If We Were You

WEDNESDAY 11.27

BT's Turkey Trot

Don't want to feel left out when all of your friends participate in a Turkey Trot, but you just don't want to run? Well, Basement Transmissions can help. You see, BT's Turkey Trot doesn't require you to constantly chug toward a finish line. No, all you have to do is go see some of Erie's best young talent on display, with Kevlar, Teatime for Three, Sonder, and Clusterfunk taking the trot to the stage for you.

When: 5:30 to 11:30 p.m.

Where: 1501 State St.

Contact: basementtrans@gmail.com

THURSDAY 11.28

Enjoy Thanksgiving!

Here at the Reader, we have a lot for which we're thankful. So we'll be taking the day to reflect upon the various things that give us reasons for such appreciation and gratitude. We encourage you to do them and enjoy the holiday spirit — which we're pretty sure doesn't involve lining up outside of a store at 8 p.m., regardless of how great any 'deals' may seem. 

When: All day

Where: Anywhere

Contact: Family, Friends, Self

FRIDAY 11.29

Made in Erie Marketplace, Green Friday

National Shop Small Business Day is Nov. 30, but get an early start with this Civitas event, which promotes locally made goods, food, and culture. From pottery, jewelry, and metalwork, to poetry chapbooks, CDs, and DVDs, there'll be something for anyone's holiday wishlist here. And if that's not enough, there'll be live music courtesy of Julio Quezada and Friends, as well as poetry readings and performances thanks to the Poets' Hall crew. 

When: 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Masonic Temple's Camelot Room, 32 W. Eighth St.

Contact: 881.1273

BT's Black Friday Blood-Fest

Black Friday shoppers can be a rather bloodthirsty bunch, duking it out for deals on whatever material good their sales-happy minds desire. For those who desire the same hardcore experience without the lines and broken TVs, check out the Black Friday Blood-Fest at Basement Transmissions, featuring four mavens of metal, including the last show by local thrashers From the Ashes.

When: 5: 30 to 11:30 p.m.

Where: 1501 State St.

Contact: basementtrans@gmail.com

GNOSiS and Baloo Black Friday Bash

Now that Thanksgiving is over, it might be time to start working off the third, fourth, and fifth servings of turkey you helped yourself to, so make your way over to the crooked i and dance off those celebratory calories with jam-fusion band GNOSiS. The Edinboro rockers will be on stage for two sets, while Pittsburgh DJ Baloo will get the crowd moving all night.

When: 10 to 2 a.m.

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Festival of Trees at the Bayfront Convention Center

There's nothing quite like a brilliantly decorated Christmas tree to really liven up the holiday spirit. At Saint Vincent Health System's Festival of Trees, you can bask in the wondrous glory of nearly 100 professionally decorated trees, each boasting its own unique panache. Tickets are just $9 at the door with proceeds benefiting the Children's Miracle Network.

When: noon to 8 p.m.

Where: 1 Sassafras Pier

Contact: www.SaintVincentHealth.com/FestivalOfTrees 

SATURDAY 11.30

Jimkata

Unless you're an absolute fitness buff, there's a good chance you won't be looking to work out during prime party hours. Instead, exercise your ear muscles when electro-rocker band Jimkata returns to the crooked i. The technology-loving lads from Ithaca, N.Y. just released their first live album, but now you can experience their catchy tunes in person, as long as you don't work out an excuse to bail on the fun.

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Sunday 12.01

Warner Winter Wonderland Art & Craft Show

Well, it's officially December. Time to think about the most stressful part of Christmas: buying presents. But you can get a head start on your holiday shopping by stopping by the Warner Theatre. There will be unique gifts that are perfect for that impossibly-hard-to-shop-for friend and probably a good gift for your mom, too. Tickets are $3 for adults and parking is free. Save a dollar by bringing a food donation.

When: Noon to 5 p.m.

Where: 811 State St.

