If We Were You

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WEDNESDAY 12.12

FILM presents Cinema Paradiso

This weeks's installment at the Erie Art Museum film series is "Cinema Paradiso," the story of a famous film director remembering his childhood theater, where his love of film was first kindled. If you're feeling social, show up early, have a drink, and meet some fellow movie buffs.

When: 8 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum, 411 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum

THURSDAY 12.13

Zem Zem Christmas Concert

If you are looking to hear some Christmas music sung by some talented people, you should probably head over to the Zem Zem Shrine Center. Complimentary refreshments will be served and it's free to the public.

When: 7 p.m.
Where: Zem Zem Shrine Center, 2525 W. 38th St.
Contact: 833.3485

FRIDAY 12.14

Lake Erie Ballet presents: The Nutcracker

The annual Erie holiday tradition returns as the Nutcracker takes center stage at the Warner Theatre. There will be special Friday matinee performance today, as well as regularly scheduled performances on Saturday and Sunday.

When: Friday, 10 a.m., Saturday, 7 p.m., and Sunday, 2:30 p.m.
Where: Warner Theatre, 811 State St.
Contact: 871.4356

Sauce Boss

Earlier this year, Bill Wharton, who performs as Sauce Boss, treated Erie to his blend of blues beats and spicy eats at 8 Great Tuesdays. Now he returns to The Flagship City to perform at the crooked i, where he's sure to provide plenty of foot-stomping blues jams while cooking up a batch of his famous gumbo for the ravenous crowd.

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

YPC Erie Holiday Concert: "Let Heaven and Nature Sing"

Our future is bright. Such is the message of this concert, as it focuses on the patterns and cycles of day and night, summer and winter, life and death and how they can lead us to embrace change and growth. With Christmas classics, like "Carol of the Bells" and "Silver Bells," as well as lesser-known holiday tunes, being sung by all four YPC Erie Choirs as well as the satellite choirs, there's something for everyone here -- especially with the opportunity for carol sing-alongs, which is exactly what you need to embrace some change as well as the holiday spirit.

When: 7 p.m.
Where: Our Lady of Peace Church,
Contact: ypcerie.org or 898.6789 x1.

Artisan's Open House at The Cultured Purl

In the spirit of Christmas and also the spirit of supporting local artists and merchants, take the time to head over to the Cultured Purl today for their Artisan's Open House. Local jewelry, pottery and knitting make great gift ideas. Can't make it today? They'll also be there tomorrow for your shopping convenience.

Where: 3141 W. 26th
When: Friday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Contact: kniterie.com

SATURDAY 12.15

TREC the Halls

Don't miss this family friendly holiday event! There is a breakfast buffet from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. and Santa will visit from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. There will also be a special holiday movie, "Santa Buddies" at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. For breakfast reservations, please contact the Sunset Cafe at 833.5843.

When: 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Where: Tom Ridge Environmental Center
Contact: 833.7424

Renegades of Funk

According to Merriam-Webster, a renegade is either "a deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another," or "an individual who rejects lawful or conventional behavior." They seem to have forgotten the definition of "a person about to go check out a killer Rage Against the Machine tribute band at Sherlocks."

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Sherlocks, 508 State St.
Contact: 453.7760

SUNDAY 12.16

A Taste of Jazz

Nothing says "Pack on the holiday pounds!" like four hours of dessert bar and wine tasting, set to the soothing sounds of jazz. Head on over to the Perry Hi-Way Social Hall for live jazz from The Four Grads, Jason and the Jazzonauts, and The Monk's Brew; if that's not enough, a silent auction will probably feature additional opportunities for caloric consumption. Proceeds from the silent auction as well as ticket sales will benefit the Ft. LeBoeuf Marching Band, who will thank you, even if your hips won't.

When: 3 to 7 p.m.
Where: 8281 Oliver Road
Contact: tasteofjazz.2012@gmail.com or 490.9190
Cost: $15 each or $25 per couple

MONDAY 12.17

CityCop, Shark Bait, and more

The holiday season is a time for people to congregate from all over and bands are no different. Basement Transmissions will play host to five bands coming from as far as Lafayette, La., Ashtabula, Ohio. Led by emo-punkers CityCop and Shark Bait, this lineup is ready to welcome you to the Basement Transmissions family.

When: 6 to 11 p.m.
Where: Basement Transmissions, 1501 State St.
Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com

TUESDAY 12.18

The Season of Giving Food and Clothing Drive

As this issue's cover story reminds us, 'tis the season for giving. If you have non-perishable food items and/or gently used clothes, the Phoenix Idea Lab is now accepting donations to benefit the Erie City Mission. Items can be donated at Franco's Cafe, Renaissance Center Floors 1 & 3, Picasso's, Relish, Viva Wraps & Pitas, Presque Isle Gallery Coffee House, both locations of Patti's Pizza, and Grasshopper. So grab some food or clothes and head out to a local business and help those in need.

