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...

On Stage Extra: John Ondrasik is a man of many talents

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times John Ondrasik John Ondrasik, a veteran rocker from Los Angeles, wears many hats. He is a singer/songwriter who plays keyboards and guitars. He is a philanthropist. He is a principal figure in a family business that has been around since 1946. He is a man who looks at the plight of people in Afghanistan and Ukraine and does what he can to help. When Ondrasik...

On Stage Extra: Rachael Sage is focusing on performance

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Rachael Sage Rachael Sage is like a modern-day Renaissance woman — singer-songwriter, ballerina, pianist, poet, record label owner, actress, organist, writer and record producer. Currently, she is focused on being a performer. She seems to be endlessly touring world-wide and all across America. Fortunately, her schedule has included three local shows...

On Stage: Selwyn Birchwood returns for show at Sellersville

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Selwyn Birchwood Fans of blues music have a lot to get excited about over the next few days including visits by two artists from the prestigious blues label – Alligator Records. Selwyn Birchwood will headline a show in Sellersville on July 13 and Lil’ Ed & The Blues Imperials will have a three-day run in Philadelphia from July 14-16. Birchwood...

On Stage: Moulin Rouge comes to Philly

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Moulin Rouge! The Musical Area fans of music theater have been waiting a while for “Moulin Rouge! The Musical” to arrive in Philadelphia. The wait ended this week. July 5 was “Opening Night” for the hit show “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” which is being presented by Kimmel Cultural Campus (250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, www.kimmelculturalcampus.org)...

On Stage: Slambovian Circus of Dreams comes to Ardmore

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Slambovian Circus of Dreams There is no lack of things to do when Fourth of July Weekend arrives. Options include long weekend getaways to vacation destinations, fireworks displays and holiday picnics with family and friends. This year, there is another option – a really good option for music fans. On July 1, the Slambovian Circus of Dreams will be...

On Stage: Falsa highlights Sufi music in new forms

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Falsa Falsa, which will be performing at The Rotunda (4014 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, http://firemuseumpresents.com) on June 17, is a New York based band that was formed in Philadelphia and has its roots in Pakistan. The show is part of the Fire Museum’s “Dialogues Series.” Falsa is rooted in 14th century Sufi music (Indian classical mysticism...

On Stage: Mary Fahl records, plays the songs she cherishes

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Mary Fahl We all have songs that we fell in love with a long time ago and still cherish – songs that played a big part in forming music tastes that last a lifetime. Some of us have downloaded them to a current file on our computers. Some of us have created specialized playlists on streaming services. Some, I’m sure, still have the original albums...