Feb. 5 - 18 / Vol. 4, No. 3 / ErieReader.com

John C. Lyons: the Future of Film in Erie A Tale of Two Hotels LSD = PED? A Dockumentary Gov. Corbett Blue Pike Independent Music Awards Tabla for Two Louie Anderson The Erie Philharmonic Dramashop Marco Benevento at the crooked i Music, Tech, ER Sports, and Two-Weeks Worth of Erie Events You found the Peanut Butter to your Jelly!

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2 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 CONTENT February 5, 2014

Editors-in-Chief: Brian Graham & Adam Welsh Managing Editor: NEWS AND NOTES CULTURE Ben Speggen 4 STREET CORNER SOAPBOX 7 TABLA FOR TWO Contributing Editor: An evening of exotic rhythms Rebecca Styn Corbett Could Still Win Editor -at-Large: 5 A TALE OF TWO HOTELS 8 JOHN C. LYONS Cory Vaillancourt From filmmaker to curator to Copy Editor: Bayfront Development Plans Take Shape industry visionary, John C. Lyons is Alex Bieler 11 putting Erie on the film map. Contributors: LSD = PED? Sundance-screened Dockumentary with local Alex Bieler 12 If We Were You... Pen Ealain connections explores another side of drugs in baseball Here’s what we would do James R. LeCorchick Leslie McAllister 19 OUTSIDE VOICES 16 MUSIC REVIEWS Rich McCarty What is your favorite local venue for live music? Ryan Smith Damien Jurado, Against Me!, Hospitality, Broken Bells Jay Stevens 19 Rebecca Styn TECH WATCH Bryan Toy Mobile keyless hotel check-ins are the new trend 17 MARCO BENEVENTO Cory Vaillancourt Experimental pianist mixes tight jazz with 22 Designers: ER SPORTS open-space jams and melt-your-face rock Mark Kosobucki Cradle of Coaches & more Burim Loshaj Cover Design: Leah Yungwirth Cover Photo: Brad Triana From the Editors Photographers: Ryan Smith Brad Triana t’d be easy to start drawing battle lines, it’d chance at those funds soon. help bring the filmmaking industry to Erie. Need be easy to start picking sides, and it’d be easy And those funds help everyone — not just some a location that features all four season? We have Design Intern: to paint this story as “The Battle for Erie’s — as the land designated stretches roughly from that. Need a massive body of water? We have Leah Yungwirth I Bayfront.” Sunburst Electronics to the pumping station, that, too. Need the backdrop of industrial boom Writing Interns: But what if it isn’t a fight? What if this doesn’t which includes not only the Scott project but the and bust? Yep, we’ve got that, too. Jessica Courter have to be a this or that moment? And what if former GAF site. In just three short years, the Film Society of Ellie Hartleb this could really be Erie’s renaissance moment Rebecca Styn explores this story more fully in Northwestern Pennsylvania has transformed Adam Unger when we see the landscape of Erie take shape for “The Tale of Two Hotels,” which you’ll find in from a stale nonprofit sitting on a shelf collect- decades to come? this issue. It is a complicated story, and Rebecca ing dust to an organization that’s fostered both 32 W. Eighth St. #302 By now, you’ve heard the developing story: does a commendable job distilling the story to film appreciation and film development in our Erie PA, 16501 The Erie County Convention Center Authority date. region. Ben Speggen sat down with John C. Ly- [email protected] wants to secure a bond from the county to erect Why does she tell it? Because decisions will be ons to discuss this and what it means for Erie. The Erie Reader is Erie’s only free, independent a publically-funded hotel adjacent to the Bay- made soon that will affect Erie for generations Undeniably, things are happening here. People source for news, culture, and entertainment. The front Convention Center. And by now, you’ve to come. And perhaps this doesn’t have to be a are working to make Erie a film capital of Penn- Erie Reader is a forum for ideas and discussion, seen Scott Enterprises’ plan for a development this or that tale of two hotels. Perhaps it can be a sylvania, and people are working to develop the and seeks to drive two-way communication with east of State Street known as Harbor Place. story of two different visions for Erie being seen last bits of land dotting our Bayfront. What’s its readers. At the Erie Reader, we endeavor to highlight the best of Erie by providing in-depth, What this has quickly become is a private ver- to fruition at the same time through coopera- needed now more than ever is the energy of the magazine-style journalism that cuts to the heart of sus public-funding debate. But it’s more com- tion and collaboration. Because if ever Erie de- entire community to ensure that the founda- the issues that matter to Erie. The Erie Reader is plicated than that, an evolving issue with many served more than a puncher’s chance at putting tion that’s being laid now leads to a structurally published every other week at The Corry Journal, moving parts. the “gem” clearly and boldly in “Gem City,” it’s strong and stable city for decades to come. 28 W. South St., Corry, Pa. 16407. The Erie Reader is distributed at over 250 high foot-traffic locations For one, there’s the grant Erie’s secured from now, the very moment that change and growth That’s why we’re asking you to remember two in Pennsylvania from North East to Girard to the state — a whopping $25 million over five seem to be more than whispers in the air — they dates: Tuesday, Feb. 11 and Wednesday, Feb. 12. Edinboro. The Erie Reader is also available by years that would go to the development of the seem palpable. The first is the second reading of the ECCCA’s mail subscription; one year (26 issues) for $49.99. ECCCA’s hotel, which in turn would propel for- The energy for change, for growth, for devel- ordinance proposal to County Council; that Send check or money order payable to Flagship ward the development of the former GAF site. opment is abuzz in Erie. Take John C. Lyons as meeting is free and open to the public. The sec- Multimedia, Inc., to the address below. In addition to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new Can those funds be re-appropriated for another an example. Lyons, a local filmmaker who we ond is the kickoff for the next season of the Film content daily at ErieReader.com as well social use? That remains unclear. featured last year in our 40 Under 40 issue, is the Society’s series FILM at the Erie Art Museum. It media sites. All rights reserved. All content © And how many hotels are too many? The Scotts visionary behind the Film Society of Northwest- costs only $5 and proceeds go to ensure that Erie Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 32 W. Eighth St., Suite are arguing that a publically-funded hotel would ern Pennsylvania, where he currently serves as continues to get cooler each time an indepen- 302, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of this publication may be reproduced without permission. The opinions of threaten the likelihood of the success of their de- Executive Director. dent film is screened in our city. our columnists and contributors are their own velopment — which includes a hotel, and which Not only is Lyons curating various film series, As proponents of both sound discussion that and do not always reflect that of the editorial is still slated to move forward despite Erie miss- he’s bringing filmmakers to Erie. And not only leads to smart development and the cultivation board or organization. Direct inquiries to ing out on CRIZ funds. But as Jay Stevens wrote is he bringing filmmakers to Erie, he’s starting of the arts scene in The Gem City, we’ll see you 814.314.9364 or [email protected]. in our last issue, Erie’s may be getting a second initiatives like The Greater Erie Film Office to there. February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 3 Street Corner Soapbox News Why Corbett Could Still Win of the Weird

By: Jay Stevens What's that? You can't even name any of the percent of Pennsylvania Republicans still view By: Chuck Shepherd he results of the Jan. 30 Franklin & Mar- Democrats? (Okay, the political junkies out Governor Corbett favorably in that Franklin & shall College poll are out, and Pennsyl- there can – you know who you are.) The prob- Marshall poll. It's a reminder that, in this heated vania Gov. Tom Corbett's favorability lem here is that there are too many candidates. partisan political environment, it doesn't matter Going Postal ratings are so low, so down-in-the-toi- Right now, eight candidates have declared their who runs, as long as they have the proper letter merica's returning warriors continue to Tlet bad, it's a lock that the State House will be in candidacy for the job – and the filing date isn't behind their name on the ballot. Corbett's got Aexperience inexplicable difficulty after put- Democratic hands after the next election. until March. that “R,” and Pennsylvania Republicans will du- ting their lives at risk for their country. It took Right? The list includes two former heads of the State tifully line up to pull the lever next to his name 13 years for Army Sgt. Maj. Richard Erickson to Hardly. Department of Environmental Protection (John on Election Day in November, no matter what get his job back from his civilian employer after The numbers are bad, though. In that Franklin Hanger and Katie McGinty), the state treasurer his favorability ratings are. he took leave in 2000 to serve in the National & Marshall poll, 23 percent of Pennsylvanians (Rob McCord), and a former head of the state The Corbett camp's biggest worry is that the Guard special forces. The employer soon fired think Gov. Corbett is doing a “good” or “excel- department of revenue (Tom Wolf). Allyson governor's relative unpopularity even among him for taking "excessive military leave." The lent” job. Apparently that same 23 percent be- Schwartz is a Philadelphia-area U.S. House Rep. Republicans will cause his voters to stay home, employer? The U.S. Postal Service, for which lieve Corbett deserves re-election. The rest of Erickson worked as a window clerk (and which us – parents with school-age children, the LGBT was forced to reinstate him after a January 2014 community, women, small business owners, The rest of us – parents with school-age children, the LGBT ruling awarding him $2 million in back pay). men...okay, in short, everybody not sucking up community, women, small business owners, men...okay, in short, Erickson had won several interim victories, but royalties off of fracking wellpads – the rest of us, USPS fought each one, extending the case, and well, we're not that crazy about Gov. Tom Cor- everybody not sucking up royalties off of fracking wellpads – the said in January that it might even appeal the lat- bett. rest of us, well, we're not that crazy about Gov. Tom Corbett. est ruling. [Los Angeles Times, 1-8-2014] Those numbers put in context also make a November Democratic win seem inevitable. Ed Pawlowski is mayor of Allentown. Max Myers out of indifference. If they work on their ground Recurring Themes Compared to the last two Pennsylvania gover- is a businessman and pastor. Jo Ellen Litz is a game – the door knocking, the get-out-the-vote appy New Year: (1) Once again, celebrants nors who faced re-election – Tom Ridge in 1998 county commissioner. push on Election Day – and rile up the base over Hin France marked Jan. 1 by setting fire to and Ed Rendell in 2006 – Corbett's numbers are Most Pennsylvanians have no idea who these the summer (about abortion? taxes? Obam- 1,067 cars nationwide (down from 1,193 the significantly worse at the same stage of the pro- people are. The latest polling information I acare?), the voters should turn out. And money previous Jan. 1). (2) In the Hillbrow neighbor- cess. A few months before their re-election bids, could find on the candidates is from a Novem- certainly shouldn't be a problem for Corbett, hood of Johannesburg, South Africa, celebrants Rendell's favorability ratings were in the forties ber PPP poll. Those polled then were unsure if who has the oil and gas industry in his corner. apparently decided to abandon a 20-year-old and Ridge's were at or above 50 percent. Cor- they had a favorable or unfavorable opinion of And then, anything could happen between tradition and not hurl furniture from high- bett's got a long way to climb before he even gets the Democratic candidates in the survey. “Not now and November. On Sept. 10, 2001, George rise apartments. (The Hillbrow custom was to those governors' low approval ratings. Sure” was the runaway winner, reaching a high W. Bush was a do-nothing president who spent highlighted on one social-networking website, And the last time I wrote about Corbett's num- of 72 percent for Ed Pawlowski, to a “low” of 56 most of his time clearing brush in Texas. Chris along with the New Year's graveyard gathering bers – wa-a-a-ay back in March – his favorability percent for Allyson Schwartz. So, between now Christie was a relatively unknown East Coast of relatives in Chile and Ireland's banging bread rating in Public Policy Polling (PPP) and Quin- and November, one of those candidates has to governor in the hours before Hurricane Sandy on walls to dispel evil spirits.) [Daily Telegraph nipiac polls were in the thirties. Sure, they're all become a household name for Pennsylvania vot- swept northward in the Atlantic Ocean. Barack (London), 1-1-2014] [Wall Street Journal, 1-2- different polls with different methodologies, but ers. Those “Not Sure” numbers are bigger than Obama was an obscure junior state senator be- 2014] the Franklin & Marshall poll numbers show no Corbett's unfavorable ratings. That's a big hill to fore he stepped up to the podium to speak at the major rebound for Corbett. He had ten months climb. 2004 Democratic National Convention. oly Mutations: Deformed animals born in to pull those numbers up – and he's been touting And that's assuming, of course, something This election is not a slam-dunk for Demo- Hdeveloping countries often attract streams his proposed increases in education spending to strange doesn't happen in the primary, and crats, no matter what the polls say. of pilgrims, seeking to touch a creature con- anyone who'll listen in an effort to do so – but somebody out of nowhere wins the Democratic sidered divinely blessed. In December, a five- nada, zero, zilch. People still view him as an un- nomination. It can happen in primary elections Jay Stevens can be contacted at Jay@ErieReader. legged cow in Raipur, India, had supposedly lovable Grinch Governor. with loads of unknown candidates. A Green com, and you can follow him "caused" the last 30 women who touched it to So I must be mad to question a no-doubt, slam- Party and Socialist candidate won Montana's on Twitter @Snevets_Yaj. To give birth to boys. And a day after that report dunk Democratic victory in November, right? Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in 2008. follow this story or comment, came one from Phuket, Thailand, in which a For starters, can you name me the Democratic It could happen here. scan the QR code or visit http:// newborn gecko with six legs and two heads has frontrunner? And then there's the ugly fact that over 40 erirdr.com/9lpz2 become a magnet for visitors seeking clues to

