On Stage: Hot Tuna visits Phoenixville

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Hot Tuna It seems whenever Hot Tuna come to the area, there is a holiday vibe in the air. Usually, the veteran duo’s visit is a Thanksgiving week show at the Keswick Theater. This time, Hot Tuna – Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen – have changed it up a little bit. The two veteran musicians are performing the day after Easter at the Colonial Theatre...

Costello’s withdrawal leaves GOP in a tough spot

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times Well, okay, then. By now those of you following local politics know that U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello announced he would not seek reelection and then withdrew from the May 15 primary. He’s been on TV and offered print interviews blaming President Donald Trump, liberals, redistricting and so on as being to blame. Whatever. Regardless of the why, Costello’s departure...

On Stage: Women take center stage in area concerts

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Lowlight The month of March is ending on a good note…especially with several concerts featuring highly talented women musicians – some of whom you should know and some of whom you might not but definitely should know. The list includes the Pretenders with Chrissie Hynde, Lowlight featuring Renee Maskin, Erika Wennerstrom from Heartless Bastards...

Op/Ed: Young people marched on gun safety, we must listen

By Tom Wolf, Governor, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf Young people marched for their lives. We need to listen – and act. The March for Our Lives brought together young people from across the country and Pennsylvania to demand safer schools and stronger gun safety laws. Their passion and activism took many forms in an historic show of solidarity, and they have inspired millions to join them in their...

What To Do: Brandywine Hills Point-to-Point is Sunday

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Brandywine Hills Point to Point race. Without a doubt, the Brandywine Valley has established a reputation for being horse country. It is an area with many horse farms and an annual calendar filled with equestrian events. Year after year, the local equestrian schedule features an array of top-flight horse shows, dressage events, Grand Prix events...

On Stage: Bullets Over Broadway opens in West Chester

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Some things are a laughing matter – some are not. The Resident Theatre Company (RTC) at Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (236 North High Street, West Chester, http://www.rtcwc.org) was very serious when it began presenting shows last spring. Now, over the next few weeks, the RTC is wrapping up its first full season with its third production...

Chesco Health: vaccinations recommended after mumps outbreak

The Chester County Health Department (CCHD) is issuing a public health announcement regarding a mumps outbreak linked to attendees of a social dance event – Baile Mejicano or Mexican Dance – that took place at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington, DE on February 10, 2018. CCHD is now seeing the illness spread within Chester County.

Costello to end reelection bid in 6th district

U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-6) U.S. Rep. Ryan Costello (R-6) told MSNBC Sunday night that he would end his reelection campaign and not seek a third term in Congress. Costello, a former Chester County Commissioner, has served two term in the house, In the interview, with MSNBC’s Kasie Hunt, he cited the partisan atmosphere and the unfavorable new 6th District map — the Pennsylvania Supreme...

On Stage: Rush to release album on West Chester label

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Tom Rush Rush may be the name of a certain veteran singer-songwriter but it is far from a description of how he records and releases albums. Tom Rush, one of America’s most revered folksingers, released his first album, “Tom Rush at the Unicorn,” in 1962. His most recent album “Voices” will be released on April 27 via West Chester-based...

Yes, you can dress for Easter Sunday

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times One of my fondest childhood memories from Easter Sunday (besides the obvious time with family and hoards of candy) was the opportunity to wear white patent leather shoes, a lace dress, hat, and gloves. No, I did not grow up in Colonial times (despite what my kids say) but in the late 70’s it was appropriate to get all decked out. I feel like that doesn’t...