When: During business hours
Where: Renaissance Center,
Contact: 585.519.6492 or cklube@phoenixidealab.org.

WEDNESDAY 12.19

FILM presents Samsara

In a follow-up to last season's stunning selection "Baraka," FILM presents Samsara, a film of epic scope. Filmed in 25 countries on five continents, and shot on 70-millimeter film, Samsara transports us to the varied worlds of sacred grounds, disaster zones, industrial complexes, and natural wonders. Stick around after the show for discussion.

When: 8 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street
Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum

THURSDAY 12.20

Colony Club Trio

Listen every Thursday night at the Colony Pub & Grille to the jazz of three of Erie's stalwarts of jazz. You can't go wrong with Howard Hamme on the piano, Harry Jacobson on bass, and Carl Alanakian on drums.

When: 7 - 10 p.m.
Where: Colony Pub & Grille, 2670 W. Eighth St.
Contact: 838.2162

Drips & Beats

For the final edition of Drips & Beats of 2012, the crew decided to go all out. In addition to Pittsburgh groups The 58s and TIMECAPSOUL, local rapper Charles Brown will be celebrating the release of his new album. If that wasn't enough for you, a toy drive will be held on the night, so not only can you enjoy Drips & Beats, you can also provide a smile for someone in need. Check out our cover story for more info on the night.

When: 10 p.m. to 2.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

FRIDAY 12.21

"End of the Earth Party"

Have you already sold all of your belongings and quit your job in anticipation of the end of the world? Then on the last night of your life you should support the Erie County Diabetes Association and go to end of the world party! Music will be provided by the Earthquakers and the cost of admission includes heavy hors d' oeuvres and beer.

When: 7:30 p.m. to midnight
Where: Bel-Aire Clarion, 2800 West 8th Street
Contact: 454.0715

Mandolin Whiskey

Honestly, if the world is going to end, you might as well be surrounded by friends and mason jars full of excellent Sprague Farm & Brew Works beer. Throw in Mandolin Whiskey covering everything from old established acts like Steve Earle and newer bands like Trampled By Turtles and you'll have a good enough time to forget the meteor/zombie apocalypse/catastrophic global shifts/rise of the machines/whatever else the Mayans have in store for us.

When: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Sprague Farm & Brew Works, 22113 U.S. 6, Venango, Pa.
Contact: 398.2885

SATURDAY 12.22

Jargonauts CD Release Party

After succeeding in the first battle for the release of the CD last year, Jargonauts are at it again at the crooked i with a whole new album in tow. The genre-bending avant-garde hip-hop group will be getting everybody dancing during the celebration with the help of Johnny James and the Absolutes and This American Song.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.

Where: the crooked i
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SUNDAY 12.23

Erie City Mission

Assuming we're all still here and the Mayans were wrong, we should all be thankful that the forthcoming apocalypse of commercialism is almost behind us. Perhaps to atone for our gluttonous, wasteful ways, today would be a good time to remember the less fortunate, much as the people described in this issue's cover story have done. Make an online donation to the Erie City Mission, which has been restoring hope and changing lives since 1911; it just may help undo some of the damage we've done by yet again gifting that annoying made-in-China singing Santa that belts out "Silver Bells" every time someone walks past it.

When: Now!
Where: 1017 French St.
Contact: ErieCityMission.org

MONDAY 12.24

It's Christmas Eve, Buy your Tickets!

For many of us, Christmas Eve is arguably more fun and exciting than Christmas Day itself. We gather with friends and family, and the sheer rabid anticipation of an entire holiday season builds to a fever pitch on this one day. Or, if you're still looking for last-minute gifts for your friends and family, you're running around like a crazy person trying to make it look like to spent more than five minutes thinking about what you got your wife or mom or brother. Fear not, grinches and procrastinators! Discounted NYE at EAM tickets are still available for your purchasing pleasure and if you didn't make it to one of the actual brick-and-mortar locations selling these perfect presents, the Internet is always open. You don't know what we're talking about? Well check out the full page ad in this very issue, and we'll see YOU on NYE!

When: Now
Where: Erie Art Museum, World of Music, Yoga Erie, and NewYearsErie.com
Contact: NewYearsErie.com  

TUESDAY 12.25

Testify: A Tribute to Rage Against the Machine

All the presents are opened, the wrapping paper is in the trashcan, the Christmas ham's nawed to the bone, you've polished off the last of the eggnog, and now you're ready for a break from all the holiday festivities. While everyone is sitting down for a post-dinner Christmas nap, sneak down to the crooked i to Testify with a tribute to Rage Against the Machine -- which comes at a perfect time since the band's released a reissue of their debut album that first hit shelves 20 years ago.

When: 9 p.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie