The 'Black Wednesday' Briefing

Syda Productions

Wednesday, Nov. 27

Steel your livers, Pilgrims. It's time once again for "Black Wednesday" (aka Thanksgiving Eve), that annual cornucopia of absurd drink specials, awkward encounters, and hopefully-not-too-bad decisions that America has come to embrace as one of its top drinking days of the year. Erieites past and present will no doubt be filling their gobblers full of grog. If that includes you, just make a Mayflower Compact with yourself not to go overboard.

A good rule of thumb for portion control is pacing one's self — and what better way to pace one's self than with live music and entertainment? The Erie Reader has tilled up a handful of events to kick off your harvest celebration. Dig in. — Matt Swanseger

Bayfront Brawl 9

If you prefer your fisticuffs free-range and cage-free, then you may not want to put your eggs in the Bayfront Convention Center basket on this night. That's because some of the northeast's feistiest cage fighters will be packed in tight for a full slate of MMA action, courtesy of Bizzarro Promotions. The main card is highlighted by Logan Thompson and Jacob Lowry's bout, with the Northeast middleweight title on the line.

Doors 6 p.m., bells 7 p.m. // Bayfront Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // General admission $30, ringside VIP $50, VIP table (10 people) $600 // bayfrontconventioncenter.com

Doug Phillips and Amanda Barton at The Brewerie

Maybe turning up is not your cup of gravy. Sit back and let your juices settle with Doug Phillips and Amanda Lynn Barton at the Brewerie. The interplay between Phillips' acoustic guitar and Barton's violin and mandolin is sure to soothe as you casually sip some brews. Perhaps some of November's featured beers — Pumpkin Bomb pumpkin stout and Apple Pie spiced apple ale — will still be leftover.

7 p.m. to 10 p.m. // The Brewerie at Union Station, 123 W. 14th St. // Free // thebrewerie.com

Cat's A Bear at Artlore Studios

Artlore Studios is prepping for its fourth anniversary weekend with a musical potluck catered by Cat's a Bear. The Erie-based jazz trio features Frank Singer on guitar, Joe Frisina on bass, and Nick "Tito" Ronzitti on percussion and is known to cook up a mean casserole, consisting of jazz, funk, Latin, swing, and blues. The event will coincide with the gallery's annual lightning of the trees — because ambience plays a vital role at any feast.

7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. // Artlore Studios, 3406 W. Lake Rd. // Free // facebook.com/ArtloreStudios

The Mulligans at Lavery Brewing Co.

Why sit around waiting for your bird to thaw when Lavery Brewing's is ready to go? Devil Bird Holiday Ale, the Erie brewpub's full-bodied seasonal porter, has been marinating in bourbon barrels for months and is a perennial favorite of dark malt lovers. Later on, guests are invited to shake their thigh meat to the Irish pub tunes of The Mulligans, a trio comprised of brothers Jonathan and Joseph Nolan (guitar and upright bass) in partnership with Brian Strobel (drums). They're known as expert place setters, so pull up a seat and make yourself at home on the Emerald Isle.

8 p.m. to 11 p.m. // 128 W. 12th St., Unit 101 // Free // laverybrewing.com/erie

3rd Annual Thanksgiving Throwdown at Jekyll's

Just like Gramophone used to make — well, with a little spin on it. For the third consecutive year, Steve Maynard and Ben Frazier host a night of classic vinyl at Jekyll and Hyde's Gastropub. Pair with a $2.50 PBR pounder or half-off draft from 10 p.m. to midnight. Delicious.

9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 8 E. 10th St. // Free // facebook.com/jekyllhydesgastropub