By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Floydian Trip
On February 15, the Colonial Theater (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com/events) will host an event that is special in many ways – a show by a top-flight tribute band and an important fundraising activity.
The title for the event tells you a lot – “The Colonial Presents Floydian Trip: Brick by Brick to Benefit the 1903 Theatre.”
It’s special because it will mark a rare appearance by one of the premier Pink Floyd tribute bands on the East Coast.
It is also special because it is a benefit for the Colonial Theatre – a fundraiser for the theater’s preservation efforts.
The theater staff posted the following message:
“Let’s rock together and put another brick in the wall to safeguard the 1903 Theatre for future generations. Help us keep history alive and make a difference by attending this concert fundraiser with the sensational Floydian Trip.
“We’re raising funds to repoint the historic west wall of our beloved 1903 Theatre. This is your chance to enjoy a night of legendary music while supporting the preservation of a treasured landmark.”
Participants can make an additional impact and purchase a “Wish you were here” VIP ticket, which includes a front row seat and a pre-show, acoustic set and immersive experience with Floydian Trip, taking place in the Colonial Theatre’s Garden Suite from 7-7:30 p.m.
Floydian Trip’s goal is to recreate some of the spectacular and moving live performances that Pink Floyd became known for in the 1970s and 1980s. This era is sometimes known as the “Roger Waters Years.”
Floydian Trip recreates the sound in both the performance and tone of how Floyd would have been heard if you were seeing them live on stage during the “Dark Side of the Moon Tour,” “Wish You Were Here Tour,” “In the Flesh (Pink Floyd) Tour,” or “The Wall Tour.”
Floydian Trip painstakingly recreates the classic Pink Floyd live experience. The band has reviewed thousands of hours of official, unofficial, and bootleg audio and video of Pink Floyd between 1973 and 1981 in order to create the most authentic live Pink Floyd experience.
Pink Floyd quickly became known for their visuals and light shows. Early on, they used oil and light projections to create a stunning visual.
From “Dark Side of The Moon” on, Floyd began using films, more lighting, and effects to conjure the mood and emotion of the music the band was writing and performing.
Floydian Trip combines the best of the early Floyd years and the later years to make each show a visually pleasing experience. The band uses projections, lasers, lights, and other effects to create a spectacular experience authentic to Floyd’s famous touring years in the 1970s and 1980s.
The band’s line-up includes Adam Clymer (founder, drummer), Ryan Allen (keyboards), Jerry Burrus (vocals, lead guitar), Steph Jones (vocals), Mike Forgette (vocals, guitar), Jonathan Hilgendorf (sax, guitar, vocals) and Matty Whitepants (bass).
Video link for Floydian Trip — https://youtu.be/tPyjU1UrHRY.
The show on February 15 will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $50 (rear balcony), $60 (rear orchestra), $75 (Front orchestra and front balcony) and $100 (gold circle). All ticket proceeds benefit the 1903 Theatre’s west wall restoration project, an essential step in restoring and preserving this beloved venue.
Folsom Prison Experience
On February 19, the theater in downtown Phoenixville will host “The Folsom Prison Experience.”
The audience will be treated to a high-intensity recreation of one of Johnny Cash’s most significant days in his musical career — a day that history now looks back on with amazement.
When Cash was going through a tough period, having just ended his first marriage, he showed little interest in recording in the studio. The band’s solution was to record live in a prison. But what seemed simple turned into a whirlwind of drama.
“The Folsom Prison Experience” is an immersive tribute drama directed by Stephanie Long which takes audiences back to that extraordinary day.
They can witness the challenges and triumphs as Cash and his band the Tennessee 3 face a captive audience in Folsom Prison.
They’ll be able to experience the raw emotions that shaped this iconic performance.
The theater offers this invitation:
“And here’s the best part – YOU get to be a part of it all! Dress in your finest prison inmate attire and become one of THE PRISONERS of Folsom Prison.
“You’ll feel the intensity of the moment as you immerse yourself in this captivating production.”
Starring the incredible Jay Ernest from the Church of Cash, this impressive cast includes the talented Kat Perkins, Ryan Maddux, Dan Hopman, Ryan Nelson, Jonathon TeBeest, Tony Wirth, Nic Johnson, Bronson Bergeson and Poppa Bear Norton.
Video link for “The Folsom Prison Experience” — https://youtu.be/AAmk73LEsv4.
The show on Wednesday night will start at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $35 for general admission.
