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2 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 CONTENTS: From the Editors The only local voice for news, arts, and culture. The force of habit Editors-in-Chief: January 2, 2019 Brian Graham & Adam Welsh n hatha yoga, the Salamba Sirsasa- na, or supported headstand, is often Managing Editor: Playing the Council Grinch – 4 Nick Warren Ireferred to as the “king of asanas” because of the premiums it places on Copy Editor: First year in office proves challenging Matt Swanseger the subject’s upper body strength and Contributing Editors: Mapping Our Past: A Bird’s Eye View of balance — which have presumably been Ben Speggen built up through practice of the other Jim Wertz Pennsylvania – 6 asanas, or postures. Executed proper- Contributors: The panoramic story of cartographer Thaddeus ly, the crown of the head will be light- Mary Birdsong ly grazing the floor, with the forearms Charles Brown Mortimer providing a base. Do it improperly and Jonathan Burdick Lisa Gensheimer there will be at least a minor kink in your Miriam Lamey Easing Into The New Year – 9 neck — if you do not topple over first. Tommy Link In life as in yoga, it’s not easy pulling a Aaron Mook Stress-proof yourself and stretch your resolutions 180. To flip things on their head — liter- Kalli Oberlander further Dan Schank ally or figuratively — takes rigorous de- Tommy Shannon votion and discipline, but the payoff of Ryan Smith Spotlight on Erie – 13 an unfamiliar perspective can be signif- Jen Sorenson icant. Of course, sometimes it requires Rebecca Styn This year I’ll live like I’ve never lived before, this is my Cara Suppa others looking at things same way. Take Forest Taylor year for sure it from City Councilwoman Liz Allen, Bryan Toy who brought with her to office a journal- Cover Design: The 2018 Best of Erie Winners – 18 ist’s discerning eye for inconsistency and Nick Warren mistruth. Her no-nonsense approach Photographer: would seem just the antidote for Erie’s Jessica Hunter latest budget crisis, but as she’s learned, Intern: it’s no simple task shaking up an estab- Hannah McDonald lishment. Political organisms, like indi- 1001 State St. Suite 1315 viduals, are creatures of habit. Erie, Pa., 16501 That is not to say that some old habits [email protected] aren’t worth keeping around. One of our time-honored traditions at the Reader is The Erie Reader is published our annual “Best of Erie” awards, a cele- every other week and distributed bration of the most superlative people, at over 350 high foot-traffic places, and businesses the Gem City has locations in Pennsylvania from to offer. Within our list of 2018 winners, North East to Girard to Edinboro. you’ll find both trusted and beloved In addition to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content institutions that we can’t imagine life daily at ErieReader.com as well without, as well as newcomers who feel as social media sites. All rights like they should’ve been here all along. reserved. All content © Flagship In this case, democracy worked exactly Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., how it was supposed to. Nearly 350,000 Suite 1315, Erie, Pa, 16501. No votes were cast across 111 categories — part of this publication may be JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA reproduced without permission. figures that indicate readers were not The opinions of our columnists merely posturing, but truly cared about and contributors are their Your favorite people, places, and things their opinions being heard. There were own and do not always reflect many hotly contested races that went that of the editorial board Book Review: Artemis – 24 down to the wire — a testament to the or organization. Direct sales quality of the nominees and the pride inquiries to 814.314.9364. For they take in being assets to the commu- editorial inquiries, email contact@ Pardon the Technicalities of Andy Weir’s latest novel ErieReader.com. nity. Movie Reviews – 25 Like Albert Ruger (the Prussian im- migrant, Civil War veteran, and cartog- Two period pieces, one with robots rapher who produced a bird’s-eye-view map of our city in 1870), we are proud Music Reviews – 26 to offer you a panoramic view of the premier places to go, people to see, and Earl Sweatshirt, Ex:Re, Reel Big Fish, and Bruce things to do in Erie, Pa. — not only in Springsteen this issue, but throughout the year. With apologies to all the resolution-makers Crossword Puzzle – 27 out there, we don’t resolve to change our ways anytime soon. This week’s latest stumper from David Levinson Wilk

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & VIEWS Playing the Council Grinch First year in office proves challenging

Erie City Councilwoman Liz Allen has had difficulty disguising her frustrations with some of the inveterate practices of city government during her first year in office. Here, at the final City Council meeting of 2018, she objected to the unusual procedure by which outgoing councilman Bob Merski was replaced, which allowed standing members to cast all six of their available votes for Curtis Jones Jr.

I pointed out that in 2005, the state’s Early Intervention Program recom- mended that the city enact a 5 percent amusement tax, but that City Council ended up passing a 3 percent tax in- stead. Mayor Schember’s original pre- liminary budget proposed raising the tax to 5 percent, generating $160,000 in additional annual revenue. Some city residents told me they favored such an increase over other types of tax and fee hikes, because at least it would spread some of the tax burden to suburban residents.

