If We Were You

WEDNESDAY 12.11

FILM at the Erie Art Museum presents After the Wedding

An Indian orphanage is facing bankruptcy, forcing Jacob Petersen, its Danish owner, to accept $4 million offered by a businessman under the stipulation that he returns to Denmark and meets the man face-to-face. Once there, Petersen must revisit his past and the life he left behind.  

When: 6 p.m.

Where: 20 E. Fifth St.

Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum

THURSDAY 12.12

Crooked Coast

Just because you may be trying to get on the "nice list" for this holiday season doesn't mean you can't be a little crooked. In fact, you can get a double dose of crooked when Crooked Coast comes to the crooked i to infuse our town with some sunny, reggae-infused indie rock tunes that will help distract you from all of the snow we should be getting.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Penn State Behrend's Concert Band presents "Turning Points"

Let PSB's concert band take you on a musical tour through some good ol' fashioned American history, from the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Gettysburg and the 50th anniversary of MLK Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech to JFK'S assassination and the bicentennial of the Battle of Lake Erie. Admission is free and open to the public.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: 4701 College Drive

Contact: 898.6289

Strong-Town's Chuck Marohn Presents  "Curbside Chats"

Looking for insightful dialogue on how to better position our community for the future? The team at Strong Towns can deliver. The group has prepared an upcoming Curbside Chat for local officials and key community leaders. This will be a five-part presentation that focuses on the current financial crisis, the triggers that force change in the way we inhabit our landscape, the "dead ideas" we need to overcome to renew prosperity, what the coming economy will look like, and what local leaders can do to position our community for greater success.

When:  7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St.

Contact: donelson@jeserie.org or 459.8000

FRIDAY 12.13

Tim Warfield's Jazzy Christmas

You can search the radio dial all you want to get your fix of Christmas music in your car, but you won't find anything quite like Tim Warfield's Jazzy Christmas coming out of the dashboard speakers. For that experience, head down to the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center at Mercyhurst as MIAC hosts all-star saxophonist Tim Warfield and his talented ensemble in a jazzy night of Christmas classics.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: miac.mercyhurst.edu/events

Wasted Blood, Nyodene D, Spud Dog, Starve, and Counterfeit

It can be hard to find anything for a dollar nowadays, but Basement Transmissions is sure trying to give you your money's worth. For $7, you can check out Ashtabula hardcore group Wasted Blood and Erie hard rockers Nyodene D, Spud Dog, Starve, and Counterfeit in one night, all for what amounts to $1.40 per band, a steal for plenty of guitar squeals.

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

Where: 1501 State St.

Contact: basementtrans@gmail.com

PACA presents Christmas II: The Sequel to the Nativity

The Performing Arts Collective Alliance presents the debut of Jeff Goode's original comedy about Jesus Christ, a child star whose fame quickly faded. Those who were a part of his Nativity — from the Orient King to the Talking Sheep — watched as their lives tumbled down around them. Thirty years after JC's birth, Ghosts of Nativities Past unite to show Jesus the true meaning of Christmas.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: 1505 State St.

Contact: paca1505.com

Holiday Show & Sale at Center City Arts

Looking for that one-of-a-kind gift for that special someone this year? Like supporting local artisans? If you answered yes to either of those questions — and we hope you did, because that makes you cool — then look no further. Original works of art, including fused glass, jewelry, painting, and decorative gourds, will all be on display and available for purchase in the stunning historic Rose Koehler Curtze estate. So 'tis the season for shopping and supporting your local art scene!

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: 138 E. 26th St.

Contact: CenterCityArtsErie.org

SATURDAY 12.14

Leader of Men w/ Kevlar

Never pick scissors against the members of Leader of Men and Kevlar, because they'll always play rock! ...But seriously, Leader of Men make sure to rock hard every show while young quartet Kevlar is making Erie forget about their age and remember just how hard they can play.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: 508 State St.

