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GENERIC_Erie_10.5x12.25.indd 1 7/7/17 11:20 AM CONTENTS: From the Editors The only local voice for news, arts, and culture. Like a couple of ticking clocks Editors-in-Chief: December 20, 2017 Brian Graham & Adam Welsh here is much to celebrate in Erie, whether we realize it Managing Editor: or not. Our annual Year in Review issue proves that, as Nick Warren 2017 Year in Review – 5 Twe neatly put a bow on 2017, and take time to honor the Copy Editor: winners of this year’s Best Of Erie contest. Matt Swanseger Remember Not to Forget With over 100 categories, and hundreds of thousands of votes Contributing Editors: Ben Speggen cast, these are the people, businesses, and organizations that Jim Wertz Best of Erie 2017 – 9 are defining our overall landscape as a city. We extend a big con- IS TODAY Contributors: gratulations to all the finalists, and especially the winners. The Maitham Basha-Agha hard work and dedication on display here, the overall commit- Mary Birdsong Charles Brown ment to making Erie a better place, is the reason we’re able to Tracy Geibel move into 2018 feeling more optimistic than ever. Lisa Gensheimer Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp But this time of the year generates a lot of feelings. Some- Angie Jeffery times, it’s too much. As we start to “feel the Christmas noose Tommy Link Aaron Mook beginning to tighten,” it’s easy to lose our cool. While the snow THE DAY Dan Schank piles up, and gifts zap any spending money we were lucky Tommy Shannon enough to squirrel away, it can feel like the walls are closing in, Ryan Smith Jen Sorenson like a carnivorous mistletoe-fly-trap. Ti Sumner The arc of the holiday season is a strange one. It’s a roller Cara Suppa YOU IGNITE Bryan Toy coaster with two hills, and a lot of tense, lingering plains con- Cover Design necting these two thrilling plunges. For Christmas-celebrators Nick Waren at least, there’s this rhythmic clicking, a stopwatch counting Photographers: Maitham Basha-Agha down to the 25th. You’re picking out gifts, trying to be creative Ryan Smith and thoughtful, all the while hoping to have enough left over to YOUR FUTURE? Publisher’s Assistant: pay the bills. Things ramp up to a fever pitch all the way until Emily Hanisek Christmas morning. The gifts manage to be wrapped and put Interns: Maddie Hepler under the tree, as they (hopefully) magically multiply over- Libby Rosequist night. And then … the big day. 1001 State St. Suite 901 If you have the spark, we have the programs to There’s the crinkle and rips of paper as the white morning Erie, Pa., 16501 [email protected] light pours through the windows. Disheveled, you lurch to the guide you toward a rewarding career. tree. We’re never ready for our closeup on Christmas morning,

The Erie Reader is the local voice for news, Winners and honorees from this are we? You watch with anxiety as gifts are unwrapped and ap- FORTIS offers programs in the following areas: arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only inde- proved of. You’re hoping for shrieks of delight, but in the end pendent, alternative newspaper. Founded year’s voting in 2010, the Reader has quickly become you’ll be happy with an accepting smile. Why are we so con- the region’s award-winning source for arts cerned? In the end, they’re gifts, and they’re going to at least be Nursing • Medical/Dental • Business coverage, a strong cultural compass, and Spotlight on Erie – 17 good, for goodness’ sake. a dynamic resource for news and opinion. With a dedication to long-form journalism This must be it, welcome to the And then … nothing. and a commitment to provoking thought- The drop off is almost immediate. Amongst the red and green Criminal Justice • Skilled Trades ful discussion, the Reader tells the stories new year of the people and places making and carnage of colored paper, you start to put your life back to- shaping Erie, while highlighting the events gether, and maybe enjoy some of your well-earned treasures. and issues influencing life in northwestern Party in the ERI – 22 Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is published It’s that “high school” holiday vacation. That week-long, ee- every other week and distributed at over Kick off 2018 with a host of rily calm eye of the hurricane between the 25th and the 31st. 250 high foot-traffic locations in Pennsylva- No one seems to want to do too much during this refractory nia from North East to Girard to Edinboro. In addition to appearing in print, Erie Read- activities period. Chances are you’ll watch no less than one season of a er adds new content daily at ErieReader. TV show while trying to think of something productive to do CALL 1.855.445.3276 com as well social media sites. All rights reserved. All content © Flagship Multime- The Best Movies of 2017 – 26 during this odd annual purgatory. TEXT “IGNITE” TO 367847 dia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, And then … New Years Eve. 16501. No part of this publication may be A foray into film’s finest reproduced without permission. The opin- This, like Christmas, can mean different things for different ions of our columnists and contributors are people. There’s another ticking clock, and this time the count- their own and do not always reflect that of Best Locally Made Albums of down is much more literal. If you’re looking for something fun the editorial board or organization. Direct FORTIS.EDU IGNITE YOUR FUTURE sales inquiries to 814.314.9364. For editorial 2017 – 26 to do, check out our New Years Eve rundown of events for a few inquiries, email [email protected]. choice locations to spend the last evening of 2017. As you rush Three top picks from area artists to be with your family and friends before the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight, it’s easy to be contemplative, to look The Best Albums of 2017 – 29 back on the past year in retrospect. Read Ben Speggen’s year in review to help jog your memory and provide a little perspec- Highlighting a magnificent year in tive, and don’t forget to check out our year-end best of lists. FORTIS INSTITUTE music And then … rest. All is quiet on New Years Day. But before we know it, it’s time 5757 WEST 26TH STREET, ERIE, PA 16506 Crossword Puzzle – 31 to start again. As this new millennium is ushered into adult- hood, let’s look forward to all the possibilities in store, all the Financial Aid Available for those who qualify. Career Placement Assistance for All Graduates. This week’s puzzler courtesy of resolutions we will keep, and all the better things ahead as the clock resets and we begin our new timeline. For consumer information, visit Fortis.edu. David Levinson Wilk December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3

GENERIC_Erie_10.5x12.25.indd 1 7/7/17 11:20 AM SOMETHING WONDERFUL HAPPENS When you SHOP LOCAL

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Our specialists can boost your immune system to avoid fatigue during the winter months. They optimize diet, stress level and sleep patterns and relieve pain through non-prescription and non-surgical treatments. LECOM Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine offers: • Osteopathic Manual Medicine • Ultrasound guided joint injections – including Prolotherapy and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) • Medical and sports acupuncture • Lux light therapy • Intravenous vitamin and nutritional infusion therapies • Intravenous chelation therapy and heavy metal detoxification • Dietary and botanical guidance • Meditation and mindfulness techniques Call (814) 866-8610 to schedule your appointment. LECOM Health doctors. Choose one today to join a health system that will focus on your overall wellness for life. Visit LECOMHealth.com/physicians Empower patients with better health! LECOM Integrative and Lifestyle Medicine 5215 Peach Street, Erie, PA

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS 2017 Year in Review Remember Not to Forget

the entire country headed outside to Yuccas and her crew descended upon witness The Eclipse — a breathtaking Erie to snag sound bites, like “Erie is experience for some, a blinding one definitely a sinking ship, and you’d be for others (hey, we were told to wear crazy not to get off a ship that’s sink- glasses!), and an otherwise boring but ing” and to get a tour down Erie’s 12th good excuse to put down work for a Street Corridor — which they were half an hour for still others? told was desolate, but had they only Admittedly, it may have been hard gone into any one of the buildings, to remember that, given that in the they would’ve found that while larger same month, two hurricanes hit the industry in Erie may be shrinking, in- U.S., wracking Texas and then Florida dustry as a whole remains a vital and (a month before another hurricane significant part of our economy. would pummel Puerto Rico). That A weeping young elected official same month, too, Heather Heyer was about to graduate college and explore killed by a motorist who turned his the workforce for the first time utter- car into a battering ram during pro- ing “that’s the first time a tear rolled tests in Charlottesville over Confeder- down my face since Donald Trump CASEY ate monuments. won” when discussing his limited lo- But back to the pleasant Polaroid cal job prospects and the possibility examined it to be less than that. And news: We’ll get another solar eclipse that he might be the first (in a line of By: Ben Speggen thus, 2017 begot “alternative facts” at in just seven years. And in even cool- four) to have to leave the area if he hen 2016 met 2017 in Amer- a time when “fake news” was sitting in er news, Erie, Pennsylvania lies right can’t find work here makes for great ica to say hello and good- soiled diapers still sucking its thumb. along the prime real estate for the TV. But it also forwards a narrative Wbye, respectively, there So it’s been easy to look at 2017’s best viewing of the 2024 Solar Eclipse that Erie residents — and residents of was an awkward handshake. There glass as half empty, despite so many — which is something that should similar economically stressed regions are always expectations that what is thinking — or wishing or hoping — draw nationwide attention. throughout the country — expect to come will be better than what is that it’d be better than 2016, that in In Erie in 2017, though, nationwide their town to be ready to hand them passing and will help us make sense no way could it be worse. 2017 had to attention wasn’t much of a positive. opportunity, lest they need to uproot of what has passed already. But this grow up fast, yes, with history cling- In February, CBS News’ Jamie Yuccas for it to be handed out elsewhere. time, it seemed different. ing to its heels, but it wasn’t without came to the area to film her report: Rather than tug on heartstrings, As withered fingers jutting out from its Polaroid moments. “America: Manufacturing Hope.” Yuccas and her colleagues could’ve 2016’s battered knuckles outstretched Remember back in February when Largely a hit-and-run piece with a read Brookings Institution Senior to embrace 2017’s puerile, callow hand, NASA discovered seven — count ‘em, Rust-Belt-Turned-Red-Belt narrative Fellow Mark Muro’s “Erie’s Rust Belt anyone witnessing the exchange seven! — habitable planets (with (likely manufactured miles and cities Activism,” a report showcasing the might have heard the whisper: Be warm, Earth-like conditions!) orbiting away) intent on showcasing why a vibrancy of advanced industries in better than I was. But rather than let a single star just 39 light years away!? certain group of Rust-Belt-blue-collar- our area, where Erie is above average go and let the future happen, 2016 Remember when during that same red-blooded Americans would be will- in its representation to inform their seemed unable to relax its grip and month Moonlight, not La La Land ing to change their voting trends out reporting. Or she could’ve consulted followed 2017, obdurate of any desire won Best Picture at the Oscars!? Re- of a perceived desperate hopelessness, the locally published “Erie’s Advanced — or chance — to start anew. member when Professor Robert E. Such shadowing from the ghosts of Kelly became known as the “BBC Dad” our recent past challenged our ability worldwide when his adorable chil- to recognize that hope and that po- dren crashed his at-home interview tential future. After all, the year be- and the World Wide Web was hardly gan with sharp images from the artist able to contain itself? who illustrated “Hope” in 2008 now How quaint and funny, but also how working to unite us with “We the Peo- seemingly distant from us now. ple,” as tens of thousands of marchers And remember when six months in the nation’s capital carried various after that NASA discovery, virtually Shepard Fairey posters reading: “We the People Defend Dignity; We the [Top] While 2017 was marked by chaos People Defend Each Other; We the and controversy, there are positive signs that the dark clouds may begin to clear People are Greater Than Fear.” in 2018. [Right] Newly-elected school That came just days after the 45th board member Tyler Titus speaks with President of the United States took contributing editors Jim Wertz and Ben office on a precipitation-debated Jan- Speggen (foreground). Titus is the first transgender candidate to hold office in uary day. According to some reports, Erie County, perhaps representing a more the gathering for that inauguration socially progressive attitude taking hold in was the largest ever, period. Others our region. NICK WARREN

