On Stage: Chesco’s Zell among headliners for Ladybug Festival
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Nicole Zell
It’s time once again for the Ladybug Festival (Market Street, Wilmington, Delaware, https://theladybugfestival.com) – a free festival held on Market Street in downtown Wilmington.
The popular annual event will be staged on June 2 from 5-10 p.m.
The 2023 festival will feature more than 30 different female-fronted bands, duos, and singer-songwriters...
On Stage: Enjoy a few laughs with Phil Hanley — outdoors — in Philly
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Phil Hanley
Phil Hanley is a Canadian comedian who has been living in New York City for most of the last decade. In addition to playing clubs all over the United States, he also done film work.
But for the last seven months, there have been no live shows on his performance schedule and, obviously, no film work.
That will change this weekend when Hanley...
On Stage: Conrad comes home to Pottstown, playing gigs in Chesco
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Kendal Conrad
Kendal Conrad had a master plan forging a career in music – grow up in the western suburbs of Philadelphia, learn to play guitar and write songs, graduate from college, head to Nashville to make music and eventually go out on national tours.
Conrad embarked on that path more than a decade ago and was progressing nicely – until the COVID-19...
On Stage: Local musicians taking it outside for shows
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Nicole Zell and Chris Spousta
The era of live music in indoor venues has been paused indefinitely because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fortunately, there are several restaurants and taverns around Chester County and its surrounding area that have been hosting live performances by musicians — in relatively safe outdoor settings.
Musicians are loving...
Music Spotlight: While readying for a virtual Ladybug Fest, local acts hope to be back on the road this fall
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Soraia
The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the course of music more than any other event since the spring of 1860.
On April 9, 1860, the French inventor Édouard-Léon Scott de Martinville created the first sound recording in history. An eerie rendition of the folksong “Au clair de la lune” was captured by Scott’s trademark invention —...
Music Spotlight: Chesco native Zell sees album plans put on hold, but finds silver lining
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Nicole Zell
When America screeched to a halt in early March in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, everything was turned upside-down and inside-out. Nothing was the same.
The music industry got slammed. Venues closed and tours got cancelled. Recording sessions were put in limbo. Album releases got put on hold indefinitely.
The shutdown was bad for the...
What To Do: Kennett Brewfest bubbles up this weekend
By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
When an area event has been around for more than two decades, it definitely moves from the “annual event” category to the “Chester County tradition” category. The Kennett Brewfest (http://kennettbrewfest.com) has reached that plateau.
The Kennett Brewfest, which will be held on October 14 in downtown Kennett Square, is celebrating its 21st anniversary...
On Stage: ‘The Illusionists’ comes to Wilmington
By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times
The Illusionists
Magicians seem to be omnipresent and magic shows pop up on entertainment calendars on a regular basis. Some of the shows make you shake your head in amazement – not at the complexity of the act but rather that venues would even book the act.
There are some good shows featuring magic acts but it’s safe to say that they all pale in comparison...