4 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 winning lottery numbers. [Daily Mail (London), 12-25-2013] [Phuket News, 12-26-2013]

n November the Journal-News of Hamil- Iton, Ohio, examining various police union A Tale of Two Hotels contracts in the state, learned that in several jurisdictions, officers are allowed to work their Bayfront Development Plans Take Shape shifts even when less sober than some drivers whom they ticket for DUI. In Lebanon, Ohio, for instance, cops can work with a .04 blood-alcohol reading. In Butler County, a .04 reading triggers By: Rebecca Styn Ultimately, Scott's Bayfront Development to be affiliated with the Courtyard by Marriott legal protections for officers that are unavail- t was the best of times. agreed to pay the Convention Center Authority brand) is intended to complement the Sheraton able to ordinary drivers. (However, in Lebanon, On Sept. 5, 2013, during the launch of the $1.3 million to settle the case. Bayfront Hotel – all the while enhancing the vi- an officer's right to suck on a breath mint before Tall Ships Festival Erie, when we weren’t Story over. ability of the BCC. The argument for the hotel taking the test was recently removed from the experiencing a polar vortex and at worst 65 More like chapter closed. is that it would help attract larger conventions contract.) [Journal-News, 11-17-2013] Idegree temps and a light breeze, the Erie County Now both groups are back in the spotlight for to Erie – something the Authority argues is Convention Center Authority announced that proposed plans that are causing a heated dis- not currently feasible with just the Sheraton in udges as Romantics: (1) In December, Italy's Erie would be getting $25 million in state funds pute that may ultimately end in the Scotts pull- proximity of the BCC. And the new hotel would Jtop appeals court awarded a new trial to to develop a new hotel just west of the Bayfront ing out of their project. The reasoning the Scotts also offer a lower price point to conventioneers a man, 60, who had been convicted of hav- Convention Center. At the time, this announce- are giving? They have gone on record stating and visitors than the Sheraton. ing sex with an 11-year-old girl. Evidence had ment received mixed reviews, as Erie had been that they believe both hotels would have diffi- In order for this hotel to materialize, in addi- been excluded that the pair were having an down this road before. And while it’s been suc- culty existing in the current market. tion to the $25 million grant that was received, "amorous relationship" with "feelings of love." cessful, it’s not without the potential cost to the While from quick glimpses and flashes of the group needs to secure a bond from the (2) Alabama Judge James Woodroof of Lime- taxpayers. news, some might be quick to paint this as a County to make this happen. Thereby, the group stone County, given two separate chances in Since that significant day, the Authority has good guys versus the bad guys-type of story, recently approached County Council asking for December to sentence Austin Clem, 25, to jail continued to make progress towards breaking a this or that, a one or the other. But can both a $60 million debt guarantee. The total cost of time for raping a girl beginning when she was ground. However, in the meantime, a similar plans exist? And more importantly, can both the project will not exceed this amount, and 13, both times opted for probation. (The no-jail announcement was made to the Erie communi- entities put aside their differences and work the guarantee would likely only apply to about sentences perhaps reflected that Clem's family ty. Yet, this time, a private enterprise is involved. together? The following will hopefully help an- $35 million, as $25 million of it will be financed and hers continued to socialize after the rapes.) swer those very questions that will shape the through the state grant. Also, by obtaining this [Agence France-Presse via Business Insider, 12- landscape of Erie for decades to come. guarantee, the overall costs will be reduced and 31-2013] [Associated Press via New York Times, incur a net savings over the life of the bond issue Erie County Convention Center Authority 12-24-2013] of $19 million. That additional $19 million will go Both projects have he Authority is proposing to build a lim- to the GAF site, which could ultimately enhance he Continuing British Campaign to Abolish potential to move Erie ited service 200-room hotel and parking the possibility of growth on what would be a tax- TRisks: (1) Britain's Royal Mail announced Tgarage adjacent to the Bayfront Conven- able property. in December that it would stop delivery to Jeff tion Center (BCC). This hotel (recommended The Authority also has a proven history of suc- and Sheila White's cottage in Carnforth because forward, both in small the carrier was frightened of cows. (Mrs. White said he was just lazy, in that when the cows were and great ways. But present, the carrier had to open and close a gate to get to their cottage.) (2) A 65-year-old school there are risks invlolved crossing guard resigned in October from a job he said he liked because officials at Manadon Vale Primary School had ordered him to stop That private enterprise is Scott Enterprises, playfully "high-fiving" students. Guards, the Inc., and their project is now known as “Harbor school said, need both arms free to hold signs Place,” a mixed-use plan that also includes a Her happiness and make proper signals. [Daily Mail, 12-5-2013] hotel, which would be situated on the northeast [Plymouth Herald, 10-14-2013] corner of State Street and the Bayfront Parkway. Both projects have potential to move Erie for- ews of the Weird has reported the emerg- ward, both in small and great ways. Each proj- is in the bag. Ning mainstream treatment (for various ect has been down similar roads before – one bowel disorders) of fecal transplants, in which in actuality, one in theory. But there are risks a healthier relative "donates" via enema sup- involved. As it stands, the decision to move for- posedly healthier microbes to a sickly patient to ward with the public hotel rests in the hands of normalize intestinal activity. The process, still the Erie County Council. And ultimately, that strange to many patients despite its apparent decision will have consequences. success, has become so popular that in October What do these projects have to do with each Canadian officials felt the need to warn patients other? More than you’d think. not to perform amateur transplants. Said one To start, the two representing groups have a mother, after successfully having her 10-year- complicated history together. In 2001, Scott En- old daughter treated, "I think one day ... we will terprises had an agreement to build a hotel next have fecal-matter banks like (blood banks and to the convention center (before the BCC was sperm banks)." [CTV, 10-4-2013] built) on Scott Enterprises property. But there the shops at the colony was a dispute about the size of the hotel, and nclear on the Concept: In December, after the Convention Center Authority voted to drop 2602 west 8th street UCarmen Reategui, 34, was arrested for DUI Scott as the developer. Allegations arose from (814) 833-5311 in Readington Township, N.J., and was too im- both sides, Scott filed a lawsuit, the authority paired to drive home, she called Nina Petracca, countersued, and a long legal fight followed. 23, who arrived at the police station impaired According to Chris Scott, vice president of www.lescrago.com herself (and was arrested for DUI), and both Scott Enterprises, “This went on for nearly a de- women called Ryan Hogan, 33, to take them cade. Our land was tied up in the lawsuit so we home, but he also arrived impaired and was settled. We ultimately decided it wasn’t worth it, arrested. [Hunterdon County Democrat, 12-20- and we wanted it free and clear so that we would 2013] not be encumbered to move forward.” February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 5 cess when it comes to bonds, as the Sheraton Hotel has a similar built on the waterfront.” history (created with the help of public dollars) and is operating The results of that additional analysis showed that both hotels Local Artist, National Recognition successfully. are market feasible, that the projections are better than was an- Scalise throws another award on the pile In 2005, County Council agreed to guarantee a $48 million bond ticipated in March 2013 though the projections are not quite as issue on behalf of the Authority for the Sheraton. And according high in occupancy rates as would be anticipated without building to data provided at Jan. 23’s County Council finance meeting by a second hotel. By: Cory Vaillancourt Kirby Pain, a principal with HVS Consulting and Valuations Ser- Attorney and Convention Center Authority Board Member hen I interviewed Todd vices – a firm hired by the Authority to conduct a marketing study Roger Richards added in closing, “There is something we should Scalise almost a year on the proposed hotel – the Sheraton has been successful. remember. We received $25 million allocated to Erie County. W ago for a feature story “As of today, the Sheraton hotel has met all its debt service cov- There wasn’t another place in the state that got another $25 mil- on the artist and his works, one of enants, and it is the largest remitter of hotel sales tax in the com- lion grant except for the city of Philadelphia. If this money has his quotes really stuck with me: munity, because it is the largest revenue generator,” Pain said. to go back, other communities are going to gobble it up, and it’s “Andy Warhol said ‘Business is “The operating results of the last three years have exceeded the going to be difficult to get future grant money in Erie if we can’t art.' That’s a really important com- initial forecast that was done when the project was initially con- take advantage of this opportunity.” ment about American art. The busi- ceived.” ness of it becomes an art form – the Scalise Reports show that in 2013, the profit of the hotel exceeded the Scott Enterprises synchronicities of lining up people, original forecasts by 11 percent, in 2012 by 8 percent, and nomi- n Nov. 27, 2013, officials from Scott Enterprises announced meeting people, running into opportunity – that also fascinates nally exceeded the projected forecast in 2011 as we were coming plans for a $150 million private waterfront development, me, and I learned all those characteristics from making art. In out of a recession. Oknown as “Harbor Place.” It would be located about a half- the business world, I can say, ‘This person has a need. How can I “The RevPAR [revenue per available room, a measurement used mile east of the Convention Center on 12 acres of prime real estate fulfill it?’ That’s a creative act.” in the hotel industry] for the Sheraton is $94.64,” he continued. that was purchased in 1999. Turns out, Scalise's creative acts of business have earned him On average, a competitive hotel, accord- According to Nick Scott, Sr., “Simply yet more recognition. Late last year, he earned the prestigious ing to Smith Travel Research [a firm that put, this is a game-changer for our com- Bruce Morton Wright Artist of the Year Award from ArtsErie, gathers data in the hotel industry], runs a munity.” but late last month, it was announced that he'd won the first ever RevPAR of $65.95. Both groups are back And that it would be. The group an- Arts Entrepreneurship Award from Fractured Atlas. “The hotel has also maintained a reserve nounced that Harbor Place – borrowing "Fractured Atlas empowers artists to succeed as entrepreneurs of 4 percent of revenue monthly, which is in the spotlight for a name from a project that sparked the by supporting the business side of their practice," said Adam held in trust and is then in turn used for proposed plans that are renovation of Baltimore's inner harbor in Huttler, founder and executive director of the New York City- capital improvements,” he added. the late 1970s – would be built in phases based organization. "We help them raise funds, insure their Casey Wells, executive director of the Au- causing a heated dispute and would include corporate offices, ho- work, sell tickets, engage audiences, find space, and more. We thority, in agreement with Pain’s remarks, tels, retail shops, a restaurant, parking ga- are delighted to honor Todd Scalise with a 2014 Arts Entrepre- added, “One of the market penetrations that may ultimately end rages, an outdoor ice-skating rink, condo- neurship Award. Todd is as creative about his business as he is that we are getting pushback from are the in the Scott’s pulling miniums, and apartments. The group has about his art. By approaching every project as a business venture meeting planners, as the hotel sprawl is also made steps towards moving forward and an investment opportunity in community creative capital, posing a real challenge.” out of their project. with the plan. Over the past year, they have he inspires our field to reconsider how public art can stimulate As such, the planners want convention been working with Weber Murphy Fox economic development." rooms connected to the Convention Center Architects on renderings and plans, and Speaking of the award, Scalise said, "It is a great honor to re- so elements outside aren’t something they have to deal with. they’ve already purchased a liquor license from the now-defunct ceive this award while creating community art in my hometown. “We have associations that are saying they are not coming to Under the Clock Restaurant for a new restaurant to be developed Community art stimulates more than just the soul – it also stim- Erie because of the lack of a number of continuous hotel rooms within the plan. ulates economic development. This award is evidence that Erie attached to the BCC.” The hotel will also be put on the tax roles. Upon completion of can also have creative capital comparable to Austin, New York, Pain also pointed out, “There are a number of hotels that the their Harbor Place project the development would pay around and Chicago." study had anticipated being developed and therefore are ad- $4.8 million annually in taxes. dressed.” And Erie knows the successful history of Scott Enterprises. All Learn more about Scalise at ToddScalise.com. Find Fractured Atlas at However, that study didn’t include anything beyond qualitative one needs to do is be anywhere on upper Peach Street or skiing FracturedAtlas.org. data on the chance that another Bayfront hotel would be built. in Western New York to see their successful developmental foot- “There is something called an ‘extraordinary circumstance’ where print in the region. Cory Vaillancourt can be contacted at cVaillan- you ask the consultant to make certain assumptions they don’t However, should the public hotel come to fruition, Harbor Place [email protected]. To follow this story or necessarily think will come to fruition. So, we then asked that an may be in jeopardy. Scott Enterprises is arguing that a publicly- comment, scan the QR code or visit http://erirdr. additional study be done assuming that a second hotel would be backed hotel is unnecessary when a privately-fund- [Cont. on 21] com/tu2qo

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA By: B. Toy

6 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 Abigail Adams lineage, Omari received his gurmani Greenway and Masood – or mastership – in 2002, and is now Omari give a private sharing that conversation and history performance on a cold with Greenway. January Erie night. An appreciator and maker of art her entire life, Greenway says after myself pausing, unable the performance that she feels like to write, locked into the she’s “channeling the music, the beat, moment. language” and that passion for the It is mesmerizing. And instrument has led her to accomplish hypnotic. And it was the in just a few short years what she felt communication of two could take decades. people speaking a lan- “This,” she says, turning her shoul- guage through the art der and craning her next to look at of tabla – and we were the instruments that lay behind her, all present to that great “is beautiful. And I want to share that conversation. with everyone I can.” Most often used in Fortunately for those not in atten- Hindustani classical dance that cold January night – and, music, the tabla isn’t all well, for all of us, too, should we crave that different to its Afro- a second helping of the mystical con- Cuban and Latin-Amer- versations of Tabla for Two – we can ican cousin, the bongos. hear them play Omari’s original com- In fact, the world “tabla” positions at 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 10 at comes from the Arabic Mercyhurst University, as the two are “tabl,” simply meaning the third event of the 25h anniversary “drum.” These drums season of the Visiting Artists Series.