December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS

and includes some of Erie’s biggest accurate depiction of Erie. If they did, players gathered around one table. they could head to the Renaissance Or perhaps national reporters might Centre, where they’d find MenajErie head farther north on State Street Studio, which along with John C. Ly- and turn right to see the continued ons, a local filmmaker and head of construction and development at Erie Lyons Den Productions, and Howie Insurance. And if they ventured in to Glover of Three Gloves, shot most of speak with either the company’s CEO that video. or the Chairman of its Board, they’d In the same building, they’d find find out about the $5 million invest- myriad other startups, a co-working ment Erie’s only Fortune 500 company space, and even Erie’s only indepen- made toward transforming the city dent locally owned newspaper. through redevelopment with the Erie Or instead of playing out the Downtown Development Corpora- post-industrial existential crisis and tion. That $5 million has since spurred stressed middle class workers, they $2.5 million investments from each could follow up on the 24/7 Wall St. re- Gannon University, UPMC Hamot, port that lists Erie as “the worst city ErieBank, and the Erie Community for Black Americans” in an attempt to Foundation, totaling $15 million. Un- find what’s led to such disparity in our confirmed support has the total in- region. Or they could examine how a vestment to date closer to $30 million. city facing a budget crisis consolidat- YOUTUBE / OURERIE YOUTUBE But regardless, big players are playing ed its high schools from four to two, together, in the same sandbox, and no then displayed even greater resilience Industries” Jefferson Educational So- National media narratives have dished one seems worried about who’s build- after a fire broke out in one of the two ciety report, written by Erie Reader dirt on our city, but a closer examination ing the biggest part of the castle. remaining locations. Perhaps they’d Contributing Editor Jim Wertz and begins to melt away some of those And maybe they’ll take a stroll along be inspired to watch ServErie volun- misconceptions. Erie County Gaming Revenue Author- John Vanco Way, the newly named teers collectively roll up their sleeves ity Executive Director Perry Wood. strip of street running in front of the and dedicate the time and sweat to But that didn’t fit the narrative, and Erie Art Museum’s entrance honoring ensure students would have safe and I digress. place where “great work” is happen- the 50 years’ worth work and dedica- secure places to study and learn. Others might be digressing, too, as a ing, according to Gov. Tom Wolf. tion of its recently retired director Or instead of bickering at the na- rehashing of that down-and-almost- Or maybe other national outlets will who stepped down this year. There, tional reaction to NFL players sitting out narrative seems to be attracting head down State Street to check out they’ll see the beautiful blending of a or kneeling, they could tell the tale of additional attention. the new 10,000 square-foot headquar- state-of-the-art facility with historic a young man from Erie who, in the But maybe the incoming waves of re- ters of the Erie Innovation District, buildings that serves as a reminder of midst of a successful college football porters will catch wind of the Dec. 15 which opened its doors in November the burgeoning local art scene Erie’s career at the University of Pittsburgh, announcement of $32 million in state with the announcement that Dell blessed to have. stood tall in battle against Hodgkin’s money aimed at improving Erie’s Bay- would be a partner in the venture. The Or maybe others will observe home- lymphoma, defeating it to go on to be front Parkway, amongst other things, project is supported by a $4 million grown, collaborative responses, like drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers and like façade improvements and hous- grant provided by the Erie Communi- the “Our Erie” short film that has gar- earn a spot on the depth chart and ing repair. That latest contribution ty Foundation in partnership with the nered more than 250,000 Facebook have the No. 1 sales for jerseys. They now takes the total Wolf Administra- Susan Hirt Hagen Fund for Transfor- views and has been shown at two could talk about how regardless of tion investment in Erie to $76 million mational Philanthropy and the Erie national conferences, that attempts color, creed, or politics, Erie dons its — a significant sum of money in a County Gaming Revenue Authority, to capture a more balanced and more James Conner jerseys with the same

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 NEWS & VIEWS

fervor and pride. na, debates, exchanges, and state- more apropos, by the place in And as the national spotlight ments remained respectful. which we live. The minute we ask continues to shine more brightly Whatever the case, Erie elect- what our region, our city, or our on the opioid epidemic, maybe it ed its next mayor, Democrat Joe home is going to do for us, that’s might shine on Erie, a region not Schember, of whom much will the minute we’ve failed to remem- immune from the crisis but that be expected and will be expected ber our history. It’s inherently is actively and creatively working quickly. Because despite the suc- American — even before John to address it. Between benefit con- cesses 2017 bred and the opportu- Fitzgerald Kennedy said it — to certs, information sessions, and nities 2018 brings, Erie is not with- do, not to wait to have done. Erie research being done by young civ- out its challenges. has had a history of doers that it ic-minded leaders at a local think An eroding tax base with a con- must remember but must also as- tank, few stones are being left un- tinually dwindling population is pire to be greater than. turned. a reality. A comprehensive plan Doers are presently shaping the Erie County Executive Kathy is still sitting in City Hall with a future. And if we walk a little far- Dahlkemper has collaborated $600 million price tag (although ther north along Erie’s downtown nationally on “A Prescription for investments like the EDDC and path, we’d find one last example of Action: Local Leadership in End- the state-driven improvement that in Ember+Forge. ing the Opioid Crisis,” a joint re- projects illustrate both progress There, an engineer-turned-en- Wishing you and your fur friends port from National Association and commitment). trepreneur left an industry bigger a Merry Christmas and of Counties (NACo) and the Na- And of course, stalwarts of Erie in the Erie yesteryear for a small- tional League of Cities (NLC) that yesteryear like GE continue to er, but I’d bet more personally Happy New Year! “examines how cities and coun- shed jobs, affecting the entire re- meaningful, one of Erie today. And ties can strengthen collaboration gion. while Hannah Kirby likely knows ANIMAL ARK PET HOSPITAL with each other and state, federal, If 2017 has been Erie’s on-the- all too well the stories of failed 3024 W. 12th St. • (814)838-7387 private-sector and nonprofit part- verge, we’re-turning-a-corner bat- coffee shops past in Erie, and is fa- ners to tackle the opioid crisis.” In tle cry, 2018 cannot be a mere echo. miliar, too, with those quick to tell ANIMAL KINGDOM PET HOSPITAL November, Dahlkemper, a Demo- Rather, our boulder we push up- of that, it hasn’t deterred her from 2222 E. 38th St. • (814)825-0463 crat, went on to become just the wards must crest the hill and we trying, because I’d wager she’d second County Executive in Erie’s must step fully from any corners rather bet her Erie tomorrow on www.animalarkkingdom.com history to hold multiple terms, and walk our path. herself rather than on life nudg- just narrowly defeating a Trum- And while we walk we should ing her around some corner. pian Republican challenger. Pre- take note. Because if 2016’s parting The clichéd Wayne Gretzky viously, only Judy Lynch, a Demo- American words were “be better,” quote goes something like: “You crat, had held more than one term 2017’s might be “remember not to miss a hundred percent of the as County Executive. forget me,” which seems to be an shots you don’t take.” While no And it’d be hard to ignore the fact increasingly arduous task as we one can criticize someone for try- that Erie made history in Novem- walk the earth in the ever-break- ing something — however small ber’s election. Tyler Titus, whose ing-news ouroboros that keeps us or large — to change their own campaign and vision were wholly from digesting one story at a time conditions or the conditions of deserving of attention without re- while continuing to stuff us with those around them, we can sure- gard to his gender, won a spot on more and more and more that is, ly carp about those opting to take Erie’s School Board. In doing so, he at times, often hard to swallow. the opposite (passive) approach. became Pennsylvania’s first trans- Will we remember 2017 as the Something tells me Kirby and her gender person elected to office. year of #MeToo? Or as the year new venture will be worrying less And those are two races that re- we began revising “The New Co- about whether Erie’s the right cli- ceived far less local ink than 2017’s lossus?” Maybe the year when mate to start a business and more big show: Erie’s mayoral race. again we experienced the worst about how to grow that business With Erie’s outgoing mayor hav- mass shooting (again and again by offering good products that, ing reached his term limit, the city and…) to date and did nothing? Or if appreciated, will in turn create was guaranteed new leadership perhaps the year we concluded local jobs as demand continues to for 2018. Nine candidates duked it with the decision that the Inter- increase. That’s something we can out in the primary election, lead- net should suddenly no longer be toast to as we ring in 2018: A New ing to a showdown between Dem- neutral? Year, and a New Us that’s older, ocrat Joe Schember and Republi- It should be all of it. Because wiser, and willing to embrace a fu- can John Persinger. And for the to walk by and ignore it leads to ture instead of letting the passing first time in a long time, Erie — a constantly being on the verge of present hold us back as we break city with a 3-to-1 Democratic voter a something and consistently be- beyond the verge and finally turn registration edge — nearly elect- ing about to round some corner that corner. ed a Republican. Perhaps it was somewhere we can never quite because both candidates brought peer around. Ben Speggen can be contacted ideas, energy, and enthusiasm to And rarely will we be pushed to at bSpeggen@ErieReader. the race. Maybe it was because the verge or shoved around the com, and you can follow him unlike the national political are- corner by life itself — or, perhaps on Twitter @BenSpeggen.