NICK WARREN But after protests from Casey Wells, executive director of the Erie Con- vention Center Authority, the mayor By: Liz Allen or embrace it. I opted for the latter, and But the more she did tweak dropped the amusement tax increase. decided that I’d approach my new role It just didn’t jell. Never mind that according to my ho knew that rummaging with humor, too. Hence the Grinch par- In the words of Yogi Berra, it was like rough calculations, the city lost about through a junk drawer would ody, in which I poked fun at my task of déjà vu all over again. $2 million in the last 13 years by enact- Wopen up a cache of memories preparing the newsroom budget. I did my homework on the city bud- ing a lower amusement tax than had about the high and low points of 2018, The Administrative Grinch hated get. I read the 91-page preliminary been recommended. including my first year on Erie City Christmas! The whole Christmas sea- budget and the accompanying 90-page She envied the Whos Council? son! budget workbook. I highlighted star- Whose doors were all decorated. I was searching for instructions for Now please don’t ask why. No one tling facts about salaries, overtime, They worked on the news. an old snow blower when I ran across a knows quite the reason. PILOT (payment in lieu of taxes) pro- She sat and she calculated. Grinch parody I wrote a long time ago. It could be her head wasn’t screwed on grams and non-profit assessments. I’ve traded my full-time news career I like filing things and being orga- just right. The payroll was growing. for a part-time job on Erie City Coun- nized, so finding the snow-blower man- It could be, perhaps, that her shoes The overtime, too! cil. But I still hoped that one of the ual where I stashed it years ago made were too tight. Red ink was flowing. principles that journalists fight for, the me happy. My discovery also reminded But I think that the most likely reason Boo hoo, boo hoo! need for transparency and sunshine in me about how tickled we were when of all Earlier in the year, using data from government actions, would also be fol- my husband won a new Ariens snow May have been that her spreadsheets the city finance office, I had created my lowed by my council colleagues. blower from the Erie SeaWolves on La- were two sizes too small. own spreadsheet to show that the Golf My hopes were quickly dashed. bor Day. I had promised a nun friend Eighteen years after I wrote those Fund had lost at least $280,000 in the When council votes on agenda items, that I would give her the old snow lines, I found myself engrossed in last five years. Now I’ve been told that the practice is to be silent when voting blower; now I could make sure she spreadsheets again, alarmed that the maybe the city will look at golf opera- “yes” and only to speak when voting knows how to operate it, too. City of Erie faced an $11 million defi- tions in 2019, too late for savings in the “no.” But I had forgotten that I had saved cit but determined to whittle as much upcoming budget. At my first council meeting last Jan. the Grinch spoof that I wrote for a as I could from Mayor Joe Schember’s I questioned why all 78 city managers, 3, I declared that I would vote “yes” and Christmas door-decorating contest at spending plan. including the 45 percent who don’t live “no” out loud — until a council member the Erie Times-News in 2000. That year, The budget was due, said the head of in the City of Erie, would get across- claimed that I had agreed to the silent despite excellent job evaluations, I got all Who-ville. the-board 3 percent pay raises in 2019, “yes” votes when we approved our rules ensnared in some inter-office politics There were numbers to crunch, without any type of performance re- of procedure at that meeting. and my journalism job was unexpect- So she had to get busy. view. In response, I’ve been scolded by I’ve looked through the four-inch- edly switched from lifestyle editor to How high was that bill? department heads, who claim that a thick binder containing the city’s cod- administrative editor. How much was that lunch? pay freeze would be akin to a pay cut, ified ordinances and administrative I could either grouse about my new All through the week because they have to pay more for code. I can find no such rule. I also think assignment, which included a pay cut, She played with Excel. health insurance. that the silent “yes” vote is an affront

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 NEWS & VIEWS to citizens with physical handicaps. We the future if you don’t question past the afternoon light. meeting of 2018, I complained about should be casting our votes aloud, for practices and scrutinize current proce- And she brought back the toys! And the unorthodox procedure in which those who are visually impaired. We dures, and I don’t intend to stop asking the food for the feast! we appointed former City Councilman should also be recording our votes by questions in the public interest. And she — herself — carved the roast Curtis Jones Jr. to fill Merski’s seat the using the electronic tote board, activat- At that first council meeting, I sug- beef! previous night. Jones, who previously ed by a button at our seats, for who are gested that in light of the historic She still had one question. served three terms on council, is qual- hearing-impaired. snowfalls that buried our city in De- Did it really make sense? ified, smart and collaborative. I merely But after I lost the first skirmish cember, we should look at best practic- To consider the roast beef objected to the process, not to him. about voting, several people warned es for snow removal and for on-street A capital expense? Council had narrowed the list of me to pick my battles. This one wasn’t parking. After my first year on City Council, council hopefuls from the original 51 worth antagonizing my colleagues, I But after praising the efforts of public I’ve learned that I won’t be graded on to 20; two of the finalists bowed out decided. works employees and listening to some whether I know the definition of a cap- and we interviewed 18 candidates. We How much will the cars cost? complaints from citizens about prob- ital expense in the city budget. would then cast ballots for six candi- The postage, the rent? lems experienced during last winter’s There’s also no extra credit for going dates, then four, then two, then one. Will cell phones get lost? storms, we never revisited the topic. above and beyond the assigned work, But at the last minute, before we Can we cut one more cent? I have also pushed to make sure that because politics in Erie isn’t academic. marked our first votes, we were in- With just hours to spare the city’s independent authorities and But it is old school — based too often formed that on the first ballot, we She stared at the keyboard. boards would more accurately reflect on who you know and how things have could cast all six of our votes for one What more could she pare? the demographics of our community. always been done. candidate. What more could she hoard? Appointees to these volunteer posi- If I had to do a performance review, At the end of the Council meeting the During our study sessions on the pro- tions should also enhance the skill sets I’d give myself a B-plus for effort and a next evening, I recounted one of the in- posed 2019 budget, council members of the boards and authorities. C-minus for accomplishments, because spiring moments for my decision to run tried to cut expenses and increase reve- We’ve made some progress there. City I haven’t shepherded any ordinances for City Council — the Women’s March nues in many ways. For example, Coun- Councilwoman Kathy Schaaf has ad- through from proposal to passage. in Washington, D.C., on Jan. 21, 2017, in cilmen Jim Winarski and Cas Kwitows- vertised on the city’s website for volun- But I am not discouraged. which millions of us chanted, “This is ki pointed out that when the city gives teers for authority and board openings. Two weeks ago, I spoke to the Jeffer- what democracy looks like!” away free compost, landscape contrac- But for the most part, appointing son Civic Leadership Academy about Stuffing the ballot box to appoint a tors take advantage of the giveaways someone to an authority is still viewed the history of Erie City Council and one new City Council member is not what and haul away compost to resell. Can as one of the perks of being on City question from a member of the group democracy looks like, I said. we charge for compost, they asked? Council. Appointments are doled out lingers: How will I measure success as Then I pulled out my pink pussy hat So the finance department gave us by council members in a convoluted an Erie City Council member when my and announced that I will be running a sheet showing that Millcreek Town- system, based on whose “turn” it is to term ends, in 2021? for president in 2020 — president of ship charges $25 per yard for its leaf name an appointee. I bumbled a bit in my reply to Kurt City Council, that is. compost, leading me to believe that we For example, I am the liaison to the B. Crays, executive director of the Erie And about my emails? I’ve saved might do the same in 2019. Erie Sewer Authority, but in less than United Methodist Alliance and one of them all. Then the City of Erie’s recycling cal- a year in which I’ve served in that role, 25 young professionals in the JES class. endar for 2019 came in the mail. Yes, three council members have appointed Truthfully, I hadn’t mapped out a four- Liz Allen hopes that her second year in we are still giving away free compost. three new Sewer Authority members year plan when I was sworn into office City Council will be less stressful than Perhaps it wouldn’t generate much — all white males — without seeking last Jan. 2. her first, when she suffered a heart revenue, but it’s discouraging that any applications from the public. His question made me realize that attack four months after taking the suggestions for small savings seem to Similarly, Councilman Kwitowski is making change in government is more oath of office. She can be reached at go nowhere. the liaison to the Erie Regional Airport akin to a marathon than a sprint. [email protected] or [email protected]. That’s because government bureau- Authority but Councilman Winarski On Dec. 19, at the final City Council cracy is not suited to make changes just appointed a new member to the air- — even when the need for change is port board — Richard Wagner, who al- urgent and apparent. ready serves on the Erie Water Author- Did you know? I grew up in a business in which we ity. We had 51 people who expressed etween 1912 and 1913, the City of ed the Mayor-Council Plan A of the had to produce a new product — a interest in serving on City Council, to BErie operated under a Select Coun- Optional Third Class City Law form of printed newspaper — at least once fill out the term that became vacant cil and a Common Council, according government, which provided the elec- every 24 hours, and more often when when Councilman Bob Merski was to information provided by the City tion of a mayor and a seven-member news broke late. We called the updated elected to the state House of Represen- Clerk’s office. council. The new government went into edition a “makeover.” Today, thanks to tatives. Surely some of those council In 1914, the city changed to a commis- effect on Jan. 1, 1962. digital tools, journalists perform make- applicants would be interested in serv- sion form of government, under which According to the clerk’s records, The- overs by the minute. I guess I get impa- ing on a board or authority. council members also served in various odore Eichorn was the first of eight tient when others approach change in The deadline was ticking, jobs in the administration. councilmen to die in office, during the a plodding fashion. The pressure was building. On Feb. 6, 1934, the Court of Common 1932-33 session (the record does not Journalists are also trained to ask And what happened then? Pleas appointed Nellie Munger to finish list the exact date of his death). Ed- hard questions, until they (we) get all Well, in Who-ville they say the term of her husband, H.L. Munger, ward J. Allen was appointed to succeed of the facts. But when I’ve quizzed a That the Grinch’s small spreadsheets after he died on Jan. 4. Another woman Eichorn. If I am reading my family tree city official at a caucus session or a Grew three sizes that day! would not serve on council until Joyce correctly, Allen was my great-great un- council meeting, I’ve been told that I And the minute her heart didn’t feel Savocchio in 1982. cle. — Liz Allen am “insulting” them. quite so tight, On Nov. 3, 1959, Erie voters adopt- But you can’t lay out a roadmap for She whizzed with her budget through

