On Stage Extra: John Ondrasik comes to Ardmore

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times John Ondrasik There are two attractive midweek shows that will appeal to two very different generations – Five for Fighting tonight in Ardmore and Zoe Ko on August 7 in Philadelphia. John Ondrasik, a veteran rocker from Los Angeles, has performed in the Delaware Valley many times over the last quarter century – mostly doing shows under the name...

What To Do: First Fridays, open-air market in W. Chester

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Gay Street Open-Air Market August has arrived and that means it’s time for country fairs, festivals, outdoor concerts, big top circus shows and nature-related events. West Chester will be in celebration mode all weekend. You can double your pleasure and double your fun tonight in West Chester. It’s Friday and that means the Gay Street Open-Air...

County names Martynick as Director of Facilities

George Martynick, Jr. Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz, and Eric Roe announce the appointment of George Martynick, Jr. as Director of the Chester County Facilities Department. Martynick has been serving as Acting Director since October 2023, following the retirement of former Director Jan Bowers. Chester County Commissioners’ Chair Josh Maxwell said, “During his time...

On Stage: Iona Sky to make US debut in Skippack

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Iona Sky If you heard about a British band from Cambridge with four veteran male musicians and a female singer in her mid-20s, it would be logical to assume that it was a group of British folk musicians fronted by a student or grad from Cambridge University. Your assumption would be way off target. Iona Sky, which is based in Cambridgeshire, features...

Houlahan appointed to task force investigating Trump assassination attempt

U.S Rep. Chrissy Houlahan On Monday, U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan (D-6) issued the following statement: “It’s a distinct and solemn honor to be appointed by Speaker Mike Johnson and Leader Hakeem Jeffries to serve on the bipartisan task force to investigate the attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump,” said Rep. Chrissy Houlahan. “Legislation needed to establish this task...

If you’re complaining about DEI, you don’t get the idea of America

By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times @mikemcgannpa You’re probably hearing a lot about “DEI” again these days — fueled in part in attempt to some discredit Vice President Kamala Harris’ run for President. You’ll be shocked to know I have thoughts. Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. That’s what DEI stands for. What some of the people using it as a scare tactic are really saying is “White,...

On Stage Spotlight: Styx still rockin’ after all these years

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times Styx If Styx and the Energizer Bunny had an endurance challenge, the nameless pink bunny eventually would stop beating his drum while Styx would still be rocking hard. Styx formed in Chicago in 1972 and released their debut album, “Styx,” in August that year. Now, 52 years and 42 albums later, Styx are still going strong – and touring like...

What To Do: Celebrating 75 years of the Goshen Country Fair

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times This is the time of the year for outdoors festivals such as country fairs, festivals honoring a particular fruit or vegetable and outdoor concerts. It’s diamond time in West Goshen. One of the best — and longest-running – fairs is the annual Goshen Country Fair (Goshen Fairgrounds, Park Avenue, East Goshen, 610- 430-1554, www.goshencountryfair.org). The...

Commissioners recognize National Disability Independence Day with visit to the County Cup

Recognizing National Disabilities Independence Day, July 26th, Chester County Commissioners joined leaders and staff of the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) at the County Cup, located in the Chester County Government Services Center. Pictured left to right are: County Cup employee Nick Abate; County Cup Supervisor Scot Semple; County Cup students Aiden and Garrett; Commissioners Marian Moskowitz...

On Stage: almost monday brings a bit of California to Philly

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times almost monday When the Beach Boys released their debut album, “Surfin’ Safari,” in 1962, it was the beginning of the California sound in rock music. The band’s music made listeners think of Southern California, days at the beach, riding in convertible, surfing and summer love. Now, more than 60 years later there is another band from Southern...