Brad Triana Brad are said to have their “They’re speaking the language of origin in Sufi poetry in music,” says Albert Glinsky, professor the 13th century, which explains why of music at Mercyhurst, who was in the vast array of sounds they can pro- the attendance for that intimate per- Tabla for Two duce are said to reflect bol – or mne- formance. “That language is universal monic syllables created by the tapping – something we can all appreciate and of fingers and pressing of the heel of understand. We’re excited to share Percussion Duo to Perform at Mercyhurst University the hand to bend and sustain pitches. that at Mercyhurst with Erie.” By: Ben Speggen Then, at its most basic, Tabla for Two is a conversation between Masood Tabla for Two will perform at the Walker e kill the engine, grab our gear, brace ourselves for what awaits, and throw open the Omari and Abigail Adams Greenway. Recital Hall. The show is free and open doors to the car. The biting winter wind nips at us until it sinks its teeth deep enough to But at its most complex, the music cre- to the public. A separate master class for make us quicken our pace from where I parked my car fifty or so yards away at the end ated between the musicians reflects a Mercyhurst music students will be held W meeting of East and West through a at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 11 in the Walker of the driveway to the house that neither of us have been in before but are about to enter. beautiful language for which words Hall. The public is welcome to attend and It’s a bitter, black January Thursday few days back. they musicians have set up. If you’re aren’t necessary. observe. For more information, to watch night in Erie and photographer Brad The house is warm and gorgeous, not witnessing them, you’re missing out. “We don’t know of many other videos, and to see Tabla Art Greenway is Triana and I hustle, joining a group open and inviting – filled with art, With our glasses of wine refilled, Western women playing the tabla,” creating, visit TablaForTwo.com. To find huddled together, shuffling toward people, and wine. It’s a who’s who of we make our way into the intimate says Erie native Greenway between out more about the concert and master the house on South Shore Drive that art and culture, from artists to musi- concert space, and settle in, right in songs. “This is an art form I’ve dedi- class, call 824.2394. is our collective destination. The beats cians to collectors to appreciators – all front, sitting on the floor with our legs cated my life to now. I practice this art of the group’s shuffling feet crackle laughing, talking, preparing for the crossed and ears open, because unlike eight hours a day.” Ben Speggen can be contacted at bSpeggen@ against the raspy huff and puffs plum- concert that’s about to take place. others here, we haven't seem them Greenway first met Omari, a native ErieReader.com, and you can follow him ing out from scarf-covered mouths. A Have you seen them before? one man before and we don’t want to miss out. of Ghazny, Afghanistan, a few years on Twitter @ER- marching chorus of percussion, we says to another in between sips of To describe what happened next as back by chance in an Afghan shop BenSpeggen. To fol- make our way to the door, tap off the wine. They’re mesmerizing. a concert falls short of what truly hap- in Georgetown where he was teach- low this story or com- blanket of snow from our coats and Absolutely hypnotic, a woman punctu- pened. And to attempt to capture such ing tabla, an instrument he’s been ment, scan the QR boots and settle in for an evening of ates her description of Tabla for Two an experience in words isn’t easy. As I studying for twenty-two years. Hav- code or visit http:// tabla – something I just heard about a before peeking into the room where scribble away in my steno pad, I find ing toiled in the renowned Punjab erirdr.com/appa2 VALENTINE’S DAY SPECIALS FRI + SAT Specials w/FREE GIFT BYOB ZODIAC VALENTINE’S DINNER dinor 2 FOR 40 $5.99 FRI- 5p-9p Appetizer, Soup or Salad, DAILY Breakfast, Lunch, Entree & Dessert 2010 2011 & 2012 & Delivery Specials Reservations Available $9.99Dinner Specials Wed, Thurs, Fri, 5-9 BYOB 2516 State St. Erie | 814.455.3543 | Daily 7 am - 2 pm | Sunday 8 am - 2 pm | FACEBOOK OR ZODIACDINOR.COM February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 7 Brad Triana Brad From filmmaker to curator to industry visionary, John C. Lyons as much energy and passion for each.” is putting Erie on the film map. John paid attention to details, took the Film Society off the shelf, signed tantly, though, you see he’s from Erie, on as its executive director, blew the and you’ll see that he’s putting Erie on dust off of the nonprofit, and got the John C. Lyons the film map. reels cranking again. With Erika’s But more than just creating art – help as president, along with help producing scripts, assembling casts, from additional board members like The Future of Film in Erie directing actors, editing reel after reel, Jim Wertz, the Society is already ex- and then slinging promotion – John is ceeding its three-year goals. directing Erie’s film future through “We wanted to form a board and By: Ben Speggen his endeavors with the Film Society of develop a vision,” Erika explains. “And Northwestern Pennsylvania. here we are already – a developed, “John has been so passionate about capable board, a film series, major t first glimpse, John C. Lyons is an unassuming guy. He’s quiet, with a slender frame making Erie be a place that loves film fundraising events, and new projects and narrow shoulders – someone you’ve stood behind unknowingly in line waiting for and supports filmmakers,” says Erika on the horizon.” a latte. But get close enough, and you start to notice the distinct features. His hipster Dauber Berlin, president of the Film With a strong board, John could crop of hair, buzzed tight on the sides with a gelled mane combed back on the top, and Society. “He has a long history in the easily do his directing thing to make the trademark vintage thick-framed black Ray Bans of someone you’ve stood behind community of working with people a masterpiece of Erie film culture: inA line waiting to snag a Magic Hat No. 9 and see an up-and-coming indie act in a dive bar. for film – he resurrected a nonprofit Assemble the crew, give directions, We’re sitting close enough at Lavery Brewing Compnay on a cold Wednesday evening that behind to be an active force in the commu- frame the vision, and execute in hopes those glasses I can see his steel-blue eyes light up when he talks about something that matters to nity.” of making Erie an exciting place for him because it matters to his city and it matters enough that he’s laboring for free out of love to Rewind to three years ago. The Film film. see it lived out. Society existed, but it got shelved and The Film Society is currently work- “Film matters – period,” he says, leaning in closer as if telling me a secret he’s surprised is a secret. consequently languished and began ing with various regional film orga- “It’s truly an amazing art form, and we have a great opportunity for it here in Erie.” collecting dust. nizations – Bad-Ass Film Festival, “Somebody’s got to pay attention to Edinboro Film Series, Eerie Horror Maybe that’s why he’s leaning in, changin’, as when once there were with his work? Type his name in the the details,” Erika says over the phone. Film Festival, Langer Film Series, Ly- treating the topic like it's taboo or a three, then two, Erie now has just one popular film website IMDb. You’ll see “John’s extremely detailed-oriented ons Den Productions, MoreFrames secret that only still a few have fig- lonely Cineplex perched on Upper credits for director for 2013’s There Are and motivated. He’s on-task. He’s a Animation, and Spirit Quest Film ured out. It’s no mystery that even Peach Street. No Goodbyes, 2006’s Schism, and 2005’s filmmaker and [serving as the Film Festival – as well as forming a rela- just five years ago, independent films Fast-forward to that cold Wednes- short films BOGO and Hunting Camp. Society’s executive director] is a vol- tionship with Tinseltown through the were hard to find in Erie. And it’s no day night and why I’m meeting film- You’ll also see that he is a small-ish unteer role for him. But he’s proven promotion of its CineArts series and mystery that the times, they are a- maker John C. Lyons. Unfamiliar guy, standing at 5’10”. More impor- himself to be capable of both with just continuing to develop the FILM at the 8 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 Future of Erie's Bayfront

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Calling All Erie Area Beer Lovers! Join the ECHS and the Brewerie for a night of local beer history. The evening will feature a special Brewerie pint of pre-prohibition era formula Koehler Beer, as well as appetizers, and truly exceptional Erie brewing archival images and collections from the ECHS holdings! County Council: Wednesday, March 12 7:00-9:00 p.m. Brewerie at Union Station BayfrontErie.com 814-451-6303 Tickets are $25 per person. Must be 21 years old. Reservations must be made for this event. 454-1813x24 Our students are learning today, leading tomorrow.

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1372 West 6th St., Erie www.eriedayschool.com 814-452-4273 February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 9 Erie Art Museum film series. watching; it allows the viewer to It’s that kind of synergy that leads ruminate, digest, get a real taste to John saying things like Amy Seimetz for what they just experienced.” without much context in between sips And that discussion stems of beer. from engaging selections – “Getting her in Erie… that was a big something John takes very seri- deal for me.” ously. Featured in the FILM at the Erie Art “I’m constantly screening Museum's “Women in Film” season, films,” he says. “At least one a Sun Don’t Shine caught critics atten- day if not more to find out what tion early and fast, and it notched a I want to bring to Erie.” “best director” award in Seimetz’s belt Amongst his heavier hitters, at the SXSW Film Festival. he’s brought Blue is the Warmest So showing her 2012 breakout movie Color, Upstream Color, and Sound at the weekly film series held each City. And with the upcoming Wednesday during a given season at kickoff of FILM’s new season, he’s the Erie Art Museum was a big deal for tightlipped about the full lineup John as the curator. But an even bigger (something that he’ll reveal open- deal? John lined up the indie-movie ing night Feb. 12), but he’s excited darling for a Q&A after the screening for The Broken Circle Breakdown, Erika Dauber Berlin via Skype and welcomed the audience which plays that night. to remain afterwards to ask her ques- “This film came completely out tions about her film and her work. of left field for me. I was blown “I love that people stick around after away by its heartbreaking love A full house is gathered at the Erie the screenings,” John says. “It shows story and how closely the plot's DNA umbrella of the Film Society: The easily be very Erie when it comes to Art Museum eagerly awaiting that people in Erie really do care about intertwines with the music,” John ex- Greater Erie Film Office. backgrounds. the feature presentation. film and the art of film.” plains. “And man, that beautiful Blue- “Pittsburgh’s a great city to film in,” “And so few filmmakers actually But Seimetz isn’t the only film- grass music plus powerful lead perfor- John says. “But so is Erie. We have know about the tax credit,” John con- the city that served as the backdrop maker to either appear in-person or mances – where the actors sing their four seasons, the lake, woods, an ur- tinues, again leaning in, as if divulg- of his films could easily serve as the via the Internet in Erie. Lyons has own tunes – the drama, romance. A ban center with industrial boom and ing a secret. backdrop of theirs, and really, that in- brought the likes of Triple Divide film- film of reason versus religion. Of life, bust – so many things that can be of But it’s open knowledge: Pennsyl- dependent film in Erie shouldn't be a makers Joshua B. Pribanic and Me- parental love, death, America, and the great use to filmmakers.” vania offers a 25 percent tax credit to kept a secret. lissa A. Troutman, Middle of Nowhere’s music unites these two very different The Greater Erie Film Office is the films that spend at least 60 percent star Emayatzy Corinealdi, director people. Whether or not it wins the Os- conduit drawing filmmakers to the of their total budget within the state. For more information regarding the Film of The Mayor Jared Scheib, director car, it's a must see.” Erie region, as the office can help And while so far, John says he seems Society of Northwestern Pennsylvania, as of Chasing Ice Jeff Orlowski, and lead The excitement he has for the kick- facilitate everything from providing to be one of the few in the region tak- well as the kick-off event for FILM at the special-effects developer for Beasts of off is palpable, something you can general knowledge of the landscape ing advantage of that, he’s not looking Erie Art Museum, visit: FilmSocietyN- the Southern Wild Matt Thompson – all hear in his voice and see in his eyes and terrain to production assistance to keep that to himself; rather, he’s WPA.org. while continually curating seasons’ – the relentless energy of someone to helping filmmakers know where to looking to help share the wealth to worth of films for the series. constantly driven to create. eat and sleep while in the area. grow the film industry in Erie. Ben Speggen can be contacted at bSpeggen@ And just because a renowned or “He seems to have tireless energy for While it’ll be unlikely to see a Dark And, every time he talks to an Amy ErieReader.com, and you can follow him emerging filmmaker can’t fly in or this endeavor,” says Jim Wertz, the di- Knight Rises land in Erie, something Seimetz or a Jeff Orlowski or another on Twitter @ER- Skype in, that doesn’t mean the con- rector of the Greater Erie Film Office, like a Perks of Being a Wallflower isn’t acclaimed filmmaker, he’s pitching BenSpeggen. To fol- versation at FILM isn’t happening. over the phone. “It’s good -- it keeps us that big of a stretch. them Erie, serving as its ambassador low this story or com- “Having a discussion post-film is focused and motivated.” “The ‘million-dollar’ movies could of film and encouraging them to con- ment, scan the QR critical,” John explains. “It goes be- Jim is spearheading one of John’s really do well here,” he says. “The Little sider filming their next project in The code or visit http:// yond sitting in a chair and passively new initiatives that falls under the Miss Sunshines of the industry could Gem City, helping them to see that erirdr.com/k0fy1 ADVERTISE W I T H U S

Email [email protected] for more information.

