On behalf of the working people of Erie, IUPAT District Council 57 endorses:

JOE BIDEN JOSH SHAPIRO KRISTY GNIBUS For President For Attorney General For Congress THESE CANDIDATES SHARE WORKING PEOPLE’S VALUES:

FOR WORKERS’ FOR AFFORDABLE FOR FUNDING RIGHTS HEALTHCARE PUBLIC EDUCATION

President Trump has • BROKEN HIS PROMISE ON INFRASTRUCTURE • PLANNED TO DEFUND HEALTHCARE • TAKEN THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AWAY FROM WORKERS • GIVEN TAX BREAKS TO LARGE CORPORATIONS DURING A PANDEMIC, WHILE OUR MOM AND POP SHOPS CONTINUE TO SUFFER

Your livelihood for the next 4 years is on the line. Vote for candidates who will choose helping your family over fattening their wallets. WE CAN BE THE CHANGE Paid for by the IUPAT Political Action Together Political Committee, Hanover, MD CONTENTS From the Editors The only local voice for news, arts, and culture. OCTOBER 21, 2020 On keeping our heads on On behalf of the working people of Erie, Editors-in-Chief y most accounts, Erie-born magician Brian Graham & Adam Welsh Harry Kellar had an exceptionally good Managing Editor IUPAT District Council 57 endorses: Nick Warren What We’re Voting For – 5 Bhead on his shoulders. Throughout his standard-setting career, he demonstrated sav- Copy Editor Erie County and the soul of America Matt Swanseger vy, dignity, and class, while never forgetting where he came from. But despite his fami- Contributing Editors Still Making an Impression – 6 Ben Speggen ly-friendly reputation, he wasn’t above a lit- Jim Wertz Dafmark Dance Theater celebrates 30 years in tle shock value. For instance, detaching that Contributors Erie distinguished dome of his in front of a paying Liz Allen crowd of men, women, and children of all ages. John Bavaro The Self-Decapitation illusion was one of Jonathan Burdick A Tale of Three Phases – 8 Chloe Forbes several jaw-droppers Kellar, now fondly re- Ally Kutz On reopenings and staying open membered as “The Dean of American Magi- Tommy Link cians,” pioneered in his time. Audience mem- Michael Mongera The Real Wizard of Oz – 10 bers watched — some aghast — as Kellar Aaron Mook Brad Pattullo Harry Kellar’s legacy revived in Downtown Erie casually popped off his head and allowed it to Claudia Rose float serenely into the darkness with a smile Melissa Sullivan Shimek The Real Witches of Erie – 14 and a nod. It was a refreshingly macabre re- JOE BIDEN JOSH SHAPIRO KRISTY GNIBUS Jen Sorenson minder to never underestimate the power of Forest Taylor Witchcraft and Paganism not as frightening as For President For Attorney General For Congress Bryan Toy nonverbal communication. Larry Wheaton they’re portrayed to be Today, nearly a century after Kellar’s death, Hannah Wyman it seems we are all losing our heads a little — Photographer Small Statures, Big Stories – 16 and not always wearing our best faces while THESE CANDIDATES SHARE WORKING PEOPLE’S VALUES: Jessica Hunter Why little people like Erie’s Alice Zenda are among doing so. Who could blame us? As a nation, we Intern history’s greatest omissions are like a box sawed in half, legs churning to Simonique Dietz free themselves from past sins as arms wrig- Cover Design Erie Gay News Celebrates 300 Issues – 20 gle frantically in a haze of uncertainty. We are “Monster” Mark Kosobucki a set of disparate metal rings that no sleight The long-running LGBT+ publication looks back 1001 State St. Suite 1315 of hand can seem to link back together. We are divided over how to balance our health and Erie, Pa., 16501 TV Reviews – 21 [email protected] our economy; how, who, and what to vote for; Nurses, Parisians, and Supes, oh my! and whether or not we can even coexist. FOR WORKERS’ FOR AFFORDABLE FOR FUNDING The Erie Reader is published A return to mutual respect and tolerance every other week and distributed Our Monthly Podcast Picks – 24 may be this country’s greatest trick yet, a RIGHTS HEALTHCARE PUBLIC EDUCATION at over 350 high foot-traffic Enthralling audio infotainment we can’t stop bona fide Houdini act (who considered Kellar locations in Pennsylvania from a mentor and one of his dearest friends, by North East to Girard to Edinboro. listening to the way) considering the mire we’re in now. In addition to appearing in print, But if history has taught us anything, it’s that Erie Reader adds new content Book Reviews – 25 in times of turmoil, cooler heads prevail. It’s President Trump has daily at ErieReader.com as well as social media sites. All Gay rights history and motel mystery about tuning out the noise and distractions rights reserved. All content © and focusing on what really matters. It’s not • BROKEN HIS PROMISE ON INFRASTRUCTURE Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 RSD Still Spinning Safely – 26 having the biggest yard sign or the loudest State St., Suite 1315, Erie, Pa, Locations like Graham’s Records find a new way voice; it’s the right to have that yard sign and • PLANNED TO DEFUND HEALTHCARE 16501. No part of this publication have a voice — whether you’re woman or man, • TAKEN THE CONSTITUTIONAL RIGHT OF COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AWAY FROM WORKERS may be reproduced without to celebrate Record Store Day black or white, gay or straight, Christian or permission. The opinions of our Wiccan, or anything in between. It’s most im- columnists and contributors Movie Reviews – 28 portant that our democracy — and the oppor- • GIVEN TAX BREAKS TO LARGE CORPORATIONS DURING A PANDEMIC, WHILE OUR MOM are their own and do not always tunity to live your best life, whatever that may AND POP SHOPS CONTINUE TO SUFFER reflect that of the editorial Charlie Kaufman and Kelly Reichardt deliver cant- board or organization. Direct miss flicks mean to you — doesn’t disappear. sales inquiries to 814.314.9364. Kellar once said of his masterful misdirec- For editorial inquiries, email Local Cartoons – 29 tion abilities that “a brass band playing at full [email protected]. blast can march openly across the stage be- Election history, paper mailers, bad jokes, and hind me, followed by a herd of elephants, yet Your livelihood for the next 4 years is on the line. original Transformers no one will realize that they went by.” There’s a lot of commotion out there right now, a lot Vote for candidates who will choose helping your Crossword Puzzle – 30 of noise. Be not seduced by spectacle; do not family over fattening their wallets. The latest stumper from David Levinson Wilk fall prey to politicians’ patter. Instead, take a good hard look at the mechanics of our in- Album Reviews – 31 stitutions and operations and ask yourself if they’re working for you, your neighbors, your WE CAN BE THE CHANGE This American Song, Dorian Electra, Deftones, loved ones, your children. and Sufjan Stevens Vote your conscience. Vote your future. Cast Paid for by the IUPAT Political Action Together Political Committee, Hanover, MD your ballot. Abracadabra, alakazam.

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 “YOU DESERVE THE VERY BEST!”

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Is the Pandemic Getting You Down? Join us for one of our FREE Zoom classes to learn how to cope in a healthier way. Register online at www.covidpreventionerie.com/schedule

Wednesday, October 21st at 8:30 PM Saturday, November 7th at 9:00 AM Wednesday, December 2nd at 8:30 PM Relaxation Practices for Life How to Relax During Trying Times Signs and Symptoms of Depression Presented by Michael Plasha, E-RYT 500, RPYT Presented by Betsy Martellucci, MA, LPC, CAADC Presented by Vince Mercuri, M.Ed, LPC, CAC • Practice relaxation techniques • Identify sign and symptoms of stress • Understand the signs, symptoms, and types of depression • Understand mindful breathing • Discuss strategies to increase relaxation & decrease • Identify the onset of depressive symptoms & related stress behaviors Saturday, October 24th at 9:00 AM How to Practice Self Care Wednesday, November 11th at 8:30 PM Wednesday, December 9th at 8:30 PM Presented by Keith Walach, MS, CAC Depression and Substance Abuse I Can’t Do This Again! Will 2021 be another year like 2020? • Discuss strategies for self-care awareness Presented by Michael Palladini, RPh, MBA, CAC Presented by: Joe Haas, MS, LPC • Develop self-care techniques that may be • Identify the signs and symptoms of depression • Discuss the pandemic response and how to prepare for 2021 neglected during pandemic lockdowns • Discuss substance abuse as coping mechanisms • Differentiate political and social unrest • Develop a plan for growth in 2021, and not regression Wednesday, October 28th at 8:30 PM Wednesday, November 18th at 8:30 PM Developing Hope: Finding the Light in the Pandemic Mindfulness for Life Saturday, December 12th at 9:00 AM Presented by Gregory Krausz, MA, LPC, CAADC Presented by Michael Plasha, E-RYT 500, RPYT The Detrimental Effects of Isolation on the Minority • Discuss how hope can help during struggles • Understand the components of a mindfulness check-in Community • Develop ways to find hope • Practice learned strategies in mindfulness Presented by Marcus Atkinson, CEO • Recognize how missing social connections impact the Wednesday, November 4th at 8:30 PM Saturday, November 21st at 9:00 AM minority community The Dynamics of Anger Healthy Communication Skills • Engage in community resources available to those Presented by Bernard Lucas, M.Ed, CAC Presented by Vince Mercuri, M.Ed, LPC, CAC struggling in the minority community • Understand the essence of anger • Discuss healthy communication skills for interpersonal • Develop skills to manage anger and empower oneself relationships Saturday, December 19th at 9:00 AM • Understand expressions, feelings, and listening How to Identify and Avoid High Risk Situations Presented by Keith Walach, MS, CAC • Determine triggers for substance abuse in yourself and others • Deal with thoughts or triggers in a healthier way • Become familiar with community resources available Funding provided by the 2020 Erie County CARES Act Grant for Behavioral Health and Substance Use Services

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 NEWS & VIEWS What We’re Voting For Erie County and the soul of America

The leadup to the Nov. 3 general a good president, we (collec- election has been fraught with anxiety — and levels of ugliness tively) need the madness to and intimidation that exceed be checked at the door in 2021. anything the modern electorate Another four years of this ac- has ever seen. According to tivity and hateful people will columnist Jim Wertz, it starts with the man in the Oval Office. be doing hateful things with no repercussions. It’s already happening. threatened with a gun and Stories like these are repeat- called racist slurs, while being ed in communities like ours all told that he was a “piece of across the country. As a nation, shit” for supporting Joe Biden. we can’t afford for it to contin- Another volunteer reported ue. that his special needs son was I’m happy to write essays beat up on the way home from about how the American econ- school because his dad sup- omy has always fared better JONATHAN CUTRER JONATHAN ports Joe Biden. Neither the during Democratic administra- school or the authorities we’re tions, or that the opportunities often perceived by Democrats Closer to home, the lies and willing to intervene. “If it hap- for your kids and their friends By: Jim Wertz to be overtly anti-worker or un- threats expressed by QAnon pens again...” they said. are going to be better served our years ago, Donald abashedly militaristic, men like have manifested themselves More recently, an 80-year-old in a country with Democratic Trump won Erie County Reagan and Bush often invited among the scores of Trump woman who stopped at one of leadership, or that your par- Fby 1,957 votes. On elec- Democrats that they knew, re- supporters who threaten and our county offices for a Biden ents will be put back to work tion night, none of that made spected, and trusted to the table terrorize those who support sign was screamed at from when Donald Trump and Mitch sense. The national polls — all as a dissenting voice or to leave Democratic candidates. down the street called an “old McConnell help to destroy the of them — were horribly incor- open the potential for reconcil- Trump has emboldened the bitch” and told to “take her pension and retirement sys- rect, and for most of us watch- iation among partisan actors. worst in his supporters. I don’t old pussy back home.” All this, tems for corporate greed. ing at home, our expectations For Reagan, it was Speaker of hang this on Republicans gen- while children stand by being But honestly, all of that pales crumbled with the realization the House, Tip O’Neill. For Bush, erally, but I can’t see how any- urged to participate in this vile in comparison to the need for that the Trump campaign stra- Senator Ted Kennedy of Massa- one can stand with a party behavior. people to have a better model tegically orchestrated an elec- chusetts. that has turned a blind eye to These people are there be- for leadership. There are a lot toral college victory despite Those days are done. Led the way that this president has cause Trump has given them of reasons why things aren’t being outperformed by nearly by an autocrat who traffics in stoked his supporters to use a platform to feel safe ad- right, but we need someone 3 million popular votes. white supremacy, conspiracy hate and intimidation to ad- vancing their hateful ideolo- who will remind people that Once we reconciled the real- theories, and outright lies, the vance his sole cause — getting gy. After white supremacists we have common interests and ity that a huckster from Man- faith in our institutions and the re-elected. emerged from the fields with should be better to one anoth- hattan sold Middle America his decorum of government — and When was the last time you torches and drove over pro- er. greatest forlorn “Deal,” all that the people who comprise it — is were called a “ni--er lover?” It’s testers, killing one woman and Right now that has been lost was left was the contemplation long passed. been routine for Democratic injuring others in Charlottes- because we’re led by a liar and of the next four years and the Today, most of us hang on to volunteers in the field. The rac- ville in 2017, Trump pledged thief who has perpetrated the state of the world in its wake. what we know to be true while ists simply feel empowered to to “investigate” the incident. greatest con this country has Several times following past attempting to ignore the noise, shout it out their car or truck However, his first act of 2018 ever seen. If you need a final elections, folks would remark lies, and chorus of trolls that window as they pass by. was defunding the civil rights anecdote, get a kid’s take on that the winning candidate have hijacked social media. This year, the Erie County division of the Justice Depart- what they’ve seen. It’s so sim- was “bad for the country” or Our president and his en- Democratic Party also opened ment, the agency that would ple. “People should be better to was going to be the “worst ablers can’t muster the strength satellite offices in some pret- have been tasked with such an one another,” my daughter told president in history...” But with to condemn violent, racist ty Republican areas in an at- investigation. Trump literally me. those administrations in the groups like the Proud Boys or tempt to connect with Dem- defunded the police. Apparently, we still need a rear view mirror, the imposi- the Ku Klux Klan and more ocrats there and form a base Surely hate and racism are president who can show us tions of government and the recently have refused to de- of operations in select parts not new, but I can’t recall a how that’s done. Who knew? people who led them look quite nounce the conspiracy theo- of Erie County. Trump sup- time in my life when bad peo- welcoming. rists that comprise QAnon, a porters were so incensed by ple have felt so empowered to Jim Wertz is a contributing That’s because those men once fringe organization which our presence that they took publicly bully and intimidate editor and Chairman of the — Ronald Reagan and George has been catapulted into the over a legitimate business of- people who are their neigh- Erie County Democratic W. Bush among them — be- mainstream by a president who fice (with the blessing of that bors. Party. You can email him at lieved in our institutions, the shares its egregious lies about business owner) to establish Besides the fact that I think [email protected] and decorum of government, and COVID-19, active duty military a Trump presence a few doors Joe Biden is a good man and you can follow him on Twitter the resilience of the American and our veterans, and the sanc- away. someone who has more than @jim_wertz. He’s voting for people. If their policies were tity of American elections. One of our volunteers was enough experience to make Joe Biden. So should you.

