If We Were You

WEDNESDAY 6.26

FILM at the Erie Art Museum presents "Oldboy"

This violent Korean masterpiece tells the tale of Oh De-su, an average man who is kidnapped and held captive in a hotel room for 15 years. Upon his release, he must find his captor within five days. Show up early for friends, food, and drinks. Doors open at 6 p.m.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St.

Contact: ErieArtMuseum.com

THURSDAY 6.27

Shakey Graves

Thanks to his fine flatpicking skills and whiskey-soaked vocals — think Kings of Leon's Caleb Followill on a blues bender — Austin, Texas' Shakey Graves was named by NPR as an artist you should have known last year. Even if you're a little late on the Shakey train, the one-man band will be howling and picking away at the Downtown Meadville Summer Concert Series in Diamond Park, giving you a chance to see a man that NPR has called "frighteningly good" in person.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Diamond Park Square, Meadville

Contact: 720.6744

Drips & Beats One Year Anniversary

After months of excellent hip-hop shows and prime verses, we can finally say congratulations to Drips & Beats on their one-year anniversary. Of course, you can do the same by heading down to the crooked i for a show packed with premium performers like Vinnie Vocals, Lady A, Dommy Doo, and special guests throughout the night.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

FRIDAY 6.28

Erie SeaWolves vs. Richmond Flying Squirrels

It's an Early Bird Friday at the SeaWolves, so come to "The Uht" early and for $2 drink specials in the Bud Light Beer Garden before the first pitch. The first 1,000 fans will also receive a free SeaWolves T-shirt. In case that hasn't sold you on coming, the Erie Reader will be there with our newest issue! Be sure to find us and say hello.

When: 7:05 p.m.

Where: 110 E. 10th St.

Contact: 456.1300

Chrome Moses w/ North Town Station

If you missed Chrome Moses when they came up to Erie earlier this year, don't worry, because the high-energy Pittsburgh band is coming back to the crooked i. After recently releasing an EP full of what writer Alex Bieler called "good old-fashioned rock," the bluesy, brawny trio should fill the State Street venue the stage with squealing solos and all sorts of good things.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SATURDAY 6.29

Buffet on the Bay 2013

The bay fundraiser and music festival event is hosted by the Second Harvest Food Bank. The featured live music is by Kids Rock School, Mambo, Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle, and Key West Express. Have some fun and win some prizes in the Chinese Auction, all while helping those in need. Food and money donations are greatly appreciated and one person can win the grand prize of Four Disney Park Hopper Passes.

When: 4 to 10 p.m.

Where: Liberty Park Burger King Amphitheater, 726 W Bayfront Parkway

Contact: 459.3663

The LEC w/ Sarsen

Hip-hop heads and metal maniacs unite for one big show at Sherlock's. Hippie-hoppers The LEC recently celebrated the release of their first album and the metal veterans Sarsen come together for a night aimed to please both fans of quick verses and hard rocking all on the same stage.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: Sherlock's, 508 State St.

Contact: 453.7760

The Sicilian Jazz Project at Romolo Chocolates

The Romolo Chocolates Summer Music Series is in full swing, and there's not a better way to start out a summer Saturday night in Erie. Inspired by traditional Sicilian folk music performed in the early 1950s, The Sicilian Jazz Project also plays traditional dances and ballads collected by Michael and Roberto Occhipinti's many cousins in Sicily. Composed by Michael, this folk music is blended with world beats, chamber music, jazz, blues, and more for a sound like no other. For the Romolo Chocolates 2013 Music Series gig, Michael Occhipinti is on guitar, and is joined by John Maharaj on bass, Maryem Tollar on vocals, Kevin Turcotte on trumpet, Pete Mills on saxophone, and Barry Romberg on drums. All Romolo shows are free and open to the public.  

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: Romolo Chocolates, 1525 W. Eighth St.

Contact: 814.452.1933

SUNDAY 6.30

Kepi Ghoulie, Dog Party, Spud Dog, My Father's Garage, and Gator King

Now that it's actually summer according to those adorable wall calendars with pictures of adorable puppies and kittens for each month, it's about time for a full-on summer show. Well, it's mighty convenient that California acoustic punk performer Kepi Ghoulie is on the Full-On Summer Tour and will be stopping by Basement Transmissions with four other acts for your end-of-June viewing pleasure.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Basement Transmissions, 1501 State St.

