Author Archive: Margie

Barn Playhouse’s 2025 Season opens with ‘The Prom’

The Dramateurs, Inc. at the Barn Playhouse’s 2025 Season opens with the Broadway’s tuneful and meaningful ‘The Prom’ opening on April 25.  ​

‘The Prom’ features four eccentric Broadway stars in desperate need of a new stage. When they hear that trouble is brewing around a small-town prom, they know that it’s time to put a spotlight on the issue…and themselves. The town’s parents want to keep the high school dance on the straight and narrow—but when one student just wants to bring her girlfriend to prom, the entire town has a date with destiny. On a mission to transform lives, Broadway’s brassiest join forces with a courageous girl and the town’s citizens and the result is that love brings them all together. Winner of the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, ‘The Prom’ expertly captures all the humor and heart of a classic musical comedy with a message that resonates with audiences now more than ever.
With a cast of 24 multi-talented performers from the Delaware Valley area, ‘The Prom’ combines bold, brassy Broadway style numbers with a touching story.  Get a ticket to the show to relive all the feels and anticipation of going to a prom!

If you go:

The Barn Playhouse is at 1700 Christopher Lane, Jeffersonville
Performances : April 25, 26 and May 2, 3, 9 & 10 at 8 pm
April 27 and May 4 at 2 pm.

Tickets: $24, with a $2 discount for seniors/students

The theatre is handicapped accessible and air conditioned.
Visit: www.barnplayhouse.org or call 610-539-2276 for tickets.

Arden Extends ‘The Hobbit’

Adventure awaits as Arden Children’s Theatre invites families to embark on an unforgettable journey filled with courage, friendship, and excitement in Greg Banks’ lively stage adaptation of The Hobbit now through June 1. Directed by Rebecca Wright, the imaginative production brings Middle-earth to life in a magical, action-packed retelling of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved classic, designed for audiences ages seven and up. Through clever storytelling and dynamic staging, audiences are drawn into the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a humble hobbit who steps out of his comfort zone and embarks on an epic quest that tests his bravery, wit, and heart.

The Hobbit unfolds on the Arden’s intimate 175-seat Arcadia Stage (40 N. 2nd Street, Philadelphia, PA), where thrust seating arrangement immerses audiences into Bilbo’s journey.  

The Hobbit’s dynamic cast features five talented actors—Eliana Fabiyi, Kelly McCaughan, Nathan Alford-Tate, Ciera Gardne and Sean Lally — who, together, play more than 20 characters throughout the 90-minute production. 

This playful and whimsical adaptation of The Hobbit is perfect for young adventurers, highlighting the themes of friendship, courage, and loyalty that made Tolkien’s novel a classic of children’s literature – Rebecca Wright. 

With a minimalistic set that captures the woodsy, forested landscapes of Middle-earth, audiences are transported into a magical, colorful world populated by fantastical creatures, including trolls, goblins, eagles, and elves—staying true to the vivid descriptions in Tolkien’s original book. The play follows Bilbo, who would much rather be nestled in his cozy Hobbit Hole with a cup of tea and a plate of bacon and eggs. Instead, he’s swept into an unexpected adventure, journeying through freezing mountains and eerie forests, where he encounters both fearsome foes and loyal friends. Though hesitant at first, Bilbo discovers that his true strength lies not in physical power but in his cleverness, bravery, and heart—transforming him from a timid hobbit into an unexpected hero. With a cast of longtime Arden collaborators and fresh new voices, the production blends story and spectacle, bringing the audience along Bilbo’s extraordinary journey.

The stellar cast features Eliana Fabiyi (Bilbo), a Philadelphia-based actor, writer, and sound designer who has previously appeared at the Arden in Treasure Island (Jim Hawkins/Emily), The Bluest Eye (Maureen Peal), Peter Pan (Jane/Tootles), and A Midsummer’s Night Dream (Fairy/Musician). Fabiyi’s regional work includes roles at People’s Light, Orbiter 3, and Ninth Planet. 

 

If You Go:

The Hobbit  runs through June 1.

Single ticket prices vary by performance and start at $35. Tickets are available online at ardentheatre.org, by phone at 215.922.1122, or at the box office at Arden Theatre Company (40 N. 2nd Street). 

Special events/performances: 

  • Student Matinees | Available Tuesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m.
  • American Sign Language (ASL) Shadow Interpretation | Friday, May 16, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. & Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 4 p.m.

The  Wilma Theater Presents the Regional Premiere of ‘Archduke’

Beginning April 15, the Philadelphia-based theater company The  Wilma Theater (265 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107), recipient of the 2024 Tony Award for  Best Regional Theatre, presents the regional premiere of Archduke by award-winning playwright Rajiv  Joseph. The Wilma’s visionary Founding Artistic Director Blanka Zizka returns to direct the dark comedy  that imagines how three poor, sickly boys searching for meaning were manipulated into hate by a  bombastic ideologue and inspired to assassinate Archduke Franz Ferdinand. The event is historically  viewed as the catalyst of World War I. The cast features Wilma HotHouse Acting Company members  Melanye Finister, Sarah Gliko, Suli Holum, Brandon J. Pierce, and Steven Rishard. The regional  premiere of Archduke runs from April 15 to May 4, with 21 performances presented in the Wilma’s 300- seat theater.  