Contact: 453.7760

Laugh/Riot presents Jet of Blood at Edinboro University

Antonin Artaud's Jet of Blood, written in Paris 1925, is a fantastical play representing our most inner fears and desires.  Artaud presents a bizarre gamut of creation and devastation, correlating sex, lust and purity with greed and brutality. Tickets are $10 for the general public.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: 217 Meadville Street, Edinboro

Contact: 732.2518  

Sunday 12.15

Winter Wonderland at Asbury Woods

Enjoy walking in a winter wonderland? Well, there's no better place in Erie than at Asbury Woods. And this year it's bigger, brighter, and better than ever! Winter Wonderland features thousands of lights at the Nature Center and along our boardwalk trail with unique displays throughout the Woods. Visit us and enjoy new light displays, an expanded model train display, holiday music, children's crafts and much more. This event offers a wonderful change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Bring your family and friends and celebrate the season at Asbury Woods. Admission is $6 per person.

When: December 13-15, 6 p.m.

Where: Asbury Woods Nature Center, 4105 Asbury Road

Contact: 835.5356

WEDNESDAY 12.18

Celtic Christmas

Christmas is still a week away, but that won't keep the Brewerie at Union Station from celebrating their annual Celtic Christmas. Head and down for some craft brews and good chews while Broken Straw performs traditional Irish holiday music for the kilt-wearing Irishperson in all of us.

When: 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: 123 W. 14th St.

Contact: 454.2200

THURSDAY 12.19

Erie Ad Club's Holiday "Ugly Sweater" Party

Come enjoy an evening of networking with Erie Ad Club members and friends. Listen to holiday music and mingle in the beautifully decorated Rotunda at The Brewerie At Union Station. Don't forget to wear your ugliest holiday sweater... and get creative,  as the ugliest sweater will win an AdClub membership. There will be an assortment of hot hors d'oeuvres and desserts provided, as well as drink specials of $3 drafts, mixed drinks, or wine. There will also be a variety of raffle baskets. Admission will get you a free drink ticket, a raffle ticket, and food. Tickets are $10 for members and $13 for non-members

When: 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 123 W. 14th St.

Contact: lindsay@moore-research.com

FRIDAY 12.20

Eric Brewer & Friends and the Tony Grey Trio

When a night is dubbed "A Showcase of Erie's Finest Musicians," there are a lot of expectations to live up to. It's a good thing that Eric Brewer & Friends and the Tony Grey Trio can surpass said expectations. The two groups are teaming up for one big show at the crooked i, giving you a chance for some healthy doses of rock and jazz for a proper musical showcase.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Jingle & Mingle Dance for Diabetes

The greeting cards have been mailed, tree is decorated, and  (hopefully) your gifts are wrapped — so now it's time to let your hair down and enjoy some festivities while giving back to your local community at the Dance for Diabetes. Be sure to wear your dancing shoes — Street Level Band will keep you on your feet that night. Scrumptious hors d'oeuvres, auction and cash bar. Every dollar contributed to this event will remain LOCAL to support those affected by diabetes right here in our Community.

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: Bel-Aire Clarion Hotel, 3200 W. Eighth St.

Contact: nwolf@diabeteserie.org

SATURDAY 12.21

Sleigh Rides at Burch Farms

It's not very often that someone can say they have actually dashed through the snow on a one-horse open sleigh, but if you take a drive to Burch Farms in North East, you can be on that short list. Bundle up with some friends for a sleigh ride, followed by hot chocolate, cider drinks, baked goods and more to warm you up for just $10 a person. 

When: all day

Where: 9210 Sidehill Road, North East

Contact: 725.0747

SUNDAY 12.22

Bah Humbug!

Come share the magic of everyone's favorite Christmas classic performed by the Academy's Youth Theatre! Watch as Ebeneezer dooms himself to visits from three Christmas spirits. His revelation that "life was meant to be lived" brings a heart-warming conclusion to Dicken's beloved tale. Runs December 20-22. Tickets are $10.50 and $8.50.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: Academy Theatre, 275 Chestnut St., Meadville

Contact: 833.8000.