If We Were You

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WEDNESDAY 2.06
FILM at the Erie Art Museum presents: Laurence Anyways
The latest installment at the popular independent film series, "Laurence Anyways" explores whether a storm-tossed couple can stay together when both biology and society are arrayed against them. Winner of Best Canadian Feature Film at the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum, 411 State St.
Contact: Facebook.com/FilmErieArtMuseum

THURSDAY 2.07
The Economic Value of Protected Open Space in Erie County
This is the name of a landmark study funded by the Erie Community Foundation, the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority, the Lake Erie Region Conservancy, and Mercyhurst University, and tonight is your chance to hear all about it for the first time, and for free. The study shows positive economic numbers and measured values based on the evaluation of key factors such as the increase in residential properties, environmental services, recreational activity and related health-care cost avoidance, and jobs. This is a very important issue in our region, and one worthy of your attention. The lecture will be given by Tom Fuhrman, President, LERC, and David VanAmburg, President, VanAmburg Group.
When: 7 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St.
Contact: jeserie.org

FRIDAY 2.08
Urraro Gallery's New Art, Music & Wine Happy Hour
Kick off Erie's new bi-weekly culture event. The Art, Music, & Wine Happy Hour takes place every-other Friday and features a new monthly artist from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. Head down to check out an array of Wines from Penn Shore's Wine Shop. Enjoy great art, music, wine, friends, and an all-around great time. This week features music by Sean Patrick and Fred Oakman plus the showcasing of artist Drew Kauffman.
When: 5 to 8 p.m.
Where: 135 W. 14th St.
Contact: 455.6240

Erie Art Museum's mARTi gras
Join the Erie Art Museum as mARTi gras makes a splash with your chance to get your fill of Cajun hors d'oeuvres by Make it Fabulous Catering.  The critical elements will return but not without a different spin on new events, like street performers ready to intermingle with the crowd while a silent auction ensues with items donated by local artists. Head down to enjoy some danceable music performed by Nathan & the Zydeco Cha Cha Band, as they anchor the event.
When: 7 to 10 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum, 411 State St.
Contact: 459.5477

The Heliotropes
Heliotrope can refer to a.) the diurnal or seasonal motion of plants in response to the direction of the sun; b.) a pink-purple tint; or c.) a member of The Heliotropes. The three-piece group of Katie Chriest, Sheldon Peterson, and David Blaetz will be soothing away the woes of the work week with their mellow music and Chriest's intimate lyrics.
When: 9 p.m. to midnight
Where:The Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W. 14th St.
Contact: 454.2200, brewerie.com

SATURDAY 2.09
Smackdab with Claire Stuczynski and Eric Brewer
Take a dab of rock 'n' roll, a dab of old school R&B, a dab blues, soul, funk, and jazz. Put all of those ingredients together, mix it up real nice, and all those pieces become Smackdab. The New York are returning to the crooked i with special guests Claire Stuczynski and Eric Brewer in tow, a night that sounds like a recipe for success.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

Instead of Sleeping, Hunting for Teeth, and more
We get it, you get tired after work, after working on homework, or after whatever it is you do during your Saturday. We don't judge you, but maybe a nap isn't the best thing, because instead of sleeping, you could go see Instead of Sleeping! Alright, we apologize for that joke, but the melodic indie-rockers are a sight to see, even for the possibly bleary-eyed, so delay that nap and thank us later.
When: 6  to 11 p.m.
Where: Basement Transmissions, 1501 State St.
Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com

SUNDAY 2.10
Anything Goes
This timeless tale could be thought of as the anti-Titanic: shipboard stowaway Billy Crocker woos wealthy socialite Hope Harcourt; neither drown, the ship doesn't sink, and they end up getting married. Topped off with a brilliant score by Cole Porter, this Erie Playhouse production is sure to leave you feeling like you're on top of the world.
When: 2 p.m.
Where: 13 W. 10th St.
Contact: EriePlayhouse.org

Chili and Chocolate
This issue's chocolate cover got you all fired up? Well, lucky you! SafeNet -- a local nonprofit focused on issues of domestic abuse -- has added chocolate to their annual chili cook-off event! Visit the Mannerchor Club and sample a range of delicacies all prepared locally. Proceeds benefit the SafeNet Domestic Violence Safety Network.
When: noon to 4 p.m.
Where: 1607 State St.
Contact: 455.1774

MONDAY 2.11
Buck Night for the BayHawks!
Who in their right mind doesn't love a good buck night in Erie? No one, that's who. Tonight, it's the BayHawks' turn and you can cash in on $1 concession specials all game long. That's $1 hot dogs, $1 popcorn, $1 beer, and $1 sodas! With tickets starting at only $5, you can't beat it.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Erie Insurance Arena
Contact: nba.com/dleague/erie

TUESDAY 2.12
Eat to meet long term goals... Not short term satisfaction.
Are you all like, "Man, I've got no energy, I sleep horrible, I feel like crap, my blood sugar's through the roof, my digestion is, umm, not so swell, and holiday pounds are adding up?" Even if just one of those is something you're thinking or saying, check out Dr. Peter A. Cohen's PowerPoint presentation and Q&A. He'll be telling you how changing what you put in affects what you get out when it comes to food choices and health. So call for reservations now for the beginning of a new, better you -- all free of charge.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: 2117 W. Eighth St.
Contact: 454.4228

