The upcoming events in the area for the following week are as follows:
• The rock bands REO Speedwagon and Rick Springfield will perform together at Santander Arena, Reading, on Wednesday, March 20. REO Speedwagon's popular 1980 album “Hi Infidelity” featured hit singles like “Keep on Loving You” and “Take It on the Run.” This album spent 15 weeks at No. 1 and has received the RIAA’s 10X Diamond Award for selling over 10 million units in the United States. The band released nine consecutive platinum or higher albums from 1977 to 1989. Some of their other well-known songs include “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” “Can’t Fight This Feeling,” “Time For Me To Fly,” and “Roll With the Changes.” Rick Springfield, a versatile entertainer with a career spanning over four decades, has sold 25 million albums and produced 17 U.S. Top 40 hits, including classics like “Jessie’s Girl” and “Don’t Talk to Strangers.” Tickets start at $35 and can be found at santander-arena.com.
• Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with concerts by Cormorant’s Fancy on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Whiskey Rovers on Sunday at 4 p.m. Cormorant’s Fancy, with a strong connection to Celtic music and roots in various parts of Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and more, offers a cross-generational lineup that unites the past, present, and future. Their music, described as “spellbinding” and “energetic,” immerses audiences in the living Celtic tradition. The Whiskey Rovers have been entertaining audiences in the area for years with their traditional Irish folk songs, stories, and fun. With guitars, mandolin, vocal harmonies, and percussion, these three diverse musicians deliver authentic and spirited Irish music. For tickets and more information, visit uptownwestchester.org.
• The Greater Philadelphia Expo Center at Oaks will be holding the Just Between Friends consignment expo from Thursday to Sunday, the Greater Philadelphia Boat Show from Friday to Sunday, and Antiques at Kimberton on Saturday and Sunday. Just Between Friends offers deals on children’s clothes, shoes, books, toys, and gear. The expo runs from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Thursday and Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Free tickets can be obtained at westernmainline.jbfsale.com. The boat show, which features numerous dealers and hundreds of boats, is open from 1 to 8 p.m. on Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Entry costs $10 at the door ($5 after 5 p.m. on Friday). Antiques at Kimberton showcases over 65 quality dealers specializing in primitives, architectural salvage, home and garden finds, and more. The event runs from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $7 at the door and free for those aged 12 and under. For more details, visit phillyexpocenter.com.
• The Miller Center for the Arts at Reading Community College is showing a tribute band called Magical Mystery Doors on Thursday and Friday at 7:30 p.m. The band mixes classic songs in surprising ways, like combining The Doors’ “Hello, I Love You” with Led Zeppelin’s “Misty Mountain Hop”, and matching Zep’s “When the Levee Breaks” with The Beatles’ “Dear Prudence”, and playing a sequence of “The Rain Song,” “Riders on the Storm” and “Here Comes the Sun.” A video presentation and light show add to the experience. Tickets cost $35 at millercenter.racc.edu.
• The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, presents An Evening with Brandy Clark and Hayes Carll on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. Brandy Clark is a highly respected songwriter and musician with multiple Grammy nominations, a CMA Award win and a Tony nomination. She released an acclaimed self-titled album last spring and was nominated for six awards at the 66th Grammy Awards in February. Hayes Carll’s songs may seem simple, but they often contain social commentary and sharp humor. Tickets start at $29.50 at thecolonialtheatre.com.
• The Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading, is presenting The Magic of Motown, a show with 40 classic Motown hits, costume changes, dance moves and live music celebrating the music of artists like Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross, and Stevie Wonder. Expect to hear favorites like “Ain’t No Mountain” and “Signed Sealed Delivered.” Tickets start at $45 at santander-arena.com.
• Kennett Flash, Kennett Square, presents a St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Belfast Connection on Friday at 8 p.m. and the Collingwood with special guest Gina Graves on Saturday at 8 p.m. Belfast Connection is an Irish Folk duo that performs classic drinking tunes, Celtic folk standards and modern folk jigs. The Collingwood blends cinema-driven, minor-key melodies with elements of post-rock and 1970’s soul, creating shadowy dance numbers, both contemplative and severe. For tickets and more information, see kennettflash.org.
• The Del McCoury Band is set to perform on Wednesday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. in Schaeffer Auditorium at Kutztown University as part of the KU Presents! performing artists series. McCoury, originally from York County, initially played banjo and was influenced by the iconic Earl Scruggs. He then became a member of Bill Monroe’s Blue Grass Boys in 1963, transitioning to guitar and lead singer under Monroe’s guidance. By 1967, he had his own bluegrass band, The Dixie Pals, which eventually evolved into his current Grammy-winning band, including his sons Ronnie on mandolin, Rob on banjo, bassist Alan Bartram, and fiddler Jason Carter. McCoury established the four-day DelFest in Cumberland, Md., 15 years ago. His 16th album, “Del McCoury Still Sings Bluegrass,” was released in 2017. Tickets for the concert are priced at $46 for adults and $41 for seniors and students at kutztown.edu.
• The Keswick Theatre in Glenside will host two nights of film screenings with appearances by celebrities: An Evening with William H. Macy and a screening of “Fargo” on Friday at 8 p.m., and An Evening with Judge Reinhold and a screening of “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” on Saturday at 8 p.m. For tickets, visit keswicktheatre.com.