10 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 Padres in, oh, just about 4 hours or so. Over 90 percent of the Major League was using Remarkably, the acid-addled Ellis rejected Dexamyl [a stimulant] when I was playing. It the thesis that this was some sort of newspaper was part of the game, you know." LSD = PED? from the future, and accepted his unpleasant It was, and it or something like it probably still and inconvenient temporary reality. is, but No No attempts to document not only the Sundance-screened 'Dockumentary' Ellis made the 120 miles back to San Diego, hilarity of a grown man performing to a penul- with local connections explores arriving around 4:30 p.m., whereupon he com- timate level in a highly competitive sport while another side of drugs in baseball menced to climbing that tiny dirt hill. Which is on a psychotropic hallucinogen, but also his when the weird appeared. harrowing battle with addiction and his post- By: Cory Vaillancourt Almost as if on cue, a misty fog arose, paint- baseball redemption as an addiction counselor. ing the entire stadium in a spacey surrealistic Helping to paint that picture is Erie native slurry of silver. Ellis was erratic yet brilliant on Kevin-John Jobczinski, who is certainly no ey man, you ever hear the mound, serving up 8 walks and 6 strikeouts, stranger to the pages of the Erie Reader. Jobc- about that one guy? but allowing no hits. Willie Stargell went yard zynski is a Disney Master Artist who provides You know, that one guy twice for the Buckos, who eked out a win de- original art for the Disney art galleries in each in baseball who like totally spite Roberto Clemente, Matty Alou, Bob Rob- park – high-end stuff depicting the attractions, pitched a no-hitter on ertson, and Bill Mazeroski all drawing the collar characters, and sights throughout Disney's re- acid? that day. sorts and parks. His first major piece – of the H In a 2008 NPR interview, Ellis – always known notorious hatbox Ghost from Disneyland's What – you think that the first time drugs made their way into baseball was as a giver of good quote, dropped these dandies Haunted Mansion – debuted in December. about the whole experience: And although he's reached a very lofty perch in when Sammy Sosa and Barry Bonds "The opposing team and my teammates, they a very competitive profession, he's still probably went from stringy, thin, scarecrow- knew I was high, but they didn't know what I best-known for producing high-quality images men to freakishly horse-thighed brutes was high on. They had no idea what LSD was of well-known athletes, making him a natural with craniums twice the necessary size? other than what they see on TV with the hippies." choice to work on No No. Hell no. Drugs and baseball go way "I didn't see the hitters. All I could tell was if "I met the producers and directors when I was back, like Tinker and Evers and Chance. they were on the right side or the left side. the creating art for the Roberto Clemente family at Those civil war soldiers who played catcher put tape on his fingers so I could see the the Clemente Musuem in Pittsburgh," he told the earliest versions of the game were signals." me from home in Florida. "They were gather- probably all whacked out on laudanum "There were times when the ball was hit back ing interviews, and we met. They liked my style, or whatever, and Babe Ruth was at me, I jumped because I thought it was com- and asked me to be a part of the film." rumored to sneak out of the ballpark Panhandle Slim ing fast, but the ball was coming slow." Jobczynski's contribution to the film is as for beers between innings. Postwar, "I never caught a ball from the catcher with vivid and vibrant one would expect in a movie amphetamines ran rampant 'round the basepaths, and probably every single two hands, because I thought that was a big ol' that features LSD usage as one of the major sto- one of your childhood heroes took them. By the handful. Turns out, your heroes ball! And then sometimes it looks small." rylines. weren't so much out-playing their opponents as they were out-dosing them. "One time, I covered first base, and I caught "They have 'gaps' in the film – its a documentary the ball and I tagged the base, all in one motion, – where they have no film or photos for the sto- Think even of tobacco, a stimulant. The average Joe's mental image of any and I said, 'Oh, I just made a touchdown.'" ries being told, so they had me create art to fill in generic baseball player centers on a chipmunkishly overstuffed cheek full of long- Sure, Ellis' story is amusing and fascinating those gaps, to give visuals to the viewers. In some leaf chewin' tobacky that would make even David Seville blush, and spit-sodden and demented and righteous all at the same cases, they put my realistic art to animation. It is dugout floors fragrant with the spicy-sweet aroma of the nicotine-laden saliva of time, which is why a group of Austin, Tex.- so sick!" he said. a dozen-odd men. Even up until recently, some players and managers have been based filmmakers decided to give this legend- Sounds trippy. And thanks to the combined ef- known to smoke in the dugouts. You can't even smoke in bars anymore! ary trip its well-deserved and long-overdue forts of those who worked on this film, the next documen... err, "Dockumentary" treatment. No time someone asks you about that one guy in Anyway, Dock Ellis – Dock Phillip Ellis, Jr., took some more. No: A Dockumentary was directed and produced baseball who, like, totally pitched a no-hitter on yeah, that's his name – he, like, totally pitched Except, it wasn't Friday; he had partied him- by Jeffrey Radice along with producers Mike acid, you can tell them that yes, you've heard the a no-hitter for the Pittsburgh Pirates June 12, self on through Friday into Saturday without Blizzard and Chris Cortez and co-producer Jef- tale of Dock Ellis – the only known professional 1970. On acid. even knowing it! Because, well, acid. frey Brown. It's Radice's directorial debut, and athlete (so far) to use LSD as a PED. So, the story goes that the flamboyant and So about 2 p.m. on Saturday, Ellis' friend's the film screened at the Sundance Film Festival outspoken young Ellis was in San Diego with girlfriend was getting her news from the news- late this January. For more information on No No: A Dockumentary, his team on a Thursday, asked for permission to paper – as people used to do in those days – and But Radice's film is not all Lucy in the sky with visit www.nonoadockumentary. fly home to Los Angeles because he didn't have she saw that the guy currently hallucinating in diamonds. Ellis flatly stated in that same NPR com. Contact Cory Vaillancourt to pitch until Saturday, and dropped a few hits her Los Angeles apartment was supposed to interview that, "It was easier to pitch with the at cVaillancourt@ErieReader. of LSD while waiting for his flight, obviously climb a tiny dirt hill 120 miles away in front of LSD because I was so used to medicating my- com. To follow this story or com- hoping to liven up a boring Thursday. And then thousands of people and very precisely throw self. That's the way I was dealing with the fear ment, scan the QR code or visit on Friday at a friend's girlfriend's apartment, he a fist-sized leather sphere past nine San Diego of failure, the fear of losing, the fear of winning. http://erirdr.com/j4lb6

KING’S ROOK KINGCLUB’S ROOK 24th anniversary FREE! storewide sale Pool, Shue Board & Games! Driving in Downtown Edinboro a winter Food, No Cover, Drink Specials, Private Parties! Huge discounts LIVE MUSIC wonderland. Fri/Sat @ Jesse Westen 2/7 Feb 14 thru 20 Tony Kellogg 2/8 Cam El-Farouki, Agent Wishing you a safe and joyous holiday. 9:30pm Tyler Smilo 2/14 3319 W 26th Street Don't miss Erie, PA 16506 Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.® Keith Wilson 2/15 Bus: 814-833-6663 1921 Peach St | Erie, PA 16512 www.teamerie.com [email protected] | 814.456.6439 www.facebook.com/kingsrookclub Open Fri/Sat 8pm | Members and Guests Only 814 734 5858 0901012.1 State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, State Farm Indemnity Company, Bloomington, IL February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 11 FEBRUARY 5 - 18 If We Were You... WEDNESDAY 2.05 “What is Gravity” Open House Night in Astronomy Digital Salon Night at the at Penn State Behrend Erie Art Museum With 2013’s sci-fi thriller Gravity grossing over It’s impossible not to notice the millions upon $260 million domestically in the box office, it’s millions of videos literally all over the Web. Some clear the movie was an instant success and proved videos are used to tell a story while others are to intrigue the general populace, but how accu- purely for entertainment, but there is usually a rate is the science behind the film? Penn State method behind the madness. Join Mike Esser of Behrend’s professor of physics and astronomy Red Hat, Inc. at the Erie Art Museum to discuss will examine both this and the common untruths video marketing strategy and learn how to make relating to gravity at the Jack Burke Research and your videos matter. Sign up is just $20, including Economic Development Center, free of cost. refreshments, hor d’oeuvres and a presentation. When: 7 p.m. When: 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Where: 5101 Jordan Road Where: 20 E. Fifth St. Contact: 898.6008 Contact: emarketinglearningcenter.org FRIDAY 2.07 THURSDAY 2.06 Barlow/onewayness 7 “ Split Copenhagen Record Release Show After solving numerous equations and scientific One’s a little more electro, and the other’s a little puzzles, scientists Werner Heisenberg, Niels more rock ‘n’ roll, but that doesn’t mean that Bohr, and Bohr’s wife Margarethe have one onewayness and Barlow can’t work together question left to answer: Why did Heisenberg for a new 7” split. Even better, the experimental visit Bohr in Copenhagen back in 1941? The issue electronic wizardry of onewayness and Barlow’s lies at the center of Michael Frayn’s riveting Tony shoegaze goodness are teaming up for a release Award-winning play Copenhagen, which returns show at Basement Transmissions, celebrating to the Dramashop stage in the Renaissance Cen- their collaboration with an exciting night of live ter Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. music. When: 8 p.m. When: 5:30 to 11:30 p.m. Where: 1001 State St. Where: 1501 State St. Contact: dramashop.org Contact: [email protected] Spethz - Contributed Photo Rince Na Tiarna’s Pub Night Big Eyed Phish Rince Na Tiarna (Gaelic for Lord of the Dance) The Blue Pike Music Awards - Sunday, Feb. 9 It’s a bit too cold for Dave Matthews to be trav- achievements and influence have echoed far elling around to big, outdoor venues, but that beyond the boundaries of the local Irish com- f you were on Twitter the night of Sunday, Jan. 26, you were likely aware that the Grammy doesn’t mean that you can’t experience the sweet munity. Stop down and support these talented Awards were on TV. The event was a massive affair full of moments for snarky viewers to sounds of Dave Matthews Band in a live setting. dancers by partaking in an Irish cocktail or two Icomment on (myself included), as jokes about the show’s sheer length, the constant quick Big Eyed Phish will bring the songs of DMB to at Molly Brannigan’s and tipping generously cuts to Yoko Ono and Steven Tyler in the audience, and host LL Cool J in general dominated the life at Sherlock’s, so you don’t have to wait for to your favorite bartender. Celebrity bartend- Twittersphere. better weather for the ants to start marching. ers for the evening include County Executive The countless online quips and Kendrick Lamar and Imagine Dragon’s scintillating performance When: 10 p.m. Kathy Dahlkemper, Father Michael DeMartinis, aside, the Grammys were largely a boring affair, a night dedicated to highlighting plenty of big Where: 508 State St. WQLN’s Tom New, Mike Batchelor from the Erie stars that are fawned over by their fans (Hey, guys; did you know the Beatles were great? Don’t Contact: 453.7760 Community Foundation, and many others. The worry, because the Grammys will constantly remind you of that!). event is free and open to the public. Proceeds Instead, it’s about time we stopped showering praise on these performers with huge followings SATURDAY 2.08 benefit Rince Na Tiarna. and started showing some love to those that don’t get quite as much attention. Enter The Blue When: 5 to 8 p.m. Pike Music Awards, an event dedicated to honoring Erie’s local acts that don’t get as much rec- Annual Valentine’s Event: Thai Where: 506 State Street ognition as they should. So leave the glitz and the glam to the Grammys, because Blue Pike is for Yoga Massage, Wine, Chocolates, Contact: 716.675.8785 the grinders, the up-and-comers, and the people in this area that play not for fame or fortune, but & More at Plasha Yoga JES presents Protecting because they want to create something wonderful, and it’s time we start recognizing these local This class is designed to deepen each couples Watersheds and Restoring giants one nominee at a time. experience and appreciation of being together Foodsheds: One Blade “We really do have giants among us in this community, and I don’t want them being overlooked,” and maintaining that connection at home with of Grass at a Time Basement Transmissions’ Bob Jensen said in Matthew Flowers' recent feature in the Erie Reader these practices. This is a relaxing massage with It used to be that mankind grew food for survival about the event. “We don’t want [music] to go extinct in this town.” passive, assisted stretching. Wear loose, com- with nothing but a mixture of soil, sunshine, and And that’s exactly why Blue Pike is being held for the second straight year, this time at the Ma- fortable clothing. No yoga or massage experi- rain. But times became less simple, and as the sonic Temple from 5 to 9 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 9, where nominees selected by online voters will have ence necessary. Afterwards, enjoy gourmet food population grew, mechanical inventions, petro- a chance to make off with awards for the best bands in their genre, with ultimate winners selected samples from Village West's Lavender Rabbit leum-based fertilizers, and artificial sunshine by the academy, a specially chosen group of local experts. In addition to the awards themselves, and a wine tasting with 6 Mile Cellars paired were introduced into agricultural production. Blue Pike will feature original music by experimental quartet Spethz, garage rockers Teatime for with Romolo chocolates. $30 per couple. Will this system be enough for the world’s still- Three, and the acoustic stylings of Optimistic Apocalypse, as well as house band Steve Trohoske & When: 4 to 6 p.m. growing population? Find out at the Jefferson the Submariners featuring Tony Grey. Where: 3330 W. 26th St. Educational Society’s NWPAGE/Clean Air Coun- Tickets for Blue Pike can be purchased for $12 at bluepikeawards.com or for $15 at the door. It Contact: 814.864.1114 cil Lecture, free of cost. may not be the suit-and-tie event that dominated Twitter, but your support means a lot to the Joshua Breakstone Trio When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. dozens of people that play not only for our entertainment, but also because they have something While some people tell stories through words, Where: 3207 State St. to say. - Alex Bieler Joshua Breakstone tells them with notes. The Contact: 459.8000 12 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 For a complete listing of our upcoming shows, events, and specials, check out our Facebook

