On Sunday July 20th Deep Groove Records will present "A Hard Day’s Night" at the Colonial Theatre at 2pm. The event will be hosted by Andre Gardner of WMGK's "Breakfast with the Beatles". 

Although many people think of their first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” as being America’s introduction to that “Fab Four,” The Beatles, it was really through this inventive, funny, almost documentary-style film that we truly got to know and enjoy those ground-breaking characters who led the musical “British Invasion” of the 1960s. Taking the simple premise of following the group through a two-day tour at the height of their early popularity (screaming, fainting, pre-teen audiences and all), Director Richard Lester created a frenzied, witty showcase for their talents and personalities.

Scott's Film Watch writes:

"Pop music sensations The Beatles are busy young lads. On one “typical” day, they spend their time charming some fans with their playful puns, avoiding stodgy drags with impish impassivity, or simply driving the teenyboppers wild with their monstrously popular tunes. They bounce from trains to limos to concert halls to night clubs, bringing their playfully subversive charm with them.

Accompanied by Paul McCarthy's rakish granddad and the band's managers, the Fab Four break into song several times, be it in a train car, on the street or in its presumed proper place, a concert hall. After a series of misunderstandings nearly lose their drummer, Ringo Starr, to arrest by the local police, the four arrive at that evening's gig just in time play their set, sooth the panicked stage manager, and send the adolescent girls into absolute rapture.

After all of the screaming, cheering and hoipaloi die down, John, Paul, George and Ringo run off with their managers to board a helicopter and fly away, presumably to the next day's gig and yet another bout of non-stop insanity and hijinx."

For Scott's complete review of Film # 59 of TIME's Top 100 of all time, go HERE.

Lock 60 and the Schuylkill Canal Park see roughly 25,000 visitors each year. These individuals enjoy fishing, paddling, hiking, picnicking, jogging and more along the area, which is managed by the hard-working volunteers of the Schuylkill Canal Association (SCA). On the last Sunday of every June, the non-profit organization holds its annual fundraiser, Canal Day, to raise money that goes toward its operating budget, as the SCA continues its stewardship of the Schuylkill Canal Park.

Between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 29th, visitors to Lock 60 will be asked to donate a $5 admission fee to have access to the spectacular lineup of entertainment and events (children 12 and under are FREE). There’s something for everyone at Canal Day: a dunk tank, bingo tent, and Highland Games are new this year. Returning attractions include the Denny Porrini Memorial 5-mile trail run, kids fishing derby, canal joust, horseshoe tournament, kayak demo by Eastern Mountain Sports and French Creek Outfitters, 5-mile canoe/kayak race, face painting, story telling, spinners and so much more! There will be three lock openings during the day, and the Locktender’s house will also be open, so bring your questions! A courtesy shuttle will be available for those who need assistance getting around.

Attendees are encouraged to visit the various vendors and flea market tables, as well as the business expo. Space is still available for sponsors, crafters, vendors, flea marketers and businesses (including not-for-profits), so register today to be a part of this community-wide event.

The SCA relies on dedicated volunteers and sponsors like Exelon Generation and Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust, for helping to make Canal Day a success, year after year. 

Roger McGuinn, founding member and front man for the iconic 60′s band The Byrds, returns to the Colonial Theatre tonight at 8pm. While his solo career includes a diverse collection of collaborations with the likes of Gram Parsons, Tom Petty, Elvis Costello and Michael Penn, Pete Seeger, Joan Baez, Judy Collins, Odetta Jean Ritchie and Josh White Jr., his “Treasures From The Folk Den” album was nominated for a Grammy in 2002 for “Best Traditional Folk Album.”

Tickets
Gold Circle: $38.50
Orchestra: $32.50
Front Balcony: $29.50
Rear Balcony: $20

Reserved seating. Ticket prices do not include the $2 per ticket Restoration Fee or the $1.50 per ticket Service Fee. These fees will be calculated at check out. Tickets available with cash, check or credit card at the Colonial Theatre Box Office, or online. 

For tickets or more info: http://thecolonialtheatre.com/2013/events/roger-mcguinn-2014/

This Saturday, come and see history in the making at SIPS Bistro as California Chrome attempts to become the first Triple Crown winner since Affirmed did it back in 1978. The Belmont Stakes, or the third and final part of the Triple Crown, has a post time of 6:35 PM EST.

