* Jeff Dunham, a ventriloquist who has been amazing people for a long time, is set to perform on Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Santander Arena in Reading. A quick glance of Dunham's childhood photos reveals the milestones of youth -- birthdays, graduations, awkward first dates ... very awkward first dates. Nothing unusual -- except for the fact that in almost every photo, he's joined by a dummy seated on his lap. Luckily for Dunham -- and the millions of fans who continue to be entertained by his suitcase posse worldwide -- those early wooden characters were a hint of the spectacular career to come. Sold-out global concert tours. Ratings-shattering TV specials. A best-selling author. A star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. A few Guinness World Records for good measure. Ticket prices start at $53. For more information, go to santander-arena.com/events/.
* Who's Bad, The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, is set to perform on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading. Since 2004, hundreds of thousands of fans have witnessed the excitement of Who's Bad productions on stages around the world. Dedicated to re-creating authentic live experiences, Who's Bad was founded by Vamsi Tadepalli in 2003 as a tribute to Jackson's musical legacy. Now, as an umbrella organization, Who's Bad Music boasts a stable of three shows: The Ultimate Michael Jackson Experience, 20/20: The Evolution of Pop and Who's That Girl, a celebration of the greatest divas in music history. Each show is designed and constructed through unparalleled study of the artists' original performances and infused with new energy so that they can be brought to life for fans by some of the finest entertainment professionals on the planet. From Motown to MTV and CDs to mp3s, the musical landscape has changed dramatically over the last half-century. Who's Bad Music draws from the most iconic stars and smash hits spanning generations to embody the expression "Seeing is Believing." Innovation is the key element in the DNA of Who's Bad Music, dedicated to putting on the baddest shows on the planet. Ticket prices start at $25. For more information, see santander-arena.com/events/.
* Brandywine Community Library's annual Vendor and Craft Fair, an event suitable for the entire family, is set to take place on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Henry Auditorium on the campus of The Lutheran Home, 1 S. Home Ave., in Topton, Berks County. Local vendors and crafters plus a basket raffle of over 25 baskets loaded with gift certificates to local businesses and tickets to area attractions. Food and Gertrude Hawk candy bars for sale. For more information, visit berkslibraries.org/events/.
* Stryper, a band who brings their musical genius to the stage whenever they perform, is set to perform on Saturday at 8 p.m. at the Keswick Theatre in Glenside, Montgomery County. Commemorating 40 years of recording and releasing music, Stryper continues to churn out rock-solid albums and pulsating live performances. The hardworking group shows no signs of slowing down. Following on the heels of their successful studio project, "The Final Battle," the definitive foursome released their first acoustic album, "Acousticyzed," on Feb. 16. The double-disc set features a CD and DVD/Blu-ray video recorded and filmed at SpiritHouse Studios in western Massachusetts. The 11-track acoustic collection features stripped-down versions of Stryper's classic songs -- ranging from energized tracks "Loud & Clear" and "Soldiers Under Command" to power ballad "Honestly" -- plus a never-before-released version of enduring hymn "Amazing Grace." The video unveils an up-close look at band members performing the album live in the studio. For a limited time this spring, "To Hell with the Amps: The Unplugged Tour" will feature Stryper playing the entirety of the acoustic project during each performance. Michael Sweet says the band's shows will feature everything from heightened production to variations in wardrobe. Some 40 years after emerging from the Southern California nightclub scene, the foursome continues to record, tour and perform for devoted fans around the globe. Made up of three original members including brothers Michael Sweet (guitar, lead vocals) and Robert Sweet (drums) and Oz Fox (guitar) plus longtime bandmate and veteran bassist Perry Richardson, the group finds itself continuing to create their finest, most powerful music yet. Ticket prices start at $70. For more information, go to keswicktheatre.com/events/.
* Mark Gagnon, a comedian who knows how to captivate an audience, is set to perform on Friday at 7 p.m. at SoulJoel's in Pottstown. Gagnon is an electrifying stand-up comedian and esteemed co-host of the hit podcast "Flagrant" alongside comedy powerhouse Andrew Schulz. He has earned his stripes as Schulz's trusted opening act on global tours, effortlessly engaging audiences with his unique blend of silly yet edgy humor. On "Flagrant," Gagnon's comedic versatility shines through, offering humor-laden takes on wide-ranging topics. His uncanny ability to intertwine comedy with insightful commentary makes him an unmissable personality in the comedy world. Gagnon's pursuit of authentic connection through humor continues to propel his rising star in the comedic scene. Ticket prices start at $25. For more information, go to souljoels.com/.
* Joe Matarese, a comedian who has the gift of making anyone laugh, is set to perform on Saturday at 7:30 p.m. at the Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center in West Chester. Originally from the Delaware Valley, Joe Matarese has become a national sensation with his stand-up comedy that covers it all -- family, fatherhood, daily life, being in your 40s, getting out of the house after the pandemic, even his comedy tour in Israel as an Italian-American. Matarese has been on "The Howard Stern Show," "WTF with Marc Maron," "The Late Show with David Letterman," "Comedy Central Presents Joe Matarese," "The Late Late Show" with Craig Kilborn and Craig Ferguson, "Last Comic Standing," "Chelsea Lately" and "The Better Half," where he and his wife took home the winning prize. Matarese was featured on "America's Got Talent," where he received a standing ovation from all four celebrity judges. His comedy specials include "Medicated and The Poster's Wrong, both available for free on YouTube. Just released is his third comedy special, "Mullets and Mixtapes." Ticket prices start at $40. For more information, see uptownwestchester.org/.