Contributed Photo page at facebook.com/ sherlocksparkplace Louie Anderson - Feb. 13 to 15

fter winning two Emmy awards, having three books published, and hosting a program that TV Guide ranked as the third-greatest game show of all time, Louie Anderson has A enjoyed quite a nice career. Still, the longtime comedian isn’t stopping anytime soon, per- forming regularly at the Plaza Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and working on material for a new hour-long special. Anderson has fans to please and places to see, which is why he’ll be coming to 508 State Street 18-20 North Park Row 814-453-7760 JR’s Last Laugh for five shows from Thursday, Feb. 13 to Saturday, Feb. 15 “I go out in spurts just to get out of here because you can get a little Vegas-ized, kind of like Fear and Loathing [in Las Vegas]. So I go out every few months for a couple of gigs and come back and say, ‘oh, that was cold, that was way too cold,’ which is what I’ll be doing [in Erie],” Anderson says over the phone, back in the warmth of Las Vegas after a visit to his home state of Minnesota. Despite the frigid temperatures, Anderson says that he’s excited to come and entertain the people of Erie, reaching out to new fans, as well as the people that have been watching him since the days of salad washing in Coming to America and the animated family stories on the Fox hit Life with Louie. “I’m just a ham sandwich away from my TV personality,” Anderson jokes. “I think what you see is what you get, and that appeals to a lot of my fans. People feel like they know me, they feel like I live in the same neighborhood as them in a sense. I don’t want to sound maudlin, but I’m very grateful for the great career I’ve had as a stand-up.” Anderson will be showing his gratitude off the stage as well as on it, as he stressed that he’ll be hanging around after his sets at JR’s to chat with the crowd. It’s been a long career for Louie, but when your fans feel like family, it’s more of a reunion than a gig, and you can become a part of the Anderson clan. - Alex Bieler veteran jazz guitarist will tell his musical tales at PACA, joining up with local jazz greats Frank SUNDAY 2.09 Singer and Joe Dorris for a night presented by JazzErie, so get ready to sit back, relax, and en- SafeNet’s Chili and joy a performance by a great storyteller. Chocolate Celebration When: 8 p.m. Hey, you! Do you like chili? Chocolate? Ben Where: 1505 State St. Speggen MCing things? Then you’ll love this Contact: paca1505.com event at the Erie Maennerchor Club! Check out Laugh/Riot presents No Exit seven unique chili dishes from your favorite at Edinboro University local restaurants — including Franco’s, Jekyll No Exit is a 1944 existentialist French play by & Hyde, LaBella, the Maennerchor, Summer- 20th century philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre and house, Victors, and the Whole Foods Co-op — the source of Sartre’s famed quote “L’enfer, and vote for your favorite. Tickets $15 or 2/$25, c’est les autres” meaning “Hell is other peo- and all proceeds benefit SafeNet. ple,” which proves to be quite apt when three When: Noon to 4 p.m. damned souls are punished in death by being Where: 1607 State St. locked together in a single room in Hell for Contact: 455.1774 eternity. On Screen/In Person When: 7:30 to 10 p.m. Film Series presents The Where: 217 Meadville St., Edinboro Exquisite Corpse Project Contact: 323.1147 In this film-cum-documentary, five comedy February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 13 writers are presented with the challenge of specific date for Valentine’s Day; no, the band composing 15 pages of a movie in one week, has several of them, treating everyone at the having only read the preceding five pages of crooked i with a brand new video release, as the script. The condition? Director Ben Popik well as a stacked night of performances. Local must make the movie they have written. Prior rockers Falling Hollywood and Cleveland hip- to the film, Popik will lead the viewers at Tay- ster-hop group Black & Broke will join in on the lor Little Theatre in their own unique Exqui- Valentine’s party, making this show one sweet site Corpse Project. Tickets are just $6. treat. When: 2 p.m. When 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Where: 501 E. 38th St. Where: 1013 State St. Contact: miac.mercyhurst.edu Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie MONDAY 2.10 SATURDAY 2.15 The JES Takes a Look The Box Presents: B-Boys, at Visual Literacy Blackbooks, and Emcees We all love art, and Erie is a very artistic city. People can tell you what hip-hop really is, But how do we actually see the art and create but sometimes it’s best to just show you. meaning from it? Especially when the im- That’s why The Box will present B-Boys, agery is disturbing? Let Michael DeSanctis, Blackbooks, and Emcees, a night of hip-hop Ph.D, professor of Fine Arts and Director of performances at PACA to help you get in- the Honors Program at Gannon University, spired by performances from Caprice Hol- shed some light on the subject. He'll help us lis, K Sanz, Elias, Random Union, Heresy, gain a better understanding of how the visual and King David, as well as music by Doc arts, particularly imagery that is shocking, Proto. confrontational or outwardly displeasing, en- When: 5 p.m. riches our humanity and requires reflection Where: 1505 State St. and often times explanation. This richly-illus- Contact: paca1505.com trated session is designed for those willing to This American Song Record grow beyond their traditional notions of what Release Party w/ The Mighty constitutes meaningful art. Ryan Smith Sea and Strangers & Liars When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. Local alternative Americana band This Where: Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State The Erie Philharmonic Presents: American Song may have to change their Contact: JESErie.org Broadway Romance - Saturday, Feb. 15 name to These American Songs after the up- coming record release party at the crooked TUESDAY 2.11 hocolates and flowers are nice, but memories can last forever. The Erie Philharmonic will i. The quintet will celebrate a new batch of perform Broadway Romance at 8 p.m. at the Warner Theatre Saturday, Feb. 15, helping you songs with acoustic duo The Mighty Sea and Lena Logvina’s Valentine’s Csweep that special someone off their feet with a little bit of night music. rockers Stranger & Liars, all for your enter- Jewelry Party Instead of delivering material goods to prove your young affections, treat your loved one to the tainment. Okay, you know it: Valentine’s Day is right sweet swells of strings that accompanied Elphaba and Fiyero’s romance in Wicked, or reaffirm When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. around the corner and your special someone your decades of devotion, just like Tevye and Golde in Fiddler on the Roof, to a Valentine’s gift (one Where: 1013 State St. needs a special something from you. Let’s day late, which means you have twice as much time to celebrate this loving holiday) of Philhar- Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie make this simple: Lena’s jewelry is beauti- monic goodness, ultimately making you the hero in your own personal love story. ful, and your special someone will feel extra To prove your love through music, go to eriephil.org and order your tickets to his or her heart, in- MONDAY 2.17 special receiving some very special one-of- stead of some gift that would go to someone’s hips, or eventually their trash can. Even better, get a-kind, handcrafted art. Don’t have a special your loved one all three, and you’ll be on your way to a night you’ll always remember. - Alex Bieler Spend Presidents Day at someone? Well, you could always just buy The Big Green Screen something special for your special self. Or, Art Gardner, Charles Williamson, Lou Tullio, Joyce The Big Green Screen at TREC is closed on you could still come down and enjoy some live THURSDAY 2.13 Savocchio, and Rick Filippi as well as key council Mondays and Tuesdays through the end of music courtesy of Stephen Trohoske, Tony players including Harkins, Cannavino, Bagnoni, March, but not today! To help you celebrate our Grey, and Stix Thompson free of charge — Weapon of Choice Brabender, and Cappabianca. Instructor: William nation's highest elected office, they're open- which is enough to make anyone feel pretty Knowledge is power. And if this city ever needed Garvey, Ph.D. ing their doors and offering ticket specials and damn special on a Tuesday night in Erie. power to overcome violence, it’s now. Thanks to When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. group rates. Between Titans of the Ice Age, Flying When: 5 to 9 p.m. the never-ending grinding of The Box, you can join Where: 3207 State St. Monsters, and Tornado Alley you're sure to be en- Where: 123 W. 14th St. the fight against local violence by supporting local Contact: 459.8000 or online at www.JesErie.org. tertained. You'll probably even have your mind Contact: 454.2200 artists, musicians, and poets. Remember, Erie: It’s Edinboro Film Series blown a little bit. Hell, make a day of it and see one Erie, one love, and it’s knowledge over violence presents Like Crazy all three! Check their site for show times and WEDNESDAY 2.12 — so spread the word and make knowledge your This week’s film is directed by Drake Doremus info. weapon of choice. and stars Felicity Jones, Anton Yelchin, and Jenni- When: all day JES presents Remarkable When: 7 p.m. fer Lawrence. When American student Jacob and Where: Tom Ridge Environmental American Women: Where: PACA 1505 State St. a British exchange student Anna fall in love, they Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Mary Todd Lincoln Contact: paca1505.com struggle repeatedly to make their relationship work Contact: trecpi.org Abraham Lincoln was brilliant and instru- The Populist Influence in Erie when Anna’s visa expires and she is refused re- mental in the progression of our country as Politics: Then and Now - Part entry in the U.S. Featuring completely improvised TUESDAY 2.18 we see it today, but what about his wife? In II (FREE LECTURE) dialogue, Like Crazy won the 2011 Sundance Film honor of Lincoln’s birthday, the Jefferson This two-part series focuses early in the 20th centu- Festival Grand Jury Prize. Tickets are just $5. The MOMologues Educational Society will celebrate and dis- ry as waves of new immigrants deeply changed the When: 8:30 p.m. Being a mother is no joke... but there is a com- cover Mary Todd Lincoln, whose life consisted nature of politics in the city of Erie. An on-going Where: 219 Meadville St., Edinboro edy written about it. A play about the adventures of tragedies and public ridicule as she served not struggle for control between the “newcomers” and Contact: events.edinboro.edu of motherhood — the things mothers know but only as the wife of President Lincoln, but also his the “natives” ensued for most of the century with don’t always talk about — The MOMologues is political partner. Admission is free and open to the ramifications still apparent in modern Erie pol- FRIDAY 2.14 a staged reading that’ll have the whole family the public. itics although somewhat different in nature. The laughing. When: 7 to 8:30 p.m. lectures will focus on the main political characters The LEC w/ Falling Hollywood When: 7:30 p.m. Where: 3207 State St. engaged in this struggle including Mayors Mike and Black & Broke Where: The Erie Playhouse 13 W. 10th St. Contact: 459.8000 Liebel, Miles Kitts, Charles Barber, Tom Flatley, The Lower Eastside Connection doesn’t have a Contact: EriePlayhouse.org 14 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 UPCOMING EVENTS

NORML BENEFIT

LAKE EFFECT DIVISION

FEB 7 // FRIDAY @ 8:00

TRIAGE UNIT WITH SPECIAL GUEST WE AMERICANS

FEB 8 // SATURDAY @ 10:00

DR JOE AND THE DISORDERLIES

FEB 13 // THURSDAY @ 10:00

Love is in the Air... THE LEC WITH FALLING on Broadway and on the Warner Stage HOLLYWOOD AND BLACK & BROKE

FEB 14 // FRIDAY @ 10:00

PRESENTS THIS AMERICAN SONG WITH SPECIAL GUESTS THE MIGHTY Broadway Romance SEA AND STRANGERS & LIARS Saturday, Feb. 15 • 8 PM Warner Theatre Featuring Husband & Wife Duo FEB 15 // FRIDAY @ 10:00

