{"id":21789,"date":"2016-10-27T09:43:03","date_gmt":"2016-10-27T13:43:03","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=21789"},"modified":"2016-10-27T09:43:11","modified_gmt":"2016-10-27T13:43:11","slug":"on-stage-chescos-vincent-john-comes-home-to-perform","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=21789","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Chesco’s Vincent John comes home to perform"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>,\u00a0<\/span>Staff Writer<\/span><\/em><\/p>\n

\"Vincent<\/a>

Vincent John<\/p><\/div>\n

Vincent John, who was born and raised in Chester County, has lived in a number of places in recent years and has performed in concert all over Europe and South America.<\/span><\/p>\n

Area fans will have the opportunity to hear John perform live on November 2 when the talented singer brings his pop\/soul sound to the area for a show at Boot and Saddle (1131 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, 215-639-4528, www.bootandsaddlephilly.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

John is touring in support of his new EP \u201cNever Go Back.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe EP comes out on October 28,\u201d said John, during a phone interview last week. \u201cWe\u2019ve been releasing songs from it every three weeks since September. It\u2019s on New Hope Records.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Already, Billboard<\/span><\/a> has premiered the track \u201cHeaven Knows\u201d on its website.<\/span><\/p>\n

John told Billboard the song is, \u201cA retooling of the classic idea of wanting and needing love just beyond you, \u2018Heaven Knows\u2019 is a thoroughly honest plea from an imperfect man.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

On \u201cNever Go Back,\u201d John showcases unique and beautiful works in the vein of classic pop with his own production reminiscent of golden 1980s AM radio, as echoes of American R&B ring throughout. Honest looks at longing, loss, drugs and darkness juxtapose sweet arrangements with soulful hooks and driving beats.<\/span><\/p>\n

Known for his work with soul artists Aaradhna (Universal), Lee Fields, Nicole Wray (Truth & Soul) and more, John\u2019s keen sense of songwriting and arrangements have provided the backdrop for some of today\u2019s modern soul classics.<\/span><\/p>\n

John is not the first singer\/songwriter from Chester County to make a name for himself as a \u201cblue-eyed soul singer.\u201d<\/span>
\n<\/span>Daryl Hohl, who is known professionally as Daryl Hall (one-half of long-time hit makers Hall & Oates), is a graduate of Owen J. Roberts High School.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cNever Go Back\u201d is influenced by timeless pop and new wave artists such as Hall & Oates, The Cars, New Order\u00a0and Pet Shop Boys.\u00a0John\u2019s debut EP has been described as a one-two punch of modern electro pop perfection.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI usually listen to older music,\u201d said John. \u201cI get caught up in it and it inspires me. But, you can\u2019t build a business model on it.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cYou work on an album \u2013 or even an EP \u2013 and put it out. If it\u2019s not premiered on the right website or put on the right playlist, it\u2019s like don\u2019t even release it.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

John has been paying his dues for several years and now is ready to reap some benefits.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI took a job as a waiter so I could go on tour when I was younger,\u201d said John. \u201cI lived in New York and performed with soul singer Lee Fields.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI love soul music. I love Brazilian music and the Afrobeat music of Fela. The songs I write show all my influences. My project is more inspired by 80s New Wave and classic pop. I grew up listening to Oldies 98.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI took a few years off and spent time writing my own stuff. I didn\u2019t know what I was going for. I moved to New York when I was 21 and lived in New York for five years.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, I moved back to Philly in August 2015. I played on a collaboration recently called Sofar Philadelphia. We played a show on the roof of the Free Library of Philadelphia at 19th and Vine.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