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & VIEWS Still Making an Impression Dafmark Dance Theater celebrates 30 years in Erie

Dafmark Dance Theater, established that was a new experience. Working in 1990 by Dafna and Jean-Marc Baier, is celebrating its 30th anniversary this alone in the studio for months, with the season. It is known for its timely and amplification of world events, (there provocative performances, such as “Will was) the awareness that everyone was There Be Singing?” based on the events going through something similar and surrounding the murder of George Floyd. yet, feeling a sense of luck that we make. We could return to Europe or cre- could keep on creating and learning,” ate our own company in Erie. We chose she said. “A sense of responsibility was the latter, in part because we had quite essential in response to the brutality of a few dancers who had graduated from our times within our society — discrim- Mercyhurst interested in working with ination, injustice, and racism. What is us and because we had built an audi- strange is that all that was happening ence during those college years. So we around us had been part of our creative created Dafmark (‘Daf’ for Dafna and journey for 30 years.” ‘Mark’ for Jean-Marc),” they wrote. VINCE BROCKI Erie is a good place to nurture dance Liz Allen still laughs about the time By: Liz Allen to follow the example of Dafna Baier, talent. When I asked about Erie native her son asked why an Erie football hen Jennifer Dennehy asked who says she felt compelled “to respond Stephen Galloway, who became the field was named after a Russian ballet me if I’d be interested in writ- to a moment in time that cannot be ig- principal ballet dancer at the Frank- dancer. Liz’s family had seen Mikhail Wing about the 30-year anni- nored.” furt Ballet and creative consultant and Baryshnikov dance with Twyla Tharp versary of Dafmark Dance Theater, I Expect a similar chance to reflect on choreographer for the Rolling Stones, when they lived in St. Louis and her was ready to leap right in, despite my a range of contemporary issues if you the Baiers got excited. “Funny that you son had mixed him up with NFL two left feet. attend a collaborative event featuring would mention Stephen Galloway! He great Fred Biletnikoff. You can reach But covering new territory, such as Dafmark Dance Theater, the Lake Erie got his early training at the Martin her at [email protected]. dance, is a challenge for me during Fiber Arts Guild, and 1020 Collective Luther King dance program (the Erie COVID-19. Erie Nov. 7-21. Dafmark will perform on Bayfront Ballet, now the Erie Dance If you go Fortunately, the creative forces be- Nov. 7, 14, and 21, for a limited audience, Theater). Stephen studied with us and The exhibit 2020@1020, “A hind Dafmark are adept at bounding by reservation. performed our choreography when we collaborative look at earth-shattering over the hurdles that the pandemic The event is called 2020@1020, “A col- first came to Erie,” they wrote. “His tal- events in 2020,” takes place at 1020 presents to artists. laborative look at earth-shattering ent was blinding. We suggested that he Collective Erie, 1020 Holland St., second Dennehy, Dafmark’s general manager, events in 2020.” The exhibit, with art- go to Europe when he got a job with the floor, Nov. 7-Nov. 21. The exhibit is a began by introducing me via email to work from the community, will touch Frankfurt Ballet. His success as a danc- collaboration among Dafmark Dance Jean-Marc Baier, Dafmark’s executive on world issues, including the coro- er and creative mind has been a beauti- Theater, Lake Erie Fiber Arts Guild, and director, and his partner, Dafna Rat- navirus pandemic, Black Lives Matter, ful thing to witness.” 1020 Collective Erie. Wine and water will house Baier, artistic director. climate change and weather disasters, I asked how and why they used their be offered on opening night. Next, I interviewed Jean-Marc and the 100th anniversary of women’s right art to encourage audiences to think Gallery hours are Tuesday by Dafna Baier on Zoom. to vote, and the 75th anniversary of the about important issues. appointment, by calling 814-983-8655; Then I watched “Will There be Sing- atomic bombings of Japan. Dafna said that she has always linked and Wednesday through Saturday from ing?” This is the original dance Dafmark Exploring the wide world is not for- dance to her love for music, literature, noon to 5 p.m. premiered on video for Erie’s Blues eign to the Baiers. Jean-Marc, a native theater, and the visual arts. “Hearing Dafmark will offer a performance & Jazz Festival. Immediately, I was of Paris, received his bachelor of fine voices that were so powerful, politically linked to the exhibit on three Saturdays: plucked up and dropped into the con- arts from the North Carolina School and socially, it was a natural progres- Nov. 7, Nov. 14 and Nov. 21. Doors open temporary, thought-provoking dance of the Arts and his master of fine arts sion to use the language of dance to at 6 p.m., with the dance presentation experience that Dafmark has been of- from Southern Methodist University. express dissent, amazement, and emo- at 6:30 p.m. There is a limit of 22 guests fering to Erie audiences since the Baiers From 1984 through 1990, he directed tions. I have always felt that dance was per night and reservations are required arrived here in 1984. the Mercyhurst College (now Universi- my mother tongue,” she said. by emailing [email protected] and Words on the screen at the start of ty) Dance Department. Born in Israel, Jean-Marc became interested in dance indicating the number of attendees. the video explain why the pandemic Dafna worked as rehearsal director and while studying at Hebrew University Donations are appreciated. Masks are cannot crush the imagination: “The na- ballet mistress for Bat-Dor Dance Com- in Jerusalem, although he didn’t meet required. ture of live performances has changed. pany and the Kibbutz Dance Company his future wife until they were both in But the creative voice remains essential in Israel, the Repertory Dance Compa- Dallas. “If early on our perspective was Watch it and relevant to our time.” ny of the Southwest, and the Dallas Op- linked to our cultural background, with Dafmark Dance Theater officially Choreographer Dafna Baier then deft- era in Texas. She also taught and cho- time, it evolved with the culture of this observed its 30th anniversary on ly explains how the three dancers, the reographed at Mercyhurst. country,” he said. Sept. 1. But rather than celebrating props, the drums, music and dramatic “It was an exciting time for us, teach- The pandemic has impacted their art that landmark with large gatherings, readings are used to honor police bru- ing, creating and sharing our vision of in a number of ways. “Dance is an ex- Dafmark has been documenting its tality victim George Floyd. the world with young minds,” they said posed art form,” Dafna said. “Physicality past and current work on video. To The stark, somber performance is in an email in response to my questions. and contact are at its core. Physical dis- view that video and to learn more, visit gut-wrenching. It spurs the audience “In 1990, we had a major decision to tancing forced an introspective journey dafmarkdance.org.

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 Fall In Love with Your New Smile

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October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 NEWS & VIEWS A Tale of Three Phases On reopenings and staying open

[left]: Like other local businesses, lenged our ability to continu- we cry together, and we have Panache Salon and Studio has ally provide exceptional care; grown in many ways during had to trim down capacity in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. however the entire team, in- these times. Staff is recognized Despite that, owner Jim Farrell cluding residents, their family for their tireless work and was happy to report no thinning members, staff, and resident compassionate care. This will out of his dedicated staff. volunteers have taken the pre- continue indefinitely.” [bottom right] Like salons, it’s been difficult for fitness centers ventative measures very seri- like iRock Fitness and Level Red ously. Social engagement has Staying in Shape: Boxing to pick themselves up off been limited to adhere to social Gyms and Fitness Centers the mat. Company vice president distance restrictions requiring Any power lifter could tell you Matt Pribonic says they’ve been punching back with innovative residents to remain in specific how important grip strength is new procedures and programs. areas. Additionally, our Rec- to maintaining proper form — reation Department has rede- lose your grip and the whole sylvanian coronavirus cases signed activities to be smaller, thing comes crashing down, (176,054 confirmed as of Oct. 19) building-related programs to potentially taking you with it. JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA and a staggering two-thirds of eliminate large group gather- When COVID-19 first hit, Mat- total Pennsylvanian corona- ings.” thew and Anthony Pribonic, By: Matt Swanseger coevolve. In evolutionary theo- virus deaths (8,500 as of Oct. Residents have access to two proprietors of Level Red Box- y now, we’re all painfully ry, coevolution is the result of a 19). In Erie County, COVID-19 on-site doctors, a psychologist ing (LRB) and iRock Fitness, aware that COVID-19 has series of adaptations and coun- has breached 21 LTCFs, with 182 and neuropsychologist, as well weren’t so sure they could hold Bbeen more than “just a teradaptions, the cause-and-ef- infected residents, 129 infect- as a village chaplain. Mental on. phase.” That’s because in Penn- fect and push-pull of survival. ed employees, and 41 deaths. wellness is observed daily by “In the beginning, it was very sylvania, we’re on at least our Although some have bristled Mirroring the statewide trend, staff and when deemed neces- scary because we were like third. at being told how to evolve, few approximately 17 percent of sary, a resident Care Plan may ‘Well, we’re gonna close.’ We’re Untold ages ago, on April 27, have debated the why — be- local coronavirus cases (311 out recommend the intervention out of business if somebody Governor Tom Wolf announced cause coming through for their of 1,879) can be traced to LTCFs, of their expertise. The big- tells us to close our doors for a three-phase plan for reopen- clientele, their communities, albeit with a larger percentage gest missing piece has been months,” Matt admits. “It was ing Pennsylvania. During the their employees, and their live- of deaths (41 out of 53, or 77 per- face-to-face contact with fam- kind of amazing that the gov- Red Phase, which began with lihoods matters. cent). ily members, volunteers, and ernment was able to put to- the statewide shutdown in The scenarios that follow Brevillier Village, a nonprofit community. “We consider all gether a program that gave so March, a mandatory stay-at- vary, but the resolve shown by specializing in senior housing these contributing people an many people subsidy and sup- home order was in place and the people involved rarely wa- and health care with histor- essential part of our core val- port — I really didn’t see that only “life-sustaining business- vered. ical roots in the community ues. Many of the ever-chang- coming.” es” could continue in-person dating back to the early 1900s, ing state and federal guidelines Nonetheless, the sibling duo operations. During the Yellow In It For the Long Haul: provides multi-level care to have made normal seem near- weren’t depending solely on Phase (May 8 through June Long-Term Care Facilities their residents with intentions ly impossible to achieve, but the state to spot them during 25 in Erie County), labeled As home to some of our most of helping them age in place. there is a sense of undeniable their three-plus month shut- “aggressive mitigation,” more vulnerable populations, long- Headquartered at 5416 E. Lake resiliency here,” explains Rizzo. down — instead, they seriously “non-essential” businesses term care facilities (LTCFs) Road, the Brevillier campus en- “We truly have learned that flexed their ingenuity muscles. were allowed to reopen with have withstood the biggest compasses four buildings, each we are a family and we are In March, they debuted Level precautions — although oth- threat from the coronavirus with a different specialization essential to the operations at Red Virtual to everyone in all ers remained sidelined until thus far — not only from an depending on the resident’s Brevillier Village. I do not see four LRB market areas — Erie, the Green Phase initiated on operations standpoint, but a level of independence and that bond or pride going away Pittsburgh, Buffalo (N.Y.), and June 26. Gyms and health and health outlook as well. Elder- needs. Their person-centered soon. We celebrate together, Cary (N.C.) — not just mem- wellness centers, personal care ly residents are more likely to care mission involves many services (barbershops, salons, harbor comorbidities such as facets — a healthcare team, spas, etc.), and indoor enter- diabetes and carry generally social workers, dining services, tainment and recreation fa- weaker immune systems. Liv- rehabilitative services, recre- cilities were among those left ing in close quarters with limit- ation, nondenominational spir- waiting the longest, with miles ed mobility creates conditions itual services, and assistance of ground to make up. for viruses to spread quickly, with activities of daily living Regardless of who you are leading to outbreaks. (ADLs). and when you received the go- Statewide, COVID-19 has Balancing their residents’ ahead, one thing was clear — it found its way into 1,025 LTCFs, physical well-being with their would not be “business as usu- infecting 24,663 residents and mental and spiritual welfare al,” at least not for a while. With 5,389 employees and account- has been tougher than usual, the novel coronavirus an inva- ing for 5,609 deaths (as of Oct. says Maureen Rizzo, Brevilli- sive presence amongst our spe- 19). Those numbers translate to er’s director of development:

cies, it has become necessary to about 17 percent of total Penn- “COVID-19 has certainly chal- HUNTER JESSICA