Matt Cavenaugh FLUX CAPACITOR

& Jenny Powers FEB 20 // THURSDAY @ 10:00 straight from Broadway TICKETS: $20 - $55 Call 455-1375 to reserve yours today. Or visit eriephil.org

February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 15 Music Reviews

Damien Jurado Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Sun Secretly Canadian

Two years after the release of Maraqopa, Damien Jurado returns with a sequel to the 2012 concept album. The Seattle singer/songwriter revisits the mysterious world of Maroqopa on Brothers and Sisters of the Eternal Sun, with 10 different stories to tell about a man who gets lost during the search to find himself, all rife with references to religion and outer space. The themes aren’t the only simi- larity on Brothers and Sisters, as The Shins’ Richard Swift returns as producer, helping to create the lush sonic world around Jurado’s heavily reverberating warble of a voice. The results are fascinat- ing, especially on the psychedelic second track “Silver Timothy,” as Jurado expands from the simple folk tunes that marked his earlier work. Still, there are remnants of his finger-picking past on a gorgeous two-song stretch of “Silver Katherine” and “Silver Joy” near the end of the album, a lovely closing tale during a welcome return to Maraqopa. - Alex Bieler

Against Me! Transgender Dysphoria Blues Total Treble

Against Me! lead singer Laura Jane Grace shocked quite a few people when she came out as trans- gender in 2012, an announcement that left the future of the Florida punk-rock band in doubt, as two members from the Tom Gabel era left the band. Grace powered through the transition with longtime guitarist James Bowman, resulting in the band’s searing new album Transgender Dysphoria Blues, a personal concept piece about a transgender prostitute. Grace isn’t too interested in subtle- ties on the album, yelping “you want them to see you like they see any other girl, they just see a faggot” on the fiery title track. Appropriately, Grace is the star of the show, able to pull off lines like “There’s a brave new world that’s raging inside of me” with sincerity. Transgender Dysphoria Blues hits hard, a 29-minute blast of passion that, while not entirely consistent, still ends up rocking. - Alex Bieler

Hospitality Trouble Merge

After dealing out heavy doses of pleasant indie-pop on their self-titled debut album, Brooklyn trio Hospitality got a little rougher around the edges for Trouble. The new album finds front woman Amber Papini and her bandmates trading in the cute twee and simple acoustic guitar strummings that marked their first album for a slightly tougher sound and some darker lyrics. Opening track “Nightingale” introduces an unexpected slow burn of a song that leads into more cymbal crashes and synths than one would expect from Hospitality. “I Miss Your Bones” proves to be a catchy four minutes of wiry guitars, letting Papini play the part of a cool, collected rocker. Eventually the album starts to return to more familiar Hospitality territory, like on the gentle, swaying “It’s Not Serious.” It’s not an unwelcome return to their original sound, but it splits Trouble awkwardly. Still, both halves have their moments, although it’s not as much of a cohesive experience. - Alex Bieler

Broken Bells After the Disco Columbia

It’s an East meets West, Day juxtaposed against Night-kind-of combo that’s so different that it was distinct, fresh, and unencumbered by its opposed polar forces pushing in at the creative center. On one side, there’s Danger Mouse, the mega-producer hip-hop artist; on the other, there’s James Mer- cer, the posterboy for angsty bearded hipster singer-songwriters. And together, they teamed up to release their debut, self-titled album in 2010. Four years later, the duo is back at it – and even better at it. After the Disco, as its name suggests, features a bit more of a disco-esque mood than Broken Bells, but the consistency from song to song is clearer here as Danger Mouse’s bloops and bleeps bounce better with Mercer’s how-do-I-deal-with-the-world-around-me meandering lyrics. Lead single and album-standout “Holding On For Life” is straight-up Bee Gees meets Hall & Oates meets Steely Dan – and it’s a beautiful get-together. - Ben Speggen 16 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 Ryan Smith Marco Benevento rocked The Happy Debauchery of Marco Benevento the crooked i Jan. 24. And looking around, from the guys Experimental pianist mixes tight jazz with open-space jams and melt-your-face rock on stage to the way-caught-in-the- By Ryan Smith moment crowd, I could sure tell ev- eryone else was feeling it too. Sure enough, and right on cue, I ne of the last times I saw Marco Benevento – I don't quite recall if it was the time before last, or the time before that – he heard someone happily shout: "I'm was pounding his play-worn piano for a blissed-out, happy-footed festival crowd: Great-big, loony tunes – a real good time FEELIN' it!!!" all around. My brother and his wife – long two It's a sorta fuzzy recollection, but I remember it was a Saturday, and early afternoon-time, I think, and good and bright of my best show-going buddies – were Oand sunny there in those mountains down south. There was a huge, stuffed tiger's head fixed to his piano's frame, I remember, and close by me right then, and they were a big sack he was giddily tossing goodies (T-shirts, I think) into the crowd from, and eye-smiles all around, and whisky by his stool. feelin’ it too; both with those satis- A big ol', round-handled jug of whisky. fied smiles they get when they're to- When I heard Benevento was coming to the crooked i a couple of weeks back, I smiled. And I wondered if there would be more of tally immersed in the sound. Another that same kind of happy debauchery, a collective symptom brought on by the stellar piano man's and his stellar cohorts' sound: A buddy did it up his way, all rubbery jubilant, free-range experiment that loops up and mashes together tight jazz and open-space jam and melt-your-face rock and, well, goofy-footed in his big mud boots, anything – everything – they like. while his lady danced all loosy-goosy I'm happy to say there was. And plenty of it. And for me, it was just about the best Benevento party yet. by his side. These days, Benevento swims the sonic waters with former Ween bassist Dave Dreiwitz and drummer Andy Borger, who also It looked that way all over the place works with Tom Waits and Norah Jones. Every member of the trio has a big sound, a whole lot to contribute to their musical that night. Benevento always wants conversations, and Benevento gleefully gets the good-time shindig started, and keeps it going, with a big smile on his face, an ear everyone to get down – I mean, really down to the keys, and a leading wing always just a bit ahead of the flock. get down – and he sees to it that every- one, himself included, always does. "He's walkin' all over that thing!," Dreiwitz, Borger, and the colorful col- jesterly, expertly-crafted sonic con- At the recent i show, that prob- Man, that's good, I thought at that yelled one guy getting down in that lection of other musicians he's taken coctions, there's a slew of elements at ably hit me hardest and best when moment, and just that simply. Friday-night i crowd, hands to his to the stage with – are, to these ears, work and play: You hear something of Benevento tore into his medley meld- So good. head and feet shimmying, all im- always among the best sorts to listen the funk of Stevie Wonder, the flam- ing Pink Floyd's "Fearless" with John's mersed in everything Benevento was close to. They've trained long and lis- boyant showmanship of Elton John, "Benny & the Jets." When I heard the Ryan Smith can be contacted at rSmith@ putting down. tened close themselves, you can tell, the playful irreverence of Harry Nils- first looped refrain of "Fearless" – a ErieReader.com, and you can follow him Yep, I thought, that about says it learning all the rules and measure- son. bent, building chant of cheers – I im- on Twitter @Ryan- right there. ments of their instruments, and well, But what Benevento's got – the amal- mediately felt those involuntarily, all- SmithPlens.To fol- And, like it always is with most before they start bending all those gam of all that masterful influence over chills (for some reason, my most low this story or com- worth-hearing, true music, what's go- rules, and good. and more, coupled with his singular physical manifestation of musical ap- ment, scan the QR ing on there isn't easy to box up into I mean, so good. inspiration, his muse – is something preciation) that I always get when it's code or visit http:// words. Benevento and his buddies – In all of Benevento's wide-smiled, all his own, to be sure. good, really good. erirdr.com/978ts February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 17 PUB IS

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18 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com www February 5, 2014

www www Outside Voices Tech Watch Mobile keyless hotel check-ins are the new trend By: Jessica Courter How often do you watch live music in Erie, and where is your favorite place to see it?

Megan Lawrence “If I do see music, it’s usually at Mercyhurst because I’m a student and I live on campus. I see some of the student work, and when the Institute for Arts and Culture bring in acts like the Yamato drummers, I get to see those.”

