If We Were You

THURSDAY 1.23

Space Junk

Don't get stuck doing nothing when you could get stuck in a trance. Buffalo trance rockers Space Junk are swinging by the crooked i to get the State Street crowd dancing with their house-influenced EDM stylings, combining heavy guitar solos and improvised beats for an electric affair.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

The Butler at Penn State Behrend

In honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., the Lion Entertainment Board presents The Butler, featuring Forest Whitaker, Robin Williams, John Cusack, James Marsden, Oprah Winfrey and Cuba Gooding Jr. The film recounts the astonishing story of Eugene Allen (played by Whitaker), the White House butler who served eight administrations in the course of his three-decade-long service and witnessed first-hand accounts of life-altering decisions in the civil rights movement. Stop at the Reed Auditorium and enjoy this historic film free of charge.

When: 9 p.m.

Where: 4701 College Dr.

Contact: 814.898.7101 

FRIDAY 1.24

Frank Singer w/ Jeff Gibbens

Frank Singer is back at Anchor In for Friday Night Jazz, and this time the Berklee-trained guitarist is bringing along talented Jeff Gibbens to play along with him. For over 30 years, Gibbens has been wowing people with his powerful playing style, sharing the stage with the likes of The Temptations and Huey Lewis and the News. Now you can check both Singer and Gibbens together for one night of killer music.

When: 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 3122 West Lake Road

Contact: 833.1212

The 2013 Best Urraro Gallery Art show

Art is an integral part of life, not a separate occupation. Come and see some of the Best and Newest Erie Artists in one gallery. Great Art, Music, Wine, and friends!

When: 7:15  to 9:15 p.m.

Where: Urraro Gallery, 135 W. 14th St.

Contact: www.erieartcompany.com

SATURDAY 1.25

Dr. Nasty Comes to Erie - Variety Show

Pittsburgh rockers Dr Nasty & the Mountain Men are coming to PACA, but they won't be the only ones coming to entertain you. Everything from bluegrass to metal will be represented during this particular variety show, with 12 acts set to play on the night. Who knew Dr. Nasty and company could be so nice?

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: 1505 State St.

Contact: paca1505.com

Erie Philharmonic presents Mozart and Mahler

The Erie Philharmonic Symphonic Concert presents beautiful renderings of pieces by Austrian composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Gustav Mahler. Captivating pianist Gabriela Montero, who played alongside Yo-Yo Ma and Itzhak Perlman at the 2009 Presidential Inauguration, will play a unique rendition of Mozart's E-flat Major piano Concerto with the orchestra. Don't miss this chance to see Erie Philharmonic at its best! Buy tickets ASAP. 

When: 8 p.m.

Where: 811 State St.

Contact: www.eriephil.org     

Sunday 1.26

Langer Film Series presents A Hijacking 

It's increasingly difficult to find a good thriller movie that actually, well, thrills. Thankfully we have the Langer Film Series to provide us with a movie to alleviate our cravings for adventure—and that movie is called A Hijacking. Written and directed by Tobias Lindholm, the film relates the hijacking of a Danish cargo ship by Somali pirates in the Indian Ocean. Rife with drama, crises and life-or-death situations, A Hijacking is sure to keep you on your toes. Tickets are just $6 at the Taylor Little Theatre.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: 501 East 38th St. 

Contact: miac.mercyhurst.edu  

TUESDAY 1.28

Evening Campfire 

Okay, it's winter. And it's cold. But that makes sense, because this is Erie, and you know that, right? So why not get out and enjoy wintertime activities, like a campfire on the Isle? Meet at the Rotary Pavilion and then head to the Presque Isle Lighthouse to hear stories about its construction, history, and mystery. Hot beverages will be provided, but it's recommended that you bring a blanket. Registration is required, so be sure to sign up early to get a spot.