Joseph is a Brooklyn-based Pulitzer Prize Finalist and two-time Obie Award-winning playwright whose  work has been hailed as “daring, magnificent, and virtuosic” by the Los Angeles Times. He quickly  became one of the leading American playwrights thanks to his critically acclaimed and award-winning  works, including Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo, Gruesome Playground Injuries, and Describe The  Night. In 2017, his play Archduke received its world premiere at the Mark Taper Forum in Los Angeles,  which was praised by the Los Angeles Times as “an ambitious mix of history, comedy, and tragedy.”  Since its world premiere, Joseph wrote a brand-new ending to Archduke provoked by Zizka that will  appear in its upcoming presentation at the Wilma. 

In Archduke, three destitute boys suffering from tuberculosis in Belgrade – Gavrilo Princip (Holum),  Trifko Grabež (Gliko), and Nedeljko Čabrinović (Pierce) – are recruited by a mysterious organization with  promises of glory, purpose, and a sandwich. Their depraved Captain (Rishard) sends the boys on a  mission he claims will restore order and justice to their struggling nation, avenging the unfairness of  their terminal illness. Their assignment? Assassinate the heir to the Austro-Hungarian empire, Archduke  Franz Ferdinand, and his wife, Sophie. Joseph’s play asks: What happens when a person feels they have  nothing left to lose? What methods are acceptable in the fight against oppression?  

Rajiv Joseph masterfully reinterprets a crucial historical event, creating an absurdist dark comedy that  is both funny and poignant. Set just two days before Archduke Ferdinand’s assassination in  Sarajevo on June 28, 1914, the play unveils the Serbian nationalist ideologies of the era—cries to reclaim  national pride and former glories, expansionist aspirations, a culture of masculinity and entitlement, grievances, cruelty, and misogyny. The similarities in the rhetoric from that time to today’s U.S. Christian  nationalism strike me as particularly provocative. – Blanka Zizka

The cast of Archduke comprises notable local stage actors and resident members of the Wilma’s  acclaimed, award-winning HotHouse Acting Company, which Zizka founded in 2011. The company  members meet weekly to train, read plays, and develop their artistry. Leading the cast of Archduke as  the play’s recruits are Sarah Gliko as Nedeljko Čabrinović, Suli Holum as Gravrilo Princip, and Brandon J.  Pierce as Trifko Grabež. Joining them are Steven Rishard, playing their debauched captain Apis, and  Melanye Finister, playing his obstinate associate Sladjana.  

Blanka Zizka served as the Founding Artistic Director of the Wilma Theater from 1981 to 2020. For  years, Zizka developed practices and programs for local theater artists to create working conditions  supporting creativity through continuity and experimentation. She has directed over 70 plays and  musicals at the Wilma, including the U.S. premiere of Tom Stoppard’s The Hard Problem, world premiere  of Paula Vogel’s Don Juan Comes Home from Iraq, Tony Kushner’s Angels in America, Sarah Ruhl’s In the  Next Room, and Macbeth, which included an original score by Czech composer and percussionist Pavel  Fajt. In  2020, Zizka became the theater’s Artistic Director Emeritus and passed the torch to the shared  leadership team, which currently comprises Co-Artistic Directors Morgan Green, Lindsay Smiling, and  Yury Urnov, and Managing Director Leigh Goldenberg. 

 

On-Demand Streaming Presentation 

Following the play’s in-person run, the Wilma offers an on-demand streaming presentation of  Archduke, available from May 8 to June 1. Single Digital Tickets will be available for sale toward the end  of the show’s in-person run and limited to audiences in Philadelphia. Tickets start at $35 and can be  purchased at www.wilmatheater.org or by calling the Wilma’s box office at 215-546-7824. 

 

If You Go

Archduke has an estimated 100-minute runtime with no intermission. The production is recommended  for audiences 15 years or older.

Preview performances for Archduke are from Tuesday, April 15, to Thursday, April 17. The production  opens with an invite-only performance on Friday, April 18, at 7 p.m. and runs through Sunday, May  4.

The Wilma also welcomes African  American audiences to attend the Black Affinity Night on Friday, April 25, which offers “Pay-What-You Wilma” ticket prices. 

The Wilma hosts a variety of ancillary events to further engage with audiences around its productions.  Families can attend the Childcare Matinee on Saturday, April 26, at 2 p.m., during which paid childcare  will be available in partnership with Music Theatre Philly (MTP). While patrons attend the matinee, MTP  leads children through a musical theatre workshop that includes theatre games, an arts and crafts  project, and a presentation of a whole production number.

Theatergoers can attend the Sunday, April 27 matinee for “The Let Out,” an insightful and lively post show conversation with production members held immediately after the performance. On Monday,  April 28, at 7 p.m., attendees can participate in an Open Mic Night, where a host and cast members  discuss the themes of Archduke. The April 24 and May 1 performances include a post-show Café Chat in  the lobby with the cast and crew led by members of the artistic team. 

Patrons can purchase single tickets at www.wilmatheater.org or by  calling the Wilma’s box office at 215-546-7824.  

Spring Events at Colonial Theatre

This spring, the Colonial Theatre presents an exciting lineup of events designed to captivate and engage audiences.