On February 21, the Colonial Theatre will be the venue for
“Rising Sun Presents Kashmir: The Spirit of Led Zeppelin Live!”
This month is a special month in Led Zep history – the 50th anniversary of the release of “Physica Graffiti.” The landmark album was released February 24, 1975.
“Physical Graffiti” was Led Zeppelin’s first release on their own Swan Song Records label, which had been launched in May 1974. Until this point, all of Led Zeppelin’s albums had been released on Atlantic Records, who would distribute Swan Song.
Fueled by tracks such as “Kashmir” and “In the Light,” the album was commercially and critically successful upon its release and debuted at number one on album charts in the U.K. and number three in the United States.
On Kashmir’s “Physical Graffti’s 50th Anniversary Tour,” the band will be performing “Physical Graffti” in its entirety along with other Zeppelin hits.
Kashmir was created by vocalist Jean Violet back in 2000. It has grown from the streets of New York City to now being one of the top Led Zeppelin Tribute bands touring nationally and internationally.
The band features Violet as the personification of a young Robert Plant; Kevin Slover in his iconic black dragon suit, strutting the stage like a young, cocky Jimmy Page; multi-instrumentalist Lenny Lee, who has long been inspired by the playing and creativity of John Paul Jones; and David Blampied, the “keeper of the groove” who is equally adept at the subtle, nuanced passages as well as the thunderous grooves Bonham was known for.
Video link for Kashmir – https://youtu.be/7_saN277cCM.
The show at the Colonial on February 21 will start at 8 p.m.
Tickets are $29.50, $39.50 and $54.50.
In case you hadn’t notice, there is a thread connecting all three upcoming shows at the Colonial Theatre – they are all tribute acts.
Tribute bands have continued to gain popularity over the last decade for many reasons.
In some instances, it is because the act being celebrated is dead. Other times, the band is no longer together or no longer performing live.
No matter what the reason, fans still want to hear the music – whether delivered by the original or by a worthwhile tribute band.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) looks to Sweden this weekend as it hosts an ABBA tribute act – Mamma Mania!
The audience will be transported back to the vibrant 1970s as New York City’s premier ABBA tribute band, Mamma Mania! brings the classic hits of one of pop music’s most iconic groups to life on February 15.
With their dazzling costumes, flawless harmonies, and captivating stage presence, this tribute act captures the essence of ABBA’s unforgettable sound.
From “Dancing Queen” to “Mamma Mia,” the hits will just keep coming during a night filled with nostalgia from a stellar cast of musicians.
Performers include current or former touring members of: Mamma Mia – Official North American Tour, Marc Martel’s Queen Extravaganza, INXS, Britney Spears, Rob Thomas, The Weeknd, and many more.
Video link for Mamma Mania! —uptownwestchester.org/pf/mamma-mania/
The show on Saturday evening will start at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $40.
Friday night’s show at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center will not be a tribute show but rather a Valentine’s Day special featuring Andrea Carlson and The Love Police.
Carlson is an award-winning singer/guitarist/songwriter known for presenting music from America’s Golden Age of Jazz, French Chanson, and her own swing-centric compositions.
A regular at Scotland’s Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the native of Memphis, Tennessee has appeared in 17 states and 10 European countries. She also has recorded seven albums.
Carlson’s band, The Love Police, features some of the best jazz musicians from the Tri-State area — David Bopdrummer on drums and vocals; Dave Posmontier on piano; Kevin MacConnell on bass; Bob Butrynon reeds; and Carlson on guitar and vocals.
Video link for Andrea Carlson and The Love Police — https://youtu.be/b8D9vjJ7R-c.
The show at the Uptown on February 14 will start at 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $35. Ticket price includes sweets and a complimentary glass of Prosecco.
Uptown! has many more tribute acts scheduled for the next two months –Countdown to Ecstasy (Steely Dan), Jessie Garron’s Tribute to Elvis (Elvis Presley), The Beat Goes On (Cher), The Breakers (Tom Petty), High Noon (Lynrd Skynrd), The Four C Notes (Four Seasons), Whammer Jammer (J. Geils), Green River (Creedence Clearwater Revival) and Takin’ It To The Streets (Doobie Brothers).
Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is hosting “The Hoppin’ John Orchestra: Mardi Gras Show!” on February 15.
The Kennett Square venue then follows with its blast of shows by tribute acts – “Angry Young Band: The Billy Joel Tribute” on February 21, “SEATTLE TRIBUTE NIGHT featuring Riot Act (A Tribute to Pearl Jam), Loud Love (A Tribute to Chris Cornell) and Into the Flood Again (A Tribute to Alice in Chains)” on February 22 and “Beatlemania Again! — A Tribute to The Beatles” on March 8.