But, John\u2019s main focus has been on his solo project.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis project that I have now \u2013 the EP and tour — has been four years in the making,\u201d said John. \u201cThe music is rooted in classic pop with undertones of R&B.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I\u2019m writing, most of the songs start with drums \u2013 with beats. I\u2019m most drawn by beats. I\u2019m a songwriter and I play whatever instrument is needed. The lyrics usually come last.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Audio link for Vincent John \u2013 http:\/\/www.billboard.com\/articles\/columns\/rock\/7496161\/vincent-john-heaven-knows-exclusive-premiere-stream.<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Boot and Saddle, which also features Royal Canoe and selfhelpme, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at Boot and Saddle are Circuit on October 27; Big Lazy and Gringo Motel on October 28; American Film Institute, The Danged, and Creature on October 29 and Psychic Ills, The Love Club and Groovy Movies on October 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Rent\"<\/a>

Rent<\/p><\/div>\n

\u201cRent,\u201d a rock musical about a group of financially-strapped artists and musicians living in New York in the final decade of the 1900s, became an immediate smash hit when it arrived on Broadway and also had success as a critically-acclaimed movie.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show, which is based on Giacomo Puccini\u2019s opera \u201cLa Boh\u00e8me,\u201d won a Tony Award for Best Musical and had more than 5,000 performances on Broadway. \u201cRent\u201d also went out on a number of national tours \u2013 most of which came to this area for runs in Philadelphia or Wilmington.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the National Tour of \u201cRent\u201d is coming back again for a three-day run at Playhouse in Rodney Square (10th and Market streets, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-652-5577, www.thegradwilmingtonde.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) from October 28-30.<\/span><\/p>\n

This is a special tour for \u201cRent.\u201d It is the 20th anniversary tour for the hit musical which featured music and lyrics by the late Jonathan Larson. It is a tour that features young and talented actors \u2013 many of whom were toddlers when \u201cRent\u201d first opened on Broadway.<\/span><\/p>\n

One of these actresses is Futaba Shioda, who just graduated from New York University\u2019s Tish School of the Arts in May.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI saw a tour of \u2018Rent\u2019 when I was 14,\u201d said Shioda, during a phone interview last week from a tour stop in Nashville, Tennessee.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAnd, the movie came out when I was in middle school. The movie was really popular with my peers. It was a young rock musical that spoke to us teens. I used to listen to the soundtrack for hours and hours,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, we just did a production of \u2018Rent\u2019 at our school in January and I was the understudy for Mimi.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

That was a portent of what was ahead in the near future for Shioda.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI auditioned for \u2018Rent\u2019 back in March. It was right near my end of time at school. A professor of mine at school is married to the original music director of \u2018Rent.\u2019 So, I was able to audition for the creative director through an appointment.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Obviously, all went well as Shioda is onstage every night with the touring show.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cOne of the most appealing things about \u2018Rent\u2019 is that the characters are so fully expressive,\u201d said Shioda. \u201cThe character of Mimi is so powerful.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAudiences love \u2018Rent\u2019 because they connect so much with the message. The message is always about love. They get so moved by the story of these friends who love each other.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThis show takes audiences on a ride. It\u2019s a fully emotional experience.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for \u201cRent\u201d — https:\/\/youtu.be\/2eEltikID5c<\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The performances at the Playhouse on Rodney Square are scheduled for 8 p.m. on Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. on Saturday and 2 and 7 p.m. on Sunday. Ticket prices range from $65-$85.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Jonny<\/a>

Jonny Fritz<\/p><\/div>\n

Jonny Fritz made his first album \u201cI\u2019m Not Ready to Be A Daddy\u201d in 2007 and followed with his sophomore album \u201cDown on the Bikini Line\u201d in 2011 and his third album \u201cDad Country \u201cin 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, Fritz\u00a0is back with a new album, a new hip, and a new home base in Los Angeles. Over the years, he has lived in a number of locations \u2013 including Philadelphia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fritz will be returning to Philadelphia on October 27 for a show at the World Caf\u00e9 Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1400, www.worldcafelive.com<\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