December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 At Edinboro University, you’re not just a student, you’re a Fighting Scot.

And that means you’ve got pride, spirit and an unyielding desire to learn, grow and succeed.

Visit EU on campus or online, and you’ll see why more than 65,000 alumni have built the foundations of their success with an exceptional and a ordable EU education.

ALLYSON is an EU alumna and an award-winning bagpiper.

Apply today or plan your visit at go.edinboro.edu  888-846-2676

/Edinboro @Edinboro @EdinboroU BEST OF ERIE 2017

Best Jewelry Store Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection Breakiron Jewelers At Edinboro University, Glass Growers Gallery Best Place to Buy Furniture you’re not just a student, John V. Schultz Arthur F. Schultz Fred’s Furniture you’re a Best Comics and Collectibles Shop Books Galore Fighting Scot. Actiontoyman Kinem’s Sports Cards Best Smoke/Vapor Shop Smoker Friendly Erie Vapor Cabana Hippie and the Hound Best Chocolate or Candy Purveyor Romolo Chocolates he best is here — ries cover everything from congratulations to the Pulakos Chocolates and whether it’s antiques to automobiles winners. Thank you for all Stefanelli’s Candy just around the and ales to athletic clubs. that you do to enhance Best Bakery And that means you’ve got pride, spirit and an corner or clear If your favorite did not win and elevate our city. Art’s Bakery Ton the other side of town, (indicated by bold italics), Ye Ole Sweet Shoppe GOODS & SERVICES unyielding desire to learn, grow and succeed. you’d better believe it’s not chances are it at least Icing on the Lake far. A panoply of terrific made the top three (also Best Car Dealership Best Deli people, places, and things listed) — if not, there’s Bianchi Honda Wegmans call Erie home, a fact qual- always next year (please Humes Teresa’s Italian Deli Visit EU on campus or online, and you’ll see ified by your nominations. participate in the nomi- Champion Ford Tickle’s Deli Now, after several weeks nations and the vote!) We why more than 65,000 alumni have built the Best Antique or Best Winery of polling, the most im- extend our gratitude to MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA Vintage Shop Mazza Vineyards pressive of the bunch all those who logged into foundations of their success with an exceptional Pointe Foure Boutique Heritage Wine Cellars Best Tattoo Parlor have been quantified by eriereader.com over the Oregon Antique Boutique Arundel Cellars Ink Assassins Tattoos & Best New Restaurant, your votes. The catego- past few months and our Buttons and Bows and a ordable EU education. Best Place to Get a Six Piercings Best Place to Get Pack Wayward Tattoo Studio Barbecue, Best New Business: U Pick 6 Mid-Town Tattoo Federal Hill Smokehouse Wegmans Best Local Graphic Lucky Louie’s Beer & Designer Co-owners: Ryan Atzert, 37 and Autumn Atzert, 38 Wieners Alice DeGeorge Best Health Food Store Mark Kosobucki “We are really shocked Amber Smith we won. There were a Whole Foods Co-op lot of good places in this The Juice Jar Best Tattoo Artist category. Two years ago Chicory Hill Herbs Jess Scutella I was selling pulled pork Jennifer Christina out of my backyard and Eerie Eric now being voted ‘Best ALLYSON is an EU alumna Best Bicycle Business: Best Place to Get New Restaurant’ is crazy John Adams Cycling and to me.” Pierced and an award-winning bagpiper. Fitness Ink Assassins Tattoos & Danny Adams, 28 and Piercings Erie Federal Credit Union John Adams, 61 Sacred Piercing PNC Bank “It’s great to be Buddha’s Body Art Widget Financial recognized as Erie’s top Best Spa cycling business. Just Best Place to Adopt a the feeling of people Pet Coventina Day Spa thinking we are doing the The ANNA Shelter LECOM Wellness Center right thing is great. We The Humane Society of Spa are serving the people of NWPA Panache Salon & Spa  Erie.“ Orphan Angels Best Beauty Salon

Apply today or plan your visit at go.edinboro.edu 888-846-2676 MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA Best Bank Panache Salon & Spa

/Edinboro @Edinboro @EdinboroU December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 BEST OF ERIE 2017

Best Place to Buy Furniture, Best Local Best Chef: Entrepreneurs: Jean-Paul, 57, John V. Schultz Pineapple Eddie Co-owners: Matt Best Restaurant: Schultz, 41, John Pineapple Eddie Schultz, 50 “When I moved to “It’s nice to be Erie, my sister in-law recognized by the said, ‘Jean, we will younger generations help you open a and the readers of the restaurant’ due to Erie Erie Reader. Also, our having a few family employees worked restaurants. It’s been very hard to make John an amazing ride so V. Schultz Erie’s top far.“ MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA furniture store.” MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA

Famous Hair Competitive Gear Product Moxi Hair Salon Federal Hill Best Consignment Lake Country Bike Spring Show Smith’s Hot Dogs Smokehouse Best Barbershop Shop Gallery Night Best Web Developer Romolo Chocolate Pop Luck Gourmet Uncle Nick’s The Sassy Peacock Best Museum Epic Web Studios Iron Empire Clothing Popcorn Ruiz Barbershop/Salon Plato’s Closet WeCreate Best New Business Erie Apparel Erie Art Museum Russo’s Barbershop Claudine’s Consignment Werkbot Studios (Within Last Two Best Dog Groomer ExpERIEnce Children’s Best Bike Shop Best Thrift Store Museum Best Locally Made Years) Paws ‘n Claws Salvation Army Erie Maritime Museum John Adams Cycling Mud Puppies Goodwill Peninsula Pups Doggie Best Performing Arts Erie City Mission Thrifty Daycare Space Shopper Warner Theatre Best Graphic Design Erie Playhouse Best Beauty Salon: Agency PACA Panache Salon & Spa Presque Isle Printing Owner: Edna Siegel Best Local Act Presque Isle Designs (Band/Musician) “It’s a tremendous Tungsten Creative feeling to win Group The Geek Army the Best of Erie Small Town Revolution award. Its great CULTURE & Eric Brewer & Friends for our business NIGHTLIFE Best Local Artist — we strive on Jennifer Christina Best Local Festival education to Evan Everhart improve our staff’s Roar on the Shore Katie Levan growth. We are a Erie Art Museum Blues clientele-friendly & Jazz Festival Best Art Gallery environment. Zabawa Polish Festival Glass Growers Gallery Thank you to the Artlore Studio Best Art Event Erie community for Kada Gallery voting for us.” Arts & Drafts MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA Erie Art Museum’s Best Music Venue

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 Give the Gift that Inspires her Future

12 Days of Christmas at Alkemē December 18th thru December 30th, Alkemē will be offering a discount or giveaway each day. Check out our website at alkemecafe.com or go to our Facebook page alkemecafe to find out what we are giving awa y that day. Print out the discount and bring it in with you to redeem. If you don’t have a printer, you can bring your phone or other devices - we have free Wifi! New Year’s Eve Arts and cultural experiences Don’t forget to make your reservations for New Year’s Eve. Alkemē will be open from 11:00 am - 10:00 pm for both brunch and dinner prepare students for success in with Chef Joe Fontecchio preparing special dishes for that day only. Please join us in preparation for 2018. school, work and life. Now taking orders for antipasto and charcuterie platters, biscotti, pizzelles, cakes and pies. Why not bring Alkemē to your party! THE ARTS & CULTURE CAMPAIGN Now making lunch deliveries to the downtown area.

18 N Park Row, Erie, PA 16501

(814) 616-8578 alkemecafe.com GIVE TODAY @alkemeerie www.erieartsandculture.org Photo Credit: A local student tie-dyes at Erie Arts & Culture’s booth during JUMP! Back to School Expo 2016

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December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 To resolutions that last …

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12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 BEST OF ERIE 2017

Best Radio Station: Texas Roadhouse Happi 92.7 Firebirds Longhorn In the photo, left to right: Samm Adams, Best Place to Get 26, Music Director; Barbecue Ryan Maloney, 25, Federal Hill Promotional Director; Smokehouse Shari McBride, 57, Three B Saloon Program Director Dickey’s Barbeque Pit Best Burger Smugglers’ Wharf Max & Erma’s Calamari’s The Brewerie at Union Best Brunch Station Calamari’s Summerhouse Cafe Cloud 9 Best Pizza Voodoo Brewery John’s Wildwood Best Place to Get Ice Pizzeria

MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA Stevo’s Cream Blaze Sara’s Best Wings Coconut Joe’s Best Dance Company Picasso’s Darrell Knopfel (Sneaky Whippy Dip Sherlock’s Mercyhurst Dance Tickle’s Deli Pete’s) Creamland Odis 12 Basement Lucky Louie’s Beer and One Way Inn Company Best Bar Food Best Local Brewery Transmissions Dance Elite Wieners Park Tavern Odis 12 Voodoo Brewery Best Local Long’s School of Dance Best New Restaurant Best Sushi The Plymouth Tavern Erie Brewing Company Photographer Best College Bar (Within Last Two U Pick 6 locations Lavery Brewing Co. Chopstix Sarah Peach Years) Wegmans The Plymouth Tavern Best Local Coffee Best Locally Made Robert Frank Federal Hill 1201 Kitchen Cornerstone Shop Beer Paul Lorei Coconut Joe’s Smokehouse Brew Ha Ha Best Asian The Brew Brothers Voodoo Love Child Best Up-and-Coming Best Sports Bar Coffee Culture Restaurant Thai Eatery (Voodoo Brewery) Band/Musician (Last Odis 12 Out of The Grey Railbender (Erie Brewing Chopstix Best Place to Get Two Years) Sluggers Best Food Truck Co.) Golden Wok The Wildeyes Erie Arena Sports Bar Seafood Dulachan (Lavery Like My Thai The Que Abides Broke Boland Band Smuggler’s Wharf Brewing Co.) Best Lounge Ernie’s Best Italian Cult Classics Joe Root’s Sticks and Bricks Best Place to Get Restaurant Cloud 9 Wine Bar Pineapple Eddie Best Local Singer Vegan or Vegetarian Mi Scuzi Jekyll & Hyde’s Southern Bistro Best Breakfast Mckenzie Lee Sprague Scotty’s Martini Lounge Food Colao’s Summerhouse Cafe Roy Hollis Jr. Best Romantic La Bella The Breakfast Place Whole Foods Co-op Preston Dillemuth FOOD & DRINK Restaurant The Original Breakfast Juice Jar Best Mexican Best Local Musician Best Restaurant Cloud 9 Wine Bar Place Like My Thai Restaurant Mi Scuzi Stephen Trohoske Best Place to Order a El Canelo Pineapple Eddie 1201 Kitchen Best Patio Abby Barrett Torrero’s Southern Bistro The Sloppy Duck Steak Ron Yarosz 1201 Kitchen Best Chef El Amigo Mexican Grill Best MC Mi Scuzi Jean Paul (Pineapple Eddie) Charles Brown Best Sandwich Shop Dan Kern Jonny Evans Tony Facchiano Best Neighborhood Bar Best Bank/Credit Union Erie Federal Credit Union The Plymouth Tavern U Pick 6 From left to right: Chief Marketing Officer Tom Jekyll & Hyde’s Brennan, 52; CEO Brian Waugaman, 46; Director of Marketing Ron Hickoff, 54; Director of Business Best Night Club Intelligence Eric Brotherson, 34 Coconut Joe’s “Being fans of the Erie Reader, we are truly humbled Bourbon Barrel and thrilled to be a part of the Best of Erie Awards. King’s Rook Club There are some excellent financial institutions Best New Bar or Club serving this area, so winning ‘Best Bank/Credit Union’ (Within Last Two for the fourth year in a row means a lot to us,” said Years) Brian Waugaman, CEO of Erie Federal Credit Union. “We take our commitment to serving our members, Voodoo Brewing the Erie community and our employees with care and Company compassion very seriously. A sincere ‘thank you’ to all Sneaky Pete’s who voted Erie FCU for this recognition!” 408 Bar and Grille MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA

December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 BEST OF ERIE 2017

Best TV Personality Perry Monument Sean Lafferty Asbury Woods Nature Craig Smiley Center Emily Matson Best Bartender Best Yoga Studio Molli Jane yogaErie Brittany Stowe LECOM Chris Pace Plasha Yoga Studio Best Place to get Best Politician Lectured to Ryan Bizzarro Tom Ridge John Persinger Environmental Center Kathy Dahlkemper Mercyhurst University Jefferson Educational Best Poet Society Marisa Moks-Unger Best University Chuck Joy Robert Hass Penn State Behrend Gannon University Best Filmmaker Mercyhurst University John C. Lyons Best Fitness Club Jesse Olszewski Len Kabasinski LECOM Medical Fitness YMCA Best Place to Work Planet Fitness MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA Wegmans Best Athletic Erie Insurance Best Fitness Club: LECOM Competition LECOM Medical Fitness Beast on the Bay Best Tourist Tyler Travis, 39 LECOM Health Attraction Challenge “Our mission is to Presque Isle State Park Erie Marathon prevent illness through Waldameer Park Best Bowling Alley healthy living and Erie Zoo physical activity. Greengarden Lanes We are driven to Best Local Actor Eastway Lanes be the resource for Shawn Clerkin Rolling Meadows our community that Jesse Olszewski Best Team to Root for exercises medicine.“ Chris Bucci Erie Otters Best Local Actress Erie Seawolves PEOPLE & PLACES Emily Olszewski Eerie Roller Girls Adele Crotty Best Golf Course Best Radio Station Kelly Rodland Best Mediterranean Panos Restaurant Happi 92.7 Whispering Woods or Middle Eastern Jekyll & Hyde’s Tandoori Hut Best Non-Profit or Peak Upper Course Cloud 9 Wine Bar Star 104 Charity Restaurant Curry Point LLC 93.9 The Wolf Erie Golf Club Casablanca Best Dessert Dawat Restro The ANNA Shelter Best Local Best Radio Erie Zoo Petra Icing on the Lake Best Thai Restaurant Entrepreneur(s) Habibi Mediterranean Personality Sisters of St. Joseph Cloud 9 Wine Bar Like My Thai John and Matt Schultz Cuisine Coffee Culture Jessica Curry Network Thai Eatery Sammy Stone Lisa Heidelberg Best Late-Nite Menu Best Landmark Best Indian Khao Thai Shari McBride Tom Kennedy US Brig Niagara

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16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 Spotlight on Erie December 20, 2017 – January 2, 2018

Friday, Dec. 22 are Green Fingers, an experimental bassist of the experimental rock band electronica trio unifying members of Zuck’s Turkey Farm. Family Matters at Joose, The Bloodlies, and the father So come join the BT family for the Basement Transmissions of the BT family himself, Bob Jensen, holidays, to support the scene and creating the some of the most adven- distract yourself from your own awk- turous sounds in Erie. ward family holiday reunions. — Tom- Fellow Erieites on the bill are Cult my Shannon Classics, a dreamy indie folk rock five-piece for your emotional cathar- 7 p.m. // 145 W. 11th St. // BYOB, 21+ // $5 sis and light dance moves. The vocal Friday, Dec. 22 harmonies by singers Jess Royer and McKenzie Sprague are awe-inspiring; Gem City Revival Raises this is not a band you’ll want to miss. Hootenanny at Brew Bros. Next up is Pittsburgh solo artist euniting with family over the hol- Liss Victory. Victory puts her heart on hen it comes to the three gifted idays can be a mixed bag. Some R her sleeve with her grunge-inspired local musicians who make up people are thrilled to see long-missed W acoustic songs on her EP The Low the trio that is Gem City Revival, they family members, but others might Lights Make Me Love You. say “happenstance made [us] friends, dread being forced into awkward and early 2016, Gem City Revival has been Mixing up the run-of-the-mill BT but hootenannies made [us] a band.” uncomfortable situations with famil- keeping their hootenanny going in show is comedian Krish Mohan. Mo- Well, hell, that’s almost enough to ial strangers. The Basement Transmis- and around Erie with a bright, joyful, han’s socially-aware comedy style make us like them already. sions family is offering a more enjoy- well-tended-to rendering of all kinds intelligently and tastefully covers But there’s more to dig with GCR: able holiday get together, featuring of alt-country goodness. touchy subjects like religion and pol- Each of its members — Abby Badach both live music and stand-up comedy You down for that? Cool. They’ll itics, bringing laughter and fun into (fiddles, vocals), Pat Doyle (guitars, in the form of the BT Holiday Reunion be bringing the Revival to The Brew normally dry topics. vocals), and Ang Phillips (guitar, vo- Extravaganza. Brothers at Presque Isle Downs & The opening act on the bill is John cals) — really are quite gifted. And, Headlining the evening’s events Casino as part of the casino venue’s Zuck, the unquestionably talented since coming together musically in ongoing, weekly live entertainment

128 W. 12th St. facebook.com. Sherlocks, 508 State Peach St. facebook. Xmas Eve Party Flight of the Butterflies St. facebook.com. com/kingsrookclub. MUSIC Whiskey Road Dec. 24 — 7 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ongoing — 1 p.m. & 4 p.m. Acoustic Confusion Dec. 23 — 9 p.m. Superband Sam Hyman Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Tom Ridge Environmental Dec. 22 — 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 29 — 9 p.m. Dec. 31 — 1 to 4 p.m. German St. facebook.com. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Presque Isle Downs, biggreenscreen.com. The Cork 1794, 17 W. Main 8199 Perry Hwy. Presque Isle Downs, Arundel Cellars & Christmas Night St. cork1794.com. presqueisledowns.com. 8199 Perry Hwy. Brewing Co., 11727 E. Main Dec. 25 — 7 p.m. to 1 a.m. Blood Prism (2017) presqueisledowns.com. Rd. facebook.com. Rick in the Roadhouse 1st Annual Old Skool Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Dec. 22 — 8 to 11 p.m. Rockers and Vulgar Christmas Jam Spooky Westcott with Branislaus German St. facebook.com. Erie Movie House, 3424 W. Surprise Guise Lake Rd. facebook.com. Display of Pantera Dec. 23 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dec. 31 — 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. Holiday Week at Dec. 22 — 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sheraton Erie Bayfront Dec. 29 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 the Wineries The Blue Angel (1930) German St. facebook.com. Sherlocks, 508 State Hotel, 55 W. Bay Dr. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Dec. 26 through Dec. 31 Dec. 29 — 8 to 10 p.m. St. facebook.com. elitedjserviceseriepa.com. Peach St. facebook. com/kingsrookclub. Chestnut Grove, Looms Various Locations, Erie Movie House, 3424 W. Family Reunion Holiday 1980 Something and The Wildeyes lakeeriewinecountry.org. Lake Rd. facebook.com. Extravaganza Dec. 23 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Everyone Leaves and Dec. 31 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Chris Bernstorf Erie Food Tours Dec. 22 — 7 to 11 p.m. Sherlocks, 508 State Kings Rook Club, 1921 VISUAL ARTS Dec. 30 — 6 to 11 p.m. Dec. 29 — 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Basement Transmissions, 145 St. facebook.com. Peach St. facebook. Sensing the Unseen Like My Thai, 827 State W. 11th St. facebook.com. Basement Transmissions, 145 com/kingsrookclub. Ongoing through Jan. 3 TK Blues Co. W. 11th St. facebook.com. St. eriefoodtours.com. The Kada Gallery, 2632 W. Gem City Revival Dec. 23 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Cult Classics Crooked Creek Brothers Brew Year’s Eve 8th St. kadagallery.com. Dec. 22 — 9 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Jan. 3 — 8:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 30 — 9 p.m. Dec. 31 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. Presque Isle Downs, Peach St. facebook. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Tin Plated Dreams: The Brewerie at Union 8199 Perry Hwy. com/kingsrookclub. Presque Isle Downs, German St. facebook.com. Sculptures by Station, 123 W. 14th presqueisledowns.com. 8199 Perry Hwy. William Brady, Jr. The O’Needers St. brewerie.com. presqueisledowns.com. FOOD & DRINK Ongoing through Jan. 7 Monk’s Brew Dec. 24 — 1 to 4 p.m. I-90’s Cocktails & Color Erie Art Museum, 411 State Dec. 22 — 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Arundel Cellars & Brewing FILM Dec. 30 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dec. 20 — 6 to 8 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Co., 11727 E. Main Rd. Aircraft Carriers German St. facebook.com. arundelcellars.com. Sherlocks, 508 State Voodoo Brewery & Brewpub, Ongoing — 11 a.m. & Rachael Burke, St. facebook.com. 215 Arch St. facebook.com. 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. Recent Paintings Slow Motion Breakdown Gem City Revival Tom Ridge Environmental Ongoing through Jan. 10 and Trip The Deuce Dec. 29 — 6 to 9 p.m. Elektra Kings Happy Hour Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Glass Growers Dec. 22 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. The Cork 1794, 17 W. Main Dec. 30 — 9:30 p.m. Dec. 21, 22 — 5 to 7 p.m. biggreenscreen.com. Gallery, 10 E. 5th St. St. cork1794.com. to 1:30 a.m. Shops at the Colony, 2580 Kings Rook Club, 1921 glassgrowersgallery.com. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 W. 8th St. piwine.com. Prehistoric Planet Peach St. facebook. Tomkat Black, Gabba com/kingsrookclub. German St. facebook.com. Ongoing — noon & 3 p.m. Ancient Ink: Ghoulies, Coffin Bangers, Festivus Tom Ridge Environmental Mark Perrott Tradesmen, Wave Trails Galactic Duo Dec. 23 — 5 to 8 p.m. Tyler Smilo Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Dec. 30 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Ongoing through Jan. 28 Dec. 23 — 8 to 11 p.m. and Broke Boland Erie Ale Works, 416 W. 12th biggreenscreen.com. Dec. 29 — 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 St. eriealeworks.com. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Lavery Brewing Company, St. erieartmuseum.org.

