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: Local women of jazz in the spotlight

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Mindy Rhodes Over the next few days, there will be two special shows focusing on female acts – one featuring one woman and the other featuring 11 women. “Jazz for Jamey’s,” a special multi-artist show as a benefit for the venue, will be held on March 24 at Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, 215-477-9985,www.jameyshouseofmusic.com)....

On Stage: Venues reopen briefly, but…close again, due to COVID-19

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times COVID-19 has almost completely wiped out live music and theater performances. There were glimmers of hope for live shows recently. Some venues actually hosted indoor performances in late July but the era of indoor live shows 2020 has drawn to a close. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf has announced statewide mitigation efforts as COVID-19 cases surge in Pennsylvania. Some...

On Stage: Blues ace Toby Walker to perform in Landsdowne, Friday

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Toby Walker When Mike Tyson was in his prime, he would pummel his ring opponent with a barrage of short, powerful and severely damaging hooks to the midsection – never stopping until he had battered him into submission (frequently via a knockout). COVID-19 has been brutalizing the area’s live entertainment scene with similar effectiveness. Live entertainment...