Contact: basement-transmission.webs.com

MONDAY 7.01

L.A.'s The Evening Guests tonight at PACA

Los Angeles-based indie folk rockers the Evening Guests are on tour in support of their new EP "Not in Kansas Anymore," and they're playing at PACA tonight. Founded by Icelandic singer/songwriter Jokull Jonsson, and featuring Erie native Gerard Uht on keys, The Evening Guests are taking a break from playing L.A. gigs for a bit and Erie is reaping the benefits. Opening for them are fellow L.A. musicians The Hive Mind (also featuring Uht), a funk/blues outfit that is sure to get the party started. Cover is only $5, the doors open at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: PACA, 1505 State St.

Contact: paca1505.com

WEDNESDAY 7.03

Mid-Day Artbreak with Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle

Spend your lunch hour on the Erie Art Museum patio for the popular Mid-Day Artbreak. This week, Ron Yarosz & the Vehicle will be treating the crowd to hard-hitting, classic American  blues. While enjoying the free tunes, you can grab a quick lunch or a coffee at the Wave Cafe.

When: Noon to 1 p.m.

Where: Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St.

Contact: ErieArtMuseum.com

THURSDAY 7.04

Boom on the Bay and Regional Fireworks

What's as American as baseball and apple pie? Fireworks — that's what. So celebrate the birth of America as the commemoration of the War of 1812 rolls on, as the Perry 200 offers four locations to enjoy the rockets' red glare. Skip a few pages ahead to Alex Bieler's To-do List for a full listing of locations and details.

When: 7:30-10 p.m.

Where: Erie County

Contact: 870.1200

FRIDAY 7.05

The Clarks and Chris Higbee

Hosted by Presque Isle Downs and Casino, renowned regional rockers The Clarks will be playing at the Casino's racetrack patio as they team up with country music sensation Chris Higbee. The band has played all throughout Western Pa. for over 25 years, satisfying fans of Springsteen-esque tunes everywhere.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: Racetrack patio, 8199 Perry Highway

Contact: 1-866.ERIE.FUN

Crooked Bass July

After a night full of fireworks and fun, you still might have a whole bunch of energy left over from your Fourth of July festivities. Well, Crooked Bass with guests Sean Kramer, Kip Collins, and Etch can help you out, as the beat-tastic night can provide you with a chance to get down and let out all of your post-Independence Day needs.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SATURDAY 7.06

Presque Isle Bike Tour

Lovers of both fitness and nature may finally combine the two with this 10-mile bike ride through Presque Isle. Pedal through nature as you are guided by the Naturalist, who will feed you interesting tidbits about the park and its history during the ride. Guests are advised to dress appropriately and bring water bottles and sunscreen as needed.

When: 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Where: Cookhouse Pavilion parking lot

Contact: trecpi.org

Romolo Chocolate Music Series presents Bruce Johnstone and Tim Clarke

With local legend Bruce Johnstone on the sax and trumpeter Tim Clarke in tow, Erie is in for a great night of jazz. So head to Romolo Chocolates and enjoy the outdoor piazza and an evening of masterful jazz, because in summer, it doesn't get much better than listening to live music as the sun sets on the city.

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 1525 W. Eighth St. 

Contact: 452.1933

Eerie Roller Girls vs. Queen City Roller Girls' Nickel City Knockouts

Head out to Presque Isle Skating and Event Center — formerly Evan's Skateland — for the Roller Girls third home bout of the 2013 season as they look to kick, smash, pass, and beat the gals from Western New York. Tickets are $12 at the door, but if you buy in advance, you can save $2 — which you can use at the concession stand during the match or at the after party at the Oasis Pub immediately following the event.

When: Doors 6:30; whistle 7:30 p.m.

Where: Presque Isle Skating 3162 West Lake Road

Contact: eerierollergirls.com

TUESDAY 7.10

First of 8 Great Tuesdays

Bluesmaster Walter Trout kicks off this outdoor summer music series. After going a perfect eight for eight with the weather last year, we're looking forward to spending Tuesdays on the lawn of the Burger King Amphitheater at Liberty Park. For more info on Walter Trout, check out Cory Vaillancourt's Q&A with the 'Strat-slinging legend in this issue. 

When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: 726 W Bayfront Parkway

Contact: PortErie.org