If We Were You

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WEDNESDAY 1.23
FILM at the Erie Art Museum Kick-Off Party
Join your friends at FILM for the kick off party for the spring season. Check out trailers for the upcoming movies, enjoy beer samples from Magic Hat, and watch a screening of the classic short film "The Red Balloon."  Annual passes (Spring, Summer, and Fall 2013 Seasons), Spring Season passes, Oscar Party tickets, and tickets for individual films will be available for purchase in the lobby. Beer, wine, and more available for purchase.
When: 6 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum. 411 State Street
Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum

JC Nickles, The Pants, and End Hits
It's a wonderful feeling to finally be over the hump and have the work week more than halfway over. Unless you work on the weekend, then we apologize for reminding you about that. Either way, experimental rocker JC Nickles will be at work playing for the masses on this winte Wednesday, so celebrate accordingly.
When: 6 to 10 p.m.
Where: Basement Transmissions, 1501 State St.
Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com

THURSDAY 1.24
Original Element
Some people like their Thursdays to be thirsty. If you happen to be one of those people, then head down to Sherlock's to party through the night with DJ band/party rock specialists Original Element. Even if you aren't into the whole thirsty ideal, make sure to head down anyway, because even a normal Thursday could use some fun.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Sherlock's Pub, 508 State St.
Contact: 453.7760

FRIDAY 1.25
The Romantic Era
While people loved to dance in the 18th Century, we've moved on a bit since that Romantic Era. Nowadays, we've got ourselves The Romantic Era, the award-winning pop-rock group that has been speeding along after the release of their last album in late 2012. Don't get stuck behind, fast forward to now for a these rocking Friday festivities.
When: 10 p.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Maria J Langer Film Series presents "Argo"
Based on true events, CIA agents must pose as a sci-fi film crew in order to rescue six Americans forced to hide at the Canadian Embassy during the Iran hostage crisis in 1979. Come out and see Ben Affleck star in this amazing combination of humor, suspense, and historical details.
When: 2:15; 7:15 p.m.
Where: Taylor Little Theatre, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St.
Contact: 824.3000

SATURDAY 1.26
Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty Band
We're not joking around when we say that Yo Mama's Big Fat Booty makes for a good band. Not your mother's derriere, of course, but the six-piece funk rockers from North Carolina. With enough power and soul to get a whole crowd of, well, booties shaking, there are no ifs, ands, or buts about where you should be this night.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m., 1013 State St.
Where: the crooked i
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Snoetry 3 1/2
Join Master of Ceremonies Cee Williams at Poets' Hall and a plethora of poets from across the nation for a full day of this winter wordfest! Feeling lyrical? Open mic opportunities are also available.
When: Noon until late
Where: Poet's Hall, 1136 East Lake Road
Contact: Facebook.com/Snoetry2013EriePa

Beethoven's Emperor Concerto Symphonic Series
Here's your chance to listen to some classical music, as rising star, Inon Barnatan, takes the stage to dazzle you with his piano skills. Head on down to hear "Rouse The Infernal Machine" and "Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor" as Joe Wos from Pittsburgh's Toonseum displays images from Western Pennsylvania's graphic novelists on the stage.
When: 8 p.m.
Where: Warner Theatre, 811 State St.
Contact: 455.1375

Erie Festival of Dance
If you love to watch dance, here's your chance to see the Mercyhurst Ballet Theatre and SoMar Dances works, plus more than 20 other dance ensembles, perform together in a presentation by the Erie Dance Consortium. There will be a community class before the evening performance.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St.
Contact: 824.3000

SUNDAY 1.27
Bowling with the Stars!
Still trying to marry your love of bowling and community theater? Well look no further, friend! This afternoon head over to Eastway Lanes for the 3rd annual "Bowling with the Erie Playhouse Stars" fundraiser. It'll be an afternoon of fun, contests, games of chance, and unlimited pop and pizza. You heard me right, unlimited. So bring your family, bring your friends, and bring your bowling shoes.
When: 12:30 p.m.
Where: Eastway Lanes, 4110 Buffalo Rd.
Contact: 899-9855

MONDAY 1.28
It's the Bayhawks vs. the 66ers at Erie Insurance Arena
If you haven't been to a BayHawks game yet, or if you haven't yet toured the newly renovated Erie Insurance Arena, this is your chance. Our BayHawks, currently holding down third place in the East Division, and only 2.5 games out of first, play the Tulsa 66ers who are also a measly 2.5 games out of first in the Central at the time of print. If you're looking for something fun and affordable to do on a cold Monday night, this is for you.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French St.
Contact: nba.com/dleague/erie