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 NEWS & VIEWS

Due to more vulnerable on June 26, but it has lost none to leave if they wouldn’t put a populations, long-term care of its essence. mask on. We’re very stringent facilities like Brevillier Village have had more risk to manage than “It’s not been difficult to stay in our setup here. We’re big most. Maureen Rizzo, Brevillier’s within the culture that we’ve believers in the actual virus.” director of development, gives built here at Panache,” says The other part of that is the credit to her team for upholding a Farrell. “The only thing is the sheer breadth of the facility, high standard of care and quality of life for residents while taking facility we spent a ton of mon- an expansive environment of every precaution to avoid a major ey on making beautiful is now about 7,000 square feet — very outbreak. no longer beautiful. We have amenable to social distancing. plastic shower curtains every- Enhanced antiviral cleaning fied cargo containers (running where, removed probably half procedures between clients are

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO on solar power), Outfit will op- of our furniture and had to likely to stay in place whenever erate a number of pop-up gym buy a storage room to store it the pandemic mercifully pass- bers. On the iRock side, they Now that we’ve officially hit locations in outdoor parking all. But as far as our values to- es, especially during flu season. introduced a timer app with an bulking season, LRB and iRock areas, “fully decked out” with wards our clients and our staff, So while Farrell is eager to re- assortment of minimal equip- are gradually building mem- workout equipment, timers, those have not been affected.” sume skincare services (disal- ment exercises that could also bership back up, with hopes technology, and lights capable As a resounding testament lowed currently because they be performed entirely at home of reaching pre-COVID regis- of serving 20 to 30 workout to that, every one of Panache’s can only be administered to — thereby circumventing the trations by the new year. But warriors at a time. Member- 34 staff members returned as unmasked clients), take down ongoing shortage of workout should anything like this hap- ship will be on a per-month soon as they were allowed to the shower curtains, and re- equipment worldwide. pen again (and Pribonic highly basis (up to 12 workouts per reopen — much later than the store Panache’s atmosphere as Even with those interim suspects it might) and the com- month), with the ability to opt three to five weeks than Farrell a homey little oasis, he is grate- measures in place, increased pany be forced to power down, in or out at any time without had initially projected. State ful that his customers are still advertising and community the duo is ready with their pro- penalty via an app. “We’re real- legislators were lobbying for a getting the “attention to detail, outreach, and the implemen- verbial “backup generator.” ly excited about it because it’s waiver to the governor’s man- personalization, and experi- tation of enhanced cleaning “We never want to be in the going to change the way peo- datory closure of personal care ence” that they’re accustomed protocols (which Pribonic says situation again where we’re ple exercise and the way they services back in May (House to. “We try to instill that con- should have been the norm all subject to the environment pay for it.” Bill 2388), but it was vetoed nection between people that’s along), membership atrophied around us. We want to be in Historic challenges facing — and barbershop, salon, and more than just receiving a ser- by nearly 50 percent during control,” Pribonic asserts. “We your industry? No sweat. spa owners were left spinning vice.” the shutdown. Pribonic isn’t want to be able to serve people in their chairs until the Green Little by little, we’ll gradually blaming anyone for canceling, no matter where they want to Grooming a Comeback: Phase commenced. In spite of phase out of this pandemic — especially those with vulnera- work out, whether it’s at home, Personal Care Services that, salons have repeatedly and color-coded phases. But ble relatives. “You have to think at a park, or at their office or Beauty is in the eye of the proven to be a safe environ- the people and local businesses about everyone you know and business. We want to be able to beholder, and things are ap- ment since reopening. Not a that make our community tick, say to yourself, ‘Well I could be there.” pearing much prettier to Jim single employee has come to they’re not going anywhere if go to the gym, but then I can’t To that end, they’ve been Farrell now than they did a few Farrell expressing discomfort, they can help it. see my parents.’ You know sculpting an all-outdoor work- months ago. He says his busi- “which is saying something.” what you are going to choose out system called Outfit. Using ness, Panache Salon and Stu- Some of that is attributable to Matt Swanseger can be — you’re going to choose your a combination of supersized dio, has lost much of its visual their strict no mask, no service reached at mswanseger@ parents.” Ford Transit vans and modi- appeal since its resurrection policy. “I’ve had to ask people eriereader.com

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For many patrons, walking into Kellar’s, a tachioed magicians mystified, citing Modern Magic and Comedy Club, is walking into a world they never knew existed. pilgrimages to the mysterious Far East Erie-born Harry Kellar’s fantastical persona to learn their powers. Hughes — an and immeasurable contributions to the Englishman — derived his stage name field of performance magic become quickly from a type of Sufi or Hindu holy man apparent after taking in the scene and decor. and doubled down on that persona by daubing his face with scads of dark makeup. In today’s more culturally tions of a liver transplant, in what had sensitive climate, he might’ve been been the first successful procedure of asked what the fakir he was thinking. its kind in the United States. In any case, crowds were drawn to the “I was five and I didn’t know where theatrics and spectacle, although they he went,” Borgia explains. Around were duped by the occasional bad ac- that same time, Borgia beheld famous tor. Spiritualists — people who claimed Canadian magician, illusionist, and an ability to communicate with the escape artist Doug Henning in all his beyond — were notorious for that, con- logic-defying glory. He was hooked. “I ducting seances as a pretense for swin- knew one thing. I knew exactly what I dling audiences out of money and pos- wanted to be.” sessions (what a bunch of deadbeats!). Borgia filled the void left by his broth- Stage spiritualists, however, were en- er spending hours practicing finger tertainers first and foremost and had

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO exercises in the mirror to improve his only the purest intentions — to awe dexterity. Sleight of hand (aka presti- and delight. Now that was something digitation or legerdemain) is the bed- Keller could get behind. By: Matt Swanseger ing trains and whipping up “potions“ rock of the close-up or table magic that In 1869, he signed on as an assistant at the downtown pharmacy where he provides many performers their “in.” with The Davenport Brothers and ff to see the Wizard? Hate to held his first apprenticeship. His em- Relatives and friends fed Borgia’s pas- Fay, a troupe of stage spiritualists re- break it to you, but the Yellow ployer was none too pleased when one sion, regularly buying him new tricks nowned for their Spirit Cabinet, an OBrick Road is kind of a dead of those whimsical concoctions blew to add to his repertoire and inviting illusion in which musical instruments end. a hole in his floor. Henry feared his fa- him to perform at birthday parties and appeared to be played by ghosts with- With all apologies to the Emerald City ther would have an equally explosive gatherings. “They knew I was really in a hermetically sealed wooden box. Department of Tourism, the legacy of reaction when he heard of the incident, into it,” Borgia says, and more impor- In reality, shut-in siblings Erastus and the Real Wizard of Oz lives here in the so he skipped town on the first freight tantly they never discouraged him. William Henry Davenport quickly es- Gem City. So adjust your coordinates to train to Cleveland at the ripe old age of By the time he was working his first caped tightly-knotted ropes, played a State Street and don’t fret about flying 10. job at the Station Restaurant and Os- brief jam sesh, and wriggled their way monkeys — although I’d advise you Northeast Ohio ultimately failed to car’s Pub, he was already a seasoned back into their bonds before the cabi- to remain vigilant of whispering imps captivate the boy, so he did what any veteran. Every Wednesday and Friday net reopened. Not a thing looked out (don’t worry, I’ll explain later). enterprising 11-year-old would do — he night, he went from table to table per- of place; it seemed utterly inexplicable. packed it up for the Big Apple. While forming tricks, and soon enough other The then walrus-whiskered Keller Now you see him, now you don’t selling newspapers in Lower Manhat- restaurants around town were hiring sopped up every detail. After four years Erie native Harry Kellar was not only tan, Keller met his eventual guardian, a the precocious high schooler into cam- of playing second fiddle, Keller and his an inspiration to L. Frank Baum, author minister from Upstate New York who eo roles. After graduating from Acad- coworker William Fay ghosted the Dav- of the 1900 children’s fantasy novel The would take him to his first magic show. emy High, Borgia moved to New York enports. The two men embarked on an Wonderful Wizard of Oz — he was, Keller was spellbound as he watched City and signed with a management 18-month tour of Central and South and continues to be, an inspiration to “The Fakir of Ava” — aka American ma- company, landing a gig at Merv Grif- America from late 1873 through early generations of magicians that have fol- gician Isaiah Hughes — transform a fin’s Resorts International in Atlantic 1875, with their own version of the Spir- lowed in his footsteps. An affable per- scrap paper into coffee, milk, and sugar. City for six months. “I was 19 years old. it Cabinet serving as the main attrac- sonality and consummate entertainer, The spell never wore off. Keller left I was a kid.” tion. By the end of their adventure, the Kellar is regarded as one of the founda- the minister and a temp job at a farm But unlike Keller, at least he was old duo had performed in front of Emper- tional figures in performance magic — near Buffalo to become an assistant enough to grow stubble before striking or Dom Pedro II of Rio de Janeiro and so much so that he became known as (now as Harry Keller) to none other off on his own. accrued over $10,000 in revenue (about “The Dean of American Magicians.” than the man who cast it — Hughes, a quarter million in today’s dollars) in In reality, the honorable provost the Fakir himself. ‘Stache money millionaires Mexico alone. Despite assurances that didn’t even finish high school. It’s not Entertainment in the late 19th centu- nothing occult or sinister was amuck, that he didn’t have a brain — it’s just Sleight of hand ry was dominated by larger-than-life Mexican newspapers were absolutely that he had a little too much nerve. Native Erieite Bobby Borgia vividly personalities and larger-than-life facial convinced that Keller was “in league Born Heinrich Keller in 1849 to German recalls his initial encounter with magic, hair. Circuses brought mutton chops with the devil.” immigrants, young Henry’s pastimes too. His brother, Anthony Scott Borgia, and menageries, big tops and bearded Ironically, that press did a hell of a lot included dashing in front of oncom- had just passed away from complica- ladies. Meanwhile, magnificently mus- for his popularity. In fact, the supernat-

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 HIRING TODAY! FEATURE

Make a living

while making a CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

ural became a staple of the Harry Kel- Erie native Bobby Borgia has taken an interest in magic since the age of five, lar brand from the 1880s onward, after since blossoming into one of the more difference. an 1876 name change to avoid confu- respected names in the entertainment sion with contemporary Robert Heller. industry, regularly collaborating with major networks, movie studios, and musicians in the areas of illusion and effects design, Magic makes a comeback technical advice, and creative consultation. Lakeshore Community Services is seeking dedicated Bobby Borgia has never been ac- and reliable Direct Support Professionals and Certified cused of demonic dealings during his Nursing Assistants eager to make a difference in the globetrotting career. Nor has he ever like America’s Got Talent, Masters of Il- contracted yellow fever or been ship- lusion, and The Carbonaro Effect. Mov- lives of individuals with intellectual disabilities. wrecked with a cargo hold full of gold ies like The Prestige, The Illusionist, and jewels off the coast of France — and Oz the Great and Powerful. Mag- all things Kellar experienced after his ic-themed destinations like The Magic Are you compassionate and breakout tour. (It’s safe to say that ed- Castle (Los Angeles), Chicago Magic ucation and world travel have come a Lounge, Wizards at Universal (Orlan- motivated to help others? Join us! long way in the past 150 years). None- do), and another we’d like to mention... theless, Borgia’s life has been anything Kellar’s, a Modern Magic and Come- We offer: but boring. dy Club at 1402 State St. — just a block “I’ve had a very interesting career,” away from where the Real Wizard of • Great Pay and Benefits Package Borgia admits. That feels like an un- Oz’s childhood home once stood in Erie, • Opportunity for Advancement derstatement. His work as a perform- Pa. er, illusion designer, magic consultant, • Varied hours - Nights, evenings & weekends available and technical advisor has taken him Imps ’n’ shows • Potentially earn up to $1,300 in bonuses in Year 1! to 87 countries. His talents have been Still wondering about the whispering recruited by nearly every major net- imps? Close the Kellar’s door or you work (or one of their subsidiaries), en- might let one out. These diminutive tertainment juggernauts such as Dis- diablos will be literally crawling out of Apply today at LakeshoreCS.org. ney, casinos, cruise lines, and some of the club’s walls soon enough (with a bit popular music’s biggest names. They’ve of coaxing from 3D micro-projection surfaced on stage, screen, and in every- technology). thing in between. He says it’s unlocked For now, though, they’re just part a “whole different world” he never of the scenery — living within mu- could have imagined. ral-sized reproductions of Kellar pro- He credits his success not to sorcery, motional posters painted on the wall. but to “a lot of failing and learning, a lot The original illustrations were the 1350 West 26th Street • Erie, PA 16508 • 814-456-9962 of drive, focus, never giving up … I don’t work of the Strobridge Lithograph- care what happens, just don’t give up.” ing Company in New York and Ohio, Not when the market for magic is this and depicted Kellar consorting with rich. It’s everywhere. Television shows all manner of infernal associates. The