The veteran singer-songwriter is touring in support of his brand-new album \u201cSweet Creep,\u201d which was released on October 14 on ATO Records. The album was produced by\u00a0My Morning Jacket\u2019s Jim James\u00a0who influenced the album\u2019s pared-down and uninhibited sound.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSweet Creep\u201d\u00a0includes the lyricism of \u201cDad Country\u201d\u00a0with an added air of hopefulness. Recorded in James\u2019 makeshift hilltop studio in Montecito Heights,\u00a0\u201cSweet Creep\u201d\u00a0reverberates with the feeling of sunny vistas.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe recorded the album at Jim James\u2019 house in L.A.,\u201d said Fritz, during a recent phone interview from a stop in Nashville. \u201cI had been writing songs for the last few years,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe recorded the whole album in three days \u2013 live in the outdoors. It was Jim\u2019s idea. If you listen closely, you can hear planes going by.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThere was a mindset that made it very spontaneous. There were very few instruments used. But, there were a lot of vocal harmonies.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

From album opener \u201cAre You Thirsty\u201d to the summer-crushy \u201cHumidifier\u201d,\u00a0\u201cSweet Creep\u201d\u00a0is a freshly-signed lease on life. Fritz throws himself into the new album\u00a0by stripping things down to the essentials.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fritz is keeping alive the country music tradition of giant-sized personalities overflowing into song. John Hartford, Roger Miller, Billy Joe Shaver \u2013 fans look to these country musicians for more than just music. They look for life, for outrageous legend, for a showmanship on and off stage that Jonny Fritz will never fail to deliver.<\/span><\/p>\n

Fritz explained how he started a music career.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI started being fed-up with what I was hearing on the radio,\u201d said Fritz. \u201cSo, I started making my own music \u2013 singing a capella songs on different topics \u2013 and it\u2019s always been that way. When I write songs, I write for fun. That has always been my philosophy.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen I was getting started, friends were in a Goth band from Virginia. I\u2019d sing a capella between their set and their encore. I also did some busking \u2013 but not too much.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, I jumped in with the noise scene and moved to Philadelphia in 2003. I was in the avant-garde scene and was doing a lot of house concerts. There was the art space at Broad and Snyder with about 40 of us living there.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI lived in a 20-foot by 20-foot volcano. Later, it shifted to North Philly and was called PIFAS.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Then, Fritz started his recording career with \u201cI\u2019m Not Ready to Be a Daddy.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThat album was recorded in 2006 and 2007 and released on November 23, 2007,\u201d said Fritz. \u201cI remember the exact date because I ran the Philadelphia Marathon that day and had a released party the same day at PIFAS.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI like marathons because of the challenge. But, it broke me. I ran four marathons in four years and ended up with a broken hip. I needed a hip replacement this year.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI made \u2018Down the Bikini Line\u2019 in Nashville. That was the record I really wanted to make. I was still working in Philly at Mambo Movers. I\u2019d be in Nashville for a while and then come back and work as a mover for a bit. I met Taylor and Griffin Goldsmith\u00a0from Dawes and wrote with them.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2018Dad Country\u2019 was made with Taylor Goldsmith. He said Dawes would like to back me up on the record so I\u00a0 moved to L.A. Jackson Browne came to a show and invited us to record at his house. We had his studio for four days. It was run-and-gun.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Jonny Fritz \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/X5Pmtr0_Iwc?t=13<\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the World Caf\u00e9 Live, which also features Jamestown Revival, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $18.<\/span><\/p>\n

On October 28, the World Caf\u00e9 Live will present a show with Mipso as the headline act. <\/span>Mipso<\/span> features Jacob Sharp (mandolin, vocals), Wood Robinson (bass, vocals), Joseph Terrell (guitar, vocals), and Libby Rodenbough (fiddle, vocals).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Mipso\"<\/a>

Mipso<\/p><\/div>\n

The North Carolina band released its latest studio album,\u00a0\u201cOld Time Reverie\u201d<\/i>\u00a0in late 2015. The album reached Number 1 on the\u00a0Billboard<\/i>\u00a0Bluegrass Chart and hit the Top 25 of the\u00a0Billboard<\/i>\u00a0Heatseakers Chart.<\/span><\/p>\n

