On Stage: Blues fans, this is your time for great local shows

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Christone “Kingfish” Ingram We’re in the midst of a stretch of live concerts that will have blues music fans in the area in hog heaven (which is defined as “a state of complete happiness”). Over a period of two weeks, the area’s concert schedule features performances by Selwyn Birchwood, Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, Mike Zito, Albert...

County judge removes 5 from WCASD board over masking policy

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa The original petition filed in the West Chester Area School District case. A Chester County judge moved Tuesday to remove five members of the West Chester Area School District Board of Education on what he termed a procedural issue — saying that neither the school board members or school district responded in a timely manner to a petition seeking...

Walschburger appointed Deputy County Administrator

Erik Walschburger Following a months-long search for the ideal candidate, Chester County Commissioners Marian Moskowitz, Josh Maxwell and Michelle Kichline have appointed Erik Walschburger as Deputy County Administrator. He will support County Administrator Bobby Kagel in the supervision and direction of all County government programs and administrative operations. Walschburger comes to the Commissioners’...

What To Do: Festivals, events come roaring back after disruptions

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Annual Philadelphia Mineral Treasures and Fossil Fair Many of the area’s annual events such as food fairs, pet shows, jewelry expos, collectors’ gatherings and ethnic festivals never happened in 2020 and never happened again in 2021. We all know why. Fortunately, COVID numbers are going down and special event numbers are on the rise. Several...

On Stage Extra: ‘Waitress’ serves it up at Academy of Music

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Waitress Pie was celebrated in the middle of March with “π Day (Pi Day)” on March 14. Pie will also be celebrated in Philadelphia this week when the Kimmel Cultural Campus presents the popular musical “Waitress” at the Academy of Music (Broad and Locust streets, Philadelphia, www.kimmelculturalcampus.org) from March 29-April 3. Never...

On Stage: Local women of jazz in the spotlight

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Mindy Rhodes Over the next few days, there will be two special shows focusing on female acts – one featuring one woman and the other featuring 11 women. “Jazz for Jamey’s,” a special multi-artist show as a benefit for the venue, will be held on March 24 at Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985,www.jameyshouseofmusic.com)....

County adopts agriculture economic development plan

Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline (left), Marian Moskowitz and Josh Maxwell (second right and right) present a county proclamation recognizing National Agriculture Day to Hillary Krummrich, Director of the Chester County Ag Council, and Gary Westlake, Chester County Ag Council Chair. The Commissioners adopted the Chester County Ag Economic Development Strategic Plan on National Agriculture...

County Democrats endorse Pielli for 156th District nomination

Chris Pielli Chris Pielli, candidate for State Representative in the 156th District is proud to announce that he has overwhelmingly received the endorsement of the Chester County Democratic Committee. The CCDC held their endorsement meeting on Monday night. Pielli, who currently serves as the Chester County Recorder of Deeds received 82% of the endorsement vote. With their endorsement, the CCDC...

On Stage Plus: Whitmore Sisters bring harmony to City Winery

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Whitmore Sisters It will be a family affair when the Whitmore Sisters open for the Mastersons on March 21 at City Winery (990 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, citywinery.com/philadelphia). The Whitmore Sisters — Eleanor and Bonnie Whitmore — are two of roots music’s most accomplished songwriters/instrumentalists/vocalists. The Mastersons...

Inner Nature: Poisonous and venomous animals

By Vidya Rajan, Columnist, The Times I am in India. It’s a vibrant and bustling place. This month, a couple of friends and I are planning a trip to a wildlife sanctuary in Southern India*. We hope to see tigers and a plethora of other animals and plants. What I am hoping we do not encounter closely are mosquitoes and snakes. I do not like mosquitoes, but I do like snakes, in principle. But many...