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 FEATURE Mapping Our Past: A Bird’s Eye View of Pennsylvania The panoramic story of cartographer Thaddeus Mortimer

[top left] Albert Ruger, a Prussian immigrant and Civil War veteran, painstakingly composed this bird’s-eye-view map of Erie in 1870 with the help of a small team of trusted assistants and surveyors. [bottom right] Ruger’s most famous pupil, Thaddeus Mortimer Fowler, would go on to produce over 400 panoramic maps of towns in over 20 states and Canada, including this overview of North East from 1896.

towns and cities throughout Wiscon- sin, Indiana, and Michigan along with two Quaker brothers named Howard and Oakley Bailey. Over the next few decades, Fowler relocated numerous times and he con- tinued mapping towns along the way. He met and married a woman named Elizabeth Anna Dann, with whom he would have five children, and in 1885, they settled the family down in Morris- ville, Pennsylvania. He then directed his efforts at making panoramic maps of cities and towns across Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia. He’d be gone from his family in Morrisville for long stretches, usual- It was there that Ruger printed the a permanent limp. He soon received an ly traveling to a region and completing By: Jonathan Burdick first professionally-made bird’s-eye honorable discharge and began travel- numerous panoramas before heading rieites must have noticed Albert view map of Erie — a panorama that ing through Union camps taking tin- home. Ruger during his weeks spent in provided a detailed aerial view of the type photographs of soldiers. His mapmaking continued into the EErie, Pennsylvania in 1870. He, city as it was in those years after the He then spent a few years working 20th century when a dual-tragedy along with a few trusted and skilled Civil War. with his uncle on lithographs, followed struck his family. On August 14, 1910, assistants, spent day after day navi- Around this same time, a younger by the two years with Ruger, before his wife died, months shy of her 60th gating their way up and down each of man named Thaddeus Mortimer Fowl- starting his own panoramic map com- birthday. Then two weeks later, his Erie’s many streets, painstakingly jot- er was entering the world of panoramic pany. Over the course of the next few 23-year-old son Clarence ended his own ting down detailed notes and making mapping. Fowler had spent the previ- years, Fowler surveyed and sketched life by drinking carbolic acid. sketches of every building, every park, ous two years in Ruger’s employment. and every neighborhood. He began by selling copies of Ruger’s Ruger, a 40-year-old Prussian immi- panoramas, but before long, he was grant and Civil War veteran, had al- assisting him with his surveying and ready made a name for himself in the sketches — which very likely included world of panoramic mapping. These work on the Erie map. perspective maps, which surged in Like Ruger, Fowler was a Civil War popularity throughout the Victorian veteran. He had been born in Lowell, Era, were more artistically-styled and Massachusetts on December 21, 1842 commercially-driven than ordinary and at the age of 15, he ran away from maps. Cities and towns lobbied for the home. His journeys eventually brought attention of panoramic mapmakers, as him to Buffalo, New York and when leaders viewed them as helpful tools the war between the states erupted, he in attracting new residents and indus- tried enlisting to fight for the Union, tries. despite only being 17. He was rejected By the time Ruger was surveying Erie, numerous times, but finally, his enlist- he was already well-known for the ment was processed a half-year before quality of his work. He had spent the his 18th birthday and he joined the 21st war refining his skills by mapping var- New York Volunteer Infantry. ious Union camps and now, five years During the Second Battle of Bull Run after the war’s end, he was operating in 1863, Fowler’s leg was badly injured. his profitable mapping business out of He allegedly refused an amputation, Madison, Wisconsin. which saved his leg, but left him with