Spring Entertainment: 

On April 5, as part of his 25th Anniversary Tour, music lovers can experience the Emmy Award-winning Spanish guitar and dance spectacular Benise. This milestone tour solidifies Benise as one of the longest running Latin-themed theatrical productions worldwide. The renowned composer, joined by an international ensemble of musicians and dancers, will dazzle audiences with a two-hour performance featuring brand-new material alongside fan favorites and electrifying renditions of rock classics like Led  Zeppelin’s “Kashmir” and AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck.” 

The excitement continues on April 11 with the return of Colonial 54: An Immersive Disco Experience.  Attendees can break out their sequins and platform shoes for a night of nonstop dancing with DJ Moshé, The Spin Therapist, and enjoy a show-stopping performance by Roxanne Rohls as the legendary Liza Minnelli. 

Meanwhile, the acclaimed Total Mass Retain YES Tribute Band returns to the Colonial on April 12 for another spectacular setlist featuring a dynamic mix of YES classics, epic tracks, and rare gems from the band’s most beloved albums. 

On April 26, join the celebration of local music and the creative arts community at the 6th Annual Earth Song Fest. The family-friendly event showcases live performances by talented Earth Song student bands and soloists, along with a vibrant marketplace featuring local artisan vendors. Attendees can also enjoy  raffles, face painting, and a variety of interactive activities, making it a perfect day of music, art, and community spirit. 

Fans of the ’80s are in for a nostalgic treat on May 3 during the Shannon Curtis: 80s Kids performance.  The high-energy synthpop concert  features songs from legendary bands like Pet Shop Boys, Erasure, and OMD.  

Special Movie Screenings and Events 

Blobfest enthusiasts won’t want to miss their chance to secure tickets for the highly anticipated horror themed festival, returning for its 26th year this summer. On April 2 and 3, both pre-sale and general admission tickets will go on sale, offering fans the opportunity to grab some of the hottest seats for this  year’s camp-themed Blobfest. Highlights include the annual stage show and legendary “runout,” special screenings of The Blob, and a lineup of thrilling, blob-filled events that celebrate the cult classic in all its  gooey glory. 

On April 13, in honor of National Poetry Month, join the Poets of Phoenixville for an inspiring evening of  spoken word and literary artistry.  

Book lovers can spend an unforgettable evening with Jennifer Weiner, the best-selling author of The Griffin Sisters’ Greatest Hits, on April 17. Join the beloved author as she discusses one of her most anticipated novels to date, further solidifying her reputation as the queen of smart yet entertaining  poolside reads.  

On April 27, experience a night to remember full of Broadway magic during Broadway at the Colonial Theatre featuring stars from Wicked, Frozen, The Great Gatsby, Phantom of the Opera, and more.  Audiences will be treated to the extraordinary vocal talents of Broadway luminaries John Riddle (Frozen,  Phantom of the Opera), MaryKate Morrissey (Wicked, Mean Girls), and Noah J. Ricketts (The Great Gatsby, Beautiful). The evening will be expertly led and accompanied by the incomparable Dan Micciche, making for a night of dazzling performances audiences won’t want to miss. 

Enjoy an intimate acoustic concert like never before at the Colonial’s Songwriters in the Round performance on May 17. Grammy Award-winning songwriter Don Henry will take the stage alongside Phoenixville’s own Callahan & Fey for a truly personal musical experience.  

Tickets and info at The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA

The Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460), is situated in the heart of downtown Phoenixville.  

‘Dreamgirls’ Closes Walnut Street’s 216th Season

Walnut Street Theatre (WST) is thrilled to bring the acclaimed award-winning musical “Dreamgirls” to life as they close their 216th season of dreams. This dazzling production begins previews on March 25, opens April 2, and runs through May 4. 

Stars rise and fall… but dreams live forever! This sensational Broadway musical tells the story of a 1960s Supremes-like girl group that catches its big break during an amateur competition. But will their friendship – and their music – survive the rapid rise from obscurity to pop super stardom? Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, “Dreamgirls” is a sweeping and inspirational journey with a dazzling production, powerhouse vocal performances, and an unforgettable score filled with pop, R&B, gospel, disco and more! 

First premiering on Broadway in 1981, “Dreamgirls” took the theatre world by storm, earning six Tony Awards, including Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Book. With book and lyrics by Tom Eyen and music by Henry Krieger, the show’s infectious score and dazzling spectacle quickly cemented it as a Broadway classic. Following its acclaimed original run, “Dreamgirls” was reimagined for a new generation in a star-studded 2006 film adaptation, which won two Academy Awards. In 2016, the show made its long-awaited West End debut at London’s Savoy Theatre, where it played to sold-out crowds and earned critical acclaim, including two Olivier Awards for acting performances. Decades after its debut, “Dreamgirls” continues to shine as a beloved staple of musical theatre, capturing the soul and spirit of an era.

Leading the cast as The Dreams, the trio at the heart of the story, are AVEENA SAWYER as the powerhouse Effie White, GABRIELLE BECKFORD as the ambitious Deena Jones, and KHALIFA WHITE as the lively Lorrell Robinson; all three are making their Walnut debuts in these roles. CHALI COOKE (Beautiful – The Carole King Musical) joins as Michelle, rounding out the evolving girl group  as they navigate the music industry’s highs and lows.  