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 FEATURE little devils seemed to be his favorite (The Flying Cage, Psycho the Automa- to Kellar, with whom he had grown credit than that, saying “she’s the rea- consultants, whispering the secrets ton), his performing troupe would also increasingly fascinated with as both son this is here now.” to each new illusion — deceptions so tour as The Royal Illusionists (the same a historical figure and a marketable But not the only reason. The other is incredible, so beyond earthly explana- name Maskelyne and Cooke used) and concept. The cruise rep informed him Dave Litz Jr., owner of the former Jr’s tion, so dare I say impossible that they install their own Egyptian Hall in Phil- there were some people in the front Last Laugh. Borgia was a seventh grad- could have only come from the Great adelphia. If Kellar saw something he row who wanted to meet him. Who else er at St. Luke’s when he caught wind of Deceiver himself. liked, he either bought the rights to it but the Keller family? Litz’s act at that year’s Academy High Kellar’s rivals might have contend- or devised a workaround. “I was like, holy shit, are they gonna School Talent Show. Borgia lost his ed the imps were whispering their se- Audiences were none the wiser. Of sue me?” Borgia recalls with a laugh. mind when he saw Litz’s guillotine illu- crets, as claims of plagiarism flew like course they were curious about what They did no such thing. In fact, after sion. “This giant blade came down, the pitchforks through sulfurous Hades Kellar did, but they were even more sharing his vision of a more permanent head came off, went down to the feet, air. Following the death of Heller in fascinated about how he did it. He had Kellar homage in Erie, Rick (Katherine’s talked … oh my gosh.” He could not stop 1878, American critics wrote off Kellar a doctorate-level understanding of the grandson) and Jennifer Blakely were raving about it. as nothing but an impostor. The blow mechanics and optics that made each sold. They awarded Borgia unprece- Two weeks later, the guillotine prop to his reputation was so severe that he illusion work. He knew exactly when dented access to the Kellar estate, in- and others arrived in his parent’s drive- was forced to cancel an entire U.S. tour. and how to misdirect the crowd’s atten- cluding photos, posters, memorabilia, way. He wouldn’t know this until years In his absence, Alexander Herrmann tion at the most critical moments. And and hundreds of personal letters be- later, but his father had written Litz a (aka “Herrmann the Great”) established above all else, he absolutely nailed the tween Kellar and his dear friend and check for $150 to buy the entire setup. himself as our country’s most preemi- presentation, weaving elaborate back- renowned escape artist Harry Houdini. “I almost cried.” After that, Borgia nev- nent magician, which only further fu- stories for spectacles such as “The Lev- Dozens of these items now adorn the er saw Litz again. That is, until Borgia eled Kellar’s tireless pursuit of perfec- itation of Princess Karnac,” “The Shrine walls of Kellar’s, a Modern Comedy and moved back to Erie and heard Litz (aka tion. One assistant said Kellar wasn’t of Koomra-Sami,” and “The Cassadaga Magic Club. Dozens more will populate “Junior”) was selling an even bigger projecting well enough on stage — so Propaganda,” each complete with on- an upstairs museum in the future. setup — his highly successful comedy the Wizard put his ’stache to the blade. theme props and costumes. With these artifacts in hand, Borgia club at 1402 State St. Yet another Erie Another swore he knew how a mag- He believed that “you can never in- has become better acquainted with connection had come full circle. ic box worked for a fact — so Kellar terest the modern public unless you Kellar than just about anyone. “I feel hacked it to bits with an axe. Every illu- are continually giving them something like I even know who he was as a per- Because of the wonderful things sion was rehearsed and refined until it new.” son. Forget what kind of a magician he he does was indecipherable. All the way up until his retirement was, I feel like I kind of know him.” Like Litz, Borgia is a stand-up guy, Such obsessive levels of quality con- in 1908, Kellar’s productions reflected Borgia has learned that Kellar was a counting comedians among his closest trol eventually did set Kellar apart. a relentless drive to innovate. It’s why very kindly and generous man, espe- friends. He didn’t want to complete- Truth is there are only so many types in 1900 he was christened “The Peerless cially in regard to giving back to his ly sever himself from Junior’s proven of effects — magicians disagree about Magician.” It’s why his name became hometown of Erie, where he would business model, but he didn’t want to the exact count, but the consensus is synonymous with sheer, unadulterat- hold performances and donate to local settle for old (top) hat either. So Kellar’s fewer than 10. ed wonder. charities almost every year. Borgia is rotates magic and comedy weekly, while • You can make something appear inspired to do the same, professing a seeking to provide an atmosphere and (production) or disappear (vanish) Hook, line, and synchronicity love for Erie greater than sponge can- customer experience that “feels almost • You can turn one thing into It’s hard to fathom now, but there dy. like a different world,” according to Le- something else (transformation) was a time when Bobby Borgia had “There’s some kind of connection I wonas. And maybe more importantly, • You can destroy something and never even heard of Harry Kellar. He can’t describe,” he says. “I’ve traveled an escape from the current reality. put it back together (restoration) was a teenager performing table magic the world two, three, four times, what- “We are really trying to show people • You can make one thing move to a at Oscar’s Pub and The Station Restau- ever … [but] there is something special that [our club] is clean and safe. And different place (teleportation) rant. As fate would have it, dining out here. And I see a lot of people with oars that they can come in and be remind- • You can make two or more things that night was a Mrs. Katherine Keller in the water rowing in the right direc- ed after about 10 minutes to unfold trade places (transposition) Blakely. She asked him if he knew who tion.” their arms and it’s time to relax, time to • You can pass one solid object her uncle was. Borgia drew a blank, so Where Kellar’s is concerned, he has laugh. That’s what is going to bind us to through another (penetration) she filled him in. “He was the greatest had two very important individuals in this community,” Lewonas says. • You can make something defy magician in the history of magic.” his boat. The first is Kristi Lewonas, his And in turn, hopefully bind the com- gravity (levitation). It wasn’t until Borgia began traveling high school prom date turned business munity with another thread of its Some magicians group teleportation the world and rising in his profession partner. Lewonas brings vast experi- oft-neglected heritage. “We are the and transposition together (transpo- that he truly began to realize how im- ence in personal services and hospi- home of the real Wizard of Oz. How sition = double transportation); others pactful and wide-reaching Kellar’s leg- tality, having owned a hair salon for 22 cool is that?!” Borgia exclaims. “It’s like include mind-reading (prediction) and acy was. But there were many secrets years and been involved in the restau- discovering a magic trick.” escape artistry on their lists. yet to be revealed. “I knew he was an rant industry for several more. As for what’s next? “A magician never There’s no question Kellar “borrowed” icon, but I knew nothing about him.” Asked why their working relation- reveals his secrets.” from others — sometimes heavily. One That has changed drastically within ship clicks, Lewonas attributes it to of his favorite sources of inspiration the past five years, in particular after familiarity. “Sometimes I ground him Matt Swanseger has never pulled was John Nevil Maskelyne and George another chance encounter with Keller a little; sometimes he makes me reach a rabbit from a hat, but he has Cooke’s Egyptian Hall, located across descendants, this one even more un- for the stars a little higher. So with his pulled many a previously frozen the pond in London. Egyptian Hall was canny than the last. magic and charming imagination, and meal from his microwave oven. a magician’s Mecca, attracting visitors Flashback to 2018 in New York, aboard my skills being able to bartend and Unlike most magicians, he’ll happily from around the world. Not only did the Carnival Horizon, the cruise line’s mop up the bathroom on the hospital- let the imp out of the bag on this Kellar use some of Maskelyne’s more then latest ship. Borgia had been clos- ity end, it’s a great match. The yin and and other phenomenal feats at ingenious inventions in his own act ing out his shows with a video tribute the yang.” Borgia gives her a little more [email protected]

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 FEATURE The Real Witches of Erie Witchcraft and Paganism not as frightening as they’re portrayed to be CREATIVEFIRE

By: Claudia Rose witches are in league with the Devil. Belief systems such as Wicca are rooted This dates back centuries, long before in Pagan traditions that sometimes predate Christianity by thousands of s Halloween draws closer, the the events of Salem occurred. years. Contrary to popular perception, the usual topics come up: the next In 1486, Heinrich Kramer, an inquisi- overwhelming majority of these movements pumpkin-flavored item, the tor for the Catholic Church wrote the have no ill or malicious intent, serving A instead as an alternative way to become latest film franchise to be made into a Malleus Maleficarum. Also known as attuned to natural forces and one’s own costume, and every so often, someone The Hammer of Witches or The Witch spirituality. may mention that the holiday’s roots in Hunter’s Bible, this document was the Gaelic festival known as Samhain, meant to instruct how to detect wheth- which served both to mark the end of er someone was a heretic participating less to say, if the clergyman lived in this the harvest season and honor dead an- in witchcraft, and suggests gruesome era, he might have had a very angry cestors. The concept of Samhain was torture to elicit a confession. While not blog, and perhaps a body pillow with a combined with Christian holy days, the only document of its kind, it is one cartoon character on it. and over time, the traditions of wear- of the better known, possibly due to Unfortunately, by the time the Mal- ing costumes and carving pumpkins Kramer’s many unusual beliefs about leus Maleficarum was banned by the (originally intended to ward off evil what witches were like as well as what church, the hysteria had already begun, spirits), were incorporated into what they did. Kramer himself links the prac- and Kramer’s word was seen as gospel we now know as Halloween. tice of witchcraft with the Devil, stat- by many. The most young people re- This is nothing new, as the origins ing witchcraft must be real because the member being taught in school is about of the holiday have been explored Devil is real. Furthermore, it suggests the Salem Witch Trials, in which 19 peo- through countless documentaries and that women are most likely to give in ple were hung, five died in jail, and one films. What many may not realize is to temptation of the Devil, since they was crushed with stones. The reality is that Samhain, in addition to many were believed to be the weaker gender. hysteria was running rampant for cen- other Pagan holidays that have been If that was not bad enough, women turies throughout Europe, and at least westernized, is still celebrated by large were believed to spread the word of 40,000 people were executed for witch- groups of people, some of whom are evil to one another as easily as local craft. A witch could have been anyone part of the Erie community. While not gossip, so friends could not chat with- outspoken, independent or different. everyone uses the term “witches” to re- out being seen as suspicious. Healers While there are practitioners who do fer to themselves, it does suit the spirit and midwives were also brought under associate themselves with the Devil of the season. suspicion as witches were believed to or Satan, that is a completely separate But what comes to mind when a use herbs and children to do the Dev- organization that has nothing to do witch is brought up? Bette Midler? The il’s bidding. Kramer had been criticized with Paganism or witchcraft as a gen- color green? In film and some literature, prior to publishing the document for eral practice. Much to the chagrin of the witch is most commonly portrayed being uncomfortably preoccupied with the many members of the Erie Pagan/ as a villain, or someone corrupted by a the more intimate details of an accused witch community, they cannot explain thirst for power. This likely stems from heretic’s personal life, and it is not hard that witchcraft is a part of their spiritu- the common misconception that all to detect that through the text. Need- al practice without facing accusations.