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019

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January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 FEATURE

Thanks to its rich oil fortunes, the Titusville of 1896 was a boom town, as depicted by this sprawling Fowler panorama.

city were included in the trademark of the aero view to give the impres- sion that some of the information was derived from aerial reconnaissance, which, of course, was not true,” the au- thors wrote. “Some Allentown citizens noticed the view with the planes on the manuscript map. In the excitement engendered by World War I, Fowler was accused of being a German spy and was jailed. Members of his immediate fam- ily drove from Morrisville to identify their father, who suffered injury only to his pride in the incident.” Whatever incidents may have hap- pened along the way, as an older man, Reps described how Fowler expressed only his “unadulterated joy” in working on his panoramic maps — and he con- tinued to do so up until his final days. In 1922, he traveled to Middletown, New York to work on another panora- “Despondency over the death of his described Fowler’s style as “spare” and essay on his maps. “After one town had ma. While crossing the road as he sur- mother and his inability to secure work “mechanical,” but exceptionally accu- agreed to having a map made, he would veyed the town, he slipped on the ice. is thought to have resulted in the act,” rate and detailed. Fowler, Reps wrote, seek to involve neighboring commu- His body never recovered. A few days his obituary read. was focused on creating “clear and ac- nities. By noting that he had already later, he died. He was 79 years old. The frequency of his mapmaking curate portrait[s] of the towns” with secured an agreement for a view from Today, Fowler’s legacy lives on declined after this, but he continued “minimal artistic frills.” one town in the area, he would play on through his many panoramic maps, working for another 12 years. While he never authored a map of the pride, community spirit, and sense most of which are still displayed in mu- According to the Penn State Univer- Erie himself, he mapped numerous lo- of competition of adjacent communi- seums, businesses, and city halls across sity Library, which has a collection of cations throughout Northwest Penn- ties.” Pennsylvania today, capturing those Fowler’s panoramas, Fowler produced sylvania, mostly between 1895 and 1897. Throughout his travels, he likely cities and towns as they once were, fro- “more Pennsylvania panoramas than These included Cambridge Springs thought he had seen it all — that is un- zen in time. any other artist of the time.” He spent (then Cambridgeboro), North East, til 1918, when America was involved in You can see more of Fowler’s pan- over 50 years drawing maps that in- Union City, Corry, Oil City, Titusville, the First World War. That year Fowler, oramas on the Pennsylvania State Ar- cluded over 400 panoramas, over half Franklin, Clarion, Warren, Tidioute, then in his mid-70s, was in Allentown, chives (phmc.pa.gov) and Library of of which were in Pennsylvania and in- Grove City, and Pittsburgh. Pennsylvania, surveying the city for Congress (loc.gov) websites. cluded over 20 states and Canada. “Fowler gained commissions for city his latest panorama with his old-time John W. Reps, whose many books ex- plans by interesting citizens and civic collaborator Oakley Bailey. Hebert and Jonathan Burdick runs the amine urban planning in the United groups in the idea of a panoramic map Dempsey described what happened historical blog Rust & Dirt. Follow States, called Fowler the “most prolific of their community,” John R. Herbert next. them on Twitter @RustDirt, and of all American city viewmakers.” He and Patrick E. Dempsey wrote in an “Airplanes and a [zeppelin] circling the on Instagram @RustandDirt.

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8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 FEATURE Easing Into The New Year Stress-proof yourself and stretch your resolutions further

Yoga and meditation are two Yoga bears fruit of the more proven methods of Believe it or not, there’s much inducing the transcendental state wherein deep insights and original more to yoga than Namastes, thoughts flow more effortlessly. bodily contortion, and kale This is due to the prevalence of the smoothies. Such is the case same theta brainwaves present with a practice that is at least in daydreaming and REM (dream) sleep. 5,000 years old. Historians di- vide its development into four phases: ing from the low frequency, 1)Pre-Classical: Way back high amplitude delta waves of when (5,000 to 8,000 years dreamless sleep to the much ago) Brahman priests of the squigglier beta waves of active Indus River Valley compile consciousness. their songs, mantras, and rit- In between are the spacier uals into a series of Sanskrit squiggles of theta waves (pas- texts called the Vedas. In a sive rest) and the sawtoothed later series of texts called the squiggles of alpha waves (ac- Upanishads, the word “yoga” tive rest). Of these, theta waves is first used. Around 500 BCE, hold the most potential and a fellow named Vyasa estab- interest. They predominate lished many of the core tenets in states of deep meditation, of yoga, including that of sacri- daydreaming, and the REM ficing the ego through knowl- (rapid eye movement) stage of edge, action, and wisdom. sleep. Here the subconscious 2)Classical: Maharishi Pa- is allowed to take over and we tanjali is the main man here see what we’re really made of with the compiling of the Yoga — fears, hopes, transcendent Sutras, his eight-limbed sys- thoughts and ideas. Focus tem for achieving enlighten- turns inward, away from the ment. This is the foundation of externalities that we so obsess Raja, or Classical yoga. over, and creative and personal 3)Post-classical: A few cen-