December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 CALENDAR

series. co-workers. And what better time for know to be happening to the mystery Whether you’re into old songs with new traditions than the holiday sea- of what (or who) else could make an new soul or new songs with old soul, son? With this in mind, the Sheraton appearance, the Old Skool Christ- chances are pretty good Gem City Erie Bayfront Hotel is likely proud to mas Jam has the potential to be the Revival might just stir up some of be the venue for the inaugural Old must-attend event of the holiday sea- the spirit(s) inside you (P.S., half-off Skool Christmas Jam. son. Room bookings are available as drinks from 5 to 7 p.m.) For those wondering what is taking well as a limited number of tickets on- — Ryan Smith place at the Old Skool Christmas Jam, line and at several local vendors (Dee’s a better question might be what isn’t Cigar Store, Moe’s Shop Rite), so get 9 p.m. // 8199 Perry Highway // taking place. Hosted by M.C. Gucci yours before they’re gone. For more presqueisledowns.com/event/nightlife/ Marv, the night will first feature music information, email elitedjserviceserie- live-entertainment spanning the ’70s, ’80s and ’90s, cour- [email protected]. — Aaron Mook tesy of DJ Primo and DJ Seen. Later Saturday, Dec. 23rd on, there will be a number of contests 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 55 West Bay Drive // folk-pop songstress Brooke Surgener, and challenges, including (but not lim- $25 GA, $35 V.I.P. Old Skool Christmas whose nuanced vocals and thought- ited to) a Pop Lock Contest, a Beat Box Jam at the Sheraton Saturday, Dec. 23 ful lyrics have cemented her as a Contest, and what are presumably mainstay of the local scene. Following Erie Bayfront Hotel challenges to sing Whitney Houston’s A Festivus Miracle at her performance, Falling Hollywood undeniable smash hit “I Will Always Jekyll & Hyde’s returns to the stage for the first time Love You” as well as Lenny Williams’ since July’s Gears & Grubs. It’s even “Cause I Love You.” There will also be a ecember 23rd is traditionally set better than a Festivus miracle for the Red Light Couples Dance, noted to be aside for the “Airing of Grievanc- D quartet’s legions of fans, who grav- “for lovers only.” es” (particularly for Seinfeld fans), but itate to the band’s musical melange All tickets include access to a buffet Festivus celebrants will find little to of Americana, alternative, and garage and parking as well as a 50/50 raffle complain about this year — at least rock (with a sprinkle of punk and and adult auction. V.I.P. tickets come should they venture to Jekyll & Hyde’s blues). Nick Taylor and Matt Flowers with additional perks such as reserved (unless they have misgivings with live split the vocal and guitar duties (and seating, a cheese and charcuterie tray, music and/or half-priced draft spe - harmonize rather well with one an- and a coat check. There are also group cials). other), while Bill Frackowiak (bass) tables available for reservation that Although the musicians on hand and Brad Triana (drums) provide the include all of the benefits of a V.I.P. may not be known for physical “Feats here’s nothing quite like getting rhythmic backing. ticket, seating 10 and going for $300. of Strength,” their artistic powers are Tin on the ground floor of a new So gather friends, families, and foes From the barrage of activities we undeniable. The night begins with tradition, be it with friends, family or — if you’re going to bicker about any-

Tattoosday IU5 Office Hours: GED E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Live Nativity Tom Ridge Environmental Dec. 30 — 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Ongoing through Jan. 28 & HiSet Tutoring Dec. 22, 23 — 6 to 8 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Tumblmania, 2126 Filmore ABE/GED Prep Course events.dcnr.pa.gov. Dec. 20, 27 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Ave. apluseventsforkids.com. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Dec. 21 — 5 to 8 p.m. Fairview United Methodist St. erieartmuseum.org. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Church, 4601 Avonia Yoga Class for Kids Erie BayHawks E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Rd. wearefumc.org. E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Dec. 27 — 5 to 6 p.m. & Dec. vs. Santa Cruz Annual Faculty, Staff, 28 — 10 to 11 a.m. & Jan. and Alumni Art Show Learn to 3D Print World Junior Hockey Dec. 30 — 7 p.m. ScienceGo! 3 — 4:45 to 5:45 p.m. & Jan. Ongoing through Feb. 8 Dec. 20, 23, 27, 30 — 9 to 10:30 Championship 10 — 5:45 to 6:45 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 a.m. & Dec. 28 — 5:30 to 7 p.m. Dec. 21 — 6 to 7 p.m. Exhibition Game Penn State Behrend, 4701 Tumble 84, 4504 W. Ridge Rd. French St. erieevents.com. College Dr. sites.psu.edu. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Tom Ridge Environmental Dec. 22 — 7 p.m. apluseventsforkids.com. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Greg Hahn E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 events.dcnr.pa.gov. Winter Wonderland Mark Weber: Animals French St. erieevents.com. Dec. 30 — 7 p.m. & Dec. DiscoverE - Animals Dec. 27, 28, 29, 30 — 6 to 9 p.m. 31 — 6 p.m. & 9 p.m. Ongoing through Feb.11 Night Hike on in Winter Winter Stroll in the Park Jr’s Last Laugh, 1402 State Erie Art Museum, 411 State Asbury Woods Nature Dead Pond Trail St. jrslastlaugh.com. St. erieartmuseum.org. Dec. 20 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Dec. 23 — 10 to 11:30 a.m. Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. Dec. 21 — 6 to 8 p.m. asburywoods.org. Tom Ridge Environmental Pine Tree Trail Head Erie Otters vs. Kingston Daniel Burke: Callings Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Thompson Circle at Presque at Presque Isle State Erie BayHawks Dec. 31 — 6:30 p.m. Ongoing through Apr. 8 events.dcnr.pa.gov. Isle State Park, 1 Peninsula Park, 1 Peninsula Dr. Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. vs. Ft. Wayne Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Erie Art Museum, 411 State events.dcnr.pa.gov. Vinyl Cutter Open Lab Dec. 28 — 7 p.m. French St. erieevents.com. St. erieartmuseum.org. Christmas Town Dec. 20, 23 — 11 a.m. to noon Blasco Writers Group Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Dec. 21, 22 — 6 to 9 p.m. Boogie On The Bay Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Dec. 23 — 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. French St. erieevents.com. THEATER Dec. 31 — 9 p.m. E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Erie First Assembly of God, Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Annie 8150 Oliver Rd. eriefirst.org. E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Minecraft Mania Bayfront Convention Innovation and Dec. 29 — 1 to 3 p.m. Center, 1 Sassafras Pier Dec. 29, 31 — 7:30 p.m. Erie BayHawks & Dec. 30 — 2 p.m. Collaborative Erie BayHawks Edinboro Branch Library, erieevents.com. Walk-In Hours vs. South Bay vs. Delaware Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th 413 Plum St. erielibrary.org. New Year’s Eve Walk St. erieplayhouse.org Dec. 20, 27 — 1:30 to 5 p.m. & Dec. 21 — 7 p.m. Dec. 23 — 7 p.m. Dec. 22, 29 — 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. DiscoverE - Wild Dec. 31 — 11 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Erie Insurance Arena, 809 COMMUNITY Blasco Memorial Library, 160 French St. erieevents.com. French St. erieevents.com. Animal Tracks Stull Center at Presque E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Dec. 29 — 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Isle State Park, 1 Peninsula Great Lakes Shipwreck Painting With Pride Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Christmas Eve Tom Ridge Environmental Exhibition Resumes, Cover Dec. 21 — 7 to 10 p.m. Candlelight Services Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Erie Otters vs. Ongoing through Apr. 13, 2018 Letter Drop In Help Dramashop, 1001 State Dec. 24 — 10 to 11 a.m. & 4 events.dcnr.pa.gov. Mississauga Tom Ridge Environmental Dec. 20 — 6 to 7 p.m. St. facebook.com. to 5:30 p.m. & 8 to 10 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. NYC Comedy Jan. 3 — 7 p.m. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Old-Fashioned Christmas Wayside Presbyterian events.dcnr.pa.gov. E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Church, 1208 Asbury Night in Erie Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Caroling lunch included Rd. wayside-erie.org. Dec. 29 — 8 to 11 p.m. French St. erieevents.com. Tai Chi Free Small Business Dec. 22 — 11:30 a.m. Harlequin Ballroom, 55 W. Dec. 20 — 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Snowshoe Advice Bay Dr. facebook.com. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Dec. 21, 28 — 2 to 3 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Demonstration St. lifeworkserie.org. St. lifeworkserie.org. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Dec. 27 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Yoga Class for Kids

