{"id":36229,"date":"2020-12-17T09:17:56","date_gmt":"2020-12-17T14:17:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=36229"},"modified":"2020-12-17T09:18:08","modified_gmt":"2020-12-17T14:18:08","slug":"on-stage-sellersville-returns-to-live-streaming-only-concerts-due-to-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/?p=36229","title":{"rendered":"On Stage: Sellersville returns to live streaming-only concerts due to COVID"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff<\/strong>, Entertainment Editor, The Times<\/em><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Deb Callahan<\/p><\/div>\n

Up until about a week ago, the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com<\/a>) was holding down the fort in the battle to keep indoor performances with live audiences featuring national acts on the local schedule<\/p>\n

The venue was able to present live music and comedy at 10% occupancy to live performances with ticketed livestreams as well.<\/p>\n

Then, the latest round of COVID-19 restrictions was posted for Pennsylvania.<\/p>\n

Gov. Tom Wolf announced a series of new restrictions on December 10 for the three weeks starting at midnight December 11 including a ban on indoor dining at restaurants, closure of gyms, music venues, museums, halting of extra-curricular activities and sports in schools and limiting indoor gatherings through January 4, 2021. <\/p>\n

Kasim Sulton\u2019s show, which was scheduled for December 12 at Sellersville, was eliminated completely.<\/p>\n

Other shows scheduled for now through January will be presented as \u201cLivestream only\u201d events including two choice offerings this weekend — Natalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy on December 18 and Deb Callahan Band on December 19.<\/p>\n

\u201cThis morning, Bruce Ranes from the Sellersville Theater called me this morning and said they\u2019d still do the show,\u201d said Callahan, during a phone interview last Friday from her home in Philadelphia\u2019s Mount Airy section.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey\u2019re still having me come there and perform a show. But it will be Livestream only with no live audience. I\u2019ve done Livestream before but just from home.<\/p>\n

\u201cOriginally, there was supposed to be a live audience but with a 10 per cent capacity, that meant only 33 people. Health safety is a bigger issue. It wasn\u2019t going to be a huge crowd \u2013 but an audience of 33 enthusiastic people can be fun.\u201d<\/p>\n

Like just about every other band or solo act out there, Callahan\u2019s music career has been affected by the pandemic.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s a tough time for touring bands,\u201d said Callahan. \u201cIt\u2019s definitely been weird. I\u2019ve been rescheduled three times for City Winery \u2013 May, August and October. Now, the show has been rescheduled for March 2021.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m from the Boston area and I\u2019ve been in Philly for a little over 20 years,\u201d said Callahan. \u201cI moved here to go to grad school at Penn.\u201d<\/p>\n

After graduation from the University of Pennsylvania\u2019s School of Social Work, Callahan stayed in the area and still works as a social worker in the city.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI got a master\u2019s degree in social work,\u201d said Callahan. \u201cI do youth counseling. My music is definitely influenced by my work as a social worker.\u201d<\/p>\n

Callahan, who has been a fixture in the Delaware Valley blues\/rock scene for almost two decades will be performing with her longtime band which features Tom Walling on drums, Garry Lee on bass and Allen James on guitar.<\/p>\n

\u201cAllen and I have been together 18 years,\u201d said Callahan. \u201cTom has been with us 13 or 14 years and I\u2019ve been playing with Gary for about 10 years.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have five CDs and a lot of DVDs from World Caf\u00e9 Live. My first album was in 2002.\u201d<\/p>\n

Callahan\u2019s debut LP was \u201cIf Blues Had Wings\u201d and she followed with \u201cThe Blue Pearl\u201d in 2005, \u201cGrace and Grit\u201d in 2008 and \u201cTell It Like It Is\u2019 in 2010. Her most recent CD is \u201cSweet Soul,\u201d which was released in September 2015 on Blue Pearl Records.<\/p>\n

\u201cI recorded \u2018Sweet Soul\u2019 in Los Angeles,\u201d said Callahan. \u201cTony and I went to L.A. to work with renowned producer and drummer Tony Braunagel. We recorded the album at a studio owned by Johnny Lee Schell in Studio City.\u201d<\/p>\n

The sessions at Ultratone Studios in Studio City featured Callahan and James playing with an all-star studio line-up including Mike Finnigan (keyboards), Reggie McBride (bass), Schell (engineering and slide guitar) and Braunagel (drums). This group of LA musicians has recorded and toured with performers such as Etta James, Bonnie Raitt and Taj Mahal.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s been a while since that record,\u201d said Callahan. \u201cI feel really due.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve done no recording lately. I wish I could say I was a little more active with that. I\u2019ve been using the break to have a lot more quiet time \u2013 a lot of reading, a lot of reflecting on things. I have been doing a little writing. I have a lot of ideas.\u201d<\/p>\n