SIANSTOCK breakthroughs are well within turies later, yoga masters be- reach. Wouldn’t it be kind of gan exploring the connection nice to go there more often? between the physical body By: Matt Swanseger Just the opposite, actually. be major stressors and you Even if the real you is kind of and enlightenment. Tantra Many mortals grope blindly or will not get too ahead of your- messed up, wouldn’t confront- yoga outlines the techniques new year is upon us lustily toward lofty goals and self. Therefore, before you at- ing the root causes of your to facilitate a free-flowing in- — which traditionally visions without first calibrat- tempt anything, it is crucial to problems be more efficient terchange between mind and Aimplies that it’s time to ing themselves for success. Al- step back, relax, and dial into than giving them the big run- body. What many Westerners thoughtfully assess our short- though it may sound counter- the right frame of mind. In around? think of as yoga today, Hatha comings and categorically fail intuitive, the undoing of most Western society, this is large- There is great merit in tak- yoga, was defined in this era. to address them. Statistics Resolutionists is trying too ly a foreign concept — we are ing a break from the outside 4)Modern: Yoga finds its way show that nine out of 10 New hard or being too ambitious. conditioned to the notion of world, an assertion corroborat- west in the 19th and 20th cen- Year’s Resolutions never come According to the American unabating “go” time. When we ed by the growing popularity turies. Key figures include to fruition. If you’ve ever ex- Psychological Association, it look to Eastern customs and of yoga, massage therapy, and Swami Vivekananda (author perienced a frustrating lack is through incremental adjust- traditions, however, we see the alternative medicine practic- of 200 books, founder of nine of other Olympians and/or ments to lifestyle that we af- value placed on “slow” time. es originating in the East that ashrams and numerous yoga Asgardians to sip elixirs and fect real change. For example, Millennia before the advent have made their way West, a centers around the world), T. compare six-packs and/or if you haven’t set foot in a gym of modern neurology, East- territory that includes Erie. In Krishnamacharya (founder of thigh gaps with, those num- since the Clinton administra- ern philosophers and think- this issue, we will position our- the first Hatha school in India bers are disheartening. “Why, tion, chances are you won’t be ers expressed this abstractly selves for an elementary un- and major influencer), and In- though?” as you fan yourself starring in a Rocky-style work- in terms of energy flow, but derstanding of the ancient art dra Devi (opened a yoga studio with a fistful of retirement out montage, eye of the tiger or today’s science can measure of yoga. Later this month, we in Hollywood in 1947, nudging money, accrued from months no. The likelier outcome is dry our mental state with electro- will explore massage therapy it toward the American main- of prudent financial planning. heaving and contemplating an encephalography. There are and some more exotic proce- stream). Are they just not trying hard early retirement from the ring. at least four (and as many as dures people undergo to rede- Today, there are so many enough? Ideally, resolutions will not six) types of brainwaves, rang- fine their energy. yoga genres and subgenres

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 FEATURE KONDDIAH RAJA KONDDIAH ALOKPRASAD HIS LIFE OF “KRISHNAMACHARYA: BOOK COVER MOHAN A.G. BY AND TEACHINGS”

[left] In this 1950 painting, Hindu lining your intentions first: “If puzzle” along with diet and teaching that you can imple- be able to sit for five minutes, deity Krishna reveals his universal exercise. A study by Colum- ment seven days a week at no tops. “Choose a method that form to Arjuna, the central someone is already exercising character of the Hindu epic — running, swimming, bik- bia University monitored the cost. According to Plasha, how you can dive deep into. Other- Mahabharata, which contains ing, or what have you — they most vigorous form of yoga one prepares to meditate is as wise it’s going to just stay on the Bhagavad Gita wherein four would be well-served by a gen- and concluded it was only important or more important the surface.” paths to spirituality, or yogas, the equivalent of moderate than the meditation itself. With studies indicating that are outlined. [center] Maharishi tle or restorative yoga class. Patanjali, who is said to have lived If someone is not exercising walking, so it does not replace “Create a place that will draw yoga can reduce lower back between sometime between the at all, they may want to shop cardio. He explains that “it is you to it … it doesn’t have to be pain, risk factors for many 3rd and 5th century, is credited around for a class that is more important to integrate mind, fancy; it could be just a chair diseases (75 to 80 percent of with assembling the Yoga Sutras, active, more strength-bearing body, and spirit. If we only fo- or cushion to sit on, a little ta- all diseases are either directly an eight-limbed system for achieving enlightenment. [right] and focused on flexibility and cus on physical, we may reduce ble with a vase of flowers or or indirectly related to stress), T. Krishnamacharya, founder of postures.” An example of this stress we’re holding in the a candle or a picture of some- and migraine intensity and the first Hatha school in India might be the hot yoga offered body, but if we are not focus- thing inspiring,” Plasha says, improve sleep, breathing, and major influencer, practiced at studios such as yogaErie, ing on mind, it’s all temporary. giving the personal example and balance, flexibility, and the yogic arts past his hundredth birthday. He is known as the wherein the temperature in My approach in practice is to of a spare closet he converted strength, it’s not a stretch to “father of modern yoga.” the room is jacked up to 90 de- address the mental as well as into a “meditation cave.” He think it might help you limber grees and the pace is generally physical. Sickness of soul, not also stresses that methodolo- up for the twists and turns of that you’d be blown sideways quicker. nourishing spiritual self, that gy can very greatly from per- the year(s) ahead. trying to sort through them Plasha emphasizes that yoga can also create disease in our son to person, depending on all (if you weren’t perfectly — as most think of it, which is life.” their temperament. For exam- There may be at least ten sun centered). In terms of choos- more or less restricted to the One way to tend to the men- ple, a very active or energetic salutations ahead of you, but ing the type of yoga that is asana, or postures, and pran- tal and spiritual condition is individual may need to run for Matt Swanseger promises your right for you, area yogi Mi- ayama, or breath control — is meditation, a practice closer three to five miles before they e-mail is next in his queue at chael Plasha recommends out- only one piece of the “wellness to the true essence of yoga sit to meditate and may only [email protected]

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 #beliege

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January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 FINAL WEEKEND!