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Board & Brush ppy Holida Creative Studio Art Prints 118 Meadville St. Furniture • Decor • Jewelry Nail Creations Clothing 814.734.5858 Jewelry Dec. 21 / 5 to 8 p.m. Distinctive Decor Ralph Miller Jewelers Home & Holiday for Inspired Homes Décor Thirsty Thursday The Lavender Rabbit Binoculars Specials Village West Chiropractic Books Men’s night out Wind Chimes Tonya Young Mortgage LLC Super specials s Root Candles and baskets to Mon through Fri: 10am-6pm Accurate Performance Gifts for Children help every man "Win Christmas" Sat: 10am-5pm Maki Kurata Acupuncture & So Much More! Extended Holiday Hours Presque Isle 2208 West 8th St. Erie, PA 16505 Closing Services  Until Dec. 23 / 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.    Zoom Tan   Christmas Eve Hours le t    Dec. 24 / 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. www.claudinesconsignment.com V-Gallery 

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Drop-Off Service or Full Service Friday, February 9th, 2018 6:30 to 9:30 PM • $40 • Pre event online ticket sales only Gift Card Bonuses ready • Bayfrontcenter.org • for holidays Music by: Millennium Sound Catering by: Cali’s West Buy $30 gift card $5 bonus card, • Must be 21 or Older • Buy $50 gift card $10 bonus card All proceeds benefit the programs 2767 W 12th St, Erie, PA 16505 of the Bayfront Maritime Center (814) 833-0293 a church for the city 40 Holland St. | 814.456.4077 www.samuraisushierie.com JOIN US ORIGINAL MUSIC FOR SUNDAY BIBLE TEACHING Finish Your Holiday Shopping @ WORSHIP AUTHENTIC COMMUNITY Basement Transmissions Just a few days left! 145 West 11th Street www.TheCross.cc Corner of Sassafras and 11th 10am /TheCrossErie Wednesday, December 20th 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. Thursday, December 21st 4:00p.m. —7:00 p.m. Friday, December 22nd FREE WELLNESS CENTER Holiday Market for active clients 11:00 a.m.—1:00 p.m. 4:00p.m. —7:00 p.m. Our Wellness CenterSJJIVWEHZERGIH½XRIWW IUYMTQIRXXSLIPTXEVKIXFEPERGIGSSVHMREXMSR ZIWXMFYPEVQEREKIQIRXERHQSFMPMX]XSVIWXSVI]SYV Renaissance Centre, 1001 State Street, Erie, 9th floor independence. Call for a tour today (814) 464-0627

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20Erie | Erieeer Reader 16 Ae | ErieReader.com 1.i 1 1211 111 A December 20, 2017 CALENDAR thing, may it be about who has the featured and headlines many of our Saturday, Dec. 30 better seat or whose glass is less full. shows along the East Coast, and host- — Matt Swanseger ing the show is Zachary Hammond, Galactic Duo to Prove (Again) who tours all up and down the east They’re Out of This World 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. (drink special runs coast and has released three separate from 10 to midnight) // 8 E. 10th St. // comedy albums ... many comedians facebook.com/jeykllhydesgastropub struggle to have one or two in their entire careers.” Friday, Dec. 29th “I’m just a spoke on a wheel,” he con- Must See Shows: NYC tinues. “They are the talent.” Saturday, December 30. Comedy Night at the Saponaro himself is eager to talk Everyone Leaves, from Columbus, about the event, calling his pairing Sheraton Erie Bayfront Hotel Ohio, will be headlining the show. with Soresi “awesome” and mention- The band is making big strides in ing that he hopes it will be the first of the scene with their compelling sev- many great shows together. en-track album The Lonely End, which ’ve said it before (more than once), “It’ll just be a great show with great is brimming with emo-rock anthems and I’ll say it again — and again: energy,” says Saponaro. “Both [Soresi I like “Head In A Vice” and “Better Love.” Tony Grey and Ian Maciak are (to me) and I] like to leave it all out on stage Songs such as “Seeing Red” and “Black most definitely two of the artists who for the people in the crowd because Umbrellas” from the 2015 EP The make Erie’s music scene plenty worth ultimately, our job is to make them Great and Terrible make them one of writing about, and any chance (for feel good. This will be my first time the best bands in the region, not to you) to see them should not be missed. performing in Erie, so I appreciate the mention the growing emo/indie rock And the chance to catch the Galactic tremendous response from everyone scene as a whole. You won’t want to Duo crafting their sonic brew on the who bought tickets already. I’m really leave before they’re done with their day before New Year’s Eve? And at the looking forward to it.” set. King’s Rook Club? For regulars at Junior’s Last Laugh Opening bands include Franklin’s Well, happy holidays, everybody. and frequenters of Erie’s spoken word The Plot Twist, New Castle’s Flip- Grey is one of the jazz world’s — and comedy scene, NYC Comedy Switch, and The Standby, from right like, the whole jazz world’s — most Night at the Sheraton Erie Bayfront here in Erie. The Plot Twist’s two-al- outstanding and in-demand bassists, Hotel is a must-see show for which uch like hip-hop, comedy is large- bum discography is a perfect fit for and Maciak is one amazingly versatile tickets are still available. For more ly a regional scene; different lo- fans of high-energy, catchy pop-punk percussionist, regularly collaborating M information or to purchase tickets, cations produce different styles and tunes similar to The Wonder Years locally (along with Grey) with musi- simply visit the Facebook page for the voices, as well as a healthy amount of and State Champs. FlipSwitch plays cians like Zack Orr of SpaceLounge event. — Aaron Mook friendly competition. At the end of the a style reminiscent of early 2000s Productions, Adam Holquist, and pop-punk on their EP Grilled Demon month, the Sheraton Erie Bayfront 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. // 55 West Bay Drive // Stephen Trohoske, forming the trio Cheese, with the ballad-esque song Hotel will be bringing a taste of New $23 known as Human Flux. York’s infamous comedy scene to our “Limbic” standing out from the rest. Another thing I’ve said before (and city. Comedian John Saponaro, noted Saturday, Dec. 30 The Standby turns up the reverb and will say again) is that the fact these for his conversational, Carlin-esque channels Brand New with their stellar guys are just two of the mega-talent- delivery, will be headlining alongside Get into BT Before PassifloraEP. ed musicians who call Erie their home Gianmarco Soresi and host Zachary Everyone Leaves So come out to Basement Transmis- base is really good reason — great rea- sions, see some amazing bands, and son — for us all listen to up. Hammond. eel Heat Productions, which con- get into one last great show before the Enjoy the present(s), Erie. “John Saponaro is our headliner tinues to bring the best of the H new year. — Tommy Shannon — Ryan Smith and performs all over the country,” best in underground music to Erie, is explains Ron Herron of Herron Enter- hosting another emo and pop punk 6:30 p.m. // 145 W. 11th St. // $10 Advance, tainment. “Gianmarco Soresi will be 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1921 Peach St. // show at Basement Transmissions on $12 Doors facebook.com/kingsrookclub

TOMMY IN TOON — BY TOMMY LINK

December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 CALENDAR Party in the ERI Kick off 2018 with a host of activities

Eve party at Bistro 210 with tunes by DJ Henry (the festivities run from 9:30 until 1:30) and be sure to step outside for fire- works at 11 p.m.

5 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. // 1405 Olde Road, Clymer, NY // (716) 355-4141 // $39, adults; $22, children // pknpk.com

HEAD TO THE BAR Raise a glass at Scooters There’s nothing better than heading to a local bar for your favorite tipple, chatting with bartenders that know your name, and seeing plenty of familiar faces. And if you’re new to Scooters, what better time to visit than on New Year’s Eve? The venue

BRAD will be serving up snacks, drink specials and a pork and sauerkraut dinner at mid- Annie at the Erie Playhouse night. Enjoy a champagne toast and party By: Miriam Lamey When it comes down to it, isn’t this holi- favors too. nother year over and in the blink of day all about tomorrow? Bet your bottom an eye, it seems...hang on, wasn’t dollar, it is. To to those looking ahead to 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 2802 Old French Athe Reader just compiling New 2018, the Erie Playhouse has a special pre- Rd // (814) 452-4141 // Free // Year’s Eve events to ring in 2017? May- sentation of the musical Annie. The family facebook.com/ScootersErie be we’re getting older, wiser and more friendly event will have refreshments, bal- in touch with our roots, but we’re pret- loon animals, face painting, and a photo Bourbon Barrel New Year’s Bash ty psyched about the events on offer to booth, complete with special gifts for the- If you like your cocktails strong and your those who want to start 2018 the right ater-goers 12 and under. mechanical bull rides stronger, Bourbon way. Whether you choose to enjoy cock- Barrel could be your rodeo this New Year’s tails in the comfort of your home, a classy Reception at 6:30pm, Show at 7:30 Eve. The bartenders will be slinging their sit-down meal at Presque Isle Downs, or p.m. // 13 West 10th St. // $32.50 // specialties and hopefully you’ll be swing- the last Otters game of the year, make the (814) 454-2852 // erieplayhouse.org ing some prizes — or at least last long concluding night of 2017 a good one. enough to be swigging some champagne, A DELICIOUS DINNER compliments of the establishment. We PREGAME Brew Brothers Three-Course don’t recommend hopping on the bull Erie Otters vs. Kingston Frontenacs Dinner and Party with a full stomach, however. Before you head to the bar, why not en- There’s nothing more fun than getting gage in something a bit more interactive? dressed up, being served a delicious meal, 5 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1213 State St // Catch the Erie Otters as they take on the and then taking advantage of the oppor- (814) 452-3000 // Free // facebook. Kingston Frontenacs — and you’ll certain- tunity to dance the night away. If you’re of com/BourbonBarrelErie ly get bonus points if you wear your New this ilk, head to Presque Isle Downs first Year’s Eve finery to the game. for dinner — at 4:30 or at 7:30 — before BYO enjoying music from The Man’s Room 6:30 p.m. // 809 French Street // (814) Band to get you through to midnight. Still Groove into the New Year 452-4857 // $20 // ottershockey.com partying? Pool together the last of your Dahhhling, don’t forget your pearls and resources for the stretch run in the down- that bottle of bubbly before you head over ArtErie Gallery night at BrewHaHa stairs Mutuels room, where you can bet to the Wingate to funk with The Groove Prefer your pre-party activities with a DJ Butch Knight will be spinning tunes at their New Year’s Elegant Eve party. touch of class? Check out some local art, until 2 a.m. And yes, we’re serious: bring your liba- gather together with members of the lo- tions with you — this is a BYO event. And cal community, and get some caffeine to 4:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 8199 Perry yes, on another formal note: Get dressed fuel those bad late night decisions you will Hwy // 866-374-3386 // $80 to up because there will be a professional probably make. If you’re ready to start with $95 // presqueisledowns.com photographer capturing the soirée, so be libations, enjoy the specialty cocktails on ready to strike a pose in the photo booth, offer — plus some snacks to soak up the New Year’s Eve at Peak ‘n Peek which will be on site. booze. Hit the slopes to close out 2017 at Peak ‘n Peek, and then enjoy a hearty New Year’s 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 8281 Oliver 7 to 10 p.m. // 2612 W 8th St // Eve buffet to warm you up inside and out. Rd // ((814) 490-7093 // $50 // Free // brewhahacolony.com When sated, swing over to the New Year’s facebook.com/TheGrooveErie

