On Stage: Jesse Ruben comes home for show at World Cafe Live

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jesse Ruben For Brooklyn based singer/songwriter Jesse Ruben, his show on May 12 at the World Café Live (3025 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, www.worldcafelive.com) is a much-anticipated homecoming. Ruben, who moved to New York 12 years ago, grew up in Maple Glen and graduated from Upper Dublin High School. He went on to earn a degree in songwriting at...

On Stage: Willie Nile returns to Philly

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Willie Nile Willie Nile loves the Philadelphia area – and, without a doubt, the Philly area loves him back. Around 16 months ago, Nile — much to his relief and much to his delight — started playing live shows for live audiences again after a year-and-a-half of pandemic restrictions. Since mid-2021, Nile has come down from New York to perform...

On Stage: Two legendary acts celebrate golden anniversary with local shows

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Chris Smither A golden anniversary is always a big deal whether it’s a marriage, a business, an event or the life of a musical act. A lot of rock and folk musicians have not been able to live for more than 50 years. Many, many rock and folk musicians have not been able to mount careers that have lasted for more than five years. This weekend, there...

On Stage: Petras fashions a music career in pop

By Denny Dyroff,  Entertainment Editor, The Times Kim Petras Kim Petras has been developing a lot of avenues to fame recently – including some runway work this week at New York Fashion Week. But, her main claim to fame is her music. Petras writes and sings pop songs – good pop songs that have the potential to be earworms. Her latest single is a catchy pop song called “Heart to Break.” The...

On Stage: Delicate Steve is a man of many talents

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Delicate Steve The weekend’s music schedule will shift into high gear on Friday night but area fans can get ready to rock before the weekend arrives by attending the show by Delicate Steve on March 9 at Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill Street, Philadelphia, http://undergroundarts.org). Delicate Steve is the stage name of musician Steve Marion, a multi-instrumentalist...

On Stage: The 7eventy 2wos at The Flash

Also: ‘Rain’ in Wilmington, ‘Trotters’ in Philly By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The 7eventy 2wos — a band with strong Unionville roots — takes the stage at The Flash March 6. March 6 will be a night of good music for area fans who want to get out of the house and listen to some of their favorite tunes performed live. And, it will also be a night of tough decisions...