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12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 CALENDAR

Kickstart Your Health in the New Year with VeganCheers Foxes Rome Over to PACA

Your Health” has you covered. ly not a band to write the same album Lisa Rose of VeganCheers (a common twice. guest at the Whole Foods Co-op) is pre- Next on the bill is Marquee Grand. It’s senting a 21-day challenge for anyone a surprise that this alt-rock three-piece who wants to lose weight or learn how to from Buffalo isn’t a big hit yet, with their maintain a healthier diet. Happiness can singles “Not Finished Yet” and “Another also be found in what we eat. Food has Toke” seemingly made for the radio. But the power to boost energy and mood, don’t be surprised if they make their and this is just one example of what way there soon. you can learn in this series. The series is Grievance Club have made the short made up of five classes that take place FRIDAY, JAN. 4 drive to Erie from Cleveland numerous every Thursday in Erie or every Monday ome Hero Foxes are headlining an times in the past, and are coming back in Fairview throughout January. From Rall-rock gig at PACA, with Marquee again to showcase their latest EP, Hive. learning how to power your plate to ap- Grand, The Grievance Club, and Red The EP highlights the band’s ability to petite control, “Food for Life: Nutrition Creek as their understudies. seamlessly combine elements of emo THURSDAY, JAN. 3 and Cooking Classes with Lisa Rose of Traveling from Katy, Texas, Rome Hero and pop punk, with upbeat, yet emo- VeganCheers” can help you smile more Foxes is on tour in support of their sec- tional songwriting. veryone’s been there — it’s the start and feel better about what you put on ond full-length album, 18 Summers, re- Opening the show are Red Creek, a Eof a new year, and every person you your plate. — Kalli Oberlander leased in July. The band’s sophomore newly formed band from right here in run into wants to be happier and health- effort finds them sporting surf rock Erie, with influences ranging from hard ier. The problem that carries over is that Thursdays 6 to 8 p.m., Mondays 5:30 to and indie pop influences, a far cry from rock, punk rock, grunge, and indie. — it’s often hard to stay motivated, espe- 7:30 p.m. // Thursdays: Studio Z Erie, 716 the mellowed-out acoustic stylings of Tommy Shannon cially without the extra help. Thankfully, Shenley Dr.; Mondays: 1st Choice Auto, their I/O and Horoscope EPs from 2017, if getting happier and healthier is the 7222 W. Ridge Rd., Fairview, PA // $158.70 and 2016’s post-hardcore inspired full- 7:30 p.m. // 1505 State St. // $9 way you want to start off 2019, “Kickstart // More info at vegancheers.com length For When You’re Falling Back- advance, $11 doors // 18+ , BYOB with ID wards. Rome Hero Foxes are seeming- // facebook.com/paca1505

Celebrate Depravity with Human Delusion and Friends at Basement Take a Trip With Akron’s Acid Cats Transmissions

Formerly known as Primal Scream Therapy, Erie melodic metalheads Human Delusion celebrate the release of their debut full-length Depravity at Basement Transmissions.

hardcore harbingers Shattered Uto- pia intend on inspiring the night’s very first mosh pit. As the show progresses,

STRIATION ARTS/KYLE MYERS ARTS/KYLE STRIATION so will the genres accounted for; SLAP SATURDAY, JAN. 5TH is set to deliver the prog-rock infused groove-metal largely featured on their et’s get one thing straight about that EP On the Cob, while Crimson Shrine, Lheadline — if the concept of celebrat- the deathcore giants behind the Blood ing depravity strikes fear into the hearts Offering EP, will be performing their very SATURDAY, JAN. 5 of showgoers everywhere, fear no lon- first show on the BT stage. bers from doing what they do, though, ger, as Depravity is the debut full-length Metal acts from near (814-core Gelatin usical hotbed” may not be the and, thus, side projects abound. Which from local quick-riffers Human Delusion Skeleton) and far (Buffalo, New York’s “Mfirst thing that comes to every- brings us to Acid Cats, a self-described (formerly Primal Scream Therapy). The The Impurity) will be also be in atten- one’s minds when you mention Akron, “original acidic jazz rock” quintet that band fully intend on bringing their un- dance, all in the name of pushing brand Ohio — but maybe it should be. features musicians with serious chops, paralleled penchant for theatrical metal new tunes and supporting the first stu- After all, it’s the geographic situation including Broccoli drummer Cameron to Basement Transmissions to lionize dio LP from local favorites Human Delu- from whence such greats as blues rock- Bickley and guitarist Michael Vincent. the album’s release, but of course, they’ll sion. It’s hard to go wrong with a show ers the Black Keys, synth-punk gurus They’ll be shaking off the happenings have to get by with a little help from their this stacked, so purchase your tickets Devo, and outlaw country-man David of 2018 and making their rounds around friends. while they’re still available and don’t Allan Coe (just to name a few) came. Be- the region with a stop through the King’s Joining Human Delusion on stage this miss out on one of 2019’s first bangers yond that, its general area has brought Rook Club on Jan. 5, so anyone looking coming weekend are peers The Impuri- at Basement Transmissions. — Aaron us some of the best and brightest in to start 2019 with some good ‘ol (but oh- ty, SLAP (Sounds Like a Plan), Crimson Mook the region’s booming live jam scene — so-fresh) musical madness should mark Shrine, Shattered Utopia, and the impec- including Cleveland’s Broccoli Samurai, it down. — Ryan Smith cably named Gelatin Skeleton. Doors 5:45 to 11 p.m. // 145 W. 11th St. // $10 the jam-funk powerhouse that recently open at 5:45 p.m. and music is set to Pre-sale, $12 Doors // facebook.com/ announced it’s no longer touring. 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. // 1921 Peach St. // 21+ begin promptly at 6, when new-school basement.transmissions That can’t stop/won’t stop its mem- // facebook/com/kingsrookclub

