What To Do: First-ever Porchfest this weekend in West Chester

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times This area has many – really many — annual events that have passed their 50th, 60th, 70th and even 100th anniversaries. This weekend, you have the opportunity to partake in the inaugural staging of what should join the ranks of popular annual Chester County events — the First Annual West Chester Porchfest. All are welcome at the First Annual...

On Stage: Hairspray returns to Philadelphia

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Hairspray It’s been more than a decade since “Hairspray” went on a National Tour and played a run in Philadelphia. The show, which is filled with fun numbers and poignant messages, is a delight that shouldn’t be missed. Now through May 22, the Kimmel Cultural Campus (250 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, www.kimmelculturalcampus.org) is presenting...

CCIU celebrates academic excellence and student achievement

Dr. Fiore welcomes students and families to the 2021-22 CCIU Champions Banquet. On Thursday, May 12, students gathered for the champions banquet at Franklin Commons in Phoenixville, PA, to celebrate an array of amazing accomplishments from the 2021-22 school year. The banquet began with opening remarks from special events coordinators Jay Della Ragione and Kathy Gurnee. CCIU Executive Director,...

County officials: new home construction in ’21 hits 20-year high

A new report from the Chester County Planning Commission shows that more homes were built in the county in 2021 than in any year since 2001, and that the growth was largely driven by apartment construction. The report also said that despite soaring prices, more homes were sold than in any year since 2005. “The numbers for units built and sold and the prices for which they were sold are staggering,...

What To Do: From Winterthur to the White House

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jacqueline Kennedy Winterthur Museum, Garden & Library (Route 52, Wilmington, Delaware, 800-448-3883, www.winterthur.org) looks at American history with a new exhibit and Southern tradition with a special event tonight. On May 13, Winterthur will present a Kentucky influenced event called “Bourbon and Bluegrass.” Keeping the horse race vibe...

On Stage Extra: Joe Sumner proving he isn’t just a famous son

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times  Joe Sumner When a musician has a legendary rock star as a parent, it can open doors or be a big burden – or both. Joe Sumner, who will be headlining at show at MilkBoy Philadelphia MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, 215- 925-6455, www.milkboyphilly.com) on May 16, doesn’t have to worry about such things. The talented singer/guitarist/songwriter...

Teen charged in threats against Coatesville HS

According to Caln Township Police, at approximately 7:00 a.m. on May 11, school officials learned of a circulating post on social media (Snapchat) that a shooting was to occur at the Coatesville Area High School. As a result, all students and staff were diverted to the Scott Middle School.  Additionally, the Chester County Intermediate Unit, which is directly adjacent to the school district campus,...

On Stage: Jefferson Berry displays folk roots in new tour

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Jefferson Berry Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com) is one of those venues where music fans know there will be great music every weekend. It doesn’t matter who is playing, the evening will feature top-flight acts performing in a comfortable venue with a great sound system. This weekend...

CCEDC announces diversity plan

The Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) announced the approval of a Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Strategic Plan comprising input from more than 50 community and business leaders as well as new programs focused on strengthening minority- and women-owned businesses in Chester County. The plan, which was approved by CCEDC’s Board of Directors, was formulated over the last year by...

Op/Ed: Consider taking refuge in the highly entertaining films of southern India

By Eric Klein, Special to The Times Eric Klein In the quiet hamlets of southeast Pennsylvania, there’s not a whole lot of action. The former farmlands turned to residential neighborhoods don’t offer much excitement. Fortunately, we do have an IMAX movie theater in Downingtown, PA (population 7,926). I was very pleased to discover that this theater is heavily patronized by a growing Indian population...