Eric Brewer & Friends Open Mid-Day Art Break Series at EAM

Contributed Photo

Wednesday, June 6

If you happen to find yourself downtown on a Wednesday afternoon during the summer, you might hear something pretty catchy coming from the direction of the Erie Art Museum. If you were so inclined to go investigate, you'd discover what has become one of their most popular programs, the Highmark Mid-Day Art Break, which kicks off on June 6 and runs through August 29, always taking place on the sunny Fifth Street Patio.

For over a decade, this series has been a welcome reprieve for just about everyone, whether it's any number of employees working in the downtown area who want to brighten their lunch hour with an artist's passion and talent, harried parents who need an afternoon activity for the kids that won't cost an arm and a leg, or our retired population, with that sweet feeling of "nothing planned except relaxing." Even better, once you're there, you can enjoy "pay-what-you-like" admission to the museum.

The incredible variety of acts the Erie Art Museum books further opens the events to a wider audience, with rocking-and-rolling Eric Brewer & Friends opening the series, the Erie Phil's String Quartet to follow, bluegrass from Mountain Thyme Ramblers in July, and Americana/roots from Bootlegger's Bible Club or brassy big band sounds from the Gem City Jazz Band in August.

The newly minted Whole Foods Co-op and Bakery counter lies within, perfect for grabbing a Zone wrap or perhaps the sandwich feature of the month, but guests are also more than welcome to bring their own lunch — perfect if you work in the area, packed your mid-day meal and have time to meander over for something a bit more substantial than your coworkers' ceaseless break-room gossip. — Cara Suppa

12 p.m. to 1 p.m. // 20 East Fifth Street // Free // erieartmuseum.org