T.J. Miller Comes to Royersford at SoulJoel's

October 20, 2020
As 2020 continues to be a non-typical world for all realms of entertainment the trend of alternative and non-traditional style events has continued to spread across Pennsylvania. While the drive-in concert has been widely successful for the return of live music events and raves the model proved less than successful for comedy events.

Comedy show efforts from Livenation and the Mohegan Sun Arena in Wilkes Barre were successful enough for one-off events but failed to draw a returning audience of fans. This absence left the door wide open for a newcomer to take the field – enter SoulJoel’s Comedy Club & Lounge in Royersford, PA. Not only has the venue cornered down a niche market they have done a really fantastic job with the execution making for a superb experiences for attendees and performers alike.


The struggle of a drive-in comedy show was rooted in the lack of the essential human element, the organic laughter of a crowd, the interaction and even the occasional heckle. SoulJoel’s managed to clear this hurdle and keep things well within the CDC recommended Covid-19 guidelines with their outdoor stage set up for a sold out 6PM performance from T.J. Miller – known by many for his many high profile comedy roles including the Deadpool series, Ready Player One, Silicon Valley, Big Hero 6 & more in addition to his stand up career.


Groups were spaced 6 feet apart and set up on cones to keep things organized as the general admission crowd trickled in for well over an hour leading up to the performance start time. The events at SoulJoel’s are BYOB, bring your own chair and basically anything else you want/need to bring in which allowed for even decreased interactions for another level of social distancing at the show.


The staff was very thorough in making sure patrons were sat properly spaced from the group next to them and that no masks were removed while the excited crowd was walking around the “venue” space (the venue being a sand beach that was created in the area around the stage for a unique outdoor comedy show vibe). SoulJoel himself welcomed the crowd and thanked them for the sold out show as well as maintaining all social distancing guidelines.


The venue has been able to take over the comedy show market in recent months due to their strict adherence to the rules and it was refreshing to see the crowd understand that their continued participation in following them was crucial to more shows coming in the future. James Mattern was the evening’s special guest host and he did a fantastic job getting the crowd laughing before an opening set from Dustin Chafin.


By the time T.J. Miller took the stage for his sold out headline set the sun had set across the make shift yet oddly functional outdoor stage as the cool fall weather brought a nice chill to the night. Miller proceeded to deliver an exception set that featured a perfectly blended of prepared material and on the fly improv when the crowd, the environment or even an advertisement on the stage presented itself for a joke. Oh – there was juggling, some prop humor, custom hot-sauce being sold, signed face masks damning Covid-19 and a brutal roast of one “fan” who thought he was funnier than Miller by shouting to “turn the lights off” one times too many.


After well over an hour of non-stop laughter Miller ended his set to a roar of applause that showcased exactly why SoulJoel’s non-traditional Covid-19 safe comedy shows have become some big. The human element has been returned to comedy with these performances and the comics are able to feed off the crowd as they normally would at a show but in a manner that is as safe as possible until things returning to normal.


Is it ideal? Maybe not? But is it a lot of fun? You bet it is and the execution was flawless enough that fans keep coming back for more with each show that comes to town. The pros certainly outweigh any cons that can be suggested in attending a well executed Covid-19 safe event such as the ones being produced at SoulJoel’s.


2020 has been a difficult year for the entertainment industry but it has given rise to a new generation of innovators who have managed to come with difficult solutions for the toughest year in entertainment ever. Royersford, PA has become a comedy powerhouse and it is a safe bet to say that it remains that way even well after Covid-19 safe shows fade into memory.


Article Written By:

Matt Christine

Jack's Mannequin return to Philadelphia for another SOLD OUT show

By Matt Christine • June 13, 2025
On June 8, Jack’s Mannequin swept into the Fillmore Philadelphia for the hometown stop of their Made For Each Other 20th-anniversary tour, turning the storied ballroom into a reunion between new Andrew McMahon fans from his solo era and the fans who grew up with his songs in Jack's Mannequin. A burst of lights and the band made their way to their places on set as the massive LED screens behind them flicked to life with the roar of the crowd—almost before the crowd could catch its breath—the band dove head-first into “Bruised,” instantly launching a full-room sing-along for the first time of the night. The family style sing-alongs would continue all night long because a Jack's Mannequin show is more than just a concert, it's a gathering of fans of all walks of life. Rather than lean solely on radio favorites, McMahon built a career-spanning arc that kept veterans and newcomers guessing. Early standouts “The Mixed Tape” and “Amy, I” landed with arena-sized fervor, while deeper cuts like “Spinning,” “Television,” and the introspective “Cell Phone” offered welcome detours for die-hard listeners. Mid-show, the tempo dropped for a surprise, lights-down, almost-whispered rendition of “Hammers and Strings (A Lullaby)”—performed nearly a cappella, save for a few plaintive piano chords. It was McMahon’s first time revisiting the lullaby in years, and the silence that followed its last note spoke louder than any applause. The final stretch was a one-two-three knockout: “I’m Ready,” “The Resolution,” and the soaring “Dark Blue,” each chorus louder than the last. After a brief exit, the band returned beneath a single spotlight for the encore. McMahon tipped his cap to the tour’s namesake, easing into the gentle “Restless Dream” before the full ensemble erupted into the sprawling suite “MFEO: Pt. 1 — Made For Each Other / Pt. 2 — You Can Breathe,” turning the title track into a communal vow to keep moving forward together. Twenty years on, Andrew McMahon and company showed how to honor a past without getting trapped in it: by laughing at the room you’re in, risking a fragile ballad in the middle of the party, and playing every song like it still belongs to today.

