On Stage: After more than 50 years, Clannad is saying goodbye
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Clannad
It’s been 53 years since Clannad formed in County Donegal in Ireland. It’s been 50 years since the masters of traditional Irish music first performed in America.
Over that time, the band has released more than 20 albums and built up a strong large legion of devoted fans.
“Mat the road rise to meet you” is an Irish blessing that has been...
On Stage Extra: Maria Muldaur, more than a one-hit wonder
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Maria Muldaur
The end of summer is looming on the horizon. For fans of live music, that means there is an uptick in midweek shows.
This week, there is an impressive array of live shows on Wednesday featuring a legendary folksinger, an iconic British pop band from the 80s, a groundbreaking metal band and an up-and-coming singer-songwriter.
When music...
On Stage: Sharon Katz is much more than just a musician
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Sharon Katz
On September 10, the City Winery (990 Filbert Street, Philadelphia, citywinery.com/philadelphia) will host one of the most important artists of our time – musician, philanthropist, musicologist, and humanitarian activist Sharon Katz. She will be performing with her musical group The Peace Train.
The Peace Train band features Katz on...
On Stage: ZZ Ward takes control of her career
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
ZZ Ward
A lot has happened with ZZ Ward’s life and music career from the time of her Philadelphia debut in March 2013 with a show at TLA until now.
She has recorded three albums – the most recent of which was her first as an independent artist with her own label. The album, “Dirty Shine,” will be released on September 8 on her label, Dirty Shine...
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...
