If We Were You
Two weeks. A ton of events. Yes, there's plenty to do in Erie.
THURSDAY 11.14
Edinboro University Film Series presents Triple Divide
So what is fracking and what's the big deal, anyways? Triple Divide will answer these questions and more by telling a shocking story about the cons of fracking through personal stories, interviews with experts and case files of public documents that were uncovered during an 18-month-long investigation.
Stick around after the screening as the film's directors (Melissa A. Troutman and Joshua B. Pribanic) will be there and take part in a Q&A
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 405 Scotland Road, Edinboro
Contact: 732.2177
FRIDAY 11.15
The Truffle Shuffle Tour
For anyone that's been hoping for some French pop-punk band named after a scene from The Goonies to come to town, then congratulations, your day is about to be made, because Parisian quintet Chunk! No, Captain Chunk! is coming to PACA . Currently on The Truffle Shuffle Tour, the metal-tinged rockers lead a lineup of six bands to help feed your guitar fix.
When: 5 to 11 p.m.
Where: 1505 State St.
Contact: paca1505.ning.com
Falling Hollywood
If you haven't had a chance to check out Falling Hollywood since their new album Heavy Weather dropped Nov. 2, then Sherlock's is the place to be this Friday night. The local rockers will be dealing out excellent new tracks like the sinister "Vicious Fishes" and "Gypsy Moth," as well as playing some choice older cuts throughout the night.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: 508 State St.
Contact: 453.7760
John Pinette's "Still Hungry" Tour
There are few things that can bring us humans together to form a natural affinity, free of the struggles and cares of everyday life. Comedy and food are two of them. To that end, don't miss John Pinette, comedy heavyweight, at the Warner Theatre for a night of teary-eyed laughter. Presenting his most recent comedy special, "Still Hungry," Pinette will discuss his own observations of everyday life. Tickets are $35.75 – a small price to pay for an evening of unfailing hilarity.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: 811 State St.
Contact: 452.4857
Erie Otters Wine Tasting Event and Lady's Night
Listen up, ladies: not only can you enjoy a nice evening of watching the Otters kick some tail, but this night is dedicated to you, complete with tasty wine samples provided by Lake Erie's own Mazza Vineyards. Bring your friends and have a night of bubbly, wine-drunk fun. Oh, dudes are invited, too. Tickets are just $25, which includes a game ticket, light snacks and wine samples.
When: 7 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 809 French St.
Contact: 455.7779
SATURDAY 11.16
Lucas Carpenter, Spethz, and Optimistic Apocalypse
Lucas Carpenter may not deal with hammers and cabinetry, but his last name is rather apt with the way he works with his hands, playing an assortment of instruments on stage to create his folky pop tunes. Carpenter will bring his looping specialties to Basement Transmissions, along with experimental rockers Spethz and the acoustic stylings of Optimistic Apocalypse.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: 1501 State St.
Contact: basementtrans@gmail.com
814 Bass Crew Presents: Hip-Hop Throwback
Instead of just debating about the merits of old-school versus new school, the 814 Bass Crew will be playing their arguments at the crooked i. Smartie Roc, NatasK, Ghost Alive, and Matter will all be performing on the Saturday night edition of Crooked Bass, letting the crowd decide if they prefer the old throwbacks or the new bass music.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie
Pennsylvania State Yo-Yo Contest
The Erie Sports Commission has announced that the location for the 2013 Pennsylvania State Yo-Yo Contest is…Erie, PA! That's right, yo-yo-ers of the Erie area; this is your time to shine. If your yo-yo game is somewhat lacking, don't worry – you don't have to compete to attend. There will be over $1,000 in cash and prizes to claim, as well as workshops and demonstrations to strengthen your yo-yo skillz. The event is free, but if you'd like to enter the contest, you must register online.
When: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Where: Avalon Hotel, 16 W. 10th St.
Contact: PAStateYoYo.com
NYC Dance Duo Performs at the Erie Art Museum
Art Bridgman and Myrna Packer, modern dance duo from NYC, return to us to present their new work, Voyeur, at the Erie Art Museum. The choreographed performance has recently received the National Dance Project Touring Award and combines video with live dancing, blurring the line between reality and imagination. Viewers are encouraged to arrive early to explore the set before the performance. Tickets are $15 and are limited.
