If We Were You

WEDNESDAY 1.08

The Plein Experience exhibit at MCA

The Meadville Council on the Arts presents its newest exhibit, The Plein Experience, which features works from MCA's adult advanced watercolor students, who traveled to Arizona to study the plein air technique, a French expression meaning "in the open air." Take time to drop by the Heeschen Gallery and escape into these works of art.

When: noon to 4 p.m.

Where: 910 Market St., Meadville

Contact: 336.5051

THURSDAY 1.09

yep! January 2014 Social Hour

Fulfill one of your New Year's resolutions and become more active in the community by joining yep! The group will be hosting its first social hour of 2014 in the Green Room at Fox & Hound. This cozy setting will provide a great backdrop to meet new committee and board members. Feel free to bring friends and to participate in this fun networking opportunity. This event is free for current yep! members and only $10 for non-yep! members.

When: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: Fox & Hound, 250 Millcreek Plaza

Contact: yeperie.org

Electronic Showcase

After three years of Crooked Bass, the people from 814 Bass Crew decided it was time for something a little different in 2014. It's time for the Electronic Showcase, where both DJs and live electronic musicians can show off their skills at the crooked i. NatasK and Ghost Alive will be on stage this particular Thursday, so head down and check out the show.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

FRIDAY 1.10

An Evening of Jazz Feat: Roby "Supersax" Edwards

An exciting evening with world renowned Saxophonist Roby "SuperSax" Edwards awaits you this Friday. This Pittsburgh native, renowned showman, and Black & Blue recording artist has entertained in the USA, Canada, Europe, and Asia and has played with some of the largest jazz, blues, and R&B acts in the world. Local bass legend Tony Grey will join him as he takes to his six string bass, and the rhythm section will be boppin' with Erie music scene vets Stephen Trohoske on acoustic bass guitar and Rickie Hopkins and Stix Thompson on drums and percussion. Cost is $15 per person, which includes: a glass of wine, light hors d'oeuvres and great music).

When: 7 to 9 p.m.

Where: Erie Day School, 1372 W. Sixth St.

Contact: 452.4273

SATURDAY 1.11

Christmas TreeCycling Event

If you haven't taken down your Christmas tree yet, we hate to break it to you, but it's probably about time. And if you have a real tree, you can bring it down to the Millfair Compost and Recycling Center and donate your tree for mulch that will be available in spring. Feel free to make a donation to the Emmaus Soup Kitchen while you're there!

When: 9 a.m. to noon

Where: 2301 Millfair Road

Contact: 833.1111

Winter Trails Day at Presque Isle

Celebrate Winter Trails Day by going on a two-hour-long nature hike with park naturalists and enjoy the beauty that is Erie. The first hike begins at 9 a.m., but fear not, late risers! There are also hikes at noon, 3 and 6 p.m. Attend one or all hikes at no cost.

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

Where: 301 Peninsula Drive

Contact: 833.7424

Cocktails and Color at the Plymouth 

Begin your Saturday night early at the Plymouth for Cocktails and Color, brought to you by Gretchen Wheeler of Claytopia. Sip on your favorite drink as your hands move in tipsy swirls over a blank canvas, creating a masterpiece from your slightly intoxicated subconscious. Paint, brushes, an apron, and the canvas will be provided. Registration is required via the website below.

When: 2 to 4 p.m.

Where: 1109 State St.

Contact: cocktailsandcolorerie.com

Stars and Stripes Invitational at the Bayfront Convention Center

The Stars and Stripes Invitational is back, featuring 75 national level men and women athletes who will compete for state qualification as well as both individual and team S & S titles. Come cheer on our Erieite athletes as they do stunts that would break our inexperienced necks — if we were so inclined to attempt them. Tickets are just $12 at the door.

When: 6:30 p.m.

Where: 1 Sassafras Pier

Contact: 898.2936 

Doug Phillips

Local music vet Doug Phillips is stopping by the Brewerie at Union Station this fine Saturday for a six-string celebration. Phillips, who's played in a number of Erie bands including Plato's Cave and Hello Kitty Death Squad, will treat the crowd to his solo acoustic act, wowing patrons with his fretwork. 

When: 9 p.m. to midnight

Where: 123 W. 14th St.

Contact: 454.2200

Sunday 1.12

Cross Country Skiing at TREC

Do you want to learn to ski but don't want to feel like a complete ass in front of those who have progressed past the bunny hills? Luckily for you, as part of the Get Outdoors PA program, the Tom Ridge Environmental Center brings to you an introductory beginning course on cross country skiing. After getting the hang of it, you will set to the trails, so don't miss this great chance to get outdoors. If you don't own equipment, it's available for rent from the Presque Isle Ski Center.

When: 10 a.m. to noon

Where: 301 Peninsula Drive

Contact: 833.7424

Mikey Classic & His Lonesome Spur

You don't have to dread Sunday night. Instead, head down to the crooked i and check out Mikey Classic & His Lonesome Spur. While you might recognize Mikey from his time with The Goddamn Gallows, he's spending his free time serving up haunting old-school country blues tunes.

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

Where:1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

TUESDAY 1.14

The Willis Clan comes to Erie

Comprised of 12 brothers and sisters from Tennessee who play traditional Irish music, Celtic music, and bluegrass, the Willis Clan — off the heels of winning the Today Show's contest to "Find the Next Sound of Music Family" — will perform at the Neighborhood Partnership Center. What's more, the proceeds from this concert will benefit SafeNet Erie. 

When: 7:30 p.m. (doors at 7)

Where: 254 E. 10th St.

Contact: 806.9857

THURSDAY 1.16

Student Art Show at Mercyhurst

Check out the Juried Student Art Show by students of Mercyhurst University. With artworks that range from drawing and painting to photography and computer-generated to sculpture and ceramics, this exhibit offers plenty of works that will appeal to your own artistic palette.

