On Stage: Willie Nile is still rockin’ it

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Willie Nile The name “Nile” is associated with superlatives. The Nile River is the longest river in the world at 4,130 miles and has a drainage basin that covers 11 countries. Willie Nile is an internationally acclaimed rocker whose career spans 40 years.    Send article as PDF   

On Stage: Tessa Violet at Voltage Lounge tonight

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Tessa Violet Tessa Violet turned in a sparkling performance when she headlined a Philly show last September at The Fillmore. Now, the talented singer/songwriter/indie rocker is returning to Philadelphia on August 14 when she brings her “I Like (The Idea Of) You” Tour to the Voltage Lounge (421 North Seventh Street, Philadelphia, 215- 964-9602, www.voltagelounge.com). ...

On Stage: Jamison Ross is a rising star in jazz world

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jamison Ross Jamison Ross, who is headlining a show on August 12 at Johnny Brenda’s (1201 North Frankford Avenue, Philadelphia, 215-739-9684, www.johnnybrendas.com), is one of the rising stars in the world of jazz. He is a drummer, a composer, a Grammy Award nominee and the winner of many prestigious awards, including the prestigious Thelonious Monk...

On Stage: New Reveille is worth getting to know

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times New Reveille When Shawn James’ fans make the trip northward to Upper Bucks County to catch his show on August 10 The Sellersville Theater (24 West Temple Avenue, Sellersville, 215-257-5808, www.st94.com), they would be well advised to get to the comfy theater early enough to hear the opening band’s set. Performing the role of lid-lifter will be...

On Stage: Top singer-songwriters at The Flash

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Beth Nielsen Chapman On August 9, Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, www.kennettflash.org) will present a dynamite double-header featuring two of America’s most respected, veteran singer/songwriters – Beth Nielsen Chapman and Dan Navarro. Chapman’s recording history dates back to 1980 when she released her debut album...

On Stage: Bryce Vine sees career take off

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Bryce Vine Bryce Vine, who shared the bill with MAX and EZI at the Theatre of the Living Arts (334 South Street, Philadelphia, 215-222-1011, http://www.lnphilly.com) back in November, has seen his career take off and is now coming back to the TLA as a solo headliner. His show at the South Street venue is scheduled for August 4. Vine presents a genre-bending,...

On Stage: Montreal Guitare Trio returns to The Flash

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Montreal Guitare Trio The Montreal Guitare Trio is no stranger to the Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org). The Canadian band played the venue earlier this year as the opening act for the California Guitar Trio. Now, the Montreal-based threesome – Sébastien Dufour, Glenn Lévesque and Marc...

On Stage: Laugh it up with Jim McCue tonight

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jim McCue If things go as planned on the evening of July 27, they’ll be laughing in the aisles at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, UptownWestChester.org). On Saturday night, the theater in downtown West Chester will be presenting an evening of comedy with Boston’s stand-up veteran Jim McCue. A mixture...

On Stage: Albert Castiglia was born under a good sign

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Albert Castiglia Over the next few days, Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is presenting a series of shows that will please a wide variety of music tastes – blues, western swing, classic rock tribute, singer/songwriter and indie pop. It starts on July 25 with modern bluesman Albert Castiglia. “Born...

On Stage: Cirque du Soleil: Amaluna comes to Oaks

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times There are two circus-style events coming to the area this week – but not the traditional one-ring type with lions, tigers, elephants and clowns. One is Cirque du Soleil — a new age style circus from a circus company that constantly pushes the boundaries. The other is a concert by the Rolling Stones, a show with a circus-like atmosphere and Mick...