Category Archives: Music

Park Avenue Concert Series features Jason Vieaux and Friends

Park Avenue Concert: Jason Vieaux and Friends

November 24, 2024 at 7:00 PM

Jason Vieaux, guitar; Dara Morales and Daniel Han violins; Che-Hung Chen, viola; Amy Sue Barston, cello; Phillip O’Banion, castanets.

Grammy-winner Jason Vieaux, “among the elite of today’s classical guitarists” (Gramophone), is described by NPR as “perhaps the most precise and soulful classical guitarist of his generation.” In appearances from New York’s Lincoln Center to Amsterdam’s Concertgebouw and the Seoul Arts Center, Jason Vieaux has cemented his reputation as an artist of brilliance and uncompromised mastery. Cited for his “eloquent and vibrant performances” on disc (Gramophone Magazine) he is hailed as “virtuosic, flamboyant, dashing and, sometimes ineffably lyrical” (New York Times) on stage.

For this concert, Vieaux is joined by Park Avenue Concerts mainstay performers for a brilliant presentation of classic and original music.

LUIGI BOCCHERINI: Quintet No. 4 “Fandango”
HEITOR VILLA-LOBOS: Aria from Bachianas Brasilieras No. 5
FRANCISCO TARRÉGA: Capricho Arabe
JASON VIEAUX: Home
ISAAC ALBÉNIZ: Asturias (Leyenda)

  • Park Avenue Community Center, 129 Park Avenue, Swarthmore

Lansdowne Folk Club presents Craig Bickhardt and Jesse Terry

Lansdowne Folk Club presents folk troubadours Craig Bickhardt and Jesse Terry on Thursday, Nov. 21, 2024.

When Craig Bickhardt steps onto a concert stage, he comes equipped with his trusty acoustic guitar. A side musician or two will frequently join him. He’s also accompanied by something invisible, yet ever-present: the stories of a lifetime, vividly translated into words and melody.

Craig Bickhardt

A live set of Craig’s performance is a mix of absurd anecdotes and personal confessions, accompanying a well-stocked bag of original tunes and the occasional choice cover. His decades in music have given his performances the depth of experience – his love songs seem sweeter and more poignant, his story-song narratives more true-to-life than they could have in the past.  The stories of his lifetime are simply too good not to share.  Check him out at http://craigbickhardt.com.

The stage had been Jesse Terry’s home for over a decade. He plays around 150 shows a year, from Bonnaroo to the Philadelphia Folk Festival, the 30A Songwriters Festival to AmericanaFest. When the pandemic canceled concerts and delayed the album’s release, he pivoted to performing online and found a strong new connection to his fans, who had helped fund his albums all along. Learn more about him at https://www.jesseterrymusic.com.

Held at the Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA, doors open at 7:00 PM and show begins at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance online or with an advanced phone reservation and $25 without an advance reservation.  For reservations, parking information, advance ticket sales and more information visit website https://folkclub.org, email Lfolkclub@gmail.com or call (484) 466-6213.  Only cash and checks accepted at the door.

Parking in front of the 20th Century Club is no longer available.  We suggest that our patrons park on the side streets near the Club or at the Septa train station lot two blocks away.  Street parking is available on Lansdowne Court (adjacent to the 20th Century Club) or on Dudley Ave, (across Lansdowne Ave. from the 20th Century Club).  Handicap parking* is behind the building.

*There is one ADA designated parking spot in the area behind the building, but we can set aside additional handicapped parking if you notify in advance by email at Lfolkclub@gmail.com.

Upcoming concerts: 

  • Carla Ulbrich on Dec. 5
  • Michael Braunfeld on Jan. 23
  • The Honey Badgers on Feb. 27
  • Christine Havrilla and Tret Fure on March 27
  • Jennifer Knapp on April 24
  • Chris Kasper on May 15
  • John Gorka on June 5

Grace Morrison at Lansdowne Folk Club

Lansdowne Folk Club presents singer/songwriter Grace Morrison on Thursday, October 24, 2024.

