Weekend highlights include Zombies, Swindell concerts, ReadingFilmFEST [Events roundup]

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

• The Keswick Theatre, Glenside, presents 2019 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees The Zombies on Sunday at 8 p.m. The band is touring in support of its 2023 album “Different Game,” the follow-up to their 2015 Billboard-charting album “Still Got That Hunger.” The Zombies are best known for their 1960s hits “She’s Not There” and “Tell Her No.” The original lineup disbanded just prior to achieving their greatest success, the chart-topping single “Time of the Season,” from their album “Odessey and Oracle,” ranked in the Top 100 of Rolling Stone’s 500 Greatst Albums of All Time. Tickets range from $40 to $65 at keswicktheatre.com.

• Santander Arena, Reading, kicks of the weekend with Cole Swindell: Twelve Tour with special guests Nate Smith and Avery Anna on Friday at 7 p.m., and presents The Thorn on Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 7 p.m. Swindell racked up several big hits in the middle of the aughts — “Chillin’ It,” “Hope You Get Lonely Tonight,” “Ain’t Worth the Whiskey” and “You Should Be Here” — that became emblematic of the sound of mainstream country of its era: friendly, melodic and sunny, blending elements of rock and hip-hop with country. Swindell extended his hot streak into a new decade when “Single Saturday Night” became the No. 1 Country Airplay hit in 2020. Both that song and the chart-topping “She Had Me at Heads Carolina” anchored his 2022 album, “Stereotype.” The Thorn tells the epic story of God’s love for the world and the spiritual battle for all humanity. Described as cirque meets the passion of Jesus, The Thorn combines dance, martial arts, aerial acrobatics and emotionally powerful performances. For tickets and more information, see santander-arena.com.

• The Santander Performing Arts Center, Reading, welcomes a trio of singer-songwriters over the next week, starting with Loreena McKennitt on Thursday at 7:30 p.m. In a recording career spanning more than two decades, McKennitt has sold over 14 million albums, won two Junos, Canada’s premier music award, and garnered two Grammy nominations. She was inducted into the Canadian Songwriter’s Hall of Fame earlier this year. This tour marks the 30th anniversery of her “The Visit” album. Latin Grammy and ASCAP winner Pedro Capó takes the stage Friday at 8 p.m. Capó is the grandson of the legendary music star Bobby Capó and is known for writing international hits “La Mordidita” and “Disparo al Corazón” for Ricky Martin. In 2018, Capó became a worldwide star with “Calma (Remix)” featuring Farruko. On Wednesday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. A.J. Croce brings his Croce Plays Croce 50th Anniversary Tour to town. Croce will be celebrating two more of his father, Jim Croce’s, legendary albums, 1973’s “Life and Times” and his final release, “I Got a Name,” in addition to songs from “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim.” For tickets and more information, visit santander-arena.com.

• SoulJoel’s Comedy Club at Sunnybrook, Pottstown, presents Dan St. Germain on Friday at 8 p.m. and Judy Gold on Saturday at 7 p.m. St. Germain’s last album, “No Real Winners Here,” was listed as one of the best albums of 2018 by The Interrobang. He’s the co-host of the “It Couple” podcast and is developing a show for Peacock with Dan Soder and Stone Cold Steve Austin. Gold has had stand-up specials on HBO, Comedy Central and LOGO. She was a part of Netflix’s Stand Out: An LGBTQ+ Celebration. She is the author of “Yes I Can Say That: When They Come for the Comedians, We Are All in Trouble,” a critically acclaimed book about free speech and cancel culture that debuted as the No. 1 comedy release on Amazon and was featured in the New York Times Book Review. She is also host of the hit podcast “Kill Me Now with Judy Gold.” For tickets and more information, see souljoels.com.

• Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center, West Chester, presents Kendrah and Lauren’s Quintet on Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Motor City Revue on Friday at 7:30 p.m. and Jeffrey Gaines on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Kendrah and Lauren’s Quintet features Kendrah Butler-Waters, pianist, vocalist, and composer, and Lauren Lark-Jones, vocalist and composer, leading an all-female quintet with Sadayah Roberts on drums, Jamicka Johnson-Hector on bass and Mollie Ducoste on violin. They will perform a mix of original music and arrangements of popular tunes blending jazz and other genres. The 13-piece Motor City Revue faithfully recreates that signature Motown sound and, in the process, takes audiences on a journey back in time to where it all began, covering popular and rare Motown and Stax hits, plus rock and soul classics. Harrisburg native Jeffrey Gaines has been heralded for his soul-searching lyrics and inspiring live performances. With only his voice and a guitar for accompaniment, Gaines has earned a loyal fan base, selling out clubs and theaters since his 1992 debut album, “Hero In Me.” Uptown will also be screening “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Monday at 7 p.m. For tickets and more information, see uptownwestchester.org.

