If We Were You

thurs 5.15

Stratospheerius w/ Eric Brewer & Friends

While people typically envision a rock star wielding a guitar or a bass, Joe Deninzon of Stratospheerius has a different stringed instrument at his disposal. The electric violinist will be putting on a show at Sherlock's with local jam stars Eric Brewer & Friends for a mix of stringed goodness on State Street.

8 to 11 p.m. // 1505 State St. // paca1505.com

Rocky LaPorte at Jr's Last Laugh

After winning some local comedy competitions Rocky went on to win The Johnnie Walker National Comedy Competition beating out over 1,100 contestants in 10 cities! He then went on to do numerous television shows like Cheers, Pat Sajak, Comic Strip Live , a CBS pilot titled "The Rocky Laporte Show," and had his very own half hour special on Comedy Central. He's got a clean, blue-collar style of comedy that helps make him a favorite in the comedy clubs. He's opened for the likes of Louie Anderson, Garry Shandling, Drew Carey, Tim Allen, Hootie and the Blowfish, and The Righteous Brothers just to name a few. Come check him out.

 7 p.m. // 1402 State St. //461.0911

fri  5.16

Special Guest w/ Chrome Moses

The King's Rook will host a pair of special guests for a Friday night shindig, with rock 'n' roll being represented by Erie and Pittsburgh in Western Pennsylvania-tinged affair. Erie's own Special Guest will team up with the blues-infused rock grooves of The Steel City's Chrome Moses with the goal of guitar-filled time in mind.

9 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/kingsrookclub

Catholic Charities Ball

Take in the spectacular view and atmosphere at the Bayfront Convention Center while enjoying great food, drinks, and music by The Chozen Few Band as well as a dance competition featuring local celebrities (including one of our own – Managing Editor Ben Speggen). Come and be a "Beacon of Hope" to help raise money for people of all faiths in need. Save the date and invite friends for an evening you won't forget!

6:30 // 1 Sassafras Pier //  824.1258

sat 5.17

Rustbelt Record Swap

Whether you're looking to catch some live tunes or take some great music back home, the Rustbelt Record Swap is for you. Thousands of records will be available to comb through at the King's Rook while local favorites This American Song, East Clintwood and the New Morning Sunrise, and London Underground treat your ears to some sweet sounds not confined to compressed discs and turntables.

7 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/kingsrookclub

The Rustbelt Connection presents The 58's, Hubbs, NATASK, Keith Concept, Shad Ali, Holla House, Flannel Gang

To commemorate the release of their debut mixtape, TRC is bringing back Pittsburgh's The 58's this Saturday night. No stranger to Erie stages, The 58's will be dropping some new goods (see Iggy Imig's album review on page 16) as well as some classics from their extensive catalog. Starting off the night will be hip-hop from all over the region with Erie's Flannel Gang and HollaHou$e, Keith Concept from Buffalo, and the debut of Pittsburgh's Shad Ali and Hubbs. And all night long the 814basscrew's NATASK will be manning the turntables with some classic hip-hop to trap to some of his own tracks! Admission is only $7.

9 p.m. // PACA, 1505 State St. //facebook.com/2189crew

Trash to Treasure Sale at Penn State Behrend

We have all heard the old adage: what is one person's trash is another's treasure, and Penn State Behrend recognizes this by hosting their Trash to Treasure indoor yard sale at Erie Hall. This is your chance to clean out your unwanted — but still useful — items while also benefiting bargain-hunters and the environment by keeping these items out of the waste cycle. Admission is $5 a person for the early bird until 9 a.m. After 9 admission is free.

7:30 to noon // 4701 Behrend College Drive  // psbehrend.psu.edu

sun 5.18

Erie Seawolves vs. Akron RubberDucks

Kids Crew Sunday!  Kids Crew members receive free admission to each Sunday game in 2014 compliments of Camp Judson! PLUS, the first 500 fans in attendance will receive a Wendy's Scratch & Win card upon entering the stadium. Every card is a winner. After the game, families can play catch on the field (bring your ball and glove!)

1:35 p.m. // 110 E. 10th St. // 456.1300

mon 5.19

Mysteries of the Great Lakes at TREC

The Tom Ridge Environmental Center's 4-story-high, 45-feet-wide Big Green Screen doesn't disappoint, bringing you into the film and making it feel as though you are part of the action. Don't miss Mysteries of the Great Lakes, a film that explores the world's largest concentration of freshwater, including our own Lake Erie. Also showing are Mysteries of the Unseen World and Titans of the Ice Age.