118 North (118 North Wayne Avenue, Wayne, www.118northwayne.com) had a plethora of tribute acts shows in February and March — Dancing Bears (Grateful Dead) on February 13, Dread the Dead (Grateful Dead) on February 20, Nirvani (Nirvana) on February 27, Solar Federation (Rush) on March 1, Sailin’ Shoes (Little Feat) on March 6, Jovi’s Journey (Bon Jovi and Journey), Chest Fever (The Band) on March 12, Brown Sugar (Rolling Stones) on March 15, Four Lean Hounds (Grateful Dead) on March 20, Vilebred (Radiohead) on March 21, Zendog (Grateful Dead) on March 27, The E Street Shuffle (Bruce Springsteen) on March 29.
Ardmore Music Hall (23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, www.ardmoremusic.com) always is heavy with tribute shows and there are two on tap for this weekend.
The show on February 15 will feature Splintered Sunlight (Grateful Dead) while on February 16, there will be a twin bill with Newspaper Taxis (Beatles) and Brown Sugar (Rolling Stones).
Another show at AMH this weekend will be Cymande on February 14.
Ardmore Music Hall’s list of tribute shows through March also includes “An American Classic: Bruce vs. Petty” (Springsteen, Petty) on February 22, Sam Grisman Project (Jerry Garcia, David Grisman) on March 5, Steal Your Peach (Grateful Dead, Allman Brothers) on March 14.
The Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com) maintains its reputation as a tribute show hot spot with Minas Sextet (Sergio Mendes and Brasil 66) on February 19, Bruce in the U.S.A. (Springsteen) on February 21, Bad Animals (Heart) on February 28, Awaken (Yes) on March 14, Church of Cash (Johnny Cash) on March 16, Steely Dead (Grateful Dead, Steely Dan) on March 20, and The Waiting Room (Genesis) on March 22.
The Keswick Theater (291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com) will have Dirty Deeds (AC/DC) on February 22.
Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) has its weekly routine down pat.
“The second Thursday will be Dueling Pianos and Lisa Chavous will have her show every third Thursday,” said owner/manager Jamey Reilly. “The fourth Thursday will be A.C. Steel and the Perpetrators. There will be a movie night in the five months when there is a fifth Thursday.”
Every Sunday, Jamey’s presents “SUNDAY BLUES BRUNCH & JAM” featuring the highly acclaimed blues group the Girke-Davis Project as the host band.
This weekend’s shows at JHOM will be a special Valentine’s Day show on February 14 featuring Craig Bickhardt and Halley Neal and a concert Saturday night featuring Stevie & the Bluescasters.
The Candlelight Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, 302- 475-2313, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org) i
“Something Rotten” is a Tony Award-nominated musical written by brothers Wayne and Karey Kirkpatrick. It was a situation where two brothers wrote a musical about two brothers writing a musical.
The hilarious comedy is running now through February 23 at the Candlelight Dinner Theatre (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org).
The show opened on Broadway in 2015 at the St. James Theatre and closed in January 2017 after 742 performances. It was nominated for 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and won one.
The production at the Candlelight features JJ Vavrik as Nick Bottom, Kaedon Knight as Shakespeare, Nigel Grant, Jr. as Nicle Bottom, Alexa Wilder as Bea and Malik Muhammad as Nostradamus.
“At Candlelight, the actors in the show line up in the lobby after the show to greet the audience members as they leave,” said Vavrik, during a recent phone interview from his home in Wallingford.
“
I’ve heard a lot of people say – ‘I didn’t know ‘Something Rotten’ before and now it’s one of my favorites.’ It’s a really fun way to inject joy into people’s lives.”
The ultra-humorous comedy tells the story of the Bottom brothers – two siblings who are desperate to write their own hit play while the “rock star” Shakespeare keeps getting all the hits.
When a local soothsayer foretells that the future of theatre involves singing, dancing and acting at the same time, Nick and Nigel set out to write the world’s very first musical.
Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $70.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12).
Elkton Music Hall (107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland, www.elktonmusichall.com) hosts Mike Zito on February 13, Teddy Thompson on February 14 and Mike Dawes on February 15.
And, not surprisingly, the Elkton Music Hall will present a tribute act show on February 21 – “Echoes The American Pink Floyd: Pink Floyd Tribute.”