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Presque Isle Lighthouse

Contact: TRECPI.org

THURSDAY 1.30

Imperial Brown

You don't have to feel like a peon and stay in this Thursday when you can celebrate like a king with Imperial Brown. The Buffalo-based funk-rockers are coming to the crooked i as a quintet after the addition of pianist Kurt Ebsary this year, and now they can provide you 25 percent more jam for your pre-weekend party needs.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Edinboro Film Series presents Mean Girls

Edinboro University's Film Series will kick off its spring 2014 season with Mean Girls, the story of 16-year-old Cady, a daughter of zoologist parents. Previously homeschooled and newly returned from Africa, Cady gets thrown to the wolves when she attends public school for the first time and is woefully unaware that a clique of teenage girls is far more dangerous than anything she had encountered in Africa.

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: 219 Meadville St., Edinboro

Contact: 732.1048 

FRIDAY 1.31

Downton Abbey Cocktails & Trivia

If you aren't aware, Downton Abbey is kind of a big deal. Like, record-breaking serial drama big deal. Want to check it all out, but can't afford the flight to England? Thankfully for you, the Erie County Historical Society is hosting a Downton Abbey-themed evening at the Watson-Curtze mansion, complete with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, and trivia. For more information, check out Ben Speggen's writeup on page 7.

When: 7 to 9:30 p.m.

Where: 356 W. Sixth St.

Contact: 454.1813

SATURDAY 2.01

Eclipse Teen Night: Hear(t) Beats Edition

Life can be confusing during those developmental teen years, but PACA can help make the decision of what to do this Saturday night pretty easy with Eclipse Teen Night. PACA has DJ Proto, C. Brown, LA'Raine, and Random Union ready to jam for all the 15- to 19-year-olds out in Erie, a simple choice for the younger generation.

When: 8 p.m. to midnight

Where: 1505 State St.

Contact: paca1505.com

Failed to Study

Now, you may not actually have homework due, but when a band called Failed to Study, then Saturday night just isn't meant for hitting the books. The Ontario, Calif. rockers will make the trek east to Basement Transmissions for the second stop of their latest tour with metal group Absence of Despair. You can leave schoolwork for Sunday, because this Saturday is meant for Study. 

When: 6 p.m.

Where: 1501 State St.

Contact: basementtrans@gmail.com

An Evening on the Titanic

On the evening of April 14, 1912 passengers on the Titanic dined on a sumptuous repast that for some was their last meal. Guests will enjoy a dinner through history where the meal served will be samples of the food that was served that night and will represent each of the classes. Each guest will select a passenger that traveled on the ship to learn about. Reservations are required.

When: 5:30 p.m.

Where: Woman's Club of Erie, 259 W Sixth St

Contact: 452.3844 

Annual "Burns Supper"

Combat the winter blahs by enjoying an evening of Scottish food, music and dancing, The Robert Burns Scottish Club of Erie will host a colorful evening of delicious food (with a taste of Haggis), toasts, bagpipes, Scottish Country Dancing for all to participate in, and much more. Reservations are required.

When: 6 p.m.

Where: Erie Maennerchor Club, 1607 State St. 

Contact: 868.3534

SUNDAY 2.02

Classic Film Series presents Casablanca

Since its premiere in 1942, coinciding with the Allied invasion of North Africa and the capture of Casablanca, this film has become a significant staple in American film and quickly rocketed to the top of American film classics. Starring Humphrey Bogart as a man torn between his love for the beautiful Ilsa Lund (played by Ingrid Bergman) and his sense of honor during wartime, Casablanca is like fine wine, only improving with age. Tickets are just $1.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: 501 East 38th St.  

Contact: miac.mercyhurst.edu 

MONDAY 2.03

The JES Talks Pope Francis

You've heard the stories, you've seen the pictures. We all know it by now, this pope's got swag. Come on up to the Jefferson Educational Society tonight for Msgr. Henry Kriegel's lecture entitled "Pope Francis: Taking the World by Storm." He's the 266th pope, but we're pretty sure he's the first to be simultaneously named both Time's "Person of the Year" and Esquire's "Best Dressed Man of the Year." How has he been able to gain the love and adoration of not just Christians of all levels, but the world media as well? And will he be able to keep it up? What drives this man? Msgr. Kriegel is the man to give you the answers. Enjoy, and God bless.

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St.

Contact: jeserie.org