If We Were You

WEDNESDAY 2.05

Digital Salon Night at the Erie Art Museum

It's impossible not to notice the millions upon millions of videos literally all over the Web. Some videos are used to tell a story while others are purely for entertainment, but there is usually a method behind the madness. Join Mike Esser of Red Hat, Inc. at the Erie Art Museum to discuss video marketing strategy and learn how to make your videos matter. Sign up is just $20, including refreshments, hor d'oeuvres and a presentation.

When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Where: 20 E. Fifth St.

Contact: emarketinglearningcenter.org

THURSDAY 2.06

Copenhagen

After solving numerous equations and scientific puzzles, scientists Werner Heisenberg, Niels Bohr, and Bohr's wife Margarethe have one question left to answer: Why did Heisenberg visit Bohr in Copenhagen back in 1941? The issue lies at the center of Michael Frayn's riveting Tony Award-winning play Copenhagen, which returns to the Dramashop stage in the Renaissance Center Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: 1001 State St.

Contact: dramashop.org

Rince Na Tiarna's Pub Night 

Rince Na Tiarna (Gaelic for Lord of the Dance) achievements and influence have echoed far beyond the boundaries of the local Irish community. Stop down and support these talented dancers by partaking in an Irish cocktail or two at Molly Brannigan's and tipping generously to your favorite bartender. Celebrity bartenders for the evening include County Executive Kathy Dahlkemper, Father Michael DeMartinis, WQLN's Tom New, Mike Batchelor from the Erie Community Foundation, and many others. The event is free and open to the public. Proceeds benefit Rince Na Tiarna.

When: 5 to 8 p.m.

Where: 506 State Street

Contact: 716.675.8785

JES presents Protecting Watersheds and Restoring Foodsheds: One Blade of Grass at a Time

It used to be that mankind grew food for survival with nothing but a mixture of soil, sunshine, and rain. But times became less simple, and as the population grew, mechanical inventions, petroleum-based fertilizers, and artificial sunshine were introduced into agricultural production. Will this system be enough for the world's still-growing population? Find out at the Jefferson Educational Society's NWPAGE/Clean Air Council Lecture, free of cost.

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 3207 State St.

Contact: 459.8000 

"What is Gravity" Open House Night in Astronomy at Penn State Behrend

With 2013's sci-fi thriller Gravity grossing over $260 million domestically in the box office, it's clear the movie was an instant success and proved to intrigue the general populace, but how accurate is the science behind the film? Penn State Behrend's professor of physics and astronomy will examine both this and the common untruths relating to gravity at the Jack Burke Research and Economic Development Center, free of cost.

When: 7 p.m.

Where: 5101 Jordan Road

Contact: 898.6008

FRIDAY 2.07

Barlow/onewayness 7 " Split Record Release Show

One's a little more electro, and the other's a little more rock 'n' roll, but that doesn't mean that onewayness and Barlow can't work together for a new 7" split. Even better, the experimental electronic wizardry of onewayness and Barlow's shoegaze goodness are teaming up for a release show at Basement Transmissions, celebrating their collaboration with an exciting night of live music.

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

Where: 1501 State St.

Contact: basementtrans@gmail.com

Big Eyed Phish

It's a bit too cold for Dave Matthews to be travelling around to big, outdoor venues, but that doesn't mean that you can't experience the sweet sounds of Dave Matthews Band in a live setting. Big Eyed Phish will bring the songs of DMB to life at Sherlock's, so you don't have to wait for better weather for the ants to start marching.

When: 10 p.m.

Where: 508 State St.

Contact: 453.7760

SATURDAY 2.08

Annual Valentine's Event: Thai Yoga Massage, Wine, Chocolates, & More at Plasha Yoga

This class is designed to deepen each couples experience and appreciation of being together and maintaining that connection at home with these practices. This is a relaxing massage with passive, assisted stretching. Wear loose, comfortable clothing. No yoga or massage experience necessary. Afterwards, enjoy gourmet food samples from Village West's Lavender Rabbit and a wine tasting with 6 Mile Cellars paired with Romolo chocolates. $30 per couple. 