So, Callahan\u2019s Livestream audience this weekend won\u2019t be treated to any new originals \u2013 but they still will get a treat from the Quaker City blueswoman.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll be playing some songs from each of my five albums,\u201d said Callahan. \u201cI\u2019ll also be doing some covers and playing some holiday songs.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video link for Deb Callahan — https:\/\/youtu.be\/G8yCZBc5lIM<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at the Sellersville Theater on December 19 will start at 8 p.m. Tickets for the Livestream concert are $10.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>The Sellersville show on December 18 is officially billed as \u201cNatalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy Present: A Celtic Family Christmas At Home.\u201d<\/p>\n

Unlike the Callahan show, this concert will not take place in the theater. Instead, it will be performed at MacMaster & Leahy\u2019s home in Nova Scotia.<\/p>\n

On their website, the musical couple posted this message:<\/p>\n

\u201cWelcome to our home!! I\u2019m Natalie MacMaster and together with my husband Donnell Leahy and our seven children, we will be celebrating Christmas virtually this year!! For decades, we have toured extensively at Christmas, but this year marks our most unique one, taking the stage to our home! We will spend just over an hour sharing with you much of our music and culture, Christmas traditions and general real life family dynamic in the comfort of our own home!! We are quite excited to play our music for you (which includes the children as well for many of the tunes), do some dancing, some singing, some baking, talk about Christmas memories past and even have our band join us for a couple virtual performances! Given our children\u2019s ages and personalities, there will be many candid moments along the way. I\u2019ve heard it said that every disadvantage creates an opportunity. Well we have embraced this chance to perform for a crowd in such a unique way and are eagerly awaiting the moment you all show up at our front door, ready to welcome you home!\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The Sellersville Theater and many other venues around the United States and Canada will be taking part in the family\u2019s Livestream presentation.<\/p>\n

And even though the date for Sellersville is December 18 at 8 p.m., those who purchase a ticket for the Livestream are not limited to just viewing it on that date and time. This show can be watched anytime, multiple times until New Year\u2019s Day.<\/p>\n

Ironically, it was almost a year to the day the Canadian duo visited the theater in upper Bucks County for a live performance.<\/p>\n

The show \u201cNatalie MacMaster & Donnell Leahy: A Celtic Family Christmas\u201d was presented by the Sellersville Theater on December 15, 2019.<\/p>\n

When Natalie MacMaster first started performing in this area, she was a versatile musician in her early 20s from Nova Scotia \u2013 a talented fiddler, vocalist and step dancer with several impressive albums on Rounder Records.<\/p>\n

That era in her career was more than a 25 years ago. Fortunately, MacMaster is still fiddling, dancing, singing and making music. She also has been making babies over the last two decades.<\/p>\n

Even more fortunate for her fans, MacMaster has found a way to combine music and motherhood.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have been making music and making babies,\u201d said MacMaster, during a prior phone interview.<\/p>\n

\u201cI have seven children. All of them except the last two were 18 months apart. The five oldest are in the show with me and my husband Donnell.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cOur five children in the show song, fiddle, dance and play piano,\u201d said MacMaster. \u201cThey all do everything. I taught them dancing and fiddle when they were about four. They do all take to it naturally. It\u2019s organic. It\u2019s in their genes. They love being onstage.\u201d<\/p>\n

For Leahy, playing onstage with family members is nothing new \u2013 especially with his history in Leahy.<\/p>\n

Leahy is a Canadian folk music group. The eight band members, all from the Leahy family of 11 siblings, are from Lakefield, Ontario and have been touring Canada and internationally since the early 1980s, when they were known as The Leahy Family.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been together with my husband for 18 years,\u201d said MacMaster. \u201cHe heard my music with my \u2018Four in the Floor\u2019 album. He was 24 and I was 20.\u201d<\/p>\n

Back then, MacMaster was like a one-woman \u201cRiverdance\u201d — playing fiddle feverishly and performing intense step dancing throughout almost every song.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy step dancing has slowed down a little after seven pregnancies,\u201d said MacMaster, whose resume includes a GRAMMY Award win and nomination, a JUNO Award win and seven nominations, 19 East Coast Music Association awards, and five Canadian Country Music Association\u2019s \u201cFiddler of the Year\u201d nods \u2014 as well as three honorary doctorates, an induction into the Casino Nova Scotia Hall of Fame, and a member of the Order of Canada.<\/p>\n

\u201cI did dance through all my pregnancies, but I had to keep the cardio down. I could do the steps, but I had to cut back on the hopping.\u201d<\/p>\n

MacMaster didn\u2019t cut back on her recording. She has released six albums since her first child was born. The most recent LP is \u201cSketches,\u201d which was released last November via Linus Records.<\/p>\n