Dillon Shidemantle “[I watch live music] as much as possible. I’m actually in a jazz combo, and we play around Erie. We try to not only play as much as we can, but to also support and see as much as we can. We go to the Erie Ale House, the Oasis, the Brewerie, Mercyhurst…I’m down for anything – By: Abby Witham, Epic WebStudios with keyless keys, but they are trying mobile jazz, blues, rock, rap – anything goes.” check-ins. t doesn’t seem long ago that hotels began The initial step towards keyless keys may offering free Wi-Fi in your room. Some ho- be taking off in a larger city at first, but Bel- tels are still catching on to this trend, but Aire Clarion’s Kerry Schwab, vice president of other larger hotel chains are already work- Schwab Hospitality Corporation, made a point Iing towards being even more tech friendly. The that, “It’s not so much anymore [Erie] neces- hotel chain Aloft, one of Starwood Hotels and sarily of catching up to bigger trends in larger Resorts brands, is taking the lead when it comes cities, when it comes to applications that we’re to truly mobile keyless check-ins. This modern speaking of now. We are in a franchise with Bobby Lucas hotel chain is mostly in bigger cities, so it is no Choice Hotels, and it’s more or less once the “I’ll go out to the Anchor In on Fridays and surprise that they will be the first ones attempt- parent companies – whether it’s Choice, Mar- Saturdays for jazz and blues. They’ll bring in ing the change. riott, Starwood, or Hilton – make the decision bigger-name people to play down there who Smartphones have become more of a neces- to adopt a standard, they will do their own data also play at the Ale House and the Brewerie. I sity than a luxury, and Starwood is taking ad- test market and make their appropriate deci- just love watching live music.” vantage of that notion by trying the new tech- sion and give guidelines for appropriate imple- nology out at its Harlem, N.Y. and Cupertino, mentation.” Calif. Aloft locations. Marriott, a hotel chain that has brands located Starwood’s CEO Frits van Paasschen told USA in Erie, recently introduced a mobile check- Today, “In a world where digital tech is only get- in service, but hotel-goers still have to use the ting smaller and cheaper, more ubiquitous, we front desk to pick up their key. Unfortunately, need to see how technology is changing what when I looked into it, not one Marriott in Erie our guests want – and keep pace.” If everything offers this service yet. goes as planned for the hotel chain, they will Bel-Aire Clarion hasn’t reached the point of Christine Olivier have this new system throughout three Star- mobile check-in either. But when asked, Kerry “I watch live music in Erie a lot. I make a career wood brands – Aloft, W hotels, and Element – by said, “Is it something that we would entertain? out of it because I work [at Mercyhurst]. I go to 2015. Absolutely. It is probably the way that the hotel the crooked i a lot and to the Art Museum when The keyless system works through an app that industry is headed.” they’re doing live performances, for sure. I also runs through Bluetooth technology only com- Technology has reformed the hospitably in- catch a lot of live shows at Mercyhurst.” patible on the newer versions of the iPhone and dustry – no questions asked. “The second you Android phones. It allows users to check in to put your head down on the pillow or you take the hotel and unlock their hotel room door – not the afternoon off to play nine holes, you’re be- with a key or swipe card, but with the push of a hind,” Kerry says. “It’s exciting; it really is. The button on their smartphones. Internet has changed our industry maybe more For most, this all may put security concerns than most. Maybe not, but it certainly has put into question. With so much personal informa- the consumer in the driver’s seat.” tion stored on our smartphone, it may raise a red flag for travelers, but Thorsten Kirschke, Abby Witham can be contacted Jessica Courter can be contacted at jCourter@ president of Carlson Hotels, Americas, told at [email protected]. To ErieReader.com.To follow this story or com- USA Today, “We would not expose our custom- follow this story or comment, ment, scan the QR code or visit http://erirdr. ers if there’s a slight concern for their security.” scan the QR code or visit http:// com/8nm4k Carlson Hotels is not currently experimenting erirdr.com/qvty3 February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 19 ERIE’S EATS here in Erie. an flair. Featuring savory Gastropubs steal the spotlight of this Moe’s With friendly staff breads to pizza muffins, 1341 W. 26th St. // 456-0282 American Fusion 833 W. 38th St. // 520.6246 dishes like Creole shrimp show but their support- serving up fresh, made-to- there’s plenty of great grub and andouille sausage over Jeckyl & Hydes - Just like ing cast shouldn’t go unno- order southwest fare, Moe’s to pair with the endless flow Avanti’s If you’ve only Peggy’s Restaurant A grits, seared catfish served the title characters—wait, ticed. The Kim Chi is a is a great place for quality, of over 20 microbrews on Wings eaten breakfast at Avanti’s, landmark in the Liberty character—this gastropub with rice and beans and great place to start and any on-the-go Mexican food. tap. And with helpful servers Buffalo Wild Wings you are in for a big surprise. Plaza for a few decades now, fresh sauteed vegetables, seems bent on being two of the noodle choices make 2052 Edinboro Rd. who know their beer, this is Every Thursday, Friday, and Peggy’s serves up quick, and grilled Angus Rib Eye things at once—and that’s for good choices to contin- (Outside Millcreek Mall) a great place to come to try Fourteen original sauces and Saturday night, this daytime affordable meals and plen- steak. Deserts include grilled a good thing. While the ue on. With veggie-friendly 868.2121 the beers you’ve never had loads of televisions make diner changes over to a fine ty of room for conversa- pound cake served w/fresh seating area is small, which options and a staff happy to but have always wanted to. BWW a great place to meet tion. You can sit at the long dining establishment. Check glazed pineapple, ice cream makes for a cozy experience, serve you, Sushi and Asian Middle Eastern 333 State St. // 520.5419 friends for the big game. back often since the menu counter than spans nearly and rum sauce, and luscious the tastes are big and bold. Cuisine is a must. Full bar menu available. the entire restaurant, grab a Six Pack House of Beer changes weekly. BYOB lime layer cake. BYOB. 8 E. 10th St. // 456.0072 1014 State St. //455.0596 Casablanca From tradi- Interchange Road 1662 W. 8th St. // 456.3096 booth upfront, or get a table 1402 W. 10th St. // 454.0700 tional to modern reci- With an ever-changing line- (Across from Milcreek Mall) in the back. Aoyama Think it’s hard to pes, from strictly vegetari- up of brews on tap and cool- 868.9464 Summer House Café With 3512 Liberty St. // 866.3216 Indian find a daily sushi bar in Erie? er wall of six-packs to go, an meals to meals centered Odis 12 Award-winning an ever-changing menu and Chinese Find your way to Aoya- around a choice selection Six Pack also serves up some lots of fresh baked good- The Breakfast Place Low Raj Mahal – Offering ma for the hibachi expe- cheap eats to boot. wings and affordable sit- Golden Wok of fresh meat, Casablan- ies, this local favorite serves prices and big portions— Quality a wide variety of Indian rience combined with an down dining. Odis 12 ingredients, affordable pric- cuisine, both vegetarian and ca Grille looks to provide 847 Pitt. Ave. // 454.1989 features over 100 different breakfast and lunch daily just the way Erie likes it! The extensive sashimi and sushi something for everyone and stays open for dinner Cajun eggs are a must-try. es, and consistent service carnivore friendly, with an menu. You’ll have the choice U Pick 6 Beer Store Off flavors, including the crowd- make this Chinese restau- ever-popular lunch buffet. looking for a good Moroc- favorite “ugly cousin.” Thursday, Friday, and Satur- 2340 E. 38th St. // 825.2727 between hibachi-style seat- can meal—and the diversi- the downtown beaten path, day. BYOB rant stand out among the BYOB ing and the traditional sit- U Pick 6 takes pride in its 664 W. 26th St. // 452.6347 Panos Open late night with rest. ty’s a good thing too since revolving draft beer lineup. 2605 Washington Ave. // 5618 Peach St. // 838.1055 down dining experience, when it comes to Middle an attentive wait staff who 3202 Pitt. Ave. // 836.9657 With some quick eats and Greengarden Tavern 452.2500 will never let your coffee so your mood can do the East Mediterranean cuisine, Classic corner bar atmo- choosing for you. Reserva- Casablanca is it. Reserva- sandwiches sliced up right in 1201 Kitchen Featuring mug go empty. Try the Irish front of you, U Pick 6 draws sphere, great prices, excel- famous Greek omelet. Delicatessens tions are highly suggested. tions are recommended. lent wings. Honey-hot Latin/Asian-inspired food, Molly Brannigans you in for the beer and keeps - Got 970 Millcreek Mall // 868.7999 barbecue and cranch are this hip downtown spot 1504 W. 38th St. // 866.0517 Teresa’s Italian Deli a hankering for bangers and 2174 W. 8th St. // 452.4544 you for the conversation. is full of great art, and the Hibachi Palm Market and Deli standouts. Go Browns! Teresa’s Deli has been a mash? Have no idea what From flinging 7520 Peach St. // 866.2337 marble bar is a perfect place Sidewalk Cafe 1543 W. 8th St. // 454.3367 Tucked staple in Erie for over 60 the heck bangers and mash shrimp to slinging steak, This authentic Arabic to try their fresh sushi. With away on historic North is? Head to this authentic Hibachi combines dinner a menu that changes every years, and it’s no secret why. market and eatery offers Steakhouse Park Tavern – Known for Park Row, you’ll find one of Now in its third generation, Irish gastropub where you with the show without delicious, freshly prepared its wings, the Park Tavern four to six weeks, be sure to downtown’s popular break- can get your fill of Irish- service charges or ticket fees. check in often. the Theresa’s staff still makes food and baked goods for a Sensory 3 Next time you’re boasts a family-friendly fast and lunch places. the food fresh every day, fare and Irish drinks. From If you’re fine with sitting very reasonable price. The at Presque Isle Downs & smoke-free environment. 1201 State St. // 464.8989 beside your date instead of 26 N. Park Row // 455.0002 following the same scratch Jameson to Guinness, from market offers a wide variety Casino, take a break from Try some Herbies or crispy recipes used since 1949. Shepherd’s Pie to Purcell’s across from him or her, opt of exotic food and merchan- the table games and check Cajuns. Buffalo Cajun is American George’s With retro decor Fish and Chips, Molly Bran- for this straight-off the grill dise. out this bar and grille If also recommended. trimmed in red and black, 3201 Greengarden Blvd. // without time-to-chill dinner 864.5322 and 810 E. 38th St. // nigans brings the Irish pub you’re cashing in your chips 4205 E. Lake Road // 899.8661 lymouth avern experience. 2702 Parade St. P T An Erie George’s is known just as 459.1145 to downtown Erie. for fine dining, we bet on institution with great food much for looking like a retro 506 State St. // 453.7800 3000 W. 12th St. // 838.2495 being satisfied by a fine Picasso’s Sweet Treats and drink specials every diner as it is for the friendly With signature Pizza steak since Sensory 3 serves McGarrey’s Oakwood night of the week. safe and great grub. They’re panini-style sandwiches like Mediterranean up some of the best cuts in famous for their mashed the Lee Roslyn (Twinkie, Café Known for the award- Papa Joe’s With special- Mighty Fine Donuts If 1109 State St. // 453.6454 ty pizzas ranging from the area. you love donuts and are potatoes, but don’t get stuck ham, and cheese) and the winning Reuben, McGar- Petra Open since 2004, 8199 Perry Hwy // 866.8359 Pufferbelly Set in a on only that. Try the soups DaVinci (sausage, ravioli, rey’s believes in big portions Petra serves as Erie’s window “Vegan Demise” to “Chick- looking for something en Gorgonzola” and subs off the well-worn path to decommissioned firehouse, and sandwiches on for size and provolone), Picasso’s is of comfort food served up to the Eastern Mediterra- Colony Pub & Grille – the Pufferbelly is full of arti- too. a must-try. Great vegetarian hot and fresh. Although nean. The folks at Petra want that go by the names of Multiple fireplaces and three Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy facts from Erie’s fire fight- options available. Irish in name, McGarrey’s “Enchanted Eggplant” and Kreme, this local gem is your 2614 Glenwood Park Avenue you to have “a unique culi- “Chuck Norris,” Papa Joe’s intimate dining rooms make ing past. // 455.0860 2060 Interchange Rd. also dishes out American nary experience.” And with the Colony a popular spot destination spot. Heralded 414 French St. // 454.1557 (Outside Millcreek Mall) and Italian cuisine so that Mediterranean-inspired brings more to the table for a romantic dinner. by locals as the best donuts Dominick’s Famous among 866.1183 you’re bound to find some- than any commercial pizza ever Calamari’s Extra-long bar, items on the menu you’re Erie’s late-night bar patrons thing satisfying. unlikely to find anywhere joint. And to boot, they 2670 W. 8 St. // 838.2162 2612 Parade St. // 455.6408 with a large outdoor patio who swear by this place as a Tickle’s Deli – This popu- serve up a mean falafel sand- 1624 W. 38th wSt. // 866.0552 else, this is a one of a kind Ricardo’s for those warm summer sure-fire hangover cure. wich—something that’s a Opened in 1943 Romolo Chocolates Tony lar deli features good pric- dining experience. by two brothers, Ricar- nights. 123 E. 12th St. // 456.6891 es and big, tasty sandwiches must. Stefanelli apprenticed with 3602 W. Lake Road // 838.7197 do’s serves up some of Erie’s 1317 State St. // 459.4276 including the famous “Big Italian 3826 W. Ridge Rd. // 835.3360 his family in the choco- Hyatt’s - Serving up break- finest steaks. Chef Peter late business for nearly 20 Freddy.” Call ahead if you Alto Cucina Chef Pat West and Cathy Merksi run fast and lunch standards for can because this downtown Mexican Valerio’s More than just years. Where’d that get him? Barbecue years and is a staple in the Rodgers mixes the old-world Pizza, Wings, and Subs! one of Erie’s choice restau- He’s one of only 26 master hotspot gets busy at lunch- with the exotic. Beautiful rants that’s known for its Three-B Saloon West Erie Plaza. El Toro Loco With a full Local Italian Restaurant & confectioners and he’s right Beer, time. décor, with an outdoor deck hand-cut, grain-fed western Bacon & Barbeque—the 928 W. Erie Plaza // 456.0102 bar and the best margaritas Pizzeria that has been serv- here in Erie. So for hand- 17 W. 4th St. // 455.5718 for the summer months. in town, there is something ing Erie County for over beef and delicious, mouth- made pieces of chocolate, be name says it all. Featuring watering ribs cooked outside slow-cooked brisket, ribs, Zodiac Dinor - Proudly Gerry’s 8th Street Deli 3531 W. Lake Road // 835.3900 for everyone. Enjoy a little 17 years. Offering a vari- sure to stop by Romolo’s— serving Erie since 2006, the From the world-class deli taste of Mexico right here in ety of Homemade Italian year-round. Hearty Ital- then boast to your out-of- and other down-home favor- Colao’s Authentic Italian, ian fare with casual feel of ites. If you behave yourself, Zodiac Dinor promises that to the homemade soups, fresh seafood, and a cozy, downtown Erie. Dinners, Seafood, Daily town friends about having a you’ll never walk away with Gerry’s offers everything 333 State St. // 454.5626 Lunch Specials, and Cater- fine dining make Ricardo’s master confectioner in your you may get a free slice of intimate setting. a must. bacon with your beer. hunger pangs or an empty you’d expect from a deli. ing Services. Check out city. wallet. From breakfast to But with sandwich names 2826 Plum St. // 866.9621 Latino’s With fresh ingre- our menus online at www. 2112 E. Lake Rd // 455.4947 732 W. 4th St. // 451.0007 dients and a commitment 1525 W. 8th St. // 452.1933 lunch to dinner to cater- like “Cluckmeister,” “Chive Mi Scuzi valeriospizzeria.com. With Southern Italian Victor’s –Located inside ing, Zodiac is serving up Turkey,” “Tongue Fu,” and cuisine with fresh, home- to serving up the authentic 3 convenient locations to Pulakos George P. Pula- Breakfast Mexican-cuisine experience, serve you, we’ll have you the Bel-Aire hotel, Victor’s kos opened his first choco- fresh, homemade dishes in “Breast of Times” just to made pasta. offers fine steak and seafood a vintage, throw-back atmo- name a few, you’re going to Latinos is the place to go for singing...Manga Italiano! late shop at 926 State St. in Summer House Cafe 2641 Myrtle St. // 454.4533 with drink specials every sphere. While the menu want to keep going back to more than just the average 2179 W. 32nd St. // 833-2979 1903. Over a hundred years Open from 8 a.m. to 2:30 Amici Ristorante With Tex-Mex experience. The night of the week. later, the fourth-generation- p.m. each day of the week, staples will never let you check out all of these one- and 1803 E. 38th St. 825-2693 down, give the specials a try of-a-kind sandwiches. Deli dinner hours from 5 to 9 place isn’t flashy, but with and 724 Powell 833-8884 // 2800 W. 8 St. // 833.1116 run chocolate shop is still the Summer House Cafe p.m. Fridays and Saturdays food this good, it doesn’t Catering Office// 866-3193 one of Erie’s favorite plac- serves up some of Erie’s for something new. hours run Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and a takeout menu avail- have to be. Thai es for a wide selection of all more unique breakfast and 2516 State St. // 580.9627 Peninsula Pizzeria things chocolate—and other 2620 W. 8th St. // 836.8702 able Monday through Satur- 1315 Parade St. // 452.1966 lunch options. Their break- day, Amici Ristorante dishes Fresh, quality ingredients Khao Thai The only full- delicious snacks too. El Canelo With three loca- fast burrito is a must-try, but Brewpub out fresh food at affordable and friendly staff make time Thai restaurant in Erie. 2530 Parade St. be sure to check in for fresh French prices. From wings to pizza tions to serve the great- this new pizzeria a popu- Luckily, it’s fantastic! Try the Brewerie Erie’s only brew- daily specials. to fresh perch sandwich- er-Erie area, you’re never lar choice for pizza, subs, drunken noodles for a spicy Donut Connection - Just on-premise pub and eatery, Bertrand’s Bisttro A 2605 Washington Ave. // es and more, the menu more than a 15 minute drive and salads. Try the Oliver delight. Vegetarian friend- off the corner of Peach and 452.2500 the Brewerie is on a mission menu featuring local meats from all the chips and salsa Perry's Hazard if you're feel- ly. BYOB Liberty streets sits a fami- to, “Revitalize Downtown and vegetables and organ- has something for every- one. Call ahead one hour you can handle served up ing adventurous. ly-owned donut shop that’s Jo’s Brooklyn Bagels A Erie One Pint at a Time.” ic and Kosher ingredients with sizzling fajitas, hand- 36 N. Park Row // 454.4069 celebrating its Golden Anni- walk through the door says when possible. The crepes for takeout since food is 4115 W. Ridge Rd. // 838.8400 123 W. 14th St. // 454.2200 prepared fresh per order. wrapped enchiladas and versary this year. With the it all. Well, at least it’s speak- and award-winning wine burritos, and a whole lot Vegetarian “best coffee” in town and a ing to your noise. Inhale selection are more than 1518 Walnut St. // 455.0041 more. Don't be fooled by Suds and Grub wide selection of delicious Carribean Whole Foods Café deeply and breathe in those enough to encourage a trip the imitators.2709 Offer- hand-cut donuts, this is a aromas. Fresh bagels and U Pick 6 Tap House Great ing a wide variety of vegetar- Pineapple Eddie South- to France via downtown Japanese great place for a for a sweet coffee. What’s not to love W. 12th St. // 835.2290 and 4236 beer meets great food at the ian staples, including wraps, ern regional cuisine served Erie. Peach St. // 860.8187 and 4459 treat. Sushi and Asian Cuisine corner of Fourth and State sandwiches, soups, pizza, about that combination? A up with a bit of caribbe- 18 N. Park Row // 871.6477 Buffalo Rd. // 898.1531 little piece of Brooklyn right Fresh sushi and sashimi streets. From gourmet flat- and seasonal specialties. 3842 Liberty St. // 864.8702 20 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 [Cont. from 6] ed one is already shovel ready proposed by the Scotts that would not only help tities have successful résumés when it comes to Chris Scott, vice president of Scott Enter- boost tourism, but would also be a destination development, despite their differences. prises, addressed County Council last week in and of itself for both the citizens of Erie and So what Erie needs most – aside from bold vi- citing all of the potential concerns of a publicly visitors to our community. sion for development of the jewel in our crown funded hotel – such as the potential burden to As it currently stands, these two entities have that sits along the water’s edge – is collaboration the taxpayers and the feasibility of success for yet to work together on Bayfront development, and transparency and an informed community. additional hotels along the Bayfront.” each of these two arms of development stretch- The second reading of this ordinance proposal He closed by adding, “If the $25 million needs ing to reach forward, moving independently of will come up during County Council’s next to be used to create jobs, the Convention Center the other, while both remaining connected to a meeting on Tuesday, Feb. 11. Whether or not a Authority should use the funds to build some- core that is Erie’s Bayfront. And both have stated vote will be cast has yet to be determined; how- thing that will attract people to Erie, such as a publicly they would work together, albeit under ever, time is definitely of the essence. science center, an IMAX Theater, or an aquar- different conditions. ium,” he said. “These types of facilities are not Conditions aside, both are bold visions that Rebecca Styn can be contacted built by private industry. They are built with come at a pivotal time for Erie. Yet the feasibility at [email protected], and public money, like the Erie Insurance arena and of these plans comes with risks, both private and you can follow her on Twitter the Warner Theatre. These facilities generate public. But with calculated risk can come great @rStyn.To follow this story or tourism. We can build the hotel at our own risk, rewards, rewards that can drive our economy comment, scan the QR code or pay taxes, and get the extra rooms the conven- forward – which isn’t a bad bet since as both en- visithttp://erirdr.com/j63s0 tion center wants. We need to work together.” It’s important to note however, that the funds may only be able to be used towards the ho- tel designation – and not re-directed. This is a question that hasn’t been answered yet. The Scott’s concerns are legitimate – and worth noting. In addition, there has been little communication between the two groups, which also makes a partnership difficult.