A similar thing happened when Mipso released its debut album \u201cDark Holler Pop\u201d in 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe band formed at the University of North Carolina in Chapel Hill,\u201d said Sharp, during a phone interview last week from a tour stop in Tallahassee, Florida. \u201cWe were all native Carolinians. None of us were studying music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIn our sophomore year, we played a show by accident. Friends liked it so we started playing together more and put out an album when we were in school. We were playing all kinds of string band music. We graduated in 2013 and went on the road full-time.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe released \u2018Dark Holler Pop\u2019 and it debuted at Number 8 on the Billboard Bluegrass chart. Everything took off from there. Our band learned a lot in the studio.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe did 200 shows last year and we\u2019re already up over 150 this year. We entirely looked to bluegrass as a foundation. Now, there also is a lot of pop and country in our sound.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Mipso is a band with a variety of influences.<\/span><\/p>\n

Combining the vibes found in its progressive home in Chapel Hill sand those of the surrounding rural southern landscapes, \u201cOld Time Reverie\u201d blends <\/i>the complexities of traditional bluegrass with modern instrumentation and smart pop melodies.\u00a0 The result is an interesting hybrid in the realm of modern Americana.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe all came from different musical backgrounds,\u201d said Sharp. \u201cLibby was a classical violinist. Joseph had bluegrass in his family but he loved Jimi Hendrix and Phish. Woody was a jazz nut and I was more in the pop realm,<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen we released \u2018Old Time Reverie,\u2019 it did well on the bluegrass chart. It did well on the folk chart. And, it did well on the Heetseeker chart. A lot of people think our music is more folk or Americana. We just like to think that we write good songs.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe will have a drummer with us for the Philadelphia show. And, we have a great opening act \u2013 Sam Lewis. He\u2019s a budding star in the old-school country realm.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Mipso \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/27AIEQ45wEA?t=3<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/span>.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

The show at the World Caf\u00e9 Live, which also features Sam Lewis, will start at 8 p.m. Tickets are $12.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"The<\/a>

The Claudettes<\/p><\/div>\n

On October 28, The Claudettes will bring their audience-rousing live show to Philly for a free concert at Twisted Tail Bourbon House and Juke Joint, 509 South Second Street, Philadelphia,\u00a0 215-558-2471, www.thetwistedtail.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

Pianist Johnny Iguana formed the Claudettes, who feature Berit Ulseth on vocals, Zach Verdoorn on bass guitar and vocals and Matt Torre on drums.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Claudettes combine the Chicago blues-piano tradition with the energy of rockabilly and punk and the sultry sound of ’60s soul-jazz to create a thrilling new spin on American roots music.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Downbeat Magazine, \u201cThe Claudettes hit listeners upside the head with a mash-up of Otis Spann blues, Albert Ammons boogie-woogie, Ray Charles soul and \u201cFess\u201d Longhair New Orleans R&B.<\/span><\/p>\n

The White Stripes and Black Keys rock the blues with a guitar attack. Like the Bad Plus, the Claudettes brandish a piano instead. But the Claudettes have created their own fanatical fusion of blues and soul-jazz\u2014like Ray Charles on a punk kick.<\/span><\/p>\n

The band is still touring in support of its debut album, \u201cInfernal Piano Plot…HATCHED!,\u201d which was released in 2013.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe Claudettes blazed a new trail masquerading as a blues\/roots bands but it\u2019s a punk band at its core,\u201d said Iguana, during a phone interview last week from his home in Chicago. \u201cIt\u2019s like a boogie, vaudeville, blues, jazz thing but it\u2019s got a punk spirit.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe can play a punk bill as a rock band or a different bill as a blues band. The Claudettes really put a lot of heart in our live show. We combine musicianship and humor. We have a stage setup that converts the stage into a mini-tavern \u2013 a reality check built into our stage show.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

On stage, Claudette\u2019s drink specials scroll across LED displays pinned to the band\u2019s shirts (e.g. \u201c$5 domestics on Sunday with dinner and Champagne purchase,\u201d \u201cMONDAY NIGHT: DESIGNER NIGHT! You design shot, I design price\u201d).<\/span><\/p>\n

The Claudette\u2019s have a strange history \u2013 and an interesting story behind their name.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cMichael Caskey, a drummer from Chicago, and I had a piano-and-drum duo;\u201d said Iguana. \u201cWe called a place called Claudette’s Bar in 2010 looking for a gig in between Chicago and St. Louis. Claudette booked us into her bar in Oglesby (Illinois) and fell in love with the band.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cSo, she hired us as her house band and put them. That drummer\u2019s wife had a baby so we hired a new drummer and then expanded to a four-piece. Since then, we\u2019ve done a ton of shows.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Twisted Tail will be a homecoming for Iguana.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was born in New Jersey and grew up in the Philly area,\u201d said Iguana. \u201cI graduated from Upper Dublin High School and the University of Pennsylvania.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThen, I moved to New York City where I worked in publishing and played piano. I began meeting blues musicians and playing in blues bands. I met Junior Wells in Chicago and played piano in his band.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition to touring internationally and recording six albums with his cult-favorite rock band oh my god, Iguana has played live or recorded with Junior Wells, Buddy Guy, Otis Rush, Koko Taylor, James Cotton, Lil\u2019 Ed, Carey Bell, Billy Boy Arnold, Lurrie Bell, John Primer, Billy Branch, Carlos Johnson, Sugar Blue, Dave Myers and Eddie Shaw.<\/span><\/p>\n

In between legs of their summer and fall tour, the Claudettes went to Soil of the South studio in Valdosta, Georgia to record a new album at the invitation of noted producer Mark Neill.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe got the call to go to the studio in Georgia so I left my house in shambles,\u201d said Iguana. \u201cWe were in the studio in Valdosta for 10 days. We\u2019ll be playing some of the new stuff when we get to Philly.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for the Claudettes —\u00a0 https:\/\/youtu.be\/eCwind2DR5s<\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show at Twisted Tail will start at 9:15 p.m. Admission is free.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Fit<\/a>

Fit For a King<\/p><\/div>\n

Fit for a King, which plays a show at the Theater of the Living Arts (334 South Street, Philadelphia, 215-922-1011, http:\/\/venue.tlaphilly.com\/<\/i><\/span><\/a>) on October 28, is a Christian metalcore band from the Dallas\/Fort Worth area of Texas.<\/span><\/p>\n

The show in Philly is \u201cThe Noise Presents Beartooth: The Aggressive Tour with Beartooth, Every Time I Die, Fit for a King, Old Wounds.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fit for a King was started in 2007 by drummer Jared Easterling along with four fellow Texas musicians. Easterling, who is the sole founding member still in the band, is joined in the current lineup by Ryan Kirby (vocals), Bobby Lynge (guitar) and Ryan O\u2019Leary (bass, vocals).<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been about three years with the present lineup, said Kirby, during a phone interview last week from his Texas home. \u201cOnce we got signed by Solid State Records, there have been only two changes. Before that, it was all over the place.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cI was in a small local band from Fort Worth (Bodies Awake). Fit for a King was a bigger local band. Me and Bobby were in the same band. We were familiar with Fit for a King. We knew they were a respected Christian metalcore band and that they were doing good things.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The band has released four albums on Solid State \u2013 \u201cDescendants\u201d (2011), \u201cCreation\/Destruction\u201d (2013), \u201cSlave to Nothing\u201d (2014) and \u201cDeathgrip,\u201d which just came out earlier this month.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201c\u2019Descendants\u2019 was my first stuff with Fit for a King,\u201d said Kirby. \u201cWe toured that album for a long time \u2013 I think a year-and-a-half. That\u2019s a good amount of time for fans\u2019 attention span.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Now, the focus is on \u201cDeathgrip.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe tracked the album in January this year and spent five weeks in the studio,\u201d said Kirby. \u201cWe made it on Detroit with Nick Sampson. We chose him because he is fresh. He\u2019s a new face on the scene and this was one of his first chances to do a full project.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Fit for a King has been able to span genres with strong appeal for Christian fans and for metalheads.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAbout half our fans could care less that we\u2019re a Christian band,\u201d said Kirby, during a phone interview last week from his Texasx home. \u201cThe other half care a lot. All our songs are written from a Christian point of view.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cBut, we\u2019re definitely metal with dirty and clean vocals. On this album, there is less clean on it. I do about half the singing \u2013 and all the screaming. Our bass player does the other half of the singing.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Fit for a King \u2013 https:\/\/youtu.be\/t-7aJxrFr4E?t=60<\/i><\/span><\/a><\/span>.<\/i><\/span><\/p>\n