TUESDAY 1.29
How's It Going?: An Update on Healthcare Reform Implementation
How's it going? Well, that's an open-ended question -- except when it comes to this Jefferson Educational Society lecture. In 2014, expect some changes. Patient Protection. Affordable Care Act. Do those make you happy? Sad? Confused? Join Candace Littell, as she leads a discussion regarding things like state health insurance exchange,individual mandate, and expanded Medicaid coverage. After all, when someone asks you next time, "How's it going?" You'll have much more to
say than the standard "Good. You?"
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St.
Contact: 459.8000

WEDNESDAY 1.30
Smokin' Joe Robinson Trio at PACA
They call him "Smokin' Joe" for a reason, and where there's smoke, there's fire  - this 21 year-old guitar phenom from the land down under burns through guitar scales like his mentor and fellow Aussie Tommy Emmanuel. Currently setting the college scene on fire, Robinson is a must-see; his smoldering performances are sure to light up popular music for decades to come.
When: 6 p.m.
Where: PACA, 1505 State Street
Contact: 450-9005 or Facebook.com/PACAerie

THURSDAY 1.31
Face Down in High Water CD Release
Sometimes when you party too much, you can end up Face Down in all sorts of things. While that still may happen depending on how your night progresses, a much more favorable time is partying with Face Down in High Water. The Corry rockers are having their CD Release Party at Sherlock's, so head over there and happily face the music.
When: 9 p.m.
Where: Sherlock's Pub, 508 State St.
Contact: 453.7760

Erie, Now and Then: Caught on Camera
Have you ever wondered what Erie looked like 100 years ago? Ever wondered how Erie became the town you know and love? Here's your chance to enjoy a fantastic collection of downtown photographs which illustrates what changes Erie has faced over the years. Watch the memories unfold and Erie evolve to become the place we know and love.
When: 7p.m.
Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St.
Contact: 459.8000

FRIDAY 2.01
Erie Playhouse Presents: "Anything Goes"
Join the cast and crew of the Erie Playhouse as they set sail with the new month with a performance of the magical and musical score by Cole Porter. Making its debut in 1934, with the assist of Ethel Merman, "Anything Goes" has been revived many times and since then been awarded Tonys for the Best Revival, Leading Actress, and Choreography. Come down and enjoy the amusing love story full of trickery and celebrity-chasing antics.
When: Friday, 7:30 p.m., Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Where: Erie Playhouse 13 W. 10th St.
Contact: 454.2852

SATURDAY 2.02
MJT
After spending the '90s fronting The Prodigys, Matthew J. Thompson, or MJT, took a bit of a break. Luckily for us, he decided to pick his guitar back up and play for us. Influenced by Wilco, Feist, Paul McCartney, and more, MJT infuses his own spin into his music, winning listeners over with his acoustic pluckings.
When: 9 p.m. to midnight
Where: The Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W. 14 St.
Contact: 454.2200, brewerie.com

Mercyhurst University Dance Department presents 'Raw Edges'
If you enjoy dance and would like the chance to stir up the inner choreographer in you, head to the Performing Arts Center to check out this collaboration in mixed mediums of ground-breaking movement with the spoken word and multi-media. This concert is joined by the Alumni of the Mercyhurst Dancers as guest artists to inspire and perform.   
When: 2 p.m.
Where: Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center, Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St.
Contact: 824.3000

SUNDAY 2.03
Preschool Play Date
Asbury Woods knows that finding ways to get your little ones out of the house during the dreary dog days of winter can be a challenge, which is why they're hosting this very special event, complete with story time, a snack, and crafts for children aged 2 to 5.
When: 1 to 2:30 p.m.
Where: Asbury Woods, 4105 Asbury Road
Contact: 835-5356 or asburywoods.org

MONDAY 2.04
JES talks Middle East after the Arab Spring
Dr. Baher Ghosheh, Professor of Middle Eastern Studies, cultural and economic Geography at Edinboro University, goes behind the JES dais tonight with a lecture titled "The New Middle East after the Arab Spring." Recent developments in the Middle East following the Egyptian Revolution, the Syrian Revolt and the overthrow of Qaddafi not only have major implications for stability in the Middle East and the world, but also pose new challenges for American foreign policy in the region. Be there and be in the know.
When: 8:30 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State
Contact: jeserie.org

TUESDAY 2.05
3 Doors Down, Daughtry, and Aranda
If you've been waiting for 3 Doors Down, well you're in luck! They're in town at Erie Insurance Arena, so depending on where you live, the rockers, along with American Idol star Daughtry, might be just three doors down, although I don't know you're current living situation, so don't hold me to that. If you want to find out even more about the band, check out Matt Flowers' Q&A with 3 Doors Down frontman Brad Arnold on page 20.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Erie Insurance Arena, 809 French St.
Contact: 452.4857, erieevents.com