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 FEATURE

Margo Wolfe is a local practitioner who Christianity. Wolfe assures, “It’s not an- the way it has been portrayed in the are interested in it,” says Dolan. “People has taken part in various conferences ti-anything, anti-Christian or anti-God. media. “The intention is never force.” of all genders, races, backgrounds, peo- and events for people of diverse reli- I know people who are Pagan who also Another point she stressed was that ple who never fit into any box before.” gious beliefs such as Patheocon and align themselves with Judaism. I know these different paths are just as valid There isn’t just one way of practicing gatherings held by the Sisterhood of some people who find the teachings of as anyone else’s. “Once you choose a either, one of the Norse Pagans who Avalon. That being said, she is all too Jesus in their path. It’s difficult to nail path it doesn’t limit you to believing in goes by the name Sam states. “I’ve seen familiar with the misunderstanding down on purpose. It’s taking hold of only what you do. It’s as basic as diver- so many people from different races that any and all forms of witchcraft are one’s spirituality.” Michelle Dolan has sity in people. Not living that person’s with different pagan beliefs. Everyone linked to Satanism. started exploring witchcraft for her- life doesn’t suddenly make it not a real has their own different pagan beliefs; “Satan is a Christian concept, and self, and strongly encourages research life.” unified they have one common goal.” Paganism is pre-Christian. There was of the topic before reaching any con- For practitioners who have chosen So as the full moon rises on Hallow- no concept of Satan,” she explains. The clusions. “It’s just like any other reli- this path, witchcraft and Paganism has een, realize the concept of witchcraft is fact of the matter is witches, Pagans, gious belief, it’s an actual belief system introduced a new form of self care. “I not as simple as the classic films make Wiccans (three things that are not and not a cult.” would never have started meditating it out to be. Make no mistake, plenty synonymous), are just expressing their For many who found this path on before getting into witchcraft and that of Pagans and witches enjoy watch- spirituality, similar to any other belief their own, and were not raised that has done so much for me,” says Bern- ing Hocus Pocus and Practical Magic, system. A local couple who wishes to way, Paganism and witchcraft simply hardt. “I’ll meditate with the crystals, just don’t expect the witch next door remain anonymous follows the tradi- spoke to them in a way other religions put on some different frequencies, to bring back the dead or shoot Force tions of Norse Paganism, and they get didn’t. Rachel Bernhardt has been a and it’s nice.” Dolan adds, “It makes me lightning from their fingers! That be- very disheartened when their practice practicing witch for around five years, feel a little safer, protected. When I am ing said, it is comforting to know the is assumed to be barbaric or violent. and follows the Greek pantheon of de- doing spells it makes me feel empow- world is magical. “We worship our gods and we also ities. “I consider myself religious again, ered.” Wolfe shares this feeling of em- worship the Earth, because the Earth which is really weird for me. Chris- powerment, asserting “I’ve been able to Claudia has been fascinated by the is sacred. We aren’t running around tianity had no pull for me my entire lead and have a voice in my own spiri- concept of witches ever since she was sacrificing people,” they say. “We are life and my whole family is Christian. tual path.” a child, making a quest to consume a different form of a religion; we have I never had a true religious experience That being said, for those who would as much media as possible about people that we look to and pray to.” with Christianity which now I do with be interested in looking into Paganism them. Of course, she does also come Another common misconception my deities.” She also clarifies that the or witchcraft, it is a path anyone can from a long line of Tarot readers…and about witchcraft and Neo-Pagan prac- purpose of spellwork for her as a witch follow. “I’ve seen people who dress like has a crystal collection. She can be tices that include it is that it’s against is not voodoo dolls or mind control the soccer mom down the street who reached at [email protected]

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 FEATURE Small Statures, Big Stories Why little people like Erie’s Alice Zenda are among history’s greatest omissions

[left] Espiridiona Cenda, better perhaps, chosen as public Her manager was a man known to the public by her stage sympathy for the Cuban peo- named Frank C. Bostock. His name of Chiquita (meaning “little ple was growing due to their family had been in the busi- girl”) and to those close to her as Alice Zenda, stood just over two oppression by the Spanish ness of exhibitions for nearly feet tall. [bottom right] Zenda fell Empire. Much about her life a century at that point. His in love with and married Erie-born- before arriving in the United grandfather, George Womb- and-raised Anthony “Little Tony” States remains uncertain. well, had first taken wild an- Woeckener in secret in 1901. Alice’s newspaper appear- imals on the road in Britain ances increased significantly in 1804. Wombwell’s daughter stories are usually centered after the Times story. That Emma married James Bostock around those committing winter, she began perform- and the two eventually took the exploitation, rather than ing in Boston at an attraction over the family business. coming from the perspective called The Zoo. The language Frank’s two brothers worked of the person or people with used in advertising her shows for their parents, but he was Ben Franklin Technology Partners dwarfism. was demeaning and stereo- interested in taking an act In the history of Erie, one typical for the time, includ- of his own across the Atlan- is looking for tech innovators or small such overlooked woman ing the concept of marketing tic. He arrived in the United was Espiridiona Cenda, bet- her alongside various exotic States in 1893. He organized manufacturers located in ter known to the public by animals — but in a society his show in Brooklyn and be- her stage name of Chiquita that was still largely driven gan exhibiting exotic animals: Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango,

CHARLES EISENMANN CHARLES (meaning “little girl”) and to by agriculture and industrial monkeys, parrots, lions, and a those close to her as Alice Ze- labor, Alice was forging a path boxing kangaroo. A few years Warren, Forest, or Clarion County PA, nda. towards financial indepen- later, he would meet Alice and and the founder of his own Alice appeared in thousands dence. she would quickly become a who are developing new products, By: Jonathan Burdick popular podcast *Buddycast) of American newspapers recently wrote for erieread- throughout her lifetime. One processes, or software applications. n 2019, Pennsylvania offi- er.com. “Just like you, we are of the earliest of these men- cially designated October human beings, maybe just a tions was the July 24,1896 is- Ias Dwarfism Awareness foot or two smaller. We are sue of The New York Times If You Are Ready To Turn a BIG IDEA Month, with Oct. 25 named not mythical creatures, stunt when she was set to make Dwarfism Awareness Day. objects, jesters, or sporting her New York City debut into a BIG OPPORTUNITY, visit After seeing a concert skit by equipment.” at the Metropolitan Hotel. Zac Brown Band using a little October was selected be- The story described her as a BIGIDEA.BenFranklin.org for person widely seen as degrad- cause Oct. 25 is the birthday 26-year-old university grad- ing, Nick Sorensen, a local of Billy Barty, the well-known uate who recently arrived member of Little People of actor who founded Little Peo- from Mantanzas, Cuba with details and entry form. America, reached out to State ple of America in 1957. Barty her brother and cousin. The Rep. Ryan Bizzarro and soon, was integral in bringing to- Times inferred that she was they were working to create gether people with dwarfism, a proponent of the Victorian and pass the bill that made who in turn would organize dress reform movement (a this a reality. and fight for civil rights leg- tenet of first wave feminism) The resolution, which islation over the following and described her on stage passed unanimously and was decades. as the “most graceful little adopted a year ago on Oct. 29, Despite this progress, in lady imaginable” who could 2019, states that it is “recogniz- written histories, people with play instruments, sing, dance, ing dwarfism with the hope dwarfism are often marginal- and was fluent in numerous of raising positive awareness ized or outright absent. When languages. She wore color- about dwarfism and promot- those with dwarfism *are in- ful, silky dresses as she sang, ing the welfare of people hav- cluded in our histories and danced, and charmed her au- ing dwarfism in this Common- popular stories of the past, diences. She was also 26-inch- wealth.” they are frequently portrayed es tall, having been born with “People with dwarfism have as lacking historical agency — a form of primordial dwarf- also faced a negative view defined as individuals having ism. in the media, one that has the ability to act and make The Times article is not caused stereotypes or misin- choices independently. completely reliable. Alice was formation,” Sorensen (who When such stories are told, indeed 26-inches tall, but she works as digital content man- they are often stories of ex- was born in Mexico, not Cuba. ager for JET/FOX/YourErie as ploitation. While exploitation That detail was a part of her well being a stand-up comic *was sometimes apparent, the Chiquita persona and was, OF CONGRESS LIBRARY

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 Ben Franklin Technology Partners is looking for tech innovators or small manufacturers located in Erie, Crawford, Mercer, Venango, Warren, Forest, or Clarion County PA, who are developing new products, processes, or software applications.

If You Are Ready To Turn a BIG IDEA into a BIG OPPORTUNITY, visit BIGIDEA.BenFranklin.org for details and entry form. FEATURE

The multitalented Chiquita porters that Tony “would nev- pregnant. One of the leading was described on stage as er give up the fight” and they surgeons in Erie, Dr. Frank A. the “most graceful little lady imaginable,” with the ability to were “prepared to go on with Walsh, attempted a cesarean play instruments, sing, dance, this case.” He fumed that Al- section at St. Vincent’s hospi- and speak fluently in numerous ice had consented to Bostock’s tal in October. He was able to languages. wishes in court only by per- save Alice’s life, but the child VOTE FOR SOMETHING FUN suasion, perhaps even threats. did not survive. her contract with Bostock,” The Buffalo Evening News re- She went back to performing the Buffalo Evening News re- ported that Bostock offered to by that spring after her recov- ported. hire Tony permanently if she ery, but court battles with Bos- The judge believed that there consented to remain with his tock persisted. In June 1905, “was no evidence to show that show without further litiga- a U.S. Circuit Court settled Chiquita was restrained of her tion. Bostock’s case against Alice. liberty,” but then he adjourned “Tony Woeckner will never He had argued that he “discov- so that “the couple could de- enter the employ of Mr. Bos- ered” her and “enhanced her termine whether they wanted tock,” Tony’s lawyer coun- value as a star by clothing her to live together or not.” tered. “That part of it is set- in costly garments, decking “The statement that I am tled.” her in miniature jewelry espe- keeping Chiquita from her In March, newspapers were cially made for her, and hav- husband is not true,” Bostock again advertising Alice along- ing her educated.” She shot claimed. “The fact is Chiqui- side Bostock’s other perform- back, describing his “cruel ta is fickle-minded and she ers and exotic animals in Bos- treatment, which consisted of wants nothing more to do ton. Sometime that August, locking her in apartments and with Woeckener.” Alice escaped with Tony, say- refusing her permission to see On the following court date, ing that Bostock had taken her husband.” With their set- Bostock’s counsel appeared. her over his knee to “tame” her. tlement, he agreed to dissolve ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH LOUIS ST. Chiquita was not present. The “The evidence in the case will his injunction. cornerstone of his exhibition. show. They quickly bonded judge granted another hour, unfold a most remarkable love She and Tony continued put- In 1901, Bostock took his and, that November, they but she again failed to appear. story,” the Pittsburgh Press ting on shows over the next show to the Pan American married in secret. Bostock’s counsel stated she wrote of the couple in Novem- few years from Pittsburgh Exposition in Buffalo, N.Y. Alice snuck out one eve- could come the following day. ber. They recounted the story to San Francisco. In 1908, the — known infamously for be- ning, scaling the fence of her On the following day, she was of their marriage and separa- Pittsburgh Press wrote, “No ing where President William exposition and met Tony for “questioned as to the state of tion, then reported that they artist, public performer, past McKinley was assassinated a “midnight marriage” at the her mind,” but the judge con- had been back living together or present, has ever received that September. home of Justice Thomas H. cluded that she was content to again in Erie since their Au- the same continuous propor- Alice held early morning re- Rochford. When she returned stay with Bostock. gust escape. tionate stipend as this little ceptions where guests could that evening with her new Judge Morton argued that The problem? Bostock had lady.” pay to meet and talk with husband, Bostock’s men were the marriage never should her under contract. He had The two retired from the her and listen to her sing. She waiting for them. According have happened. “I do not an injunction served that for- business the following year. would show off her gowns and to Tony’s account, this was at think the marriage was the bade any performances by Al- Many reports claim they jewelry. She was gifted an elec- gunpoint. Tony rushed away offspring of love or affection,” ice for two more years under moved to Mexico, but not tric vehicle, which she would to get assistance from the he said in court. “There seems any other management but much is known about the drive during the daily Mid- police, but before he was able to be some ulterior motive his own. Alice ignored the in- rest of their years, although way parades. Some reports to return, she was allegedly behind this. I think it is our junction and began to manage by most accounts, she lived claimed she accumulated over “whisked away [and] abducted duty to look beyond the mere herself. Tony assisted. until 1945. Still, one aspect is $100,000 in a personal fortune to Canada.” surface and ascertain the mo- In April 1903, The Evening known: Alice was free from during these times. Tony soon found out that she tive.” Republic in Meadville de- Bostock’s legal grasp. He died “They made her the mascot had been taken to Boston. He That Judge Morton alleged scribed how Alice was set in 1912. of the fair, which is just telling immediately traveled there. there was an ulterior motive to perform “passionate love Stories like Alice Zenda’s in all sorts of different ways,” By early January of 1902, they for Tony, but not Bostock is songs” all week at 178 Chest- are important always, but Margaret Creighton, author were in court in Boston. When notable, as well as his adding nut St. across from the Mid- especially deserve attention of 2016’s The Electrifying Fall Tony took the stand, it was the that he did not believe that land Hotel. The article noted during Dwarfism Awareness of Rainbow City, wrote. “At first time that he had seen Al- Alice was capable of making her ability to speak multiple Month, when the complexity two feet tall, she resisted be- ice since their November mar- decisions for herself, stating languages and waltz and stat- of lives such as Alice’s can be ing treated as a child. She fell riage. the “wife is not an ordinary ed she would “converse and explored, the adversity which in love and escaped from her “[Tony is] small for his age,” person [and] not of ordinary shake hands with all who at- she overcame highlighted, and manager [Bostock], and he kid- the Pittsburgh Daily Post re- capacity and intelligence” and tend the show.” The article her determination to forge her napped her again.” ported. “His manner on the that he would “hesitate to give also described three diamond own path as a performer and Help Us This Year by Voting She had fallen in love with witness stand showed that he her wishes the same force rings she wore, one from Pres- businesswoman admired. the Erie born-and-raised An- was very much in earnest.” and effect that I would give to ident Theodore Roosevelt and thony “Little Tony” Woecken- “Chiquita was placed upon those of ordinary persons of others from famous stage Jonathan Burdick runs Panache as Best Spa and Best Salon er. Although only a teenager, the stand and testified that her years.” actresses Julia Marlowe and the historical blog Rust & Tony was taking tickets and she wanted to live with Tony, Tony returned to Erie with- May Fisk. Dirt. He can be reached at playing the cornet for Alice’s but also wanted to carry out out Alice. His lawyer told re- Soon after, she became [email protected] BESTOF.ERIEREADER.COM 18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 VOTE FOR SOMETHING FUN