Held at the Twentieth Century Club, 84 S. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA, doors open at 7:00 PM and show begins at 7:30 PM.  Tickets are $20 when purchased in advance online or with an advanced phone reservation and $25 without an advance reservation.
For reservations, parking information, advance ticket sales and more information visit website https://folkclub.org, email Lfolkclub@gmail.com or call (484) 466-6213.  Only cash and checks accepted at the door.
Parking in front of the 20th Century Club is no longer available.  We suggest parking on the side streets near the Club or at the Septa train station lot two blocks away.  Street parking is available on Lansdowne Court (adjacent to the 20th Century Club) or on Dudley Ave, (across Lansdowne Ave. from the 20th Century Club).  There is one ADA designated handicap parking spot behind the building, but additional handicapped parking can be made by emailing Lfolkclub@gmail.com in advance of the concert.
Born and raised on the shores of Cape Cod, Grace Morrison’s unique brand of “saltwater country” has established her as a confident, refreshing voice in country-pop. With performances at Nashville’s Bluebird Café and co-writes with multi-Grammy winner Lori McKenna (Humble and Kind) and hit songwriter Barbara Cloyd (I Guess You Had to be There) under her belt, Grace made a name for herself in 2022 at songwriter festivals from Massachusetts to Montana. During this stretch she gained further recognition and invitations to write with Dana Hunt Black (Check Yes or No), and Steve Dean (Round About Way).
Outwardly effortless and radio ready you might take for granted what makes Grace’s songwriting special. With musical influences ranging from Fats Domino’s rock and roll licks; the raw expression of jazz; Celtic ballads; and 90’s pop choruses – Grace delivers “three chords and the truth” in a package that is familiar and yet undeniably unique.
Grace Morrison is a mother, musician, renaissance faire performer, cranberry farmer, songwriter, and storyteller. With subjects ranging from Titanic to tantric; an “evening with” Grace will take you from the court of King Henry VIII to debauchery in Denver. With humor and raw honesty, audiences leave Grace’s shows with her songs stuck in their heads and their toes tired from tapping.  Check her out at https://www.gracemorrison.com.
Other upcoming concerts include Craig Bickhardt and Jesse Terry on November 21, and Carla Ulbrich with Barry Rabin on December 5.
Founded in 1993, the Lansdowne Folk Club is a 501(c) (3) all volunteer non-profit corporation dedicated to presenting folk, acoustic and blues music.

Relive the Music and Magic of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s

Get ready to travel back in time with a night of unforgettable music at the Oceanfront Arena inside the Wildwoods Convention Center. The Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce presents the 20th annual ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s Weekend on Friday, Oct. 18 and Saturday, Oct. 19 in the Wildwoods, New Jersey. This two-day extravaganza celebrates the iconic eras of the 1950s and beyond, while also honoring the pivotal role the Wildwoods played in the birth of Rock ‘n Roll music.

The weekend kicks off on Friday night, Oct. 18 inside the Wildwoods Convention Center with a ‘50s Dance Party featuring The Cameos, who will have you dancing the night away to classic oldies. The Dance Party, reminiscent of the Sock Hops of the ‘50s and ‘60s, takes place 6:30-10:30 p.m. and admission is $20 per person.

Saturday, Oct. 19 will feature a full day of outdoor fun and music during the FREE Street Fair at Fox Park, located across from the Wildwoods Convention Center on Ocean Ave., from 11am to 5pm. The Street Fair will include live entertainment throughout the day featuring the great sounds of the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s with Animal House, Living Proof, and The Deck Band performing. Enjoy a variety of vendors offering memorabilia, merchandise, many delicious food options, and much more. A classic car show will be held at the circle in front of the Wildwoods Convention Center across from Fox Park from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The highlight of the weekend is the ‘50s, ‘60s and ‘70s Concert taking center stage at the Oceanfront Arena in the Wildwoods Convention Center on Saturday, October 19 at 7 p.m. This star-studded musical lineup features Mr. Frankie Avalon performing hits like “Venus,” “Why,” “I’ll Wait for You,” and “Beauty School Drop Out.”

Also gracing the stage are The Lettermen, known for their classics, “Goin’ Out of My Head,” “The Way You Look Tonight,” “Put Your Head On My Shoulder,” “Theme From a Summer Place,” and “When I Fall In Love.”

The Shirelles starring Beverly Lee will captivate the audience with their melodies, including “Dedicated to The One I Love,” “Tonight’s The Night,” “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Mama Said.”

The event is hosted by The Voice of Tribute, starring Tommy Cono as the voice of Frankie Valli, Lou Christie, Bobby Darren, and Frank Sinatra. Expect Tommy C. to sing timeless classics from each of these iconic artists. Doors open at 5 p.m. for the concert and an unforgettable night of music and nostalgia.