CLAYTON CORNELIOUS makes his Walnut debut as he takes on the role of the electrifying  James “Thunder” Early, with JARRAN MUSE also making his debut as the smooth yet ruthless  Curtis Taylor Jr. DEVIN L. ROBERTS (Hairspray) portrays C.C. White, the young songwriter with big  dreams, while Tony Award nominee (The Scottsboro Boys) FORREST MCCLENDON (Finian’s  Rainbow) brings to life Marty, the group’s steadfast advocate and mentor. 

If You Go:

Previews begin March 25, 2025 and the show runs through May 4, 2025. Open captioning will be available on Sunday, April 6 for the 7 pm  performance; audio description will be available on Thursday, April 17 for the 2pm performance.

Walnut Street Theatre at 825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19107  PHONE: 215-574-3550  

TICKETS: walnutstreettheatre.org or ticketmaster.com  

April Events at Tyler Arboretum

It is a busy spring season at Tyler Arboretum. Click on the links below for information on these upcoming events. For more information, visit tylerarboretum.org/calendar/ or click on the links below

Nature Connection Hike: Move, Breathe, Discover – April 10

Nature Journaling (Single Class) – April 11, 18 or 25

Gentle Flow Yoga (8-Week Series or Single Class) – April 12 thru June 7

Spring Ephemeral Hike – April 12

Family Explorers: What Lives in the Pond? – April 12

Full Moon Hike – April 12

Vinyasa Flow Yoga (8-Week Series or Single Class) – April 13 thru June 8

A Walk Through Tyler North – April 13

Richard’s Rambles: The Blue Trail in Bloom – April 17

🔥 Spirit of Spring Fireside – April 17

Weekend Bird Walk with the Feminist Bird Club – April 19

Family Explorers: Hop, Slither, and Splash! – April 19

Painter History Tour – April 20

Trail Hike with the Chester County Trail Club – April 24

Family Explorers: What Lives at the Arboretum? – April 26

Richard’s Rambles: Hike to Pink Hill Serpentine Barrens – May 1

The annual Plant Sale be open to the public on Saturday, May 3, and Sunday, May 4. The Plant Sale offers a wide variety of plants that not only beautify your garden but also provide essential resources for local wildlife. Be a part of the solution by choosing plants that play a vital role in supporting native wildlife populations and fostering a thriving ecosystem. By shopping at Tyler Arboretum, you’re helping our mission of connecting people with the natural world and conserving our historic landscapes.

Tyler Arboretum is at 515 Painter Road, Media, PA

Conversations And Articles About Music

‘What time is it?’

By Steven Brodsky

… some of us will be asking this question after daylight saving time goes into effect on Sunday, March 9, 2025 at 2:00 a.m. local time.

This question is likely to be more persistent and pressing for anyone who will be eagerly looking forward to getting together with a romantic interest.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9kPilrNBxY

Posted 3-4-25

‘I’m just a long-haired son of a sinner’

By Steven Brodsky

… sings Jelly Roll in “Son of a Sinner” (one of my favorite Jelly Roll songs):

We’re all children of sinners.

And all of us have sinned.

Nonetheless, God loves us.

Romans 5:8 KJV: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that while we we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

This post appeared at: Conversations About Faith – delcoculturevultures.com.

Posted 8-20-24, Revised and Reposted 12-6-24

Saying ‘hello in there’

By Steven Brodsky

… can be a helpful start to alleviating loneliness.

It’s not uncommon for people to experience loneliness, and some other difficult emotions, more intensely during the holiday season: in some appropriate circumstances, sincerely extending and receiving expressions of “hello in there” may be especially beneficial at this time of the year.

As we know.

Posted 11-24-24

Nefesh Mountain releases the official lyric video for ‘Milestoned,’ the second single to be released from Nefesh Mountain’s upcoming double album titled ‘Beacons’

By Steven Brodsky

… The official lyric video for “Milestoned” was released today, as was a press release about the single and the double album.

An excerpt from that press release:

NASHVILLE – November 20, 2024 – “Milestoned,” a glorious Americana/psych-folk ode to Southern Rock from the genre-defying band Nefesh Mountain, celebrates the spirit of living life on the highway. Co-written by band founders Eric Lindberg and Doni Zasloff, it is the second single to be released from the electrified Americana half of the band’s upcoming double album titled Beacons, set for release January 31, 2025.
While its two full-length albums are distinctly different, both sides of Beacons clearly exude what makes Nefesh Mountain unique in the first place—a vast musical knowledge and equally vast curiosity, paired with impeccable musicianship. One disc is pure bluegrass, while the other radiates unadulterated Americana.
Beacons is also the band’s first foray into the electric/jam world, and while the sonic shift may be new for some fans, it’s actually old terrain for guitarist Eric Lindberg, who cut his teeth playing electric guitar in his formative years as a studio musician and hired gun on New York’s music scene.
“I’ve been on the road and slugging it out for the better part of the last two decades,” says Lindberg, “and it feels like whatever phase of life I’m in, I can always count on this completely organic high that I get from music, travel, and being in the flow night after night on the road. We tried to express this feeling of being literally mile-stoned by infusing the lyrics with all these little “druggy” surprises. It was a really fun song to write and play with the band, and finally stretch out a bit on the tele too!”
“Being a part of Nefesh Mountain has put me on the most adventurous journey of music, love, and life,” exudes Zasloff. “This song is all about embracing these magical and mystical parts of life and being on the road, getting to soak in the vast landscape of America.”

Nefesh Mountain

Posted 11-20-24

The song that’s as iconically representative of Americana as apple pie

By Steven Brodsky

… Don McLean’s “American Pie,” embedded here in celebration of Don McLean’s 79th birthday:

Don McLean was born on October 2, 1945 in New Rochelle, New York.

Happy birthday wishes go out to Don McLean!

Tour | Don McLean

Posted 10-2-24

This’ll be the day

By Steven Brodsky

… to commemorate Buddy Holly’s birthday by listening to:

Buddy Holly was born on September 7, 1936, 88 years ago.

Posted 9-7-24

‘Mercy,’ indeed

By Steven Brodsky

… Roy Orbison’s ‘Oh, Pretty Woman’ was released 60 years ago.

Released on August 29, 1964:

Posted 8-29-24

‘Pride and Joy’

By Steven Brodsky

… shared here on the 34th anniversary of Stevie Ray Vaughan’s passing away on August 27, 1990:

A helicopter crash took the life of Stevie Ray Vaughan. Stevie Ray Vaughan was 35 years old.

Posted 8-27-24

Paul Simon heard Jessy Dixon perform ‘The Wicked Shall Cease Their Troubling’

By Steven Brodsky

… in Radio City Music Hall in 1972, which prompted Paul Simon to invite Jessy Dixon to sing with him on Saturday Night Live. The two would go on to tour together in the U.S. and overseas for eight years.

Enjoy this video of Jessy Dixon singing “The Wicked Shall Cease Their Troubling” at The Dome:

 

Job 3:17: “There the wicked cease from troubling; and there the weary be at rest.”

Jessy Dixon passed away on September 26, 2011 at age 73. This post appeared in the Conversations About Faith section of the Entertainment, Culture and More column. 

Posted 1-10-21, Reposted and Revised 8-19-24

How meeting Livingston Taylor at a concert affected the career of John Flynn

By Steven Brodsky

John Flynn has been interviewed several times for this column. In a 2011 radio interview, John and I spoke about Livingston. We did so again last year in this interview for this column.

John, where and when did you first meet Livingston Taylor and how old were you at the time?

Gene Shay introduced me to Livingston back in the ’80s. It was prior to one of his appearances at the old Bijou Café in Philadelphia. I was in my early twenties and just starting out. I was a big fan of Livingston’s and I had just appeared on Gene’s radio show on WMMR. I heard Gene mention that he was going to host Livingston’s show, so I asked for an intro. Gene was just too nice to say no.

What was going on in your life?

I was playing some bar gigs, writing songs and mailing demos to Nashville. This was a few years before I got signed to my first publishing deal down there.

Describe what took place. What did Livingston tell you?

To begin with, Livingston was incredibly gracious. As a performer, I really see that now in hindsight, because usually the last thing I want to do before a show is to meet new people and have them sing their songs to me. Actually, I don’t think I’ve met anyone before or since who would have extended themselves in this way to a stranger. But that’s exactly what happened. Gene apparently bragged about me enough to get Livingston to hand me his guitar and sit down directly in front of me. He asked me to play him a song and listened with an almost unnerving, totally focused attention. When I was done he asked if I had any more. I did a second song and he asked for another. I was only too happy to oblige, figuring that if he’d listen to three songs he must be hearing something he liked. When I finished singing, Livingston kind of scrunched up his face and got real thoughtful. There was a long pause. Then he said, “John, there are so many wonderful ways to spend your time in this life. Take a walk, read a good book, spend some time with someone you love. Please do ANY of these things rather than write any more mediocre songs.” The rest was a little bit of a blur. He talked about Cole Porter and Yip Harburg, writers I didn’t really know much about at that point. He really challenged me to study the greats. He spent like ten minutes talking about song structure, and he played me these long-forgotten but really beautiful introductions to popular old standards. – Unknown (at least to me) musical salutations from bygone eras, that had been intended by their composers to set the mood and put the listener in the proper frame of mind to receive the coming song. He even explained that he would be doing relatively few of his own songs in his show that evening because great songs are rare, and a song should be great if you’re gonna sing it. That was the bottom line. If you weren’t going to try to write a great song, then why write one at all?

How did you respond to this at the time?

I guess I was disappointed. But disappointment wasn’t all I took away from the encounter, because Livingston could have easily tossed me a few compliments. He was probably never gonna have to see me again so that would have been the easy thing to do. But I sensed that he respected songs and songwriters too much for that. He chose the harder path and told the truth. He threw down the gauntlet. And, in my way, I accepted the challenge that night. I determined to work much harder at my craft. To really try to write great songs. I’m not saying that’s what I’ve always accomplished. But he got me to aim there. I’ve always been grateful for that.

How did the encounter impact your life?

I’m here forty years later answering questions about music.

Author’s note to readers: Livingston Taylor is a professor at Berklee College of Music.

John Flynn’s website address is: http://johnflynn.net/.

Posted 3-29-19, Reposted 8-6-24

Thinking about Solomon Burke

By Steven Brodsky

… after recalling this morning that the City of Philadelphia had honored Solomon Burke by having declared that July 19, 2002 would be “Solomon Burke Day.”

Solomon Burke (March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010) was born in Philadelphia.

Posted 7-19-24

Non-botanical ‘poison ivy’

By Steven Brodsky

… The kind of “poison ivy” that appears in a song written by Leiber and Stoller that was recorded by The Coasters 65 years ago (on July 16, 1959) wasn’t botanical.