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 3 Say SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31 “Merry Christmas” Vs. KINGSTON FRONTENACS Vs. MISSISSAUGA STEELHEADS 50% OFF with one of our holiday 1/2 lb COFFEE cookie baskets. With purchase of any 1 lb whole bean coee. Now oering over 50 dierent varieties! Game time: 6:30 PM Game time: 7:00 PM Premium Coee 1220 West 38th Street. Call 814.315.7182 or visit GAMES HELD AT www.premiumcoeeerie.com Valid till 1/3/2018

809 French St. Erie, PA 16501 402 State Street, Erie, PA 16501 814-456-8755 www.yeolesweets.com WWW.OTTERSHOCKEY.COM • (814) 455-7779

Celebrate New Year’s Eve with a Special Family-Friendly Event!

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December 31 • 6:30 Reception • 7:30 Show Delicious Refreshments, Fun Activities AND More! erieplayhouse.org • 814.454.2852

December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX

“Scott Bradlee’s group is known for retro-fying modern hit songs into viral success.” – Entertainment Weekly

Founded by arranger/pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011, Postmodern Jukebox is a rotating music collective that reimagines contemporary pop, rock and R&B hits in the style of various vintage genres, from swing to doo-wop, ragtime to Motown. Tuesday, Jan. 23 • 7:30 p.m. Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

Tickets at miac.mercyhurst.edu or 824-3000 SCOTT BRADLEE’S CALENDAR LET THEM ENTERTAIN YOU 6 p.m. or 9 p.m. // 1402 State St // (814) offer, or just enjoy peering mysteriously special room packages to wake up in 461-0911 // $20 (early show) or $37.50 through the smoke and imagine you’re someone else’s bed — literally. POSTMODERN JUKEBOX Brew Year’s Eve 2018 (late show) // jrslastlaugh.com traveling back in time. Beer. Check. Great space. Check. De- 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 7794 Peach St// lightful music. Check. All systems are go Chestnut Grove, Looms & The Wildeyes 6 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 301 German (877) 866-3445 // $59 // facebook. for Brewerie’s annual party. Head down Like your music loud and energetic? St // (814) 459-3800// Free // com/ambassadorcenter “Scott Bradlee’s group is known for retro-fying modern hit songs into viral success.” to enjoy an open bar, hors d’oeuvres and Head over to the King’s Rook Club for a facebook.com/Scottys.Martini great sounds from the Ruby Port Band, blast of sound and some great jams from Toast 2018 at McCoy’s – Entertainment Weekly A GOOD, OLD FASHIONED PARTY who provide the evening’s soundtrack for Chestnut Grove and Looms. Then, con- Barrelhouse & Grill the third consecutive year. Grab tickets tinue the party upstairs with local favor- Avalon Hotel New Year’s Eve Gala Downtown Erie is the place to be on quickly because they tend to sell out. ites The Wildeyes. Music lovers should Put on your dancing shoes and sweep Dec 31 (and every other night of the year) know that this is the place to be on into the Avalon Hotel to party the night and local favorite McCoy’s is opening 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. // 123 W 14th St // ((814) New Year’s Eve. And when the late-night away. The event features an open bar, its doors to celebrate. Get there early 454-2200 // $50 // brewerie.com munchies hit, KRC Bistro will be serving tunes from Dynamic Sounds and a bal- to grab a good spot as the drinks will be up delectable fare until 2:30 a.m. loon drop at midnight. Snack on hors flowing and the horns will be blowing. Have a laugh with Greg Hahn d’oeuvres and scream “Happy New Year!” The venue is offering up the services of Giggle your way into the New Year at 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1921 Peach with a champagne toast at midnight. its best bartenders and providing free Jr’s Last Laugh with comedian Greg St // (814) 456-6439 // facebook. noisemakers, party favors and a cham- Hahn, who has appeared on Late Night com/kingsrookclub 8 p.m. // 16 West 10th Street // (814) pagne toast when the clock strikes 12. with Conan O’Brien, Comedy Central, 459 2220 // facebook.com/AvalonErie Watch the ball drop in Times Square from CBS and ABC, to name but a few. Great Piano tunes shaken and stirred a warmer place with a drink in hand and with the one-liners and possessing an There may be nothing classier than New Year’s Eve Bash at the Ambassador friends all around. insane amount of energy, Hahn will have sitting at the bar with a martini and lis- Make sure you have a drink in your you rolling out of your seat with laugh- tening to soft piano music in the back- hand and dance along to tunes spun by 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1013 State St // er. And the evening doesn’t stop there: ground. If this sounds like your jam, pop DJ Matt Barnes at the Ambassador’s cel- (814) 871-2940 // Free // facebook. Enjoy music from Superband after the 9 over to Scotty’s Martini Bar where Branis- ebration. Attendees can also enjoy hors com/mccoysbarrelhouse p.m. show as they take you through the laus will be hitting the old ivories to carry d’oeuvres, a champagne toast and jump night. you into 2018. If you really want to get in into the photo booth before the party Miriam Lamey can be reached the mood, enjoy one of the fine cigars on ends. Want to stay the night? Ask about at [email protected]

Founded by arranger/pianist Scott Bradlee in 2011, Postmodern Jukebox is a rotating music collective that reimagines contemporary pop, rock and R&B hits in the style of various vintage genres, from swing to doo-wop, ragtime to Motown. Tuesday, Jan. 23 • 7:30 p.m. Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Center

Tickets at miac.mercyhurst.edu or 824-3000 December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Best Movies of 2017 A foray into film’s finest

By: Forest Taylor 5. The Lure and the people within it as a metaphor 1. The Lost City of Z for the stories of the Bible worked ex- tremely well and the depiction of every human evil and atrocity in the context of a domestic squabble was both chill- ing and really funny. Sure, the message LES FILMS DU LOSANGE LES was obvious and the symbolism was hoping to find a sign that her recently heavy-handed, but I don’t care when deceased brother’s spirit still exists in a film fills me with this much sadistic some form. In a way, it is the most mod- glee from beginning to end. I hadn’t had JANUS FILMS JANUS

AMAZON STUDIOS AMAZON ern ghost story ever told. In this age of this much fun at the movies in years. technology at our fingertips, the people 4. Three Billboards Outside n adventure story that also seeks we’ve lost never truly seem to be lost. nd now for something completely Ebbing, Missouri Ato criticize the very notion of ad- When a dead person’s voice, image and Adifferent. Agnieszka Smoczyns- venture, James Gray’s masterful film words are preserved for all time, isn’t ka’s film about two homicidal mermaid follows an explorer’s obsession with that the same as their spirit living on? sisters who get hired as nightclub finding a fabled advanced civiliza- That’s just one question asked in this performers in Poland during the last tion somewhere in the Amazon. As a cryptic, hypnotic film with one of the days of the Soviet Union is one of the man who’s both critical of colonialism most emotional gut-punches of a final strangest films you’re likely to see this and a product of it, his search for this shot I’ve seen in a long time, so check it year. A horror/musical/romance/fairy- city has the noblest of intentions, but out for yourself. tale that also works surprisingly well as FOX SEARCHLIGHT PICTURES SEARCHLIGHT FOX his obsessions may ultimately be his an allegory for the allure of capitalism 3. mother! downfall. The film is absolutely beauti- he most achingly human film of the in the waning days of a communist re- ful, with every shot looking like it could Tyear, Martin McDonagh’s film bril- gime. The mermaids become both vic- be hung up in a museum and the sto- liantly depicts how one horrific crime tims and victimizers of the people they ry of exploration, exploitation, war and and the emotional devastation left in its encounter resulting in an interesting family kept me riveted from first frame wake can destroy an entire town. Both little twist on the old “Little Mermaid” to last. If you like old school adventures funny and heartbreaking — often at the story. Plus, the musical numbers are with a modern sensibility, this is the same time — the film is not only an an- absolutely rockin’! film for you. gry, foul-mouthed rant against the evil Honorable Mentions: of this world, but also a commentary on 2. Personal Shopper PICTURES PARAMOUNT our limited ability to do anything about A Ghost Story livier Assayas proves once again horror film? An absurdist farce? A it. Frances McDormand, Woody Harrel- Your Name Othat he’s one of the most interest- Abiblical allegory? An environmen- son and Sam Rockwell all give incredi- Get Out ing filmmakers working today and Kris- tal warning? It’s all these things and ble performances that I hope the Acad- Lovesong ten Stewart reassures us that those more, but the one thing I found Darren emy is really paying attention to. The Lady Bird Twilight films were just a fluke. This Aronofsky’s intentionally controver- film itself will leave you feeling weary, is the story of a medium working as a sial and confrontational film to be is battered, emotionally drained and once Forest Taylor can be contacted celebrity’s personal shopper who is damn entertaining! Depicting a house again, human ... all too human. at [email protected]