• The ninth annual ReadingFilmFEST will be held Thursday through Sunday at GoggleWorks Center for the Arts’ Eunice and Albert Boscov Theatre, R/C Reading Movies 11 & IMAX Theatre and WCR Center for the Arts, all in downtown Reading. The festival will kick off with StudentFEST on Thursday with special guest, actress Madison Reyes, best known for her starring role in Netflix’s hit musical series “Julie and the Phantoms.” On Friday, there will be an exclusive opening night gala to welcome filmmakers and VIP guests. The gala event will feature a live performance by jazz artist V. Shayne Frederick. The remainder of the weekend will unfold with a diverse lineup of over 55 independent films from around the globe, and three Hollywood blockbusters screenings: a “Grease” sing-along extravaganza, where sock hop and greaser attire is strongly encouraged, a late-night screening of Stephen King’s “IT” with introduction by the film’s make-up and effects designer Tom Woodruff Jr., and special screenings of MGM’s “The Wizard of Oz,” to be followed by a discussion with the world’s preeminent Oz historian, John Fricke. All films and film blocks are $10 each. For unlimited film screenings all weekend long, adults can purchase an All-Access Pass for $75, while students can purchase a StudentPASS for $35. VIP Passes are available. For the full schedule and ticket purchases, visit ReadingFilmFEST.org.

• The Miller Center for the Arts at Reading Area Community College presents Javier Avila’s one-man show, “The Trouble With My Name,” on Thursday at 7 p.m., and a concert by Steve Forbert & The New Renditions on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. Ávila is a professor of English as well as a poet, novelist and public speaker. He writes in both English and Spanish, and his work has earned him numerous awards, including his most recent honor as the recipient of the Cultural Arts Award given by the American Association of Hispanics in Higher Education. In 2015, he was named Pennsylvania’s Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation. This award inspired him to take his classroom to the masses, using poetry and storytelling to deliver a powerful message about unity and inclusion, which led to “The Trouble With My Name,” which he has performed across the country since 2016. Steve Forbert helped pioneer Americana music’s mix of folk, roots rock and richly delivered storytelling. He’s been a torchbearer of that sound for more than four decades, navigating the twists and turns of an acclaimed career that’s taken him from gold records to Grammy nominations. For tickets and more information, see millercenter.racc.edu.

• Hobart’s Run will hold its annual 5K, Hobart’s Run by the River, and this year it will offer a spooky twist, as the event will be held just before Halloween. The Run by the River will take place on Sunday  beginning at 9 a.m. (8 a.m. registration) at scenic Riverfront Park, Pottstown. Runners are encouraged to get into a creepy, funny, festive Monster Mash mindset and run in their very best Halloween attire. Special prizes will be given not only for the fastest runners but for those who are most “spirited” in categories including Scariest Costume, Best Duo Costume, Best Group (3 or More) Costume and Most Creative Costume. The Hobart’s Run neighborhood initiative was launched by The Hill School in 2016 to create a clean and safe community; foster inclusivity; provide incentives for home ownership and property pride; and generate quality business development. For more information, see hobartsrunpottstown.org.

• St. John’s Lutheran Church, 355 St. John’s Circle, Phoenixville, presents internationally known concert organist Peter Richard Conte on Sunday at 4 p.m. Conte’s nearly unparalleled technical facility, brilliant ear for lush tonal color, and innovative programming style have made him one of the most sought-after orchestral organists of this era. In 1989, he was appointed Wanamaker Grand Court Organist at what is now the Macy’s Department Store in downtown Philadelphia — the fourth person to hold that title since the organ first played in 1911. He performs a majority of twice daily recitals on the largest (29,000-plus pipes) fully-functioning musical instrument in the world. Conte is also principal organist of Longwood Gardens; organist/choirmaster of St. Clement’s Church, Philadelphia; and a frequent collaborator and soloist with the Philadelphia Orchestra and Philly Pops. No tickets are required but a free-will offering will be received to help fund the music series at St. John’s.

• The Reading Royals take on the Trois-Rivieres Lions in their ECHL hockey league home opener Saturday at 7 p.m. at Santander Arena, Reading. In addition to the game, opening night will feature a block party outside the arena on Penn Street starting at 3 p.m. Fans can enjoy games, inflatables, a rock climbing wall, a photo booth and an axe throwing station, as well as Slapshot and Ice Angels photo opportunities. After the game, there will be fireworks on Penn Street. For tickets and more information, see royalshockey.com.