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

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: 824.2092 

FRIDAY 1.17

City Lights

Basement Transmissions is about to brighten up your January, as the State Street venue is bringing Columbus, Ohio pop-punk band City Lights back to town. The Ohio quintet headlines a show with eight total bands on the ticket, so you'll certainly be getting your money's worth, as well as a heavy dosage of punk.

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

Where: 1501 State St.

Contact: basementtrans@gmail.com

Snowshoe Night Hike at Erie Bluffs State Park

Here is yet another opportunity to get outdoors, Erie. Take a guided, two-mile hike through the Bluffs, the largest undeveloped stretch of Lake Erie shoreline remaining in Pa., sans sun, and bring your snowshoes. Don't have any? TREC will loan you some. Meet in the Bluffs parking lot to participate; no registration or fee required. 

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Erie Bluffs State Park

Contact: 833.7424

Winslow

There have been many beloved Winslows in pop-culture history, from a family-first policeman to that the actor who specialized in odd noises in Police Academy. While they have no connection to the police as far as we know, soul band Winslow is moving on up in the music world, sharing the stage with Incubus and Earth, Wind & Fire. Now the sextet will be making fellow Winslows proud when they perform at the crooked i Friday night.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie 

SATURDAY 1.18

Metropolitan Opera Live in HD presents Tosca by Puccini

Giacomo Puccini's Tosca is an opera that premiered in Rome 1900 and is based off an 1887 French drama called La Tosca. Tosca includes some of Puccini's best-known lyrical arias, as well as enough dramatic portrayals of murder, suicide, and torture to make it an opera worth seeing. Tickets are just $18 for adults — a small price to pay to experience the talent of the Metropolitan Opera.

When: 12:55 p.m.

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: 824.3000

5th Annual yep! Bachelor & Bachelorette Auction

You are cordially invited to an exciting evening where about two-dozen of Erie's most eligible bachelor/ettes will be paired up with fun "date" packages to be auctioned off- all for charity! This year's auction benefits the Make-A-Wish and will be held at the Brewerie at Union Station. The evening will also include a silent auction where you can bid and take home some of Erie's finest goods, including art, spa packages, restaurant gift cards, and much more. Tickets are $20 ($15 for yep! members) and include free hors d'oeuvres, cash bar, DJ Gregory Anderson, and entertainment all night.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: 123 W. 14th St.

Contact: yeperie.org

Martin Luther King Basketball Showcase

The Erie Sports Commission presents 2014's Martin Luther King Basketball Showcase, a community event at the Bayfront Convention Center featuring more than 30 boys and girls teams at grade school, junior high and high school levels. Participants include teams from McDowell, East, Central, Fairview, Warren, Franklin and Cranberry, as well as 16 out-of-town-teams. Come support our local grade students in what is sure to be an intense competition.

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

Where: Multiple locations

Contact: 520.2722

Big Leg Emma with Willie Waldman and Herman Green

It's about time to get your 2014 Big Leg Emma fix, as the Western New York-based band returns to the crooked i. A longtime favorite of the Erie area, Big Leg Emma has been wowing audiences with choice Americana tunes. This time around, they'll have guests Willie Waldman and Herman Green along for the show, providing plenty of talent for one excellent show.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SUNDAY 1.19

Langer Film Series presents Mother of George

Mother of George, starring Danai Gurira (Michonne of AMC's The Walking Dead) tells the story of a Nigerian couple who live in Brooklyn and manage a small restaurant while also facing problems conceiving a child. Directed by Andrew Dosunmu, the film premiered in the U.S. Dramatic Competition at the 2013 Sundance Festival and was also selected as the closing film at the 2013 Maryland Film Festival. Visit the Taylor Little Theatre at Mercyhurst and watch as the couple makes a stunning decision that may make or break their family. 

When: 2 p.m.

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: miac.mercyhurst.edu

Bare the Barrels

Relax, refresh, and unwind. Several wineries in Lake Erie Wine Country are clearing the tanks and barrels to prepare for 2013 releases. Find the bargains and stock up on your favorite wines. No tickets or reservations are required for this free event. Just show up at these participating wineries to taste great wines and enjoy special offers – including a chance to win a wine & ski getaway package! For a complete listing of participating wineries, go to: www.lakeeriewinecountry.org/events/?event_id=2

When: noon to 5 p.m.

Where: wineries throughout North East 

Contact: wine.julie@roadrunner.com

MONDAY 1.20

Martin Luther King Basketball Showcase and Expo Wraps Up

It's the fourth year this excellent community event has been held, and it has grown every year in both size and recognition. The Showcase actually begins on Friday the 17th at a variety of local sites, including East High School, McDowell High School, Mercyhurst University, and Erie Insurance Arena. More than 30 boys and girls teams at the grade school, junior high and high school levels will take part. Sixteen of the teams will be from out of town and will match up against local competition including teams from McDowell, East, Central, Fairview, Warren, Franklin and Cranberry. The Expo portion of the weekend will be held today and will feature the special talents of youth in the areas of singing, dancing and varied entertainment. Come out and enjoy the athletic and artistic talents of Erie's young people!

When: Jan. 17 through Jan. 20

Where: multiple locations

Contact: 814.520.2722

TUESDAY 1.21

Million Dollar Quartet at the Warner Theatre 

Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Carl Perkins all walk into a recording studio. No, it's no joke; it's the smash-hit musical inspired by the famed recording session that brought the rock 'n' roll icons together for the first and only time. With scores of rockin' hits, Million Dollar Quartet brings that night to life on stage right here in Erie, so don't miss the chance to see the legends brought to life before your very own eyes.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: 811 State St.

Contact: ErieEvents.com