On Stage: The Philadelphia Folk Festival has a loaded lineup

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times If you’re in the mood for a lot of music this weekend, then you should head north — to Old Pool Farm in Schwenksville to check out the 2019 Philadelphia Folk Festival (Old Pool Farm, Schwenksville, 800-556-FOLK, www.pfs.org). This Philadelphia Folk Festival is a music festival that is on a plateau all its own. Now in its 58th year, the festival...

On Stage: Intense is how Ministry likes it

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times People may disagree about what kind of band Ministry is – industrial, metal, rock, goth. But they all have to agree that Ministry is one of the most intense bands they’ve ever heard – lyrically and sonically. Ministry has been making music that rattles your bones, challenges your brain and touches a need for rebellion for almost four decades –...

On Stage: The Mavericks return to home away from home in Del.

By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times The Mavericks There are a lot of acts performing around the area on April 6 that have been making music for a long time — acts such as the Mavericks, Candlebox, Dan Navarro, the Nick Moss Band and Cry Cry Cry. The Mavericks have roots all over, but the band has definitely found a “home away from home” in Delaware – especially the Grand Opera...

On Stage (Extra): The Mavericks defy labels

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Mavericks Only a handful of American rock bands that have been able to rise to the top and then remain there indefinitely. The Mavericks, who will be performing on June10 at the Sugarhouse Casino (1001 North Delaware Avenue, Philadelphia, 877-477-3715, www.sugarhousecasino.com),www.thefillmorephilly.com), are one of those bands.

On Stage: WC’s Fitzgerald makes mark in Kinky Boots

By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald The stars have lined up nicely for aspiring young actor/dancer Ian Gallagher Fitzgerald and produced a celestial role and a heavenly opportunity for him. Fitzgerald, a resident of Thornton and Bayard Rustin High graduate, got cast in the National Tour of “Kinky Boots” before he even graduated Marymount University in Manhattan back...

On Stage: The Mavericks just keep on rockin’

Also: WCU grad makes good with The Stray Birds By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Mavericks bring their genre-crossing sound to the Delaware Valley this weekend. When an American rock band can survive for more than a quarter of a century, it has proven that it has learned how to build a fan base and learned how to make great music to keep that fan base happy and intact. The Mavericks, who...

On Stage: Strong voices in spotlight locally this week

Break out of the winter blues with some hot local music By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times Breaking Benjamin The weekend’s abundance of standout live music gets off to a good start on January 29 and continues the next day with five concerts featuring acts that have an emphasis on strong vocal performances — Breaking Benjamin, Nalani & Sarina, René Marie, Garland Jeffreys and Raul...

On Stage: The Mavericks just keeping getting better

Also: Superstars headlining Made in America in Philly By Denny Dyroff, Staff Writer, The Times The Mevericks have been together for more than 25 years and like a fine wine, get better with age. They perform this weekend in Reading. There are few American rock bands that have the staying power — or the consistency of excellence — of The Mavericks. The band came together in Miami just over...