Shakira brings the 'Las Mujeres Ya No Lloran World Tour' to Atlanta

By Matt Christine • June 4, 2025
After a rocky start to her U.S. leg, with technical issues forcing the postponement of both the Washington, D.C. and Boston dates, Shakira delivered an electrifying, glitch-free performance in Atlanta that more than made up for the delays. The sold-out show at State Farm Arena proved why the Colombian superstar remains a force in global pop music: it was a spectacle of raw emotion, razor-sharp choreography, and dazzling stagecraft. Every moment felt polished and purposeful, yet deeply personal, a balance only a veteran performer like Shakira can pull off. The night opened with La Fuerte, a powerful declaration of intent that set the tone: this tour is about resilience, evolution, and feminine power. With minimal delay, she launched into a fierce rendition of GIRL LIKE ME, originally with the Black Eyed Peas, injecting it with her signature moves and vocal style. The audience, many of whom were adorned with glittering wolf ears and flashing LED bracelets, responded instantly, roaring as she transitioned into a nostalgic medley of Las de la intuición and Estoy aquí. It was a clever juxtaposition—early-career Shakira meeting her modern self, both artists occupying the stage in harmony. One of the most emotionally potent sequences came with Empire blending into Inevitable, where her vocals took on an operatic, almost volcanic intensity. The screen behind her exploded with elemental visuals—lava flows, crashing waves—mirroring the emotional crescendo on stage. This wasn’t just a concert; it was a catharsis. Later, Acróstico offered a softer moment, featuring a touching video of her children Sasha and Milan singing along, which visibly moved many in the crowd. You could hear a pin drop as Shakira sat on a stool, wiping away tears mid-performance. In terms of showmanship, the middle of the setlist was where Shakira proved her mettle. Copa Vacía, La Bicicleta, and La Tortura formed a seamless trinity of reggaeton and cumbia-infused pop, each song melting into the next with smooth transitions and high-energy dance breaks. She momentarily disappeared backstage during Chantaje, only to reemerge in a vibrant new costume and launch into a salsa version of the hit that transformed the entire arena into a nightclub. By the time she reached Whenever, Wherever, complete with a dramatic belly dance introduction using knives, Shakira had the entire arena in the palm of her hand. Her hips truly didn’t lie, and neither did the crowd, erupting into a thunderous sing-along. That energy spilled right into Waka Waka (This Time for Africa), which featured a thrilling Champeta breakdown and pulsating rhythms that was the infectious anthem of the 2010 World Cup. Shakira left the stage like a mythic figure—part woman, part legend—having proven once again that she isn’t just a performer. She’s a storyteller, a mother, a rebel, and above all, a she-wolf with a story still very much in motion.

The All-American Rejects kick off a new era at Parx Casino in Bensalem

By Matt Christine • April 1, 2025
On March 29, The All-American Rejects brought a whirlwind of nostalgia, energy, and surprise to the Xcite Center at Parx Casino in Bensalem, Pennsylvania. With the crowd already buzzing, the band made their entrance to the iconic "Gonna Fly Now" from Rocky, setting the tone for a night that would blend theatrical flair with heartfelt musicianship. Tyson Ritter and crew wasted no time launching into “Dirty Little Secret,” immediately turning the venue into a singalong haven for fans of all ages. The evening’s setlist was a well-balanced mix of crowd favorites and deep cuts, keeping both longtime fans and newer listeners on their toes. From upbeat anthems like “Fallin’ Apart” and “Beekeeper’s Daughter” to early classics like “My Paper Heart,” the band showcased their full range. But one of the night’s most emotional moments came from an unexpected fan request: an acoustic, acapella performance of “Heartbeat Slowing Down.” Tyson delivered the first verse and chorus with just his voice and a dim spotlight—his first time performing the song live since 2013. The crowd, stunned into silence, erupted with cheers at the final note. Throughout the show, Tyson Ritter kept the mood light with his signature irreverent humor. He poked fun at the convention center-style room, joking, about what other events were hosted in the room including a furry convention before launching into a riff about Parx Casino’s not-so-subtle encouragement to gamble. “They want you to leave this show... and immediately hit the slots. Don’t let them down!” he quipped, drawing laughs from every corner of the venue. That excitement rolled perfectly into a performance of their brand-new single “Sandbox,” which blended the band’s classic melodic hooks with a fresh, heavier indie-pop edge that had fans filming the moment for social media. One particularly fun surprise came when Tyson improvised a short, comedic song inspired by fans in the front row called “Chrysanthemum.” The details of this moment will be left behind lock and key for anyone not at the concert but just know it was one of the most obscene moments of the set and was a perfect way for the band to launch into "Sweat" after the moment wrapped up. The band also took time to acknowledge their recent appearance at Jonas Con, where they teased their upcoming role as special guests on the Jonas Brothers’ 20th Anniversary Summer Tour. The crowd cheered at the announcement, and Tyson grinned, saying, “We’ve officially joined the Jonas extended universe.” As the show neared its finale, The All-American Rejects rolled out a trifecta of hits—“Swing, Swing,” “It Ends Tonight,” and “Move Along”—each met with raucous applause and heartfelt singalongs. The encore, naturally, closed with “Gives You Hell,” sending the audience out into the casino with their voices hoarse and spirits high. Fans could be heard raving as they exited, calling it “everything I could have hoped for” and praising both the band and the intimate, high-energy setting. In the end, The All-American Rejects proved that they’re far from just a nostalgia act. With clever banter, emotional surprises, a killer setlist, and a brand-new single to boot, their performance at Parx Casino was a reminder that great bands don’t just survive the decades—they evolve, engage, and keep giving fans reasons to fall in love all over again.