On Stage: Lauren Hoffman finds catharsis in ‘Family Ghost’

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Lauren Hoffman In 1997, Lauren Hoffman was living in Charlottesville, Virginia when she released her debut album “Megiddo” on Virgin Records America. Now, in 2017, she is still living in Charlottesville. An, she is still playing songs from “Megiddo” on her current tour – a tour that brings her to Philly on June 2 for a show at The Fire (412 West...

On Stage (Bonus): Lulu’s impact stretches across decades

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Lulu Lulu is a veteran singer whose name you may not recognize. But, music fans – especially music fans who are also movie fans –almost definitely know some of her songs. Remember the title track to the hit movie “To Sir with Love”? That was Lulu singing. And, she also acted in the film. How about the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun”?...

Art Watch: A mammoth weekend for art in Kennett Square

By Lele Galer, Columnist, The Times June kicks off with a mammoth art event in Kennett Square this Friday from 6-9pm to celebrate the arts and salute the first public art sculpture installation in the town. From the start of State Street all the way to the Creamery on Birth Street, art is happening indoors and out. On Saturday, the beautiful Scarlett Thicket Farm Art Show, at 284 West Street Road...

On Stage (Extra): Motown comes to Philly

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Motown, The Musical The “Motown Sound” began in 1959 when Berry Gordy Jr. founded Tamla Records in Detroit, Michigan. One year later, the record company was incorporated as the Motown Record Corporation with the name coming from “motor” and “town” — a reference to the city’s link to the auto manufacturing industry. Over the years, the “Motown...

Kennett truly is a staycation destination

By Kelly Hockenberry, Columnist, The Times Who else is excited that the un-official start of Summer 2017 is HERE?! You can be sure that I have my arm raised. I think we live in the coolest town (EVER)…especially when the weather cooperates and we can spend time outside. There are so many fun things to do in our little slice of Chester County. The Creamery of Kennett Square is a 30,000 square...

What To Do: Hello, Summer, Memorial Day fun opens season

Longwood Gardens By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Memorial Day Weekend is a time for mini-vacations, barbecues and traditional events. Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, 610-388-1000, www.longwoodgardens.org) will have an eagerly-anticipated special event this weekend. “Summer of Spectacle” will open on May 27 and run through September 30.

‘Sucker Punch’ suspect now wanted on unrelated warrants

Barry Baker The hits just keep on coming for Barry Baker, the former East Fallowfield man accused of sucker punching a disabled man in front of a West Chester 7-11 earlier this month: now he’s wanted for alleged violation of his probation/parole on a previous theft charge as well other warrants. To add to the misery for Baker, who quickly has gotten infamy around the world after video of...

The crossroads of hate and politics

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times In this very special edition of Politics As Unusual — a few days early to allow for copious time sitting by the pool and ingesting adult beverages — we’re going to take a look at how politics drives behavior (and the other way around), bad endorsements, chaos, dirty money and more! First, if you’ve been on the Web, watched TV or been exposed to virtually...

Two recovery counselors found dead of apparent OD

The nightstand of one of the two overdoese victims, including apparent baggies of heroin. Two recovery counselors at a West Brandywine addiction recovery group home were found unresponsive and ultimately died from an apparent overdose of heroin and fentanyl, Sunday. “If anybody is wondering how bad the opioid epidemic has become, this case is a frightening example,” Chester County District...

On Stage: Shadows of Knight moves beyond Gloria

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Shadows of Knight are one of those bands that most people know. They may not recognize the band’s name but they’re very familiar with the band’s greatest hit. In 1966, the Chicago-based quintet formed by Jimy Sohns and friends had a Top 10 with their version of “Gloria,” a song originally recorded by the U.K. band Them. Sohns has kept the Shadows...