Tom Rush kicks off Bryn Mawr concerts; Aventura plays Santander Arena [Events roundup]

The following events are planned for the week ahead throughout the region:

• The Bryn Mawr Twilight Concerts Series kicks off its 2024 season with concerts by Tom Rush with Matt Nakoa on Saturday at 7 p.m. and Dan Bern and Jeffrey Gaines on Sunday at 7 p.m. A mainstay of the 1960s urban folk revival, Rush has enjoyed a career spanning more than 70 years. His song “No Regrets” became a folk standard recorded by Harry Belafonte, Waylon Jennings, Emmylou Harris and the Walker Brothers, among others. He released his first album in five years, “Gardens Old, Flowers New,” on March 1. Bern is a captivating live performer with a loyal, multi-generational following thanks to his genre-spanning music that includes folk, rock, singer-songwriter and children’s music. Gaines is a Harrisburg native who has been going strong since his 1992 self-titled debut featuring The Band’s Garth Hudson on saxophone, organ and accordion drew critical praise from far and wide. The twilight series is hosted at the community gazebo in downtown Bryn Mawr. The concert grounds for the first time will feature a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages for purchase. For tickets and more information, see brynmawrtwilightconcerts.com.

• Romeo Santos, known as “The King of Bachata,” has reunited with Aventura for their 2024 Cerrando Ciclos tour, coming to Santander Arena, Reading, on Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. The group is known for hits such as “Obsesion,” “Dile al Amor” and “Un Beso.” Santos and Aventura last joined forces just months before the Coronavirus pandemic for their 2020 Inmortal Tour, which grossed $25.8 million and sold 189,000 tickets among 15 shows between Feb. 5 and March 10, 2020, according to figures reported to Billboard Boxscore. For tickets and more information, visit santander-arena.com.

• The Concerts Under the Stars series at the Upper Merion Township Building Park presents Boat House Row — The Yacht Rock Experience on Friday at 6 p.m.  Yacht rock refers to the highly polished brand of soft rock that emanated from Southern California between 1976 and 1984. The term is meant to suggest the kind of smooth, mellow music that early yuppies likely enjoyed while sipping champagne on their yachts. Significant “yacht rockers” include Hall & Oates, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, Steely Dan and Toto. There will be food trucks and a beer garden with local craft beers and cocktails. Tickets cost $25 for general admission for ages 13 and older at concertsunderthestarkop.com.

• The Night Lights Sky Lantern Festival will be held Saturday from 5 to 11 p.m. at Maple Grove Raceway, Mohnton. The event includes fire pits, s’mores kits, food and alcohol vendors and games leading up to the launching of thousands of lanterns into the night sky. Tickets are required for ages 7 and older and cost $49.50 in advance at nightlightsevent.com or $79 at the gate. The price includes one lantern kit.

• Linvilla Orchards, Media, will host its annual Strawberry Festival on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. With lots of fruit, food stalls and entertainment throughout the day, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. One of the highlights of the festival is Linvilla’s Bakery unveiling Delaware County’s largest Strawberry Shortcake. This tasty tradition begins at 11 a.m. Hungry festival-goers can satisfy their cravings at Linvilla Grill, which will be serving hamburgers, pizza, fries and more. Roasty Toasty will be serving their famous roasted street corn. And Ship Bottom Beer Garden will be open to quench your thirst. Ridiculous Nicholas Comedy Variety Show will kick off the days entertainment starting at 11 a.m. The Ultimates will take the stage at 1 p.m., grooving and dancing to hits from Marvin Gaye to A Taste of Honey. Rain date is Sunday. For more information, see www.linvilla.com/family-fun/strawberry-festival.

• Haverford Township Historical Society will be hosting the 16th annual Haverford Heritage Festival on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Karakung Drive in Havertown. The day will include weaving demonstrations and displays in Nitre Hall, local music, craft beer from Conshohocken Brewery, food vendors, Civil and Revolutionary war re-enactors, historic and antique cars, blacksmithing demos, local artists, crafters and vendors, Native American artifacts and craft making, and Colonial era activities and demonstrations. For more information, see haverfordhistoricalsociety.org.

• Turks Head Music Festival, a daylong celebration of local music, will be held Sunday from 11:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at Everhart Park, West Chester. The festival features approximately 70 artists and vendor booths set up throughout the park to sell their products and high quality arts and crafts. Throughout the day, the two stages will feature eight local bands performing different genres of music, including rock, pop, folk, R&B, country and blues. Performers are Tom Wang, Dylan Zangwill, The Paul Waltz Band, The Fractals, Darlingtyn, Men of Soul, Norside and Mums the Word. Food from local vendors will be available all day long. Admission is free. For more information, see turksheadfestival.com.

• The 14th annual Italian American Heritage Festival will be held Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. in Rose Tree Park, Media. The event includes Italian food, entertainment, an Italian car and motorcycle exhibit, bocce, a kids’ Field of Fun and more. Admission is free. For more information, see ciaodelco.org.

• The Hawk Mountain Arts Tour, featuring more than 35 artists and businesses stationed throughout the Kempton valley plus a satellite location hosted by the Hamburg Area Arts Alliance at Etchberger Memorial Park, will be held Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stops include local businesses and studios hosting artists who will display a variety of crafts, such as pottery, woodcarvings, fine art illustrations, mixed media and jewelry. The free driving tour takes place within a 25-mile radius of scenic Albany Township. Printed maps will be available to pick up at Hawk Mountain Sanctuary’s Visitor Center, which is the first stop on the tour featuring five local artisans. In addition to the displays, visitors will be able to purchase pieces and products at most stops. Multiple host locations will be open for business to provide refreshments and locally sourced treats. For information about participating artists, driving directions or other event details, visit hawkmountain.org/artstour.

• The Reading Theater Project will present the world-premiere play reading of “Beyond the Heavens” by Reading playwright Joey Vasil on Sunday at 3 p.m. at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts’ Boscov Theatre, Reading. Free parking is available behind the building. Admission is by donation. In this epic fantasy play, Goski and Hassica live in a world where mortals coexist with immortals, witches and goddesses. Leaving the warmth of their community behind, they set out in search of a long-lost friend. Can they overcome the inner and outer challenges of their journey, armed with just their wits and a little magic? Are they prepared to go beyond the heavens to find her? The play will be performed as a staged reading followed by a facilitated talkback with the playwright, director and actors. For more information, visit readingtheaterproject.org.