The multi-act show at the TLA will start at 7 p.m. Tickets are $19.50.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at the Theater of the Living Arts are The Pietasters on October 29, Hafro Kondabolu on October 30, Lecrae on October 31 and The Philly Swish on November 2.<\/span><\/p>\n

For family-friendly music and Halloween fun this weekend, the place to be is the World Cafe Live at the Queen (500 North Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, 302-994-1400, http:\/\/queen.worldcafelive.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>).<\/span><\/p>\n

\"Jason<\/a>

Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam<\/p><\/div>\n

On October 29 from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Peanut Butter and Jams welcomes Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam for a gala \u201cJungle Gym Jam Costume Party.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The event is a costume party with the Jungle Gym Jam (full band), Adults are invited to bring out their kids in their Halloween costumes \u2014 and wear their own costumes too. As an added attraction, 10 per cent of the admission proceeds will benefit Xavier Ross \u2013 a five-year-old heart patient since birth — at Children\u2019s Hospital of Philadelphia.<\/span><\/p>\n

Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam take their native New Jersey surroundings seriously.<\/span><\/p>\n

So much so that they named their dinosaur puppet \u201cBruce\u201d after Bruce Springsteen and sing original songs that profess their love for family vacations on the Jersey Shore. Their music features a Jersey rock sound paired with kid-friendly lyrics.<\/span><\/p>\n

At a Jungle Gym Jam show, interactivity is key.<\/span><\/p>\n

Special moments in the show that elicit audience participation include freeze dancing, jumping (pretending you\u2019re jumping on the bed), playing peek-a-boo with a giant Moon cut-out (ideal for the younger kids), learning the differences between sea lions and seals (while dancing and pointing to the one specific facial feature that\u2019s different between the two creatures), and correcting Jason\u2019s silly \u201cmistakes\u201d in between songs.<\/span><\/p>\n

The energetic music is a tight match to the interactive content and warm, intelligent lyrics. Didner\u2019s music has been described as \u201cBruce Springsteen for kids\u201d and \u201cElvis Costello in a particularly good mood.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Jason and Amy Didner are the couple that created the Jungle Gym Jam out of the inspiration they got from parenting their now-4-year-old daughter. They co-write all their lyrics, often as a way of recapturing special family memories and making them universal.<\/span><\/p>\n

They perform with a full rock band in situations of larger audience and wider age ranges like at the Bronx Zoo or Jones Beach Band Shell. They play as an acoustic duo in more intimate settings and a younger audience, at libraries, museums, pre-schools and birthday parties.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWhen my daughter got to be a year-and-a-half old, her curiosity about the world around her got my attention,\u201d said Jason Didner, during a recent phone interview from his home in Montclair, New Jersey.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cAmy and I found ourselves writing songs. It led us down this rabbit hole of seeing things all new ways. Now that our daughter Holly is almost five, our songwriting has grown with her. She\u2019s become a big part of the music.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe started writing songs more than three years ago. Having a band with other musicians will be three years in March. We probably do 40-50 shows a year.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