When: 4 to 6 p.m.

Where: 3330 W. 26th St.

Contact: 814.864.1114

Joshua Breakstone Trio

While some people tell stories through words, Joshua Breakstone tells them with notes. The veteran jazz guitarist will tell his musical tales at PACA, joining up with local jazz greats Frank Singer and Joe Dorris for a night presented by JazzErie, so get ready to sit back, relax, and enjoy a performance by a great storyteller.

When: 8 p.m.

Where: 1505 State St.

Contact: paca1505.com

Laugh/Riot presents No Exit at Edinboro University

No Exit is a 1944 existentialist French play by 20th century philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and the source of Sartre's famed quote "L'enfer, c'est les autres" meaning "Hell is other people," which proves to be quite apt when three damned souls are punished in death by being locked together in a single room in Hell for eternity.

When: 7:30 to 10 p.m.

Where: 217 Meadville St., Edinboro

Contact: 323.1147

SUNDAY 2.09

SafeNet's Chili and Chocolate Celebration

Hey, you! Do you like chili? Chocolate? Ben Speggen MCing things? Then you'll love this event at the Erie Maennerchor Club! Check out seven unique chili dishes from your favorite local restaurants — including Franco's, Jekyll & Hyde, LaBella, the Maennerchor, Summerhouse, Victors, and the Whole Foods Co-op — and vote for your favorite. Tickets $15 or 2/$25, and all proceeds benefit SafeNet.

When: Noon to 4 p.m. 

Where: 1607 State St. 

Contact: 455.1774

On Screen/In Person Film Series presents The Exquisite Corpse Project

In this film-cum-documentary, five comedy writers are presented with the challenge of composing 15 pages of a movie in one week, having only read the preceding five pages of the script. The condition? Director Ben Popik must make the movie they have written. Prior to the film, Popik will lead the viewers at Taylor Little Theatre in their own unique Exquisite Corpse Project. Tickets are just $6.

When: 2 p.m.

Where: 501 E. 38th St.

Contact: miac.mercyhurst.edu 

MONDAY 2.10

The JES Takes a Look at Visual Literacy

We all love art, and Erie is a very artistic city. But how do we actually see the art and create meaning from it? Especially when the imagery is disturbing? Let Michael DeSanctis, Ph.D, professor of Fine Arts and Director of the Honors Program at Gannon University, shed some light on the subject. He'll help us gain a better understanding of how the visual arts, particularly imagery that is shocking, confrontational or outwardly displeasing, enriches our humanity and requires reflection and often times explanation. This richly-illustrated session is designed for those willing to grow beyond their traditional notions of what constitutes meaningful art. 

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State

Contact: JESErie.org

TUESDAY 2.11

Lena Logvina's Valentine's Jewelry Party

Okay, you know it: Valentine's Day is right around the corner and your special someone needs a special something from you. Let's make this simple: Lena's jewelry is beautiful, and your special someone will feel extra special receiving some very special one-of-a-kind, handcrafted art. Don't have a special someone? Well, you could always just buy something special for your special self. Or, you could still come down and enjoy some live music courtesy of Stephen Trohoske, Tony Grey, and Stix Thompson free of charge — which is enough to make anyone feel pretty damn special on a Tuesday night in Erie.

When: 5 to 9 p.m.

Where: 123 W. 14th St.

Contact: 454.2200

WEDNESDAY 2.12

JES presents Remarkable American Women: Mary Todd Lincoln

Abraham Lincoln was brilliant and instrumental in the progression of our country as we see it today, but what about his wife? In honor of Lincoln's birthday, the Jefferson Educational Society will celebrate and discover Mary Todd Lincoln, whose life consisted of tragedies and public ridicule as she served not only as the wife of President Lincoln, but also his political partner. Admission is free and open to the public.

