The Flash relaunches with sold-out show, big fall slate

Refreshed venue opens Act II with music, comedy, better food and more

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times

Chris Bruni headlines Saturday night’s champagne celebration of the relaunch of the Flash, which kicks off this weekend.

KENNETT SQUARE — It’s back and better than ever.

The Flash reopens tonight with a sold-out performance by the Melton Brothers with special guest, John Lilley from the legendary Philly-area band, The Hooters. Aside from an exciting slate of music, comedy and other acts in the coming weeks, the venue itself has been refreshed and new and better food options are now available, making the BYOB facility a one-stop option for a night out.

If you think the grand opening celebration stops with tonight — you’d be wrong. Saturday night’s show featuring Chris Bruni, the versatile singer-song writer, and opening act Geri Smith features a champagne celebration of the relaunch of the Flash with surprise giveaways. A limited number of tickets remain available and can be purchased on the Web.

In addition to all of the new and exciting upgrades, many of the events and programs that have made the Flash such a staple of the local entertainment scene return this week as well, starting with Sunday night’s Open Mic night hosted by Todd Chappelle, sponsored by Del Bittle Music. Aside from featuring some of the area’s top up-and-coming acts, Chappelle’s mix of music and comedy makes for a lively and fun night.

Answering the age old question of what could be better than bacon, the comedy improve troop Better Than Bacon returns for its normal Thursday night slot, Sept. 12. Each show is unique, driven by audience suggestions.

And as they say, for the rest of September, the hits keep on coming:

Friday, Sept. 13 features the funky blues of Deb Callahan, with Beaucoup Blue opening. The next night, the Dukes of Destiny host their not-to-be missed Dance Party and Concert — mixing the high-energy blues and soul that have made them one of the Delaware Valley’s favorite acts for more than two decades.

Kennett Square native Mark Unruh headlines Sept. 20, with special guest Ted Lundy. Unruh is an award-winning multi-instrumentalist for a night of blues, folk, bluegrass, originals, classical, a few tales of history and adventure and maybe a tune or two on the horn. Also featured will be one of Mark’s longtime guitar students, guitarist Worth Dixon.

Bob Lougheed’s always popular Elvis Tribute show returns Sept. 21 — a native of Claymont, Del. Lougheed is acknowledged as one of the nation’s top Elvis Presley tribute performers.

On Sept. 27, John Eddie, a staple of the folk-rock scene for decades will play two shows — 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Still something of a legend in New Jersey, Eddie has played with and opened for performers such as Bruce Springsteen, The Kinks and Bob Seger, while a number of his songs have been covered by artists such as Kid Rock.

Day May headlines on Sept. 28. May is one of the more interesting stories featured at the Flash this fall. May gave up a promising career as a singer-songwriter to follow his dream to become an opera singer. After a 15-year career, vocal chord surgery left him unable to sing opera and he opted to return to his roots. Opening for him are a pair of talented Kennett Square sisters, Gwen and Becca Calabrese, who use their powerful harmonies on an eclectic mix of music styles.

Rounding out the month is an unusual daytime event: Lori Citro’s CD release party for her new album, Red Shoes, which starts at 3 p.m. Citro and her band, The Accidentals, will perform.