n one hand, the Convention Center Au- thority is looking to create a project that Owould not only potentially increase con- ventions brought to Erie, but would also create the infrastructure necessary to attract private developers to the former GAF site, ultimately beautifying a substantial portion of our Bay- front region. On the other hand, we have this magnanimous multi-use development project

The Irish Rovers Long Goodbye Tour March 8, 8 p.m.

Pre-Show Event: Cummings Art Gallery, 7 p.m.

Enjoy traditional Celtic tunes from The Bangerzz and a seasonal stout from Lavery Brewing Company. Expect to sing along.

miac.mercyhurst.edu 814-824-3000 MIAC Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture

February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 21 me and informed me that it was my Bills' players. When I got in touch long way to go to make believers out job to hire a new gridiron boss for the with Dennis, he said Pettine has a of some District 10 fans, but they are Trojans, I would go out and find the great reputation with both the play- showing a lot of sting so far. person I deem as the correct choice. I ers and the coaches as a good person would not wait to see who applies and and a very competent coach and that 2. VILLA MARIA – Coach Doug then start the selection process. they were hoping he wouldn't get the Chuzie has his Victors playing good Personally, I think this is totally lazy Cleveland job and end up staying defense, and "D" wins games. ER Sports and incredibly stupid. As many cool with the Bills. people are prone to say nowadays, "I "We deliver a lot to Bills' head- 3. MERCYHURST PREP – You can't would be proactive and not reactive." quarters," DiPaolo pointed out, "and have a top three without perennial By: James R. LeCorchick The McDowell search committee Coach Pettine was there morning, power MP. won't have to go far if it is going to do noon, and night. He was always things correctly and expediently, and gracious and appeared to be very 4. CONNEAUT – Don't underesti- that means take a close look at a couple humble. mate this team as this could be the Cradle of Coaches Meanwhile, former Mercyhurst Uni- of coaches on the staff of its rival Ca- "I know I will be rooting for him." ultimate surprise five in D-10. versity football standout Scott Benzel, thedral Prep. a 1997 Hurst grad who started for Keep in mind, I have no inside infor- Carlton Bragg, a 6-9 junior hoop- 5. KENNEDY CATHOLIC – An- two seasons with the Lakers as a free mation as to which coaches may apply ster from Cleveland's Villa Angela- other team that will be a force in the safety, was named the new head coach or have applied, but as I said earlier, St. Joseph, who wowed the Erie fans playoffs. at Westminster College in New Wilm- I would seek candidates rather than with two great performances in the ington. wait to see who shows interest. The Burger King Classic, will be out the 6. SENECA – Bobcats showing a lot This wasn't surprising news to MU McDowell position should be one of next 4-6 weeks as the Vikings star of bite with some good wins on their the tops in the state, but we all know broke a toe in practice. slate. about the recent track record of the He lived up to his billing as one of people in charge out there. the top juniors in the country. 7. GENERAL McLANE – Lancers in I would approach Prep Offensive a down cycle, but should be tough Coordinator Brad Orlando, and if he's ER Salutes Top Team come playoff time. interested, I make him my No. 1 candi- date. He has shown that he can run a t was a first – sort of – for McDow- BOYS Joe Lombardi prolific offense, as the Ramblers have Iell wrestling coach Tom Lenox, 1. McDOWELL – I am sticking with ercyhurst University is going to been one of the highest scoring teams who is in his first season as the coach Trojans despite a close loss to rival Mbe called the "Cradle of Coaches" on the east coast with his wide-open of the Trojan grapplers, the Blue- Cathedral Prep. Trojans can put a lot if things continue in the direction offense. He is also a former McD grid- and-White capturing their fourth- of points on the board. they're going – with one of those direc- der and would be a perfect fit. straight District 10 Class AAA team tions leading to the NFL, while another He is a no-nonsense coach who has title. However, it wasn't a completely 2. CATHEDRAL PREP – Ramblers coach with an MU connection was earned his stripes, and he deserves to new experience as the former Gan- had a great win over McDowell but named as a head college coach. run his own program. I am sure Prep non wrestler was an assistant for need to find some more offense to Joe Lombardi, who was just named Scott Benzel boss Mike Mischler would hate to lose Shane McChesney when McDowell make a strong showing in post- the Offensive Coordinator for the De- Athletic Director Joe Kimball who was him, but Mischler is a fair man who won the previous three crowns. season. troit Lions, and is the grandson of the Benzel's coach at the Erie School. "He would not stand in Orlando's way. The Trojans earned the right to go legendary Vince Lombardi, coached was a natural leader who led by ex- If McDowell couldn’t reach an agree- to Hershey for their fourth consecu- 3. FAIRVIEW – Coach Keith Nies, the Hurst under head coach Marty ample," Kimball explained. "It was like ment with Orlando, I would then pur- tive year by outperforming Cathedral who recently picked up his 200th Schaetzle for four seasons. The head having another coach on the field." sue Prep Defensive Coordinator Matt Prep and General McLane in the re- career win, has the Tigers on a roll – coach of the Lakers told the Erie Read- Kimball went on to praise the Plum Melle whose defense has been flying cent D-10 Team Tournament held at and with a lot of young players. er, "I always thought he would end up High School graduate by adding, "He under the radar because of the record- Al Calabrese Gymnasium at Central in professional football. will be a head coach because he gets it. breaking offense. However, the former Tech High School. The charges of 4. FARRELL – The Steelers can run "He was incredibly smart – football- He knows the most important piece of head coach at Cleveland Angela-St. Jo- Coach Tom Lenox stopped Meadville and gun, and gun and run. They are wise and intellectually – and was one the coaching puzzle is having a great seph is a tremendous defensive coach 42-24 to reach the finals and then a force. of the brightest coaches I've ever been relationship with his players, and he and would be a perfect for the Trojans. stopped GM in the finals by a 30-21 around. He has always had everything will be a master at this. Also, Melle needs a full-time teaching count. 5. EAST – Coach Matt Jones has the needed to be a great coach." "I am thrilled for him as he is an position and McDowell will have some The win avenged an earlier 30-28 Warriors playing great basketball, outstanding young man who deserves openings for him. setback to the Lancers in the regular and definitely one of the surprise everything he gets." However, if this does happen, don't season, the victory giving the Trojans teams. Benzel was the Associate Head look for Prep to suffer too much, as a 10-1 mark with the only blemish Coach and Co-offensive Coordinator Mischler is a great coach who has being that regular season setback 6. STRONG VINCENT – The Colonels at Division I St. Francis University things rolling for the Orange-and- against GM. are young, starting two ninth-graders. before landing the head position with Black. This was the third consecutive time And one of them, David Morris, son of the Titans. Look for McDowell to make a deci- McDowell topped McLane for the former Gannon University hoopster sion within the next three weeks, and District 10 crown. David "Motown" Morris is one of the Replacing Mark Soboleski don't be surprised if the administra- The Trojans easily stopped Mead- best freshmen to ever play in this area. here has been plenty of discus- tion heeds my suggestions. ville to gain a spot in the finals, the Tsion regarding what direction the Lancers avenging a regular season 7. MERCYHURST PREP – The Lakers Millcreek School District should take To Cleveland, from Buffalo with loss to Prep with a hard-fought 40-27 are another team that can be counted with the hiring of a new football coach win in the semis. on to make a strong showing in the following the resignation of Mark So- Love Heavyweight Scott Augustine, a playoffs. They will be a tough out for all boleski. So, as long as no one asked for ince I am a Cleveland Browns fan, 182-pounder, will be representing opponents. my opinion, what better time to chime SI tried to get some background the Trojans at the Giant Center in Marty Schaetzle in than right now. information on their new coach, Hershey for the fourth time. Quite an You can email James LeCorchick at @JRL- Schaetzle is extremely proud of Lom- Despite the fact I am armed with Mike Pettine. While I couldn't come accomplishment. [email protected], and you can fol- bardi, who the Laker boss brought to zero inside information, this is what I up with very much, I will share what I low him on Twitter Erie after coaching with him at Buck- think the powers-to-be in the Millcreek was able to uncover. @JRLSports. To fol- nell University. They stay in touch, and District should do. Or at least attempt A friend of mine, Dennis DiPaolo SUPER 7s low this story or com- Schaetzle added, "I couldn't be more to do. owns Ilio DiPaolo's Restaurant if Buf- ment, scan the QR pleased as this couldn't have happened If Millcreek Township School Dis- falo, and he's has a great relationship GIRLS code or visit http:// to a better person, on or off the field." trict superintendent Bill Hall came to with many of the Bills' coaches and 1. HICKORY – The Hornets have a erirdr.com/zf9pj 22 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com February 5, 2014 February 5, 2014 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 23 GET IN ON IT ALL