Best Locally Made Albums of 2017

By Nick Warren each track, an intensely personal love letter the audi- tion and gorgeous, dream-pop soundscapes. ence is fortunate enough to be privy to. The Sex Blossoms - Pomegranate Treehouses Deadhorse - Crescendo A shockingly intimate creation, Optimistic Apocalypse - The Art of Love A passionate, intense offering, Andrew Henderson and Made- This year’s solo effort from Crescendo sees the return of line Genest have built some- McKenzie Lee Sprague is rife the long-running neo-classical thing beautiful with their first with creative exploration, some- band Deadhorse. Giving a voice full-length album. The record thing that will come as no sur- to their instrumental tracks, the plays for a sprawling 66 minutes, prise if you’ve been following the band eloquently asserts that spread out over eight tracks 20-year-old’s already lengthy ca- these tracks are an outcry to (though the final track, aptly named “Infinite Melo- reer path. The 22 track album is what’s going on in the world. While that context might dy” accounts for over a third of the record’s running filled with mirror-like reflections, with every “proper” not be intrinsically apparent, it adds an emotive back- time). The vocal interplay between the two is captivat- song being introduced by a backwards-titled interlude drop to each of the 28 minute album’s eight tracks. ing, full of complicated syncopation and interweaving for palindromic balance. With lush melodies craft- Mostly consisting of minimalist piano, the alliterative harmonics. Using only first or second takes for every ed from captivating lyrics, Sprague’s voice bounces names of each song evoke an urgency, and a plea for song, there’s a romantic immediacy bursting from around space, echoing through eclectic instrumenta- change.

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28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT The Best Albums of 2017 Highlighting a magnificent year in music

By: Aaron Mook with Nick Warren that these stakes didn’t mean a damn thing. Using world BROCKHAMPTON and Matt Swanseger a more traditional hip-hop approach, Lamar builds inhabits; they make the or normal people, the end of the year signifies a on his media persona, and is able to fit detailed sto- music they want to make Fstring of holidays and a sense of change in the ries between every beat. — Nick Warren and will continue to do so upcoming year. For music writers, the end of the until they simply lose in- 4. St. Vincent — MASSEDUCTION year signifies “listmas season,” in which everyone’s’ terest one day. The group’s hot takes demand to be heard. Here, we have gath- The aesthetics of Annie dedication to diverse ered out contributors’ favorite releases of the year, Clark’s albums as St. Vin- voices and musical styles weighted against a point-based system, and in- cent may act as a first im- make them not only a vital force in hip-hop, but in cluded a short description in hopes to catch you up pression, but they quickly popular music as a whole. — Aaron Mook on (and help you survive the holiday season with) become complementary 8. Phoebe Bridgers — Stranger in the Alps some of the year’s finest. to whatever sonic palette she pursues. Never one to This year saw Phoebe 1. Tyler, the Creator — Flower Boy half-bake a vision, MASSE- Bridgers often compared In a year when hip-hop DUCTION is yet another ambitious entry in Clark’s to Julien Baker, perhaps stepped its game up, catalog, employing big-name pop producers to add due to the heavy nature Flower Boy represents an a distinctive sheen to her already alien songwriting. of their songwriting (or, unexpected leap for Tyler, And like most of the artists on this list, she can’t more nefariously, simply the Creator. The creative help but dig into the fear that some of 2017’s worst because they are female heartbeat of the alterna- habits might be more than just that. — Aaron Mook singer-songwriters in a tive rap group Odd Future male-dominated industry). Regardless, Stranger in 5. Alvvays — Antisocialites strikes a vein here with an the Alps stands on its own legs, lending Bridgers a album that showcases not only his skills as an MC, Three years following the platform to experiment with subtle folk and fuzzy but also his surprising ability as a singer and ar- success of their self-ti- power-pop as she details her fears of intimacy and ranger. While hard-hitting in spots (“Who Dat Boy” tled debut (and break- death with an equally unique (and at times, genu- feat. A$AP Rocky), the majority of the album con- out single), Alvvays have inely charming) voice. — Aaron Mook sists of dreamy alt-R&B peregrinations buttressed returned with another, 9. Thundercat — Drunk by some of the best voices in the biz (Frank Ocean, arguably stronger, set of Estelle, etc.) Engrossing from start to finish. — reverb-drenched, beach- Genius rarely comes Matt Swanseger ready dream-pop tracks. without quirks, and elec- What sets Molly Rankin and co. apart from their tric bass virtuoso Thun- 2. Beach Fossils — Somersault peers is the way they deliver on each aspect of that dercat (a.k.a. Stephen For their third and argu- genre, executing dynamite hooks with lush guitar Bruner) — from his odd ably best album, the tones, equal parts DIIV and Death Cab for Cutie. — sense of style (socks and Brooklyn trio Beach Fossils Aaron Mook sandals with swim trunks have made something in- on stage) to the dorky pop 6. Sampha — Process delibly gorgeous. As soon culture references that litter his lyrics – is no ex- as Somersault opens up With an unmistakable ception. Despite this, an undeniable sense of cool with the jangly perfection voice and an unclassifi- pervades the 23 tracks (some better characterized of “This Year,” the stage is able amalgam of styles, as vignettes) that comprise Drunk — somehow as set for a warm, infectious journey. The lighthearted Sampha is to the 2010s simultaneously mellow and restless as that title beach-pop makes for an album that’s hard not to as Seal was to the 1990s, would suggest. One of the better left-field R&B- al enjoy. With understated potency, the album makes evolving from obscure col- bums you’ll ever stumble into. — Matt Swanseger for some of the most accessible indie rock all year, laborator to a heralded art- 10. Slowdive — Slowdive while also venturing into hip-hop (“Rise”) and jazz ist in his own right. After (“Saint Ivy”) excursions to welcoming results. — numerous accolades (including this year’s Mercury After 22 years of silence, Nick Warren Prize), it is safe to say that critics trust Sampha’s Slowdive have returned Process. Whether he’s accompanying himself with like a quiet storm. The En- 3. Kendrick Lamar — DAMN. a mere piano or he’s singing above a choppy sea of glish shoegaze band have Again proving himself studio trickery, Sampha’s vocals bring an affecting made an album that argu- to be one of the greatest rawness and urgency to an album that truly tran- ably plays better in the hip-hop artists of his gen- scends. — Matt Swanseger late 2010s than it would eration, Kendrick Lamar’s have in the 1990s. A style 7. BROCKHAMPTON — Saturation III DAMN. shows another side now heavily in vogue, the of the celebrated musician. With a hustle matched only by King Gizzard & group returns to the “Scene That Celebrates It- After his 2015 landmark al- the Lizard Wizard, “all-American boyband” BROCK- self” as respected elders. With haunting delay tim- bum To Pimp a Butterfly, HAMPTON released three studio albums this year. bres and a rich atmosphere, singer/guitarists Neil the stakes were supremely high for Lamar. Fol- In an unprecedented move, they billed Satura- Halstead and Rachel Goswell are at the top of their lowing the success of DAMN. (not to mention last tion III as their “last studio album” before quickly game, creating a gorgeously evocative tone. — year’s Untitled Unmastered collection), it’s obvious announcing their next album for 2018. This is the Nick Warren

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30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com December 20, 2017 CROSSWORD

Across 51. James Baldwin’s “If 27. Reply to a captain 1. Comments accompany- ____ Street Could Talk” 29. Question asked with ing shrugs 52. Puttin’ a suit on a guy an open mouth 4. Photocopier malfunc- before he walks down the 30. “Yikes!” tions aisle? 31. 1982 Stevie Wonder hit 8. “____ first!” 56. “King” serpents 32. Serengeti roamer 14. Parliamentary vote 59. Notion 33. “Gossip Girl” or “Pretty 15. Hollywood’s Ken or 60. Prank-pulling sort Little Liars” Lena 61. Self-assurance 35. ____ news 16. Lack of oomph 62. It’s what’s to be ex- 36. The Engineers of the 17. Clear the dishes? pected NCAA 18. Granny 63. Rode the bench 37. Like certain engineers: 19. 1960s sitcom set in the 64. Take-home amount Abbr. 1860s 65. Ye ____ Shoppe 38. Test in advance of an 20. Subjectin’ silo contents 66. Virginia Woolf’s “____ advanced deg. to subzero temperatures? Dalloway” 39. “The Walking Dead” 23. “I’m at your disposal” network 24. Tulsa sch. named for Down 40. Guy’s partner an evangelist 1. Quite a sight 43. Elapses 25. Org. that promotes 2. Harold’s car in “Harold 44. Start of many Califor- Energy Star Day and Maude” nia place names 28. Microscope part 3. Glossy fabric 45. Rev.’s address 29. Greetin’ heard when 4. “Being John Malkovich” 46. Eastern belief two Aussies tie the knot? director Spike 47. Roberto in the Baseball 33. One of TV’s Huxtables 5. Jai ____ Hall of Fame 34. How fish is shipped, 6. Sen. Al Franken’s state: 48. Really appeals to often Abbr. 51. Not one’s best effort, in 35. Expletive yelled after 7. Slight problem coachspeak becomin’ fed up with a 8. A giraffe might be seen 52. Plunge foot ailment? on one 53. ____-Soviet relations 39. Open-mouthed 9. Strike-breakers, e.g. 54. Bedroom poster 41. “Nuts!” 10. Plant with spores subject 42. Manufacturin’ a piece 11. Angsty music genre 55. Homework lover, of sports equipment for a 12. Padre’s hermano maybe baseball fielder? 13. Piehole 56. Bottle alternative 45. “Right away!” 21. Ambulance letters 57. “To his good friends 49. The Cavs, on sports 22. Fishing shop purchase thus wide I’ll ____ my tickers 25. Tweak, as text arms”: “Hamlet” 50. “Whoop-de-____!” 26. Campaign-funding grp. 58. Crunchy sandwich

December 20, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31