The appeal is simple and the approach is direct.<\/span><\/p>\n

According to Didner, the heart of their music-making is pure rock-n-roll while their lyrics strive to entertain through humor and good storytelling. The lyrics also sneak in some learning while the young audience is busy having fun. Puppets and skits play a large role in their live show — providing visual variety and engaging the kids\u2019 sense of wonder.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cWe came out with our first CD two years ago,\u201d said Didner. \u201cThe follow-up CD will be out in May. We\u2019ve already released three songs from the upcoming CD. We\u2019re up around 80 videos on YouTube. It\u2019s a mix of live videos in our home studio. Some are acted out and some are animated.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u201cThe lyrics are geared to learning and discovery. In our live shows, we\u2019ve entertained all the way up to tweens and teens. When we have a full band, we can rock out.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n

Video link for Jason Didner and the Jungle Gym Jam — https:\/\/youtu.be\/8NVefzU4DtE?t=4<\/i><\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Doors for the party at the World Caf\u00e9 Live at the Queen will open at 10:30 a.m. Tickets are $8.<\/span><\/p>\n

Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295,\u00a0http:\/\/www.kennettflash.org<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will have Francis Dunnery & His Sensational Electric Band on October 27; Mike Keneally & Beer For Dolphins along with Travis Larson Band on October 28; Approaching Black & White, Boxcar, and Anatomy of an Outcast on October 30; and Shooting Shark, The 45\u2019s and 46 Sherman on October 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Steel City Coffee House (203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, 610-933-4043, www.steelcitycoffeehouse.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will present Steal Your Face Band on October 28, Halloween Party with the Steel City House Band on October 29 and Eric Sommer on November 2.<\/span><\/p>\n

Chaplin\u2019s (66 North Main Street, Spring City, 610-792-4110,\u00a0http:\/\/chaplinslive.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will host Chestnut Grove on October 28 and Laughing Water and Ryan Cohen on October 29.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Ardmore Music Hall (23 East Lancaster Avenue, Ardmore, 610-649-8389,\u00a0www.ardmoremusic.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will have John Kadlecik Band with special guest Midnight North on October 27, The GTVs and Wayside Shakeup on October 28, Halloween with Phillybloco on October 29, and Splintered Sunlight with special guest David Gans on October 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

Valley Forge Casino (1160 First Avenue, King of Prussia, 610-354-8118, www.vfcasino.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will present Dirty Heads on October 28.<\/span><\/p>\n

Tin Angel (20 South Second Street, Philadelphia, 215-928-0770, http:\/\/www.tinangel.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will present Chris Trapper on October 28, Chatham County Line on November 2.<\/span><\/p>\n

Burlap & Bean Coffeehouse (204 South Newtown Street Road, Newtown Square, 484-427-4547,\u00a0www.burlapandbean.com<\/i><\/span><\/a>) will present The Sea, The Sea on October 27, Rod Picott and Michael Braunfeld on October 28, and Vilebreed on October 29.<\/span><\/p>\n

The Keswick Theater (291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 215-572-7650,\u00a0www.keswicktheatre.com<\/span><\/a>) presents Kathleen Madigan on October 27, Colbie Caillat on October 28 and Tig Notaro on November 2.<\/span><\/p>\n

The New Candlelight Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware,\u00a0302- 475-2313,\u00a0www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org<\/span><\/a>) is presenting the musical \u201cHairspray\u201d now through October 30.<\/span><\/p>\n

Performances are Friday and Saturday evenings (doors 6 p.m.\/show, 8 p.m.) and Sunday afternoons (doors, 1 p.m.\/show, 3 p.m.). Tickets, which include dinner and show, are $59 for adults and $33 for children (ages 4-12).<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff,\u00a0Staff Writer Vincent John, who was born and raised in Chester County, has lived in a number of places in recent years and has performed in concert all over Europe and South America. Area fans will have the opportunity to hear John perform live on November 2 when the talented singer brings his […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":21791,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7529],"tags":[6518],"class_list":["post-21789","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-featured"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21789","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=21789"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21789\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":21790,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/21789\/revisions\/21790"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/21791"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=21789"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=21789"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=21789"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}