Contact: 480.6010

TUESDAY 12.03

Reused, Reclaimed, & Repurposed: Artist Reception

Haven't seen it yet? Even though it's old material, it's splayed out in new ways, as local artists — as the title of the exhibit suggests — reused, reclaimed, and repurposed found objects to breathe new life into their creations. So be sure to check out the exhibit — who knows, you may even give an object a second — or third, or fourth — home.

When: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Where: Cummings Art Gallery 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: 824.2092

WEDNESDAY 12.04

FILM at the Erie Art Museum presents The Secret Life of Words

This week's selection is a Spanish film starring Tim Robbins, known from The Shawshank Redemption. Hanna (Sarah Polley) is a partially deaf worker at a factory in Ireland. Forced to take a holiday, she takes on a job as a private nurse at an oil rig for a severely burned man (Robbins).  Will romance ensues? Stop down, grab a beer, and watch the drama unfold to find out.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: 20 E. Fifth St.

Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum     

THURSDAY 12.05

Chasing Moira

It may be a week after thanksgiving, but Sherlock's is still ready to serve out a big helping of jam. Local rockers Chasing Moira is set to serve up a healthy helping that's sure to satisfy any Dave Matthews Band fans looking for some solid entertainment. It may be a thirsty Thursday, but you can make a musical meal out of this show.

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: 508 State St.

Contact: 453.7760

FRIDAY 12.06

Gallery Night

The Erie Art Museum and 11 independent galleries collaborate to make your first Friday night of December a magical evening filled with Erie's finest art. Wander to all, or just a few, exhibits and enjoy the different vibes and atmosphere, as well as entertainment and refreshments. Artist meet and greets will be held at several of the galleries, including Funky Bungalow, Stoneworks Lapidary, and Lighthouse Jewelers.

When: 7 to 10 p.m.

Where: 20 E. Fifth St.

Contact: erieartmuseum.org

The Midnight Ghost Train w/ With Signs Following, Johnny James & the Absolutes, and Starve

Electronica is nice, but sometimes you just feel the need to rock. For those who need to feel the ground shake with every strum, The Midnight Ghost Train will be chugging into town this Friday, ready to blow your eardrums away with Southern gospel hymns and hellish guitar squalls as the headliner of a night full of rocking acts. 

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SATURDAY 12.07

Dance Department: Happiness is 'Tis the Season

Visit the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center to enjoy a one-hour narrated performance by the talented Mercyhurst Dancers and the Liturgical Dance Ensemble. They will present three short, holiday works: Babes in Toyland, Santa's Toy Shop, and a spiritually-based work. Dancers will greet audience members in the lobby afterwards. Tickets are $15.50 and can be purchased online.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: mica.mercyhurst.edu.

Mercyhurst Jazz Ensemble Concert  

Begin your Saturday night at the Taylor Little Theatre for a concert by Mercyhurst University students. Conducted by Scott Meier, the concert is free and open to the public and will feature a blend of contemporary compositions and jazz standards.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: 824.2394

SUNDAY 12.08

Langer Film Series presents The Sapphires

Follow the story of The Sapphires, a band consisting of four vibrant and gifted Australian Aboriginal girls who, after being discovered by an affable talent scout, sing for the U.S. troops in Vietnam 1968. Based on a true story, The Sapphires experience life lessons regarding love, friendship and war. Tickets are $6 for adults at the Taylor Little Theatre.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: mica.mercyhurst.edu   

MONDAY 12.09

"World of Dinosaurs" at TREC

If you think you have to go out of town to see a world-class dino exhibit, think again. "World of Dinosaurs" has gotten bigger and better each year, and this year is no exception. With a complete T-Rex skeleton (the giant lizard, not the band) and other awe-inspiring offerings, this is sure to please kids of all ages. And of course, it's free. If you want to check out the T-Rex, get there quick. It's set to be replaced by a Stegosaur at the end of November. The exhibit runs through mid-February.

When: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: TREC

Contact: 833.7424