WEDNESDAY 2.13
FILM at the Erie Art Museum presents: Before Sunrise
If you're looking for a little pre-Valentine's Day romance, look no further than the Erie Art Museum multi-purpose room, where you can enjoy  "Before Sunrise,"  the story of a young couple who meet on a European train and fall in love. Unfortunatly, they both realize that this will probably be their only night together. Food and drinks available.
When: 7 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum, 411 State St.
Contact: Facebook.com/FilmErieArtMuseum

THURSDAY 2.14
Valentine's Week Dinner & Show:
Grab your sweetheart and head down to Jr's Last Laugh for a Valentine's Day to remember. You can watch a show whilst enjoying soup, salad, an entrée (three choices of steak and shrimp, tilapia, or chicken breast), along with a special chocolate dessert for two. Comedian Don Reese will be ready with a fun-filled show for romantic couples of any age.
When: 6:30 p.m.
Where: Jr's Last Laugh, 1402 State St.
Contact: 461.0911

Money Shot
Some say that Money Shot is the best party band in Erie. Some say that you cannot beat Money Shot for music entertainment in this city. If you are some of those some, then it's somewhat likely that you'll be at Sherlock's for this show. If you aren't, then you might have to go check out some cover-song action and see if Money Shot is something special.
When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Sherlock's, 508 State St.
Contact: 453.7760

FRIDAY 2.15
Falling Hollywood with Johnny James & the Absolutes
Do you like good ol' home-grown rock n' roll? The type where you can go and brag to your friends from out of town about those musicians ripping it up right in Erie? Good, because a pair of brag-worthy bands, whiskey-tinged folk-rockers Falling Hollywood and guitar-jammers Johnny James & the Absolutes, will be taking the stage this lovely Saturday and we would hate for you to miss something that hits so close to home.
When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SATURDAY 2.16
McCord Speaker Series
Have any interest in different types of rocks found in the Erie area? Then this event might spark your interest. Here's a chance to hear research engineer Kevin Selkregg deliver his lecture "Lake Erie Geology from an Orchard Beach Perspective" with a focus on the creation of various rock layers along Lake Erie by natural forces.
When: 10 a.m.
Where: McCord Memorial Library. 32 W. Main St.
Contact: 725.4057

James Tobin
If you watched that little ol' game they called Super Bowl XLVII, you may recall the Dodge "God made a farmer" commercial. Well, for many of us, we aren't farmers, but maybe you want to start changing that. We're no expert, but maybe by heading down to Sprague Farm & Brew Works to go see the acoustic workings of singer/songwriter James Tobin, you might start becoming more down-to-earth by merely soaking in the atmosphere. If not, it'll be a good night anyways.
When: 6 to 9 p.m.
Where: Sprague Farm & Brew Works, 22113, U.S. 6, Venango, Pa.
Contact: 398.2885

Courtney's Cause for Cancer
Courtney Thieman is a cancer survivor who has dedicated herself to raising both awareness of and money for cancer research. Her event, now in its third year at the Ambassador Crystal Ballroom, has raised nearly $50,000 for the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation and will feature live music, silent and chinese auctions, food, drink, apparel, and, oh yeah, a bunch of people shaving their heads to show solidarity with cancer sufferers suffering the debilitating effects of chemotherapy.  
When: 3 to 9 p.m.
Where: 7794 Peach St.
Contact: www.CourtneysCauseForCancer.com

SUNDAY 2.17
Presque Isle Beach Glass Jewelry Class
Here's your chance to learn all about those little bits of colored glass that lie strewn about the beaches of our area, and what to do with them! This class at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center will learn you how to make beautiful handcrafted jewelry from what is essentially litter. You can bring your own glass, or use what's provided; all other materials will be provided as well. Ages 14 and over are welcome, but space is limited.
When: Noon to 3:30 p.m.
Where: 301 Peninsula Drive
Contact: www.TRECpi.org

MONDAY 2.18
Peter Annin, author of "The Great Lakes Water Wars" speaking at Behrend
The greatest resource we possess is our abundant fresh water. It is the very foundation upon which our city's future rests. Are we prepared to share it with the rest of the less fortunate, sprawled-out United States? If we are, how much should we divert? Peter Annin, former Newsweek journalist and current Managing Director of the University of Notre Dame's Environmental Change Initiative, will discuss these topics in addition to other pressing issues facing our Great Lakes. This lecture is free, and should be on your do-not-miss list.
When: 7:30 to 9 p.m.
Where: Penn State Behrend
Contact: psbehrend.psu.edu

TUESDAY 2.19
The Indomitable Teddy Roosevelt: One of America's Great Presidents or an Irresponsible Imperialist?
Well, now that's a bold question to be asking us, JES: Is Teddy Roosevelt one of America's greatest presidents or an irresponsible imperialist? We always fancied him as clearly one or the other, but now that you mention it, our wheels are spinning. If you, Reader readers, are wondering, like us, what the answer to that question is, go hear the answers from Dr. William Garvey on the first night of this two-part lecture. Check back in the following night to hear County Executive Barry Grossman's response. Soft voices, big sticks optional.
When: 7 to 9 p.m.
Where: The Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State St.
Contact: 459.8000

Do you know of an upcoming event we should mention? Send it to us at Contact@ErieReader.com