According to MacMaster, \u2018Sketches\u201d is \u201ca moment during my 47th year of life, my 37th year of fiddling, my 16th year of marriage, and my 13th year of parenting. It\u2019ll be a moment of joyous appreciation inspired by years of parenting, marriage, friendships, music, and life.\u201d<\/p>\n

This is a professional life that includes performances with B\u00e9la Fleck, Faith Hill, Carlos Santana, The Chieftains, Sharon, Lois & Bram, Buddy MacMaster and Jesse Cook, as well as award-winning collaborations with Yo-Yo Ma, and a blended line with award-winning collaborations with Leahy and their children.<\/p>\n

\u201cWith this show, we have our band \u2013 bass, guitar, piano and myself and Donnell — and our kids contribute quite a lot,\u201d said MacMaster.<\/p>\n

Video link for Natalie MacMaster — Family Number Medley \/\/ NATALIE MACMASTER, DONNELL LEAHY & FAMILY – YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The show at the Sellersville Theater will start at 8 p.m. Fee for Livestream show is $25.<\/p>\n

Other upcoming shows at the Sellersville Theater are The Launch (A Tribute to The Music Of Styx & Queen) on December 26 and 27.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Live original music was also being presented at 118 North (118 North Wayne Avenue, Wayne, www.118northwayne.com<\/a>) as part of its \u201c118 North\u00a0presents the\u00a0Tailgate Under The Tent Series.\u201d<\/p>\n

Scheduled to run through the winter, \u201c118 North\u00a0presents the\u00a0Tailgate Under The Tent Series\u201d\u00a0featured live pop-up concerts from under the Wayne Picnic Grove.<\/p>\n

More than two dozen shows were on December\u2019s schedule, but the slate was wiped clean last week by the state\u2019s pandemic restrictions.<\/p>\n

118 North just posted this message on its Facebook page:<\/p>\n

\u201cLive music under the Wayne Picnic Tent will shut down for the remainder of 2020, in compliance with new PA Covid restrictions. We hope to resume our Tailgate Takeout concert series as soon as restrictions are lifted.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

The 118 North Team is thankful for all of your support and understanding during this tumultuous time. Our kitchen will continue to fulfill takeout and delivery orders Thursday-Saturday during operating hours. Thank you, and please continue to show love to all of our fellow Wayne small businesses this holiday season.\u201d\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cYuletide Jazz & Wine at Winterthur\u201d will be presented every Wednesday evening at Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware,800-448-3883,www.winterthur.org<\/a>).<\/p>\n

The events, which will run from 5:30-7:30 p.m. each night, feature an evening of live jazz, food, and wine among the twinkling lights of the Visitor Center. Visitors can enjoy concerts by some of the area\u2019s best musicians playing holiday music.<\/p>\n

Winterthur\u2019s Pavilion Restaurant is open for dinner with cash wine and beer bar. Reservations required as capacity is limited.<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Aniyajazz<\/p><\/div>\n

The schedule for this year\u2019s \u201cYuletide Jazz & Wine at Winterthur\u201d is Aniyajazz on December 23 and The Greg Farnese Quartet on December 30.<\/p>\n

The shows are Included with general admission ticket. For those not purchasing a Yuletide general admission ticket, tickets are $10.<\/p>\n

There will also be live music at Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square, www.longwoodgardens.org<\/a>)<\/p>\n

The \u201cOutdoor Christmas Musicians Holiday Series\u201d is running now January 3 in Pierce-du Pont House Plaza.<\/p>\n

Longwood visitors can revel in the delightful instrumental sounds of Rob Dickenson and the Brandywine Christmas Minstrels as they celebrate\u00a0\u201cA Longwood Christmas.\u201d Performances will be held nightly Fridays through Sundays from 5-8 p.m. — weather permitting.<\/p>\n

Some of the local venues presenting live music shows throughout December are Tuned Up Brewing Co. (135 North Main Street, Spring City, www.tunedupbrew.com<\/a>), which will present Alyssa Dodge on December 17 and Mr. Mody on December 25, and Brickside Grille (540 Wellington Square, Exton, bricksidegrille.com<\/a>), which is hosting Samantha Seider on December 19, Dave Saunders on December 20, Dan Graber on December 27 and Madeline Knight on December 27.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Up until about a week ago, the Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808,\u00a0www.st94.com) was holding down the fort in the battle to keep indoor performances with live audiences featuring national acts on the local schedule The venue was able to present live music and comedy at […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":36231,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[7529],"tags":[12588,12589,3184,6518,12587,12483,4548],"class_list":["post-36229","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-d-arts-entertainment","tag-118-north","tag-aniyajazz","tag-deb-callahan","tag-featured","tag-natalie-macmaster-donnell-leahy","tag-sellersville-theater","tag-winterthur"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36229","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=36229"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36229\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":36230,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36229\/revisions\/36230"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/36231"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=36229"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=36229"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kennetttimes.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=36229"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}