What To Do: The Willowdale Steeplechase is Sunday

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Without question, the Brandywine Valley is known for being horse country. It has established its reputation as an area known for staging top-flight equestrian events. The 2018 equestrian season had its unofficial start last weekend with a big annual point-to-point event in Delaware.

Commissioners OK $2.5M in revitalization grants

WEST CHESTER — The Chester County Commissioners unanimously approved $2.5 million in grants through the County’s Community Revitalization Program (CRP) at Thursday’s public meeting. “One of the goals of Chester County’s VISTA 2025 economic development strategy is to invest in growth in our urban centers,” said Commissioner Chair Michelle Kichline. “These Community Revitalization...

On Stage: Chester County’s Brian Fitzy is keeping busy

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Brian Fitzy It’s been almost a year since Brian Fitzy released his new album “Hard Times for Dreamers. “ The album dropped  May 19, 2017 and Fitzy has been a busy man ever since. “I’m busy every day – keeping the balance between playing shows and doing things that bring in money,” said Fitzy, during a phone interview Saturday afternoon...

Mixed Media: Art coming up everywhere for spring

By Caroline Roosevelt, Columnist, The Times Did you get out for the May First Friday last weekend? I made it down to Carspecken and Scott on Thursday night for the opening of Frances Roosevelt’s solo exhibit of recent work. The gallery was bustling! A work by Olga Nelson In addition to that, the Square Pear Fine Art Gallery (formerly Mala Galleria) made its debut with its new name last week....

Endorsement: Cozzone for Democratic nominee for Lt. Gov.

Kathi Cozzone The race for Lt. Governor, a post some might suggest is unneeded (we note that neighboring New Jersey added the post after a couple of governors were forced to leave office early and the transition from senate president to the governor’s mansion didn’t go as well as hoped), has been busy and seen candidates come and go in the Democratic primary race. The one constant has been...

Don’t retire, ReFire: What sets your soul on fire?

By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times This is a question we should all ask ourselves, as soon as we open our eyes to greet the day.  How many of us actually do that?  How many of us know the answer to that burning question? Do we know if the answer is there, deep inside of us, bubbling up, but somehow it’s clouded by our everyday routine and obligations or is this concept, for some, a...

On Stage: With Nik Bärtsch, less can be more

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Nik Bärtsch and Ronin An often-heard phrase makes the claim that “less is more.” Sometimes, it makes sense — other times not. The phrase definitely makes sense when it’s used in reference to the music made by Nik Bärtsch. The music composed and performed by Bärtsch with his various ensembles is minimalistic — and full —...

Endorsement: Ellsworth for GOP Gov. nomination

Laura Ellsworth This year’s Republican primary for Governor has been an unprecedented mess, one that is bad for the commonwealth and the Republican Party of Pennsylvania. Candidates Paul Mango and Scott Wagner have waged a scorched-Earth battle — essentially handing Democratic incumbent Tom Wolf more than enough material to rout either — in a deeply personal and juvenile campaign for governor.

SuperSix: Special Mother’s Day edition

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times I saw this magazine while I was standing in the checkout line at Giant and laughed out loud. Thank you, Oprah, for acknowledging that a Mother’s Day gift should (ideally) be commensurate with the monumental task of motherhood. “She gave you life…are you really giving her a coffee mug?” LOVE THAT. (Oprah doesn’t even have children and still...

On Stage: Clint Holmes is more than a great singer

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Clint Holmes Clint Holmes is a stellar singer with a very impressive resume. Holmes, who will headline a show at Rrazz Room (6426 Lower York Road, New Hope, 888-596-1027, www.TheRrazzRoom.com) on May 5, is more than just a great singer. He is a performer, recording artist and vocalist — one of those rare performers who can legitimately be...