For those eager to secure their tickets or gather additional information, stop by the Greater Wildwood Chamber of Commerce at 3306 Pacific Avenue in Wildwood, visit www.Wildwoods.com, or call 609-729-4000. Tickets are also available through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com and all Ticketmaster locations. A limited number of tickets will be available at the Wildwoods Convention Center Box Office the weekend of the event.

For additional information, visit www.gwcoc.org or call 609-729-4000.

Walnut Street Theatre Opens With ‘Jersey Boys’

Walnut Street Theatre (WST) begins their 216th season with the Broadway musical phenomenon Jersey Boys. Go behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons with this Broadway musical phenomenon. The show begins previews on October 1, opens Oct. 9, and closes on Nov. 3.

They were just four guys from Jersey, and while their harmonies were perfect on stage, off stage it was a very different story — their story has made them an international sensation all over again. This Broadway-hit takes you behind the music and inside the story of Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito, and Nick Massi as we explore the rise of one of the most iconic pop bands in American music history.

With a book by Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, music by The Four Seasons member Bob Gaudio, and lyrics by Bob Crewe, the show premiered on Broadway in 2005 to critical acclaim and has won four Tony Awards. The documentary-style show dramatizes the personal and professional struggles of the members of The Four Seasons, from early brushes with the law to the group’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. The show features a rich selection of the band’s greatest hits, including “Sherry,” “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” “Walk Like a Man,” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.”

Richard Stafford returns to the Walnut as Director/Choreographer, having previously directed and choreographed numerous Mainstage shows, including Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. In addition to his work with the Walnut, Stafford has also choreographed on Broadway and the New York City Opera. Music and vocal direction will be provided by Chris Burcheri, whose Walnut credits include Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Elvis – A Musical Revolution; Rocky, the Musical; and Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. Burcheri has also served as the music director for the WST for Kids series and the Associate Conductor on Annie and Holiday Inn.

Returning to the Walnut for the first time since his role as Bobby C in Saturday Night Fever is Will Stephan Connell as Frankie Valli, the frontman of The Four Seasons. Appearing alongside Connell as band member Bob Gaudio is Eddie Olmo II, fresh from his role as Barry Mann in Beautiful – The Carole King Musical. Returning to the Walnut as a founding member of the band, Tommy Devito, is Ken Sandberg, last seen in Elvis – A Musical Revolution. Rounding out The Four Seasons quartet and appearing as Nick Massi is Chris Stevens, known for his role as Gaston in Disney’s Beauty and the Beast.

Walnut favorite Fran Prisco takes on the role of mob boss Gyp Decarlo in his 41st WST production, having just appeared in last season’s Beautiful – The Carole King Musical and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. Appearing as producer Bob Crewe is Ryan Kleinman, who made his Walnut debut with Beautiful – The Carole King Musical.

Returning to the Walnut as various friends and paramours of the band members are Walnut veterans Kimberly Maxson (Jimmy Buffett’s Escape to Margaritaville; Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), Dana Orange (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Beautiful – The Carole King Musical), Kerri Rose (Saturday Night Fever; A Christmas Story), and Audrey Biehl Simmons (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast; Beautiful – The Carole King Musical).

Making their WST Mainstage acting debuts and rounding out the cast are Tommy Craig, who understudied for Beautiful – The Carole King Musical, and Dance Captain/Associate Choreographer Joseph Cullinane.

Returning to the Walnut to bring the streets of New Jersey to the Walnut’s stage is Scenic Designer John Farrell, whose designs were seen most recently in Aspects of Love on the Mainstage. Joining Farrell are Walnut veterans Lighting Designer Matt DeMascolo (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast) and Sound Designer

Ed Chapman (Disney’s Beauty and the Beast), along with Assistant Lighting Designer Jen Donsky. Returning to the Walnut fresh from Beautiful – The Carole King Musical to costume our rockstars and capture the iconic hair of the 60s are Costume Designer Mary Folino and Wig Designer Carissa Thorlakson.

From the streets of New Jersey to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this is the musical that’s just too good to be true!  The 2024-25 season also includes: Elf the Broadway Musical, Driving Miss Daisy, Noël Coward’s Hay Fever, and Dreamgirls.

Subscriptions are available now for as little as $26 per show – up to a 75% savings compared to regular ticket prices! Individual tickets go on-sale July 23. For information on season subscriptions or individual tickets, call the Walnut at 215-574-3550 x6 or visit WalnutStreetTheatre.org.