SIPS will be serving the traditional Belmont Breeze, as well as amazing happy hour specials like $7 Martinis, $7 selected glass of Wine, $7 Specialty Cocktails, and $1 off draft beer. 

They'll also have their half price bar menu in full effect and $1 oysters.

For more info, go to http://www.sipsphoenixville.com/

This Saturday, June 7th, The Pickering Creek Inn will be unplugging the punk rock, but cranking the party up full blast. Don't miss Commonwealth as they play a full band acoustic set, Michael Rudolph Cummings of Backwoods Payback who's on tour with his solo act, and Tom Flott of Stoked On Being Pumped!.

The deck / bar is open to enjoy the weather between sets and adult beverages will be flowing at all the bars. This show is 21+ and there is a $5 cover. Start the summer early with an acoustic punk rock party at The Pick!

Commonwealth - https://www.facebook.com/commonwealthofficial

Michael Rudolph Cummings - https://www.facebook.com/backwoodspayback

Tom Flott - https://www.facebook.com/stokedonbeingpumped

On their official Facebook page, they write:

"Come in today and check out our menu... Hand-cut fries, mesquite BBQ, lump crab cakes and Seafood gumbo, to name just a few! Historical & unique dining experience at the Great American Pub & Hotel. Proud to be serving Phoenixville!"

For more info:
http://www.greatamericanpub.com/

Pickering Creek Inn "Hour Happy" 1/2 price apps runs Tuesday thru Friday from 4 to 6 PM. And on Sundays, bring your dog to the outside patio and get a dollar off your drink!

CURRENT DRAFT LIST:

Founders Pale Ale 5.4% (NITRO) 

Avery Karma Belgian Pale Ale 5.4%

Stone Russain Imp. Stout 10.5%

Tommy Knocker Imp. Brown Ale 9%

Yuengling Lager     4.3%

Green Flash West Coast DBL IPA 8.1%

Arcadia Cheap Date Pale Ale 4.3%

Voodoo Love Child Trippel 10.5%

Neshaminy Creek Leon Stout 11%

Mystery Pale Ale Special

Summit Pilsener 4.5%

Bell's Lager of the Lakes 5%

Stella 5%

                                                                                          

The Dogwood Festival and Parade has come a long way since its humble beginnings and is now the second largest parade in Chester County, attracting more than 10,000 people annually. It has become part of the rubric of Phoenixville since it first started as a means of celebrating the arrival of spring and Armed Forces day. In fact, the first seven Dogwood queens earned their crowns by selling the most war bonds during World War II and the first Dogwood parades were one-day festivals ceremoniously held on Armed Forces Day. Instead of rides and games, though, the first Dogwood festivals offered only pony rides and homemade food from local residents. Following World War II and the Korean Conflict, the Phoenixville Jaycees continued the tradition by hosting an annual pageant to decide the Dogwood queen.  As the years went on, the festival grew from one to four days during the 1970s and ‘80s to a six-day festival in the 1990s. 

Dogwood Entertainment Schedule for May 13-17

Tuesday 5/13
6:00 to 7:00 PM ~ Kendall Phillips (photo below)
7:30 to 8:30 PM ~ Hytha Family Band

Wednesday 5/14
6:00 to 7:00 PM ~ Gene Galligan (photo below)
7:15 to 7:30 PM ~ Prince & Princess Contest ~ Wally Heidelmark Community Service Scholarship winners announced
7:30 to 9:00 PM ~ Audubon Symphony Orchestra

Thursday 5/15
6:00 to 7:00 PM ~ Grace Assembly of God Ignite Student Ministries
7:30 to 9:00 PM ~ The Suspects

Friday 5/16
6:00 to 7:00 PM ~ They Know (photo below)
7:30 to 9:00 PM ~ Rock and Roll After School photo below)

Saturday 5/17
1:00 PM ~ Dogwood Parade
3:45 to 4:00 PM ~ Parade Winner Announcement
4:00 to 5:00 PM ~ Kendal Conrad (photo below)
5:30 to 6:30 PM ~ Dave Sullivan
6:45 to 8:15 PM ~ Rougarou (photo below)