The song: “Poison Ivy.”

A species of poison ivy (and other plants) is pictured here:

Photo by Steven Brodsky

Posted 7-16-24

Wouldn’t be prudent to dance till a quarter to three

By Steven Brodsky

… nowadays, if you were listening to Gary U.S. Bonds’ recording of “Quarter To Three” when the single went to the top of the Billboard Hot 100 chart for the first of two weeks, 63 years ago, on June 26, 1961.

Many of you will be singing and/or dancing while listening to the Gary U.S. Bonds recording, and while watching the following embed of Springsteen covering “Quarter To Three” in concert:

 

Posted 6-26-24

‘Blue,’ Joni Mitchell’s fourth studio album, was released 53 years ago

By Steven Brodsky

… on June 22, 1971.

One can get a bit blue realizing that so much time has transpired since this monumental album was released.

Enjoy!:

Posted 6-22-24

The ‘bright elusive butterfly of love’

By Steven Brodsky

Photo by Steven Brodsky

… will be fluttering into the lives of some people in the coming months.

Enjoy!:

Posted 5-10-24

Let’s hope

By Steven Brodsky

… that the first-person character in Simon & Garfunkel’s “I Am a Rock” has emerged from social isolation, and that he is now enjoying beneficial relationships.

Community can be invaluable.

 

Photo by Steven Brodsky

Posted 11-24-24

‘Anyone Who Had A Heart’

By Steven Brodsky

… to commemorate Dusty Springfield’s birthday:

Dusty Springfield was born 85 years ago on April 16, 1939.

Posted 4-16-24

Remembering Solomon Burke (March 21, 1940 – October 10, 2010) on Solomon Burke’s birthday

By Steven Brodsky

Solomon Burke, Grammy-winner and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, was born in West Philadelphia. His records and concerts influenced some of the greatest artists in soul, rock, and other genres.

Enjoy:

“Everybody Needs Somebody to Love”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmkeyzZ91sI

“If You Need Me”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PllNSSUz3gk

“Cry to Me”: Solomon Burke – Cry To Me (Live at Montreux 2006) (youtube.com)

Mary J. Blige inducting Solomon Burke into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2001: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmyRq09cTIs

… and read the chapter “The Song of Solomon: A Triptych” in Peter Guralnick’s excellent Looking to Get Lost: Adventures in Music and Writing. 

On July 19, 2002, the City of Philadelphia honored Solomon Burke by declaring the day to be “Solomon Burke Day.”
I had the honor of doing a longform radio interview with Solomon Burke. The interview aired live on May 21, 2010.

Posted 3-21-24

Whether or not the song character in ‘I’m Not in Love’ was in love

By Steven Brodsky

… 49 years after 10cc’s The Original Soundtrack album was released, “I’m Not in Love” (on one of the album’s tracks) continues to be loved by many people.

The Original Soundtrack was released on March 11, 1975.

Posted 3-11-24

Fifty-one years ago, Bruce Springsteen performed a concert at Villanova University’s St. Mary’s Hall auditorium

By Steven Brodsky

… That concert took place on January 16, 1973 before an audience of only fifty or fewer people because advertising for the concert could not run in a campus newspaper (because of a newspaper strike) and because The Boss was young in his career.

How young? Springsteen’s debut studio album, Greetings from Asbury Park, was newly released; the album was released on January 5, 1973.

“Spirit in the Night,” a track from Greetings from Asbury Park, NJ:

Posted 1-16-24

There weren’t many attendees at Bob Dylan’s Carnegie Hall debut performance

By Steven Brodsky

… nearly 62 years ago, on Saturday, November 4, 1961. Reportedly, 53 people purchased tickets to see the then 20-year old Dylan perform in a small auditorium that was located in Carnegie Hall. Tickets were priced at $2.00.

Bob Dylan did not perform “Blowin’ in the Wind.”

The song hadn’t been released nor had it been recorded.

Bob Dylan recorded “Blowin’ in the Wind” on July 9, 1962 at Columbia Recording Studios.

The recording was released on the A-side of a single on August 13, 1963 (the B-side is “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right”); it appears as a track on the album The Freewheelin’ Bob Dylan, released on May 27, 1963.

Bob Dylan’s Philadelphia debut didn’t draw much of crowd either, as this concert too was performed prior to the release of “Blowin’ in the Wind.” Gene Shay invited Dylan to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to perform the concert. The concert took place on Saturday, May 3, 1963 at the Philadelphia Ethical Society building on Rittenhouse Square. Approximately 45 people were in attendance. Tickets were priced at $1.50.

A few months before Bob Dylan’s Philadelphia debut, Dylan performed “Blowin’ in the Wind” on a television show:

Gene Shay told me that Dylan’s Philadelphia debut concert almost didn’t take place: the sound system components for the concert were inaccessible.
Gene Shay passed away from COVID-19 on April 17, 2020. He is greatly missed.

Posted 10-4-23

There’s a bluebird in many hearts

By Steven Brodsky

… whose presence may be more apparent today, the birthday of Charles Bukowski (August 16, 1920 – March 9, 1994).

A recitation of Charles Bukowski’s “Bluebird”:

Miranda Lambert co-wrote and recorded “Bluebird.” The song was penned with some inspiration from the same-named Bukowski poem.

The 2020 CMA Music Video of the Year:

Charles Bukowski’s birthday was referenced yesterday in this section of the Entertainment, Culture and More column: Conversations With Writers And More delcoculturevultures.com.

Posted 8-16-23

Shel Silverstein’s ‘A Boy Named Sue’ was released by Johnny Cash 54 years ago, on July 26, 1969

By Steven Brodsky

Shel Silverstein, a creative genius, wrote many other songs. He was a children’s book author, a cartoonist, and he was a poet. Read about the life of Shel Silverstein in the book A Boy Named Shel, by Lisa Rogak.

Posted 7-26-23

‘I was glad to get it over with, and I thought that would be the last of it.’

By Steven Brodsky

… said Freddy Fender about recording “Before the Next Teardrop Falls.”

Of course, it wasn’t the last of it: many millions of people would hear and adore the record.

“Before the Next Teardrop Falls” was released on February 1, 1975.

It arrived at the number one spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on May 31, 1975 (and would remain on that chart for a total of 21 weeks).

On the 48th anniversary of the record reaching the summit of the Billboard Hot 100 chart, enjoy:

Freddy Fender was born Baldemar Huerta, in 1937, in a Texas border town. He was the son of migrant workers.

Freddy Fender served in the U.S. Marines for three years.

After his discharge, he achieved recognition as a singer of Spanish translations of rock and roll and other songs.

In 1960, his release of “Wasted Days and Wasted Nights” took off in the U.S. This national breakthrough was soon tamped down by a prison sentence. He served nearly three years of a five-year sentence in a very tough Louisiana prison for possessing two marijuana joints.

After his prison release, there was a long period of time working various jobs—with music a part-time endeavor.

While Freddy Fender was at work in a car wash, a record producer heard him singing and recognized his voice. Freddy was handed the producer’s business card. The encounter resulted in Freddy returning to recording.

Posted 5-31-23

An unfortunate ‘truth’

By Steven Brodsky

… was learned at seventeen by the song character in this iconic Janis Ian song: Janis Ian – At Seventeen (Audio) – YouTube.

Janis Ian, born in New Jersey on April 7, 1951, turned 71 years old today.

Happy birthday wishes to Janis Ian.

The song begs the question: What “truths,” dear readers, did you or will you learn at seventeen? There are some “truths” that are best unlearned.

Posted 4-7-23

On the 83rd anniversary of Woody Guthrie penning the lyrics to ‘This Land is Your Land’

By Steven Brodsky

Woody Guthrie wrote the lyrics to “This Land is Your Land” on February 23, 1940 in a hotel that was located on the northwest corner of 43rd Street and Sixth Avenue in Manhattan (Sixth Avenue is now also known as Avenue of the Americas).

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Cs2woIb2fY&ab_channel=BruceSpringsteen-Topic

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ol0rRdF5L1c&ab_channel=WoodyGuthrie-Topic

Posted 2-23-23

He was the ‘Jackie Robinson of television’; on his ‘show rode the hopes and fears and dreams of millions of people’; his show debuted nationally on November 5, 1956

By Steven Brodsky

… He was Nat King Cole, the first African American to host a television show on nationwide television. That show was The Nat King Cole Show. Today is the 66th anniversary of the national debut of the Nat King Show on NBC TV.

Nat King Cole ranks among the most acclaimed jazz and pop musicians of all time. Born as Nathaniel Adams Coles in Montgomery Alabama in 1919, he would go on to achieve recording and concert performance success that was nearly unmatched by others of his generation. “Mona Lisa,” “Unforgettable,” “The Christmas Song,” are among the nearly 700 songs that he recorded. Well over 100 of Nat King Cole’s records charted. He was a prominent presence on national television shows (he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show on six occasions).

The Nat King Cole Show was popular and attracted some of the most sought-after entertainers, but it could not secure a national sponsor (other than a few sponsors for brief periods of time before the show expanded from 15 minutes to a half hour). There were 30 sponsors with cooperative arrangements supporting the show across the country on local stations, but nationwide—not one.

In an essay in the February 1, 1958 issue of Ebony titled “WHY I QUIT MY TV SHOW” by Nat King Cole (as told to Lerone Bennett Jr.), Nat King Cole said, “For 13 months, I was the Jackie Robinson of television… On my show rode the hopes and fears and dreams of millions of people.”

Posted 11-5-22

On a Sunday mornin’ comin’ up

By Steven Brodsky

… Let’s hear from the character in Kris Kristofferson’s “Sunday Mornin’ Comin’ Down,” in this performance by Johnny Cash:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ja0X-ZGDFzs&ab_channel=LiveFromAustinTX.

Yes, “there is something in a Sunday that makes a body feel alone” (or feel in communion with others).

Those twelve words in the lyrics masterfully express the loneliness of the character and deepen the relatability of his experience.

Posted 5-15-22

 

 

 

Murder Mystery With Cocktails

It’s been a few years since everyone’s favorite group of pals have all been together at the same time, but this calls for a celebration! Gunther has successfully opened a chain of cafes and his six best customers have taken a trip down to Philadelphia for the grand opening of “Perk Place.” The party isn’t all fun and games, however. Ross and Rachel are on a break…again, some unexpected guests cause tension for Monica and Chandler, Phoebe is having issues finding a babysitter for her nieces and nephew, and is someone actually trying to SHARE food with Joey?! Before the night is out, someone might be a victim of some “friendly” fire.
There will be several opportunities to take selfies with the characters (and a fun race to see who can get them all first), hidden clues, and even an opportunity to get your mug shot. Once the performance begins, you will become part of the action as you play detective and try to solve the mystery.
Listen closely, gather the clues, and try to deduce who the killer is and win the prize! But most importantly, be entertained!
This is not a dinner event, but cocktails are available for purchase.
Recommended for ages 13 and older.
 
Run Time: 90 minutes, doors open 1/2 hour prior to start time.

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If You Go:

  • March 1 – May 31, 2025
    Saturdays at 5pm and 8pm, Sundays at 3pm

    The actors work within the audience – they do not use a stage.

    Dates: Saturdays and Sundays March 1 – May 30
    Tickets: $35 Standard Admission plus tax and box office fee
    $75 VIP Admission includes cocktail or snack, clue packet, and party favor.
    Where: Red Rum Theater, 601 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

    Get Tickets

  • Doors open 30 minutes ahead

Book Review: The Bones of the Apostle

By Karen McCarraher

“The Bones of the Apostle” by John Amos is a historical novel featuring two aging British private detectives—Flinders Petrie and Thomas Pettigrew. They have built a thriving business and have received many accolades for their fine work in the past.  However, they yearned for just one more “big adventure”.

Months go by and then one day they are visited by the Patriarch of the Eastern Church. At the time of Christ’s ascension into heaven, the apostles scattered throughout the world.  Peter went north to Rome.  Thomas went east to Mesopotamia and established the Eastern Church.  The Church flourished until the seventh century when the Ottomans overran the land and the Muslim Church was established.  However, the Eastern Church continued its practices in secret.  The bones of the Apostle Thomas were returned from India, where he died, to a basilica in Italy.  Later they were sent to the Church of the East where they were cared for and honored for centuries.  Recently, the bones were stolen.  The bones were contained in a silver casket which was guarded day and night.  One morning, the guards were found dead and the casket was missing.  The Holy Scriptures were desecrated, and the altar was on its side but there were no other clues.  The Patriarch begged Flinders and Pettigrew to take the case.

 

So Finders and Pettigrew took the train to Oxford.  When they arrived, they went to the library to meet a contact from the British Secret Service.  They were greeted by Father Divinius, a secret agent masked as a priest.  Divinius took them to the bowels of the library where many artifacts were stored.  They met with other agents and told them that they thought this was the work of “the Veiled One”, a very bad character the detectives had had encounters with in the past.  The British Intelligence Service managed to trace “the Veiled One” to Baghdad so it was decided that Flinders and Pettigrew would go there.  However, Divinius insisted that another agent accompany them, Grazelda Jones, who was also a witch.  

 

They set off across the Red Sea and the by land to Bagdad.  When they arrived, the place was in chaos.  The Mongols were overrunning the city.  Danger was everywhere.  The group discovered that “the Veiled One” had set up his location in a bombed out, walled structure that had many rooms.  The three found a small breach in the wall and made their way in.  After a long search, they found “the Veiled One”.  Flinders engaged him in a battle of swords; however, “the Veiled One” was wearing chain mail and Flinders was unable to wound him.  Grazelda found them and shot at “the Veiled One” numerous times.  The chainmail protected him somewhat but she was able to wound him slightly.  She grabbed the casket of bones and the three took off down a long hallway.  They managed to get to the river and made their way to the British Consulate.  They had to escape the country by driving for four days across the Syrian Desert before they came to a seaport and could return to England.

 

This book was fun to read.  It was filled with action and adventure.  The historic descriptions of the fall of the Ottoman Empire were well researched.  The last few chapters of the book contained an additional story that was heartwarming.  All in all, it was a good read.

About the Author John Amos

John Amos holds a Ph.D. from the University of California at Berkeley and a JD from the Monterey College of Law.  He has taught at the university level for over twenty-five years and has numerous academic publications.  His fiction works include several novels.  He has lived and studied in the Middle East—Egypt, Lebanon, Libya and Turkiye.  He currently practices law in California.

 

Published by: 

River Grove Books

Austin, Texas

Available online

Book: ‘Snitchland the Graphic Novel’

By Margie Royal

I loved reading comic books as a child. Reading Snitchland The Graphic Novel reminded me of that early love and has made me want to read more of this genre.
Author Tim Mulligan has a background as a playwright as well as graphic novelist, and he shows off his skill in creating engaging characters and storylines in Snitchland.


Snitchland introduces the reader to Van, who has just lost the love of his life, Jared. The two men have a daughter, Ali, who also gets drawn into the corruption that engulfs the town. Jared’s early death seems linked to the toxic waste that has seemingly already killed off many others.
Mr. Mulligan’s story, combined with Pyrink’s expressive illustrations, brings emotional depth to these characters and a constant sense of foreboding. Snitchland explores social and environmental responsibility as well as corporate greed and lack of accountability. I liked the serious storyline and felt empathy for the characters suffering loss and danger.
Snitchland is a sequel to Witchland, but stands on its own as a novel, The ending of Snitchland seems to promise that the story will take another turn and spawn another novel in the future.

Snitchland the Graphic Novel by Tim Mulligan with illustrations by Pyrink is 107 pages, and is published by Highpoint Lit. It was published in October 2024 and is available online.