2 and 5 p.m. // 301 Peninsula Dr. // trecpi.org

tues 5.20

Dress for Success Erie's Purse and Pearl Luncheon

Let's face it: when we look good, we feel good, and when we feel good, we tend to have more confidence. This is what Dress for Success Erie is all about, specializing in suiting women for the workplace and empowering almost 4,000 women since 2008 to chase their goals in style. The 7th Annual Purse and Pearl Luncheon at the Bayfront Convention Center features keynote speaker Tamara L. McMillan, CEO at McMillan Enterprise, vendor shopping at 9:30 a.m. and luncheon basket raffles. Grab your tickets at the site below.

Noon to 1:30 p.m. // 1 Sassafras Pier // dressforsuccess.org

wed 5.21

Yep! Membership Drive @ Erie Brewing Company

Now is the time to get involved with Young Erie Professionals and this is the event to get you started. Finger food will be provided and Erie Brewing Company has a great drink special. For $5, receive your own tasting glass (to take home of course!) to sample the 5-6 beers on tap. Finish tasting and take a tour to see how craft beer is made from start to finish: from the grain and hops to the bottling and boxing. The event is open and free to all.

 5:30 // 12123 Veshecco Drive // yeperie.org

thurs 5.22

Sea of Teeth

Take a bite out of some meaty servings of post-hardcore when Sea of Teeth take the stage at Sherlock's. The local rockers serve up a set that sounds like the lovechild of Mclusky and Touche Amore for one deliciously aggressive musical dish.

10 p.m. // 508 State St. // 453.7760

PACA presents Stain

In Stain, what doesn't kill you leaves a mark. And the locally-produced play — written by Tony Glazer and directed by Mark Tanenbaum — will leave its mark with six performances, starting tonight, at PACA Performing Arts Center & Theater. Described as a darkly comic piece, Stain looks at the complexities of family by following 15-year-old Thomas through his quickly-crumbling life — and the secrets his family tries to keep at bay. And be aware: The work contains mature language and situations. Tickets are $10.

7 p.m. // 1505 State St. // paca1505.com

fri 5.23

Gallery Night and ARTafterDARK at Erie Art Museum

Spend your Friday night exploring some of the very best of the Gem City's very-vibrant art scene as the Erie Art Museum, along with a bunch of local, independent galleries, open their doors after-hours for all of our enjoyment. Each space offers its own exhibitions, entertainment, refreshments, and vibes, and you can end the evening with a very-cool, interactive art party at the museum. Get out and see what's up!

7 p.m. // 20 E. Fifth St. // erieartmuseum.org

Bike Night

Downtown Erie comes to life this Friday with the excitement of live outdoor music, large crowds, great food and, of course, loud pipes. Come discover the night life in Downtown Erie. And don't forget, on-street parking is for bikes only.

6 p.m. // Downtown State Street // 455.3743

sat 5.24

Honey Spine

There's no nasty side to Jekyll & Hyde's this Saturday when Honey Spine visits the local gastropub. While the Fredonia, N.Y. Americana trio treats your ears to some sweet songs, you can feast on some tasty grub and refreshing brews, and take a peek at the establishment's recent renovations all on the same night.

8 p.m. // 8 E. 10th St. // 456.0072

sun 5.25

Glow Run 5k

The United Service Corps is excited to announce the first of its kind for Erie, PA - the Glow Run 5k. Fun for runners and walkers alike, the Glow Run is a visually and physically exhilarating event as the 3.1 mile race takes participants through the heart of the Penn State Behrend campus. Starting at sunset, runners don all manner of glow and neon paraphernalia as they complete the course and maneuver through mile marker glow stations like a neon forest, black light tunnel and a laser light chute. For the finale, celebrate at the post-race party with a live DJ and laser light show.

7:45 p.m. // Penn State Behrend // unitedservicecorps.com/glowrun

Race to the Coffin Comedy at PACA

The Performing Artists Collective Alliance hosts a Race to the Coffin Comedy of stand-up comedians whose goals are to make Erie laugh. The event is BYOB with I.D., so grab some buddies and beers and head to PACA for a night of comedic fun. Cover charge is just $5.

8 p.m. // 1505 State St. // paca1505.com

mon 5.26

Memorial Day Buck Day: Erie SeaWolves vs. Altoona Curve

The American traditions of Memorial Day and baseball meet for one big Buck Day this Monday afternoon. Stop by Jerry Uht Park for discounted treats as the Erie SeaWolves take on a talented Altoona Curve team full of Pittsburgh Pirates prospects on this American holiday.

1:35 p.m. // 110 E. 10th St. // 456.1300

tues 5.27

Presque Isle Downs & Casino - Live Thoroughbred Horse Racing

Check out the live horse-racing action during the 100-day meet that will run Sundays through Thursdays until Sept. 25, with special live racing cards on the Preakness and Belmont Saturdays of May 17 and June 7. Come bet on your favorite pony rain or shine - basking in the warm weather trackside or in the upstairs clubhouse.

5:25 post time // 8199 Perry Hwy //casinoinerie.com