Help Us This Year by Voting Panache as Best Spa and Best Salon BESTOF.ERIEREADER.COM FEATURE Erie Gay News Celebrates 300 Issues The long-running LGBT+ publication looks back

The Erie Gay News originated as of Harrisburg and the Philadel- we’re adding letters, I tell them, a double-sided sheet of paper in phia Gay News. Sources such yeah, it’s been in flux for a while, the spring of 1992. Three hundred issues later, it is still going strong as Pittsburgh’s OUT and Cleve- and that is totally cool.” and providing Erie a needed land’s Gay People’s Chronicle Recalling Erie’s acceptance voice. Pictured here are members and PRIZM ceased print publi- of him in the early ’90s, he said and supporters of Erie’s LGBT+ cation in 2012, 2015, and March “I remember when I first came community on Oct. 28, 1995, along with EGN Editor Michael Mahler of 2020, respectively. “There out, I was feeling really nervous. (front row to the very right). aren’t a whole bunch of us right Because it was an unknown, not now,” Mahler mourned. because I know something bad For Mahler and his de- is gonna happen. I do remem- in those early days, you could cades-long collaborator Deb ber obsessing about, ‘Oh, my read Mahler’s long-running col- Spilko, EGN has been a labor of God, someone’s gonna slash the

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO umn, “Michael Dithers.” love. “This is a volunteer thing tires on my car.’ For some rea- In August 1997, the issue mast- and has always been a volunteer son, I was really worried about By: Nick Warren Mahler. “So there was a point head debuted with the logo and thing,” Mahler explained. “It was that.” Mahler quickly noted n Tuesday, Oct. 20, The Erie where I [reasoned that] since title they still use today: Erie Gay pretty much me and my friend as well that “I know, again, I’m OGay News released its tri- I’m already out, I don’t care. I will News. In the early 2000s they Deb doing most of the work.” speaking as a white, cisgender centennial issue. That milestone kind of be a buffer for you guys.” ran several issues as P.R.I.D.E. Spilko had also been working on non-disabled, born-in-the USA, was reached month by month “So I mean that’s changed.” — standing for “Positively Rep- a similar predecessor to EGN, in English-speaking male. But the in print, and in case you haven’t For Mahler, EGN wasn’t his resenting Identities of Diversity the form of a newsletter for the fact that I didn’t run into any- already done the math in your first foray into the world of print In Erie,” with EGN returning in group PALS (standing for Per- thing, suggests that somebody head, that’s 25 years. For the re- publications. A software de- December of 2002 onward. sonal and Affirming Lifestyles), probably could have [been pub- cord, it’s actually been around 28 veloper by trade, he created a It’s easy to see the history which met at St. Paul’s Episcopal licly out] successfully earlier.” years. With in-depth community regular newsletter for a comic of EGN for one simple reason: Church in the late 1980s and was Thankfully, progress has been news and an extensive commu- book club he was part of in col- They’ve kept their website me- active during the same time as made over the past few decades. nity calendar, it’s been a fixture lege — while the golden age of ticulously updated. Not only is the Erie Gay Task Force. “Things Even so, there is an extremely of the Erie community since the zine culture was in its heyday. each issue viewable as a PDF, like that were very much ‘hush- real possibility that ground will early 1990s. A few years later, he helped do but there is an extensive local hush,’ difficult-to-find stuff,” be lost, and the Supreme Court Back when it started though, the same thing for the regional history regarding Erie’s LGBT+ Mahler explained. “And then the will overturn its 2015 Obergefell things were very different. arm of The Society for Creative community reaching back to first local gay wedding I went to v. Hodges ruling that legalized EGN Editor Michael Mahler, 57, Anachronism, the world-famous the 1960s. The EGN is also cat- was also at St. Paul’s Episcopal, same-sex marriages. As the pan- came out publicly in May of 1992 medieval recreationists. The aloged in the Toronto-based and that was just about six years demic continues and many of us and was one of the first openly Erie Gay News evolved out of the ArQuives and the IHLIA LGBT ago” he enthused. remain socially distanced, com- gay voices in Erie County. “It was Erie Gay Community Newsletter, Heritage in Amsterdam (former- “When I was first getting in- munity may be more important a lot more common for people which was produced by the or- ly Homodok), and digitally at EB- volved locally, I remember the now than ever. An inclusive, ac- not to be out,” Mahler recalled, ganization Bridges, beginning as SCO’s LGBTQ+ Life and the Erie term was ‘LesBiGays.’ So, we cepting community is one of the able to count on one hand any a double-sided sheet of paper in County Library, among others. were doing sexual orientation, things EGN has helped to foster local people he knew who were the spring of 1992. By January To have such a longstanding but that didn’t include trans here in Erie. In its 300 issues, it’s openly gay or lesbian. “It used of 1993, it had moved to the 12- newsletter in Erie is rightful- commonly. And it’s now been documented our past and pres- to be the case that when we got page format that they still use ly — and no pun intended — a the case, of course, that you’ll ent, shining a bright and hopeful started that folks weren’t neces- in 2020 (though over the years, point of pride. In Pennsylvania, see LGBT or LGBTQ, LGBTQAI,” light to the future. sarily as comfortable listing con- they’ve regularly gone with 16 there are like-minded organiza- Mahler spelled out. “So when Nick Warren can be reached at tact information online,” said and 20-page runs as well). Even tions like The Central Voice out people complain about why [email protected]

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 TV REVIEWS Ratched’s Rickety Start Netflix series doesn’t quite do iconic villain justice 2019

Just thanking Erie for your support and 2019 Best of Erie win! Come in and check out why we were voted Best in Erie! NETFLIX Covid Hours: Mon: Closed; Tue — Fri: 3pm - 10pm; Sat: 2pm - 10pm; Sun: Closed nfamous cinema villain Nurse Ratched Sarah Paulson stars as Nurse Mildred The bar is closed but you may sit at a table inside or outside! Ratched in the Netflix series based on the gets her own backstory in the new I infamous antagonist of the novel and movie Ryan Murphy series Ratched. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. Ryan Murphy has added another project to his juggernaut list of shows, thought I would admit. I was not sold by which include American Horror Story, Sarah Paulson’s performance. Paulson is Glee, 9-1-1, and The Politician. His usual arguably Ryan Murphy’s greatest asset strengths and faults are on full display in next to the likes of Jessica Lange, Kathy Ratched. Sarah Paulson stars as Nurse Bates, and Angela Bassett. However, her Mildred Ratched, the unforgettably in- performance feels more like an audi- domitable antagonist of One Flew Over tion tape without ever fully embodying the Cuckoo’s Nest. Louise Fletcher’s Oscar-winning ici- MEDICAL Like any Murphy affair, it starts off ness that built Nurse Ratched’s legacy. with a promising concept, strong aes- While we must give the perception of a MARIJUANA thetics, and an excellent cast. Sharon character backstory the benefit of the Stone, Cynthia Nixon, and Judy Davis doubt, the frigidness of Paulson’s char- Certification & Renewals grace our laptops and Rokus, chewing acterization is more so reminiscent of up Murphy’s hearty scripts like a mallrat her American Horror Story: Apocalypse Do It All from Home with Telemedicine chews up bubblegum. A beautiful shade character, Wilhelmina Venable. of teal sweeps the entire main set of Lu- There’s plenty of good here — engag- PA Qualifying Medical Marijuana Conditions: cia State Hospital, where Murphy holds ing and sweeping visuals, almost rever- no punches with the semi-accurate de- berating off of the television screen, • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis; • Multiple sclerosis; pictions of mental hospital procedures along with crucial LGBT character rep- • Anxiety disorders; • Neurodegenerative diseases; from the 1950s. It’s close to AHS: Asy- resentation — Cynthia Nixon portrays • Autism; • Neuropathies; • Cancer, including remission therapy; • Opioid use disorder for which conventional lum, just with less darkness and Catho- Paulson’s love interest in the story, • Crohn's disease; therapeutic interventions are contraindicated lic guilt. which reveals the tragic backstory of • Damage to the nervous tissue of the central or ineffective, or for which adjunctive therapy With that comes the show’s faults, as Ratched’s character (a subplot that it- nervous system (brain-spinal cord) with is indicated in combination with primary Murphy has a knack to favor glamour self is a major stretch). But it’s dragged objective neurological indication of intractable therapeutic interventions; over coherent storytelling. At times, down by Murphy’s worst habits, includ- spasticity, and other associated neuropathies; • Parkinson's disease; • Dyskinetic and spastic movement disorders; • Post-traumatic stress disorder; plot narratives seem rushed and pro- ing his ludicrous plot developments. • Epilepsy; • Severe chronic or intractable pain of duce episode cliffhangers with little His stylish setups may pull you in, but • Glaucoma; neuropathic origin or severe chronic or payoff. That’s not to mention character they’re rarely worth the payoff. — Mi- • HIV / AIDS; intractable pain; arcs that seem directly recycled from chael Mongera • Huntington's disease; • Sickle cell anemia; American Horror Story (check the paral- Season One currently streaming on Netflix • Inflammatory bowel disease; • Terminal illness; and • Intractable seizures; • Tourette syndrome lels of Freakshow’s Dandy Mott and Glo- // Created by: Evan Romansky // Starring: ria Mott with Ratched’s Henry Osgood Sarah Paulson, Finn Wittrock, Cynthia Nixon, and Lenore Osgood, respectively). Jon Jon Briones, Charlie Carver, Judy Davis, I must confess something I never and Sharon Stone // 10 episodes CALL 412-398-7777

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 TV REVIEWS Emily In Paris Gets Lost In Translation The Boys is the Best New Netflix show shakily walks the cobblestone streets of France Rowdy Action On TV Lily Collins plays the role of adorably naïve Nazis, capitalism, and other mind- transplant Emily Cooper in the lighthearted blowing villains fuel fandom in Netflix series Emily in Paris. second season

drive such long-lasting series. Yet, much aybe you’re experiencing superhero like New York, Paris acts as a beautiful Mfatigue or maybe you aren’t. We ha- backdrop for Cooper to explore while ven’t had a Marvel movie in over a year, fashionably overdressed, even for an after all, so who knows? Virtually every American in Paris. streaming network has their own ensem- And while the social media angle is ble show, like The Umbrella Academy, a relatable one, it only creates surface Watchmen, or even Doom Patrol. While it’s level commentary on new-age tech- far from perfect, The Boys does its job bet- nology among young people. Outside ter than the rest. A cynical take on what of her job as a social media strategist, a superhero team — known as The Seven Cooper documents her life to her grow- (a parallel to DC’s The Justice League) CAROL BETHUEL / NETFLIX CAROL ing Instagram account, @EmilyinParis, — would be like in the real world, the se- which captures her whirlwind of a life ries is based on the 72-issue comic book et in the postcard-perfect Paris of help her make friends through serendip- in France, where even stepping in dog series by writer Garth Ennis and artist Sa Francophile, Netflix’s newest orig- itous meetings on park benches, at ca- poop becomes a post-able moment. Darick Robertson. The source material of- inal show Emily in Paris feeds viewers fes, and while shopping for flowers. As Despite bringing complexity to charac- ten relied heavily on shock value and play- cliché after cliché. Chocolate crois- new friends Mindy Chen (Ashley Park) ters in past projects (To the Bone, Love ing to the most extreme scenarios con- sants? Check. Jaunty berets? Of course. and Camille (Camille Razat) along with Rosie), Collins performance as a flitty, ceivable. While there are plenty of things Eiffel Tower money shot? Obviously. It’s flirty Frenchman Gabriel (Lucas Bravo) workaholic millennial is nothing im- shocking in this series, that’s just one fac- a story like many others. Enthusiastic help Cooper navigate Paris, it seems pressive. The real stars of the show are et of why this show is so enjoyable. Sure, Emily Cooper (Lily Collins) takes a job that this 20-something chose to forgo Cooper’s trusty 5-inch heels that have the characters have tongue-in-cheek/ in France to act as the “American point any prior research about where she was yet to fail her on cobblestone streets. stupid names, like Homelander, Mother’s of view” for a French luxury agency that living for the next year before jetting out Marketed as a “drama-comedy,” Emily Milk, and Black Noir, but some of these has agreed to update marketing strate- of Chicago. In fact, one of Cooper’s big- in Paris falls flat as jokes are elementa- characters are truly captivating. [Spoiler gies. Through witty hashtags and cutesy gest character traits throughout the se- ry and drama is resolved within 30-40 Alerts ahead] This season grapples with social media campaigns, Cooper stum- ries is knowing zero française and often minutes. The show is light and moves The Seven’s newest member, Stormfront bles her way through trying to help her finding herself in awkward situations quickly, streaming at under five hours (get it … because of the racist message Devil Wears Prada-esque no-nonsense because of her cluelessness (which in total. True escapism for the Parisian boards) as the team finds itself down a boss (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu) and would be ignorance, if Cooper hadn’t lovers and dreamers. — Hannah Wyman few members. Hughie (Jack Quaid) tries sassy coworkers (Samuel Arnold, Bruno been painfully painted as adorable and Season One currently streaming on Netflix to make things up to Starlight (Erin Mori- Gouery). earnest). // Created by: Darren Star // Starring: Lily arty), Butcher (Karl Urban) comes to grips Despite being a seemingly one-dimen- Often compared to Sex and the City Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley with season one’s cliffhanger, and Vought sional character, Cooper’s supposed and Gossip Girl, Emily in Paris lacks the Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno (the all-powerful company funding the charisma and endearing foreignness depth and complex characters that Gouery, Camille Razat // 10 episodes team) goes public about Compound V

