legendary rock guitarists.
But you don’t need “seven degrees of separation” to personally link them to each other. One degree of separation will suffice.
All of them played on Don Felder’s new...
On Stage: Smooth Hound Smith rocks with conviction
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Smooth Hound Smith
Smooth Hound Smith, which is headlining a show at Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528, www.bootandsaddlephilly.com) on September 23 is like an Americana band with balls.
The band, which was founded by Zack Smith (guitars/vocals/foot drums/harmonicas/banjo) and Caitlin Doyle-Smith (vocals/percussion),...
On Stage: James plays it ‘big’ in Love For Three Oranges
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Zachary James
Zachary James is a Broadway and screen actor and an international opera singer who has performed in venues all around the world.
Now, James call Philadelphia home and is performing with Opera Philadelphia.
For the next two weekends, James will play a major role in Opera Philadelphia’s company premiere of “The Love for Three Oranges.”
On Stage: The Long Ryders roll out new album
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
The Long Ryders
The Long Ryders, who are headlining a show on September 19 at The Locks at Sona (4417 Main Street, Manayunk, 484- 273-0481, sonapub.com), could actually be called the “Long Riders.”
The Long Ryders — Sid Griffin, vocals, guitar, mandolin, harmonica; Stephen McCarthy, vocals, acoustic guitar, electric guitar, pedal steel...
On Stage: Rose of the West at Boot and Saddle
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Rose of the West
Rose of the West, which is headlining a show on September 17 at Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528,www.bootandsaddlephilly.com), has a contemporary sound and, at the same time, a sound that could have put the band in heavy rotation on MTV in the 1980s.
Fronted by Gina Barrington, Rose of the West...
On Stage: Chadds Ford’s Collier appears poised for blues stardom
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Vanessa Collier
Kennett Square is no stranger to the blues. It’s actually just the opposite.
Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) presents top-flight blues acts on a regular basis.
Most of the time, they are established acts who have been recording and performing for years – proven stars...