When: 4 p.m., 7 p.m., and 9 p.m.
Where: 411 State St.
Contact: erieartmuseum.org
Sunday 11.17
On Screen/In Person Film Series: Mr. Cao Goes to Washington
For those who aren't aware, Joseph Cao is: the first Vietnamese-American elected to Congress; the single non-white House Republican of the 111th Congress; and the only Republican to vote for Obama's Health Care Reform Bill. This film at Mercyhurst University follows Cao's surprising journey as he paves his way into U.S. politics. Stick around after the film for a Q&A session with the filmmaker.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: 501 E. 38th St.
Contact: mica.mercyhurst.edu/events
MONDAY 11.18
The Rocket Man Blasts into Erie Insurance Arena
That's right folks, Elton John is in town tonight and if you don't think that's a big deal, well you really must not care for or know about Elton John. You can't see him in Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, or even Toronto. In fact, if you miss him here you'd have to travel to Detroit, Philadelphia, or New York to get your fill of Captain Fantastic's many chart-topping hits. The point is, this is a huge get for good ol' Erie, PA and if you're a fan you really shouldn't miss the opportunity to see this legend of rock 'n' roll live in concert.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Erie Insurance Arena
Contact: 814.452.4857, eltonjohn.com
TUESDAY 11.19
Blue Man Group Comes to Erie
Comedy? Yes. Music? Yes. Technology? Yes. Totally awesome and distinctive form of entertainment? Yes, yes, yes. Head to the Warner Theatre to see the show The New York Times' says is "one of the most delightful performance pieces ever staged."
When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: 811 State St.
Contact: 452.4857
WEDNESDAY 11.20
FILM at the Erie Art Museum Presents: We Live In Public
This week's selection is a documentary by Odni Timoner focusing on the dot-com exploits of Internet visionary Josh Harris, known for his million-dollar millennium party "Quiet." The Film tackles questions of privacy in the digital age. Stick around after the show for a lively audience discussion.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: 20 E. Fifth St.
Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum
THURSDAY 11.21
Reused, Reclaimed, & Repurposed: Artist Reception
Never let it be said that artists at Mercyhurst University don't know how to recycle. The exhibition's name is quite literal in that these artists reused and repurposed objects they found by turning it into art that is quite interesting. Take a look at the exhibit, which opened Nov. 16, and join these artists at the Cummings Art Gallery to get a behind-the-scenes description of their thoughts and processes.
When: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: 501 E. 38th St.
Contact: 824-2092
FRIDAY 11.22
The Clarks
It's always nice when people you like come back to visit, but when they're in a Western Pennsylvania-based band that's known for rocking out, it's even better. Noted Griswold Family enthusiasts The Clarks will return to the Sherlock's stage this Friday for a heavy dose of heartland rock 'n' roll in The Flagship City.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: 508 State St.
Contact: 453.7760
SATURDAY 11.23
Dollar Bill Crissman w/ Frank Singer
You don't need to be a painter to show an audience different shades of blue. Instead, Dollar Bill Crissman uses his guitar to present the Blues. The longtime axe man will join fellow guitarist Frank Singer at the Anchor In for Saturday Night Blues, ready to color the crowd impressed.
When: 6:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Where: 3122 West Lake Road
Contact: 833.1212
Mercyhurst University Orchestra
It's always a good time to sit, relax, maybe close your eyes, and let music take you away. The Mercyhurst University Orchestra, conducted by Dr. Scott Tomlison, will do just that. And uh…being free of charge doesn't hurt, either. Take some time to stop by the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center and check them out.
When: 4 p.m.
Where: 501 E. 38th St.
Contact: 824.2394
SUNDAY 11.24
Classic Film Series: "The Birds" at Mercyhurst
It all began when San Franciscan socialite Melanie Daniels set her cap for Mitch Brenner, a man
she met at a bird shop. Intrigued, Melanie followed Mitch to a small Northern California town
when suddenly the town is attacked by…birds? Okay, we can dig it. This 1963 film directed by
Albert Hitchcock is a classic horror flick that really shouldn't be missed, especially at one dollar
a ticket. Tickets are available at the Taylor LittleTheatre Box office.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: 501 E. 38th
Contact: miac.mercyhurst.edu