On Stage Extra: Two legendary bands — Marshall Tucker and STYX — celebrating 50 years with local shows

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times There are quite a few legendary “Southern Rock” bands that have defined the genre – bands such as the Allman Brothers Band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Molly Hatchet, 38 Special, Atlanta Rhythm Section and Black Oak Arkansas. One of the oldest and most durable is the Marshall Tucker Band, a band from Spartanburg, South Carolina that was formed in 1972. More...

On Stage: ‘Mr. Las Vegas’ — Wayne Newton — comes east for show at Parx

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Fans and journalists make a big deal about the age of some of the singers and musicians who are still performing live – acts such as Jimmy Page, Keith Richards, Roger Daltrey (79), Ray Davies, Rod Stewart, Stephen Stills (78) and Van Morrison, Debbie Harry, Bryan Ferry, Pete Townshend, Eric Clapton (77). However, when it comes to longevity, few can...

On Stage Extra: East meets West with Shakti, at The Keswick

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Shakti On August 22, the Keswick Theater (291 N. Keswick Avenue, Glenside, 215-572-7650, www.keswicktheatre.com) will present a special concert – a concert featuring a rarely touring international supergroup – a concert where East meets West and North meets South. That band is Shakti. It is led by English guitarist John McLaughlin and Indian percussionist...

On Stage: Ardmore Rock N’ Ride returns, Sat.

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times On August 19, Narberth Ambulance, Rising Sun Presents and Suburban Square are teaming up to present the Third Annual “Ardmore Rock N’ Ride” — an all-day music festival and competitive bike race in downtown Ardmore, presented by Main Line Health and Independence Blue Cross. The free community fundraiser combines an official US Cycling bike...

On Stage Extra: After a long wait, The Lion King returns to Philly

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  The Lion King “Rent,” “Les Misérables,” “Cats,” “Phantom of the Opera” — many touring Broadway shows make frequent return visits to Philadelphia. The hit musical “The Lion King” is not one of them. The show made its area debut in 2006 at the Academy of Music and then didn’t come back again until 2010. It returned to the...

On Stage: Hot horns, comedy at Xcite Center

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Summer Horns 2023 If you visit Parx Casino (2999 Street Road, Bensalem, https://parxcasino.com) this weekend, there is a sure way to be a winner. All you need do is head to The Xcite Center at Parx Casino to attend a show on Friday or Saturday night. On August 11, the venue will host “Dave Koz & Friends Summer Horns 2023.” On August 12, it will...

On Stage: The Sound of Music at Candlelight

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Sound of Music If you’re one of those music fans who never get tired hearing the songs from “The Sound of Music” and would love to hear them performed in a live setting, you’re in luck this month. On Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays now through August 27, the Candlelight Dinner Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, 302- 475-2313, www.candlelighttheatredelaware.org)...

On Stage Extra: The 80’s come roaring back in show at The Mann

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Howard Jones Music fans heading into the TD Pavilion at the Mann (5201 Parkside Avenue, Philadelphia, TD Pavilion at the Mann Philadelphia, Tickets for Concerts & Music Events 2023 – Songkick)  on July 30 will be going through a time warp – from 2023 back to the 1980s. The show will feature Boy George and Culture Club, Howard Jones and Berlin. For...

On Stage: The Rumble represents one of New Orleans’ lesser-known traditions

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Rumble New Orleans is a great cultural city – especially for food and music. Many of America’s legendary musicians are from New Orleans – Professor Longhair, the Dirty Dozen Brass Band, Louis Prima, The Meters, Fats Domino, the Wild Magnolias. Music is everywhere in Crescent City – from small clubs to huge festivals like the New Orleans Jazz...

On Stage: Andy Summers is more than just a legendary guitar player

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Andy Summers Andy Summers is most known for his work as the guitarist of the British band The Police. Summers’ innovative guitar playing created a new paradigm for guitarists in this period and has been widely imitated ever since. Prior to the Police, he played with various bands in the London scene including the Soft Machine, Kevin Coyne, and also...