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22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 TV REVIEWS

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(the mysterious serum creating all these The Boys thwarts superhero fatigue with its cheeky cynicism and more honest account powers), and blurs the lines of public and of how superpowered humans would private industry. Is Season Two better function in the real world, even as their than Season One? No. It does build on circumstances grow increasingly ridiculous. everything you loved in that first adven- ture though, showing no signs of slowing everyone, The Boys is some of the most down no matter how ludicrous the plot fun TV out there today. — Nick Warren becomes. Comic readers will notice sig- Season Two currently streaming on Amazon NOW SERVING OUR FULL MENU. nificant departures from Ennis’ plotlines, Prime // Developed by: Eric Kripke // Starring: thanks to showrunner Eric Kripke (Su- Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin CALL AHEAD FOR SAFER, FASTER SERVICE. pernatural), and the changes seem all Moriarty, Dominique McElligott, Jessie T. for the better. Overall, it’s a fast-paced Usher, Laz Alonso, Chace Crawford, Tomer VISIT OUR TERESA’S ITALIAN DELI and exciting show that’s easy to rewatch Kapon, Karen Fukuhara, Nathan Mitchell, FACEBOOK PAGE FOR DETAILS. if you’re so inclined. Though it’s not for Colby Minifie, Aya Cash // Eight episodes FULL MENU LOCATED AT WWW.TDERIE.COM

One in every five school students report being bullied. Many times kids won’t ask for help, so it is important to know the signs. If you know or suspect that your child is involved in bullying and needs additional assistance, contact the LECOM Institute for Behavioral Health – we can help. Call (814) 454-3174

October is National Bullying Prevention Month #StandUpToBullying

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 PODCASTS Our Monthly Podcast Picks Enthralling audio infotainment we can’t stop listening to

Oh, Hello: the P’dcast My Favorite Malady: A Mütter Museum Podcast Secretly Incredibly Fascinating With: John Mulaney, Nick Kroll Hosted by: Mike VanHelder & Nancy Hill Hosted by: Alex Schmidt Comedy, Satire, True Crime Medical History, Medical Mystery Science, History, Comedy

our favorite To- f you’ve ever won- f you were a fan of Yny-award watchers Idered about the IThe Cracked Pod- and boisterous New weird and wonderful cast, put this in your Yorkers return from world of the evolution feed immediately. their comedy show Oh of medicine, look no Last year, Cracked Hello, On Broadway to further than the Müt- was acquired by Lit- bring you Oh, Hello, the ter Museum at The erally Media. In June, P’dcast. College of Physicians they dismissed writ- George St. Geegland of Philadelphia. In a er Alex Schmidt and and Gil Faizon, the “cabinet museum” with him, The Cracked geriatric-gone-wild setting, their collec- Podcast, arguably alter-egos of John Mulaney and Nick Kroll, run what tion boasts items such as Einstein’s brain, Dr. Jo- the single most lovable offering the site ever pro- seems to be a celebrity-driven charity drive without the seph Hyrtl’s human skull collection, and a specimen duced. Beginning in 2013, it showcased little-known audience knowing. With guests Pete Davidson, John Ol- from John Wilkes Booth’s vertebra. The morbidly cu- historical events, pop culture headcanon, and un- iver, Lin-Manuel Miranda, and others, the podcast asks rious will be intrigued by the Mütter Museum’s new derreported news. They eventually adopted the re- listeners to donate to Off Their Plate, a very real orga- podcast, My Favorite Malady, hosted by self-identi- peated slogan “Why being alive is more interesting nization that provides meals to emergency health care fied “science goths” Mike VanHelder and Nancy Hill, than people think it is.” Alex Schmidt took over for workers during the pandemic. members of the Mütter Museum’s staff. Although the show’s original host, Daniel O’Brien, in 2017 … af- The pair start with their pitch of deep-diving into the still in its infancy (at the time of this writing, it just ter the company was purchased by the E. W. Scripps death of Princess Diana, carried on through the show released its third episode), this podcast holds great Company. Secretly Incredibly Fascinating is, for all they refer to as “Die-Town,” a play on Brian Reed’s promise, as there is no shortage of medical maladies intents and purposes, the next evolution of The “S-Town.” and mysteries peppering modern history. With sub- Cracked Podcast. Forgoing its precursor’s penchant Running off-track, listeners get a glimpse into the mod- jects in the first episodes ranging from Blackwater for the kinds of clickbaity titles that made the site erately chaotic minds of St. Geegland and Faizon, who Fever to the No-Nose Clubs of 18th century London such a commodity, SIF employs minimalist titling. talk about their time in New York, from past lovers to the to Trench Mouth, from Puerperal Fever and Giant Currently a dozen weeks in, Schmidt is joined by fa- struggles of quarantine. The niche comedy brings irrev- Hogweed Phototoxicity, My Favorite Malady has a lot miliar voices, such as Jason Pargin, Soren Bowie, erent humor to the forefront, examining pop-culture top- to offer those curious about the mysteries of medi- Adam Todd Brown, and even O’Brien. Also, they use ics such as modern politics, musicals, Uber drivers, and cal history. VanHelder and Hill (with the occasional the same tagline, and another theme courtesy of the loss of diet root beer on draft. All in all, this podcast guest) take this morbidly interesting history of mys- The Budos Band. Also, also if you’re looking for more proves to be a much-needed and hilarious diversion from terious illnesses and medical events and create won- of an apéritif from Schmidt, check out his surpris- the stressful times of the pandemic and election cycle. derfully told tales that leave listeners eager for more. ingly beautiful miniseries 1 Way To Make An Emoji. — Chloe Forbes — Ally Kutz — Nick Warren

Erie County Human Relations Commission

The Erie County Human Relations Commission (ECHRC) works to eliminate discrimination in employment, housing and public accommodations through identification, consultation, and investigation of complaints.

• The ECHRC provides a system of equal justice for employer–employee, landlord– tenant, business–patron, and lending institution–homebuyer.

ECHRC’s Ordinance makes it unlawful to discriminate against protected classes that include:

• Race; Color; Family Status; Religious Creed; Ancestry; Age; Sex; National Origin; Sexual Orientation; Disability; Gender Identity; Criminal History; and Source of Income.

1001 State Street, Suite 812 • Erie, PA 16501 eriecountygov.org/hrc • [email protected] • 814-451-7021

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 BOOK REVIEWS The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States Eric Cervini leads readers into trenches of ongoing fight for gay rights

he Deviant’s War is Cervini educates the reader on key po- Ta nonfiction book litical figures that supported or hindered that takes an in-depth the gay rights movements, ranging from look at homosexual former President J. Edgar Hoover to politics before the Stonewall staple Marsha P. Johnson, gay rights movement. while also sharing firsthand accounts BOO RUN Harvard grad and of the closeted subculture of early LGBT LGBT historian Eric organizations like the Mattachine Soci- Cervini maps out the life story of Frank ety. Kameny’s life as a pillar for the gay OCTOBER 31 Kameny, a former WWII vet who fights rights movement ties all the information against a discriminatory system that together. has stripped him of his government title Cervini has produced a jaw-dropping as an astronomer. Now known as one educational work that should be taught Sign Up of the leading figures of the gay rights in any LGBT history course. The book por- movement, Kameny brought the first trays the life of gay Americans as a fight Today! civil rights case based on sexual orien- to survive, and eventually leads into the tation before the Supreme Court, later burgeoning gay rights movement of the fighting to have homosexuality removed ’70s. Any curious queer person should from the American Psychiatric Associa- look to this text for the true story of the tion’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual gay individuals and historical events of Mental Disorders. Cervini’s extensive that led us to our modern visibility. research is supported by declassified — Michael Mongera government documents and thousands Farrar, Straus and Giroux // 512 pages // of personal documents and accounts. Historical Nonfiction www.SafeNetErie.org/Events

The Sun Down Motel P A I D F O R B Y F R I E N D S O F M A T T H E W F E R R E N C E When it comes to suspense, Simone St. James’ new novel is booked solid n 1982, Viv Delaney characters that come to life before your Iwants to be anywhere eyes, Simone St. James’ writing evokes but home, so she hits such strong emotions that it is difficult the road with dreams to put this book down. Much like a sus- of New York City. She penseful horror movie, many moments falls short, ending up are spent wanting to hide behind fingers, in Fell, a small town in peeking out to see what happens next. Upstate New York. Viv The Sun Down Motel’s mysterious de- takes a job as a night clerk at The Sun tails and creepy occurrences will send Down Motel to pay for her move to NYC, chills down any reader’s spine, feeling but the town’s past keeps her tethered like there is someone just over their to the motel, searching for answers. But shoulder, watching their every move. then Viv disappears without a trace, leav- Each character holds so much person- Matt Ferrence stands for... ing behind more questions. ality that it is difficult not to begin root- In 2017, Carly Kirk, having always been ing for them after getting to know them. Strong public schools obsessed with the mystery of her aunt Viv Delaney has the perfect Winona Ry- Viv, who disappeared before Carly was der-esque 1980s vibes that make it all A fair economy for all born, moves to Fell to find out what re- the better to envision her nights at the ally happened in 1982. Following in her motel and her days spent looking for an- Healthcare you can afford aunt’s footsteps and taking a job as the swers. Carly is what many bookworm, night clerk at The Sun Down Motel, Car- true-crime-obsessed 20-somethings ly quickly realizes that not much has want to be: someone using their knowl- changed since that fateful night her aunt edge and research skills to solve mys- disappeared all those years ago. Caught teries from the past. Reader be warned, good ideas up in the mystery of the town and its mo- though: once the sun goes down at The tel, Carly finds she is more like Viv than Sun Down Motel, there’s no telling what she may have known – and danger is lurk- you might encounter. — Ally Kutz good mustache ing right around the corner. Penguin Random House // 336 pages // With incredible attention to detail and Mystery, Suspense, Thriller, Horror Fiction Find out more at www.electferrence.com

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 MUSIC RSD Still Spinning Safely Locations like Graham’s Records find a new way to celebrate Record Store Day

Graham’s Record Store, located at 613 W. est in the media,” said Graham. 26th St. in Erie, originally got its start in Graham’s Records, at 613 W. 26th St., Edinboro in 1985. It continues to aspire to is Erie’s only locally owned independent be a “one-stop shop” for physical media in record store that hosts Record Store the form of vinyl, cassettes, and CDs. Day. Graham’s was founded in 1985 by Michael’s brother Steven and their along with the already planned Black mother, Margaret. Graham’s Records Friday Record Store Day on November was originally located in Edinboro be- 27th. fore moving to its current location in Record Store Day is as important to the heart of Erie. Graham’s is a one-stop the buyer as it is the store owner. These shop for music in the form of physical limited releases will draw some of the media. They have a wide selection of most die-hard vinyl lovers out of the records, CDs, cassettes, and even a few woodwork, along with attracting those DVDs — however, vinyl records remain

GRAHAM’S RECORDS GRAHAM’S new to collecting. Traffic influxes at their specialty. If you can’t find that rare amongst vinyl enthusiasts) occurs on niche stores help keep these business- album you are looking for, Michael will By: Larry Wheaton the third Saturday in April, however, es running. The hope is that people check his extensive warehouse; if you ecord Store Day is the most antici- much like everything else in 2020, the come for the limited releases and end are looking to experience a newer re- Rpated day for vinyl lovers and inde- COVID-19 pandemic caused the 22nd up spending more time and money on lease differently, he can special order it pendent record stores across the coun- Annual Record Store Day to be post- some of the store’s other offerings. Mi- for you. try. It’s a day when musicians distribute poned. In the hope to limit the crowd chael Graham, from Graham’s Records, The appeal of listening to records goes vinyl records in the form of collector’s sizes at independent record stores the said that his store wouldn’t be doing as beyond your parents waxing nostalgic items, numbered pressings, and first organizers decided to split the release well as it is if it wasn’t for Record Store while listening to AM favorites from their releases which are sold at independent into three separate days, with one day Day. “The existence of RSD has raised youth — many modern artists are re- record stores throughout America and in August (Aug. 29), a day in September the public perception to expand and leasing their music on vinyl as well. One Europe. Traditionally RSD (as it’s called (Sept. 26), and one in October (Oct. 24), grow with the ability to generate inter- of the most anticipated releases this Re-