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 3207 State St.

Contact: 459.8000 

THURSDAY 2.13

Weapon of Choice

Knowledge is power. And if this city ever needed power to overcome violence, it's now. Thanks to the never-ending grinding of The Box, you can join the fight against local violence by supporting local artists, musicians, and poets. Remember, Erie: It's one Erie, one love, and it's knowledge over violence — so spread the word and make knowledge your weapon of choice. 

When: 7 p.m.

Where: PACA 1505 State St.

Contact: paca1505.com

The Populist Influence in Erie Politics: Then and Now - Part II (FREE LECTURE)

This two-part series focuses early in the 20th century as waves of new immigrants deeply changed the nature of politics in the city of Erie. An on-going struggle for control between the "newcomers" and the "natives" ensued for most of the century with the ramifications still apparent in modern Erie politics although somewhat different in nature. The lectures will focus on the main political characters engaged in this struggle including Mayors Mike Liebel, Miles Kitts, Charles Barber, Tom Flatley, Art Gardner, Charles Williamson, Lou Tullio, Joyce Savocchio, and Rick Filippi as well as key council players including Harkins, Cannavino, Bagnoni, Brabender, and Cappabianca. Instructor: William Garvey, Ph.D.

When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: 3207 State St. 

Contact: 459.8000 or online at www.JesErie.org.

Edinboro Film Series presents Like Crazy

This week's film is directed by Drake Doremus and stars Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin, and Jennifer Lawrence. When American student Jacob and a British exchange student Anna fall in love, they struggle repeatedly to make their relationship work when Anna's visa expires and she is refused re-entry in the U.S. Featuring completely improvised dialogue, Like Crazy won the 2011 Sundance Film Festival Grand Jury Prize. Tickets are just $5.

When: 8:30 p.m.

Where: 219 Meadville St., Edinboro

Contact: events.edinboro.edu 

FRIDAY 2.14

The LEC w/ Falling Hollywood and Black & Broke

The Lower Eastside Connection doesn't have a specific date for Valentine's Day; no, the band has several of them, treating everyone at the crooked i with a brand new video release, as well as a stacked night of performances. Local rockers Falling Hollywood and Cleveland hipster-hop group Black & Broke will join in on the Valentine's party, making this show one sweet treat.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SATURDAY 2.15

The Box Presents: B-Boys, Blackbooks, and Emcees

People can tell you what hip-hop really is, but sometimes it's best to just show you. That's why The Box will present B-Boys, Blackbooks, and Emcees, a night of hip-hop performances at PACA to help you get inspired by performances from Caprice Hollis, K Sanz, Elias, Random Union, Heresy, and King David, as well as music by Doc Proto.

When: 5 p.m.

Where: 1505 State St.

Contact: paca1505.com

This American Song Record Release Party w/ The Mighty Sea and Strangers & Liars

Local alternative Americana band This American Song may have to change their name to These American Songs after the upcoming record release party at the crooked i. The quintet will celebrate a new batch of songs with acoustic duo The Mighty Sea and rockers Stranger & Liars, all for your entertainment.

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

Where: 1013 State St.

Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

MONDAY 2.17

Spend Presidents Day at The Big Green Screen

The Big Green Screen at TREC is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays through the end of March, but not today! To help you celebrate our nation's highest elected office, they're opening their doors and offering ticket specials and group rates. Between Titans of the Ice Age, Flying Monsters, and Tornado Alley you're sure to be entertained. You'll probably even have your mind blown a little bit. Hell, make a day of it and see all three! Check their site for show times and info.

When: all day

Where: Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Dr.

Contact: trecpi.org

TUESDAY 2.18

The MOMologues

Being a mother is no joke... but there is a comedy written about it. A play about the adventures of motherhood — the things mothers know but don't always talk about — The MOMologues is a staged reading that'll have the whole family laughing.

When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: The Erie Playhouse 13 W. 10th St.

Contact: EriePlayhouse.org