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The appeal of listening to records goes beyond your parents waxing nostalgic while listening to AM favorites from their youth — many modern artists are releasing their music on Life’s a combination of good days and bad. I have your back for both. And who vinyl as well. Graham states that “thanks to Record Store Day has my back? The company more people and their online presence, the younger audience is getting into Life’shaveA trustedgood a combination for 90 neighbor years. of good record collecting.” daysCALLhas ME and TODAY.your bad. I have back. your back for both. And who has my back? is getting into record collecting.” Record the limited records, you had to go back Cam El-Farouki, Agent The company more3319 W 26thpeople Street have Store Day offers other releases through- to the end of the line and hope that the trusted for 90 years.Erie, PA 16506 out the year, making many available ex- release you wanted was still there. Gra- Life’s a combinationBus: of 814-833-6663good days and www.teamerie.com clusively at independent record stores. ham said “ customers were overwhelm- CALLbad. I have ME yourTODAY. back for both. And who It’s all part of the goal to draw people ingly positive towards the restrictions has my back? The company more people have trusted for 90 years. into the locally owned stores and help and guidelines that were set in place” CALL ME TODAY. build the fanbase that will continue to and added “most seemed relieved that visit these shops. there were precautions taken.” State Farm 1606040 Bloomington, IL With the restrictions in place due to Graham’s Records will open at 9 a.m. for Cam El-Farouki, Agent COVID-19, the setup and feel were dif- its next Record Store Day event on Oct. 24. 3319 W 26th Street Erie, PA 16506 However, remember that the line starts early, ferent compared to previous years. Vinyl Bus: 814-833-6663 shoppers traditionally line up as ear- usually around 6 a.m., and sleep-deprived www.teamerie.com ly as six in the morning, talking about vinyl enthusiasts geared up with excitement their collections and what they hope will be there waiting with coffee in hand. to grab on Record Store Day; now cus- So show up early, build your collection, and tomers must remain six feet from each most importantly stay safe. State Farm 1606040 Bloomington, IL

October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 MOVIE REVIEWS The One That Got Away: I’m Thinking of Ending Things is a Near Perfect Depiction of Regret

harlie Kaufman has proved to be a master Cat depicting both the absurdity and the sheer existential horror of life. As a screenwrit- er, he had a true talent for taking outlandish ideas and making them achingly relatable, and as a director, he has taken all the longing, con- fusion, and fear of existence and turned them into complex yet entertaining stories. His new- est filmI’m Thinking of Ending Things may be his most impenetrable and unsettling yet. He

has taken a story that is part family drama, / NETFLIX CYBULSKI MARY • No Doctor’s order needed part surrealist horror, and part Broadway mu- sical and has made it all uniquely his own. • Gender determination at 8 weeks The plot follows a young man named Jake (Jesse Plemons) who is taking his girlfriend (Jessie Buckley) out to the country to meet his parents in the middle of a raging snowstorm. During the trip, the young woman begins to have doubts about continuing their relationship which becomes stronger as reality begins to slowly unravel around them. It’s difficult to describe the plot of this film without spoiling the entire thing, but I will say that nothing in the film should be taken completely literally. What starts as a simple story slowly falls deeper and deeper into abstraction to the point where the actual plot is swept away in favor of pure psychological and emotional exploration. In fact, with the possible exception of David Lynch, no filmmaker has used surrealism in mainstream cinema as effec- tively as Kaufman. In this film he uses it to explore the pain, regret, and disappointment of a life unlived until it all comes crashing down in a beautiful but devastating final sequence. It might just be the most horrifying movie-go- ing experience of the year. — Forest Taylor Call or text for info 814-580-9164 Written and directed by: Charlie Kaufman // Based on the book by Iain Reed // Starring: Jessie Buckley, Jesse Plemons, Toni WWW.PINKORBLUE.SIMPLYBOOK.ME Collette, David Thewlis, Guy Boyd, Colby Minifie, Hadley Robinson, Gus Birney, Abby Quinn, and the voice of Oliver Platt // 135 minutes // Rated R // Currently streaming on Netflix

An American Tale: First Cow is an Amazing Film that Flew Under the Radar

ilm fans may come to remember 2020 as “the year without movies” as theaters locked their doors through Fmost of the year and many films found their release date either moved back or cut short. Many of them found a home on VOD, but others were held in limbo for months on end. One of those films was Kelly Reichardt’s First Cow, easily one of the best films of the year. Reichardt proves once again that she is the best chronicler of close, intimate friendships set against the wild, untamed beauty of the American Northwest. The story centers around Cookie (John Magaro), a cook traveling with a group of fur trappers through Oregon Territory in the 1820s. On the trail, Cookie strikes up a friendship with King-Lu (Orion Lee), a Chinese immigrant searching for his fortune and the two go into business together, making and selling fried dough balls to fellow trav- elers. However, their business relies on the milk of a wealthy landowner’s prized cow, a fact that could endanger their lives if the owner found out. Ostensibly a Western, the film goes beyond the tired cliches of the genre and instead, much like Robert Altman’s McCabe and Mrs. Miller, presents the untamed West as a place ripe for capitalistic exploitation. However, it is also a place of untapped opportunity as these two men find a path to success that a more “civilized” world might have denied them. Like her earlier films like Old Joy and Certain Women, this is also a tale of a close, platonic friendship. Magaro and Lee give us two people who need each other to survive in the harsh world. And that is a tale that is worthy of an American myth. — Forest Taylor Directed by: Kelly Reichardt // Written by: Kelly Reichardt and Jonathan Raymond // Based on the novel “The Half-Life” by Jonathon Raymond // Starring: John Magaro, Orion Lee, Rene Auberjonois, Toby Jones, Ewen Bremner, Scott Shepherd, Gary Farmer, Lily Gladstone, Alia Shawkat, Dylan Smith, Stephen Malkmus, and Eve the Cow // 122 minutes // Rated PG-13

A24 // Available to rent on VOD

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com October 21, 2020 October 21, 2020 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 ALBUM REVIEWS

This American Song Dorian Electra Deftones Sufjan Stevens People of the Stars My Agenda Ohms The Ascension Self-released Self-released Reprise Records Asthmatic Kitten Records

uite simply, caustic flur- eftones op- he career path Qthis is one of Ary of non- Derate in their Tof Sufjan Ste- the best albums stop excitement, own time and vens often feels to come out of Dorian Electra’s space, and by all reactionary; after the Erie area in sophomore al- means, they’ve releasing three the last five years. bum is a captivat- earned that right. consecutive al- This American ing rollercoaster. Throughout a bums as an indie Song has long subsisted as an underrat- Saddled with nearly useless genre mark- career that’s lasted over 25 years, the darling in the early 2000s, his orchestral ed spoke of the local music scene — al- ers like “Bubblegum Bass,” “Hyperpop,” band survived nu-metal, revolutionized arrangements gave way to a polarizing ways deserving more recognition than and “Deconstructed Club,” the quest to alternative metal by incorporating trip- electronic opus in 2010, The Age of Adz they get, while never outwardly desiring categorize Electra is a fool’s errand, and hop and goth-rock influences, and nine (preceding Bon Iver’s spiritual successor, to do anything besides make their own that’s part of the point. While their debut albums later, they have yet to release a 22, A Million, by six years). Then, in 2015, brand of wonderful music. The perfect album Flamboyant was more rooted in dud. The confidence they have in their came Carrie & Lowell, a stripped-down sonic stew for aging Gen Y hipsters, the electro attitudes of the magnificent identity combined with their willingness collection of his most personal songwrit- they’re an alt-rock band with a horn Charli XCX, My Agenda quickly moves to experiment has led them to be called ing yet. And now, yet another five years section. Diving in deeper, they’re some- towards the more chaotic successes of “the Radiohead of metal,” and consid- later, he’s returned with The Ascension, where along the continuum between 100 Gecs. The results are exuberant and ering their latest album manages to be a project that attempts to marry the The Hold Steady and Jeff Rosenstock, entrancing, if not polarizing. This type their best in a decade, it’s not hard to hushed musings of its predecessor with filled with throwback full-band bom- of album creeping into the mainstream understand why While 2016’s Gore po- the chaotic arrangements of Adz. Sur- basts and enough personality quirks to will likely cause confusion to some. It’s a larized listeners with a complex assort- prisingly, if The Ascension is anything, it’s keep a therapist’s head spinning. In par- lowbrow tour de force, filled with weird ment of influences and a muddy mix, cohesive, almost to a fault. Newcomers ticular, People of the Stars is an achieve- humor and moments both tongue-in- Ohms plays like a greatest hits release may struggle to separate the monotonous ment as an album. It starts off with the cheek and weirdly forthright, often at the composed of entirely new songs; it’s a tone of this 80-minute collection, but the one-two punch of “Young Don’t Die” and same time, like “Sorry Bro (I Love You)” victory lap. Toss in the fact that legend- dedicated will be rewarded upon repeat “Golden Circles,” two tracks brimming and “Give Great Thanks.” For another ex- ary producer Terry Date reunited with listens. Among the occasionally chaot- with hooks. Most of these tracks will be ample, one of the album’s singles is titled the band for the first time since 2003, ic background noise is some of Steven’s familiar to TAS fans, with some like “Har- “Edgelord” and features Rebecca Black and it’s easy to hear why some songs most interesting songwriting yet, from vest Moon” re-recorded, and live sta- (of “Friday” fame). It’s meta, winking, and (“Urantia,” “Error”) hearken back to the his attempts at The Postal Service-esque ples like “Easy Way Out” and “Find Your a highly repeatable 25 minutes of life. band’s Around the Fur days as others do pop (“Video Game,” “Sugar”), to haunting Own Way” getting their time in the sun. My Agenda is frenetic at times, with its their most experimental phases (“Gen- mantras (“Die Happy”), and the angri- Like any good album, it ends in a Pink synth-heavy distortions also blotted with esis,” “The Spell of Mathematics”). It est, most compelling closing track he’s Floyd-esque spacewalk, with its titular intense moments of repose. The 28-year- may be years from now, but the album’s ever written (“America”). The Ascension track sandwiched between the radio old trans and gender-fluid artist has risen triumphant title track points to the is unlikely to convert new fans, but for static of the penultimate Orson Welles beyond their station to make something band returning yet again someday with indie-heads up to the challenge, it may sound clip and the opening track. — that’s undeniably whatever it needs to be. another genre-defying masterpiece. reveal itself to be one of the year’s best. Nick Warren — Nick Warren — Aaron Mook — Aaron Mook

TOMMY IN TOON — BY TOMMY LINK CROSSWORD

Across 51. Nestlé bars filled with 25. Powerful wind 1. Loopy little films? tiny bubbles 26. “Failure ____ an 5. “I’m ready to be dazzled 52. Canal to the Red Sea option” by your presentation” 53. Blockhead 27. Express viewpoints 10. Sammy with 609 54. Streaming service that 31. First name in 1970s homers launched in 2019 ... and gymnastics 14. Big part of a Risk board this puzzle’s theme 32. Tormented 15. Like wealthy landown- 60. On the briny 33. Narrow coastal inlet Answers to last puzzle ers 61. Stonehenge figure 35. Anne and Condoleez- 16. Universal donor’s type, 62. Move like molasses za briefly 63. SpongeBob’s pet snail 36. Extremely uptight 17. Go a few rounds with a 64. Prom attendees 37. 2000s TV show that co-creator of “The View”? 65. Exec, slangily begins with the crash of 19. Great ____ Oceanic Flight 815 20. Blonde or brown Down 38. Smallish jazz combo brews 1. Chatterbox’s “gift” 39. “A People’s History of 21. Swing by unan- 2. Prefix with metric the United States” writer nounced 3. Repair Howard 22. Figurine of comedian 4. Glimpsed 42. “____ 17” (1953 film) Patton made out of pasta? 5. 2008 Pixar film that 43. Where Springsteen 28. Half of a 1960s folk- takes place in 2805 was born, in song rock group 6. Largish jazz combo 44. “My Fair Lady” lyricist 29. Areas of expertise 7. Take forcibly (from) 45. “If you say so” 30. Cy Young Award win- 8. Large body of eau 46. Vague, as a memory ner Hershiser 9. Some mag. workers 48. Just one Time? 31. C.S. Lewis’ fantasy 10. “Us, too!” 49. Longtime hair lighten- world 11. Commensurate (with) er brand 34. Group that came of 12. Suffering from Alzhei- 50. They get more annoy- age ballroom dancing? mer’s ing as they grow up 40. Brainstorm 13. Customer service 54. Toxin mentioned in 41. “Me neither” workers Joni Mitchell’s “Big Yellow 42. Country south of 18. They follow oohs Taxi” Martinique 21. “Oh, hogwash!” 55. Livid state 46. Invites to one’s home 22. Air Quality Index factor 56. Not neg. 47. Statement revealing 23. Whittle (down) 57. Teammate of Babe unwanted pressure stems 24. “Truer words were 58. Rapper Lil ____ Vert from NBA legend Bill? never spoken!” 59. Complete collection VIRTUAL SCREENING & DISCUSSION Wednesday, November 11 from 11am to 1pm • Zoom training by The Caring Place staff • Will offer CEUs via Mercyhurst University Register at WQLN.org/SpeakingGrief