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 13 CALENDAR

‘Night Visitors’ Uplift at St. Luke’s Church through MIAC TV and Film Star Ron Pearson ‘Juggles’ Sets at Jr.’s

ity story, bringing into the fold new char- Laugh for a three-night, five-show en- acters in whom we might see versions gagement. of ourselves: tale-bearing children, for Pearson, as it turns out, is a man of example, or parents worried about mon- many talents — in addition to comedy, ey and their child’s future. Yet again, the he is a world-record juggler. He showed Mercyhurst Institute of Arts and Culture off his incredible juggling skills to the is instrumental in bringing a rare artistic kids in his January 2018 TEDx-inspired creation to life on the stage in Erie, this set about “How to Experience Recess

RAWPICTURE.COM time at the nearby St. Luke’s church. Every Day” and he is bringing them to Audiences will delight in the preco- the stage here in Erie, a kind of meta- SUNDAY, JAN. 6 cious and inquisitive Amahl, who first THURSDAY, JAN. 10 phor for the balance and precision tim- he story of the Three Wise Men is a sees the star that leads the Wise Men to f you ever turned on the now-defunct ing necessary to maintain a Hollywood Twell-known part of the Nativity story, Bethlehem, and who proceeds to show IUPN in the late ’90s (was anything ever career, as well as the silliness and fun but in 1951 composer and librettist Gian great spirit, even in the presence of such so ’90s as UPN?) you may remember that is necessary to maintain a happy Carlo Menotti imagined a subplot involv- daunting and richly dressed figures. a show called Malcolm & Eddie, with life. ing these three kings, inspired by both When his mother attempts to steal from Malcolm-Jamal Warner and Eddie Grif- A born-again Christian, Pearson’s act his own childhood in Italy and the Hier- the Magi, it is Amahl’s fierce protective- fin. Halfway through the show’s run, is not only delightfully entertaining, he onymus Bosch painting The Adoration of ness of her, in the face of the wretched- the show introduced a character by keeps it clean, so audiences don’t have the Magi, from the 15th or 16th century. ness of his circumstances, which moves the name of Doug Rickets, a bartender, to worry about cringing at dirty jokes The result was a one-act English-lan- the kings to show compassion. Amahl played by none other than Ron Pearson. with their 80-year-old grandma sitting guage opera, Amahl and the Night Visi- then makes the journey to Bethlehem This was Pearson’s big break, his en- right next to them. tors, which follows what transpires when and is among the first to welcome God’s try into higher-profile entertainment, The dust has hopefully settled from a disabled young boy, who can only walk only living son to earth. including such programming as Norm, the whirlwind holiday season, so grab with a crutch, and his worried mother Come and be moved by this retelling The Drew Carey Show, That 70s Show some friends and head to Jr.’s for a show come face-to-face with three of history’s and expansion of a classic Bible story, and The George Lopez Show. Like so that will make your head spin and your most famous royals. They happen to be which reveals to us the possibilities of many actors, Pearson started off as a sides ache. — Cara Suppa making the last leg of their journey to- our worth, even in the presence of the stand-up comedian working the club ward Bethlehem to pay homage to the divine. — Cara Suppa scene, so it seems fitting that after great Thursday: 7 p.m.; Friday/Saturday: 6:45 baby Jesus. successes in TV and film, his career p.m. and 9:30 p.m. // 1402 State St. // Amahl and the Night Visitors widens 4 p.m. // 421 E. 38th St. // Free and open has come full circle, with his latest na- Thursday: $15; Friday/Saturday: $20 // the scope and the humanity of the Nativ- to public // miac.mercyhurst.edu tionwide tour bringing him to Jr.’s Last jrslastlaugh.com

Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State Acid Cats New Wave Nation Real Fake Doors St. bourbonbarrelerie.com. St. bourbonbarrelerie.com. MUSIC Jan. 5 — 10 p.m. Jan. 12 — 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 15 — 7:30 p.m. Pressure Cooking Jeff Fetterman Band, Kings Rook Club, 1921 BIGBAR, 14 E. 10th St. PACA, 1505 State St. Jan. 5 — 10 a.m. Peach St. facebook.com. facebook.com. facebook.com. Dave VanAmburg Division Street Whole Foods Co-Op, 1341 and Friends Jan. 4 — 10 p.m. Rankin & Schell Doug Phillips Trio Principal’s Recital W. 26th St. wfcerie.coop. Jan. 2, 4, 9, 11 — 6 to 9 p.m. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Jan. 6 — 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 12 — 7 p.m. Jan. 15 — 7:30 p.m. Bloody Mary Sunday Funday Bel-Aire Clarion, 2800 W. 8th German St. facebook.com. Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co., Room 33, 1033 State Cathedral of St. Paul, 134 Jan. 6 — 11 a.m. St. belaireclarion.com. 11727 E. Main Rd. North East, St. facebook.com. W. 7th St. eriephil.org. Haewa + Stereo Nest Luminary Distilling, 8270 Peach PA 16428 arundelcellars.com. Open Mic Jan. 4 — 10 p.m. Singer Songwriter Night Music at Noon: Beo St. Ste. 300 facebook.com. “Dead” of Winter Jan. 2 — 10 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Jan. 12 — 9 p.m. String Quartet Erie ClaySpace Peach St. facebook.com. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Jan. 6 — 6 p.m. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Jan. 16 — noon to 2:30 p.m. Cocktails and Clay German St. facebook.com. Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 German St. facebook.com. Human Delusions Reed Union Building at Penn Jan. 8, 11 — 6 to 8:30 p.m. German St. facebook.com. State Behrend, 4701 College MVP Album Release Northern Accents Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State Dr. behrend.psu.edu. Jan. 3, 10 — 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Jan. 5 — 5:45 p.m. Piqued, Red Creek, Jan. 12 — 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. St. erieclayspace.com. Wasted Info, It Kicks Matty B & 57 Pickup Dickey’s BBQ Pit, 3716 Basement Transmissions, 145 Mound Grove Golf Course, Happier Hour Soup and Liberty St. facebook.com. W. 11th St. facebook.com. 10760 Donation Rd., Waterford, Jan. 6 — 6 p.m. Jan. 16 — 6 to 9 p.m. Open Studio Explore Basement Transmissions, 145 PA 16441 facebook.com. Bel-Aire Clarion, 2800 W. 8th The Groove Cruisin Art Mediums W. 11th St. facebook.com. St. belaireclarion.com. Jan. 4 — 6 to 10 p.m. Jan. 5 — 6 to 10 p.m. Trohoske’s Art Groupies Jan. 8 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. BIGBAR, 14 E. 10th St. BIGBAR, 14 E. 10th St. Open Mic Night Jan. 12 — 10 p.m. AWE, 915 State St. Ste. facebook.com. facebook.com. Jan. 8 — 6 to 8 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 DANCE LL1 facebook.com. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Peach St. facebook.com. Open Mic Night Heather Pierson Mind, Body, Beer E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Erie Chapter USA Dance Jan. 4, 11, 18 — 7 to 11 p.m. Acoustic Trio Alley Goats Jan. 8 — 7:30 p.m. Jan. 5 — 6:30 to 10 p.m. Tipsy Bean, 2425 Peach Jan. 5 — 7 p.m. Rick Magee and the Jan. 13 — 1 to 4 p.m. Erie Ale Works, 416 W. 12th St. John’s Lutheran Par- St. facebook.com. Unitarian Universalist Con- Roadhouse Rockers Arundel Cellars & Brewing Co., St. eriealeworks.com. ish Center, 2216 Peach gregation of Erie, 7180 Perry 11727 E. Main Rd. North East, Rome Hero Foxes w Jan. 11 — 6 to 10 p.m. St. usadance.org. Orthodoxy on Tap Hwy. heatherpierson.com. BIGBAR, 14 E. 10th St. PA 16428 arundelcellars.com. Special Guests Jan. 12 — 2 p.m. facebook.com. Jan. 4 — 7:30 p.m. Deep Fried & Dipped Showtune Singers Night Voodoo Brewery Erie, 101 Boston PACA, 1505 State St. in Honey TK Blues Co. Jan. 15 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. FOOD & DRINK Store Pl. facebook.com. facebook.com. Jan. 5, 6 — 9:30 p.m. to 1 a.m. Dickey’s BBQ Pit, 3716 Jan. 11 — 10 p.m. Free Slider Friday Wine Bingo Scotty’s Martini Lounge, 301 Kings Rook Club, 1921 Liberty St. facebook.com. Crush Jan. 4, 11 — 5 p.m. Jan. 13 — noon German St. facebook.com. Peach St. facebook.com. Jan. 4 — 9 p.m. to midnight Young Culture w Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State Presque Isle Wine Cellars,

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 CALENDAR

Globetrotters Rub Shoulders With Erie The Harlem Globetrotters seek to continue their dominance over the hapless Washington Generals at the Erie Insurance Arena on Jan. 10.

a glimpse into the world of the Glo- betrotters and a chance to have a personal experience with the Harlem stars themselves (it is re- quired to have both a game ticket and Magic Pass prior to entry). Pri- » or to approaching the court, make sure your footwear is soft and rub- TIME FOR THURSDAY, JAN. 10 » ber-soled to preserve the maintenance rie is kicking 2019 into high gear with of the floor so the star-studded floaters TIME FOR Ethe crowd-favorite Harlem Globetrot- can show off skills that will have you in ters, returning with more mind-bending awe and anticipating their next arrival. tricks, antics, and fun-loving humor. On Never mind where the year has gone. FAMILY• Carve out time to make memories together January 10, Erie Insurance Arena will Let’s all take a look forward to what’s • Build healthy habits for the entire family welcome the team to do what they have ahead. The Globetrotters will definite- YOU • Move together, laugh together always done best (ever since the 1920s) ly do whatever they can to make sure • Make time for Y-O-U ... open 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. — jaw-dropping, knee-slapping enter- your 2019 is moving in the right direc- • Reach goals with help from wellness coaches tainment. tion. Whether you can match them on • Discover a membership option for any budget This time around, the basketball col- the court or not, the key is to have a ball JOIN lective has another trick up their sleeves (see what I did there?) and leave the are- $0 as they will begin the evening with a na with something to show and tell. — join fee » online pre-game show called “Magic Pass.” Charles Brown now through January 31, 2019 today! This 30-minute segment allows the com- ymcaerie.org munity to share the court with the play- 7 p.m. (Magic Pass at 5:30 p.m.) ers learning new and old moves, taking // $19 - 75, Magic Pass $22 // Erie shots, snapping pictures and grabbing Insurance Arena, 809 French St. // autographs. The presentation provides harlemglobetrotters.com

9440 W. Main St., North East, Backyard Wilderness Glass Growers Gallery, 10 E. 5th PA 16428 piwine.com. Ongoing — 10 a.m., St. glassgrowersgallery.com. 1 p.m., & 4 p.m. Small Batch Kimchi Ceramics on the Wheel Tom Ridge Environmental Workshop Jan. 9 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Jan. 14 — 6 to 8 p.m. biggreenscreen.com. Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State Jekyll & Hyde’s, 8 E. 10th St. St. erieclayspace.com. Amazon Adventure frenchstreetfarms.com. Four-Week Hand- Ongoing — 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. Building Classes Tom Ridge Environmental MOVIES Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Jan. 10 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. biggreenscreen.com. Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State The Mask (1961) St. erieclayspace.com. Jan. 4 — 8 p.m. Earthflight Ongoing — noon & 3 p.m. Happier Hour: 7 Steps to Erie Movie House, 3424 W. a More Enriched Life Lake Rd. facebook.com. Tom Ridge Environmental Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Jan. 10 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Mission: Impossible biggreenscreen.com. AWE, 915 State St. Ste. - Fallout (2018) LL1 facebook.com. Jan. 9 — 6 p.m. VISUAL ARTS Hands On: Stieglitz How long should your pet live? Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State Photographs Pt. 1 St. filmsocietynwpa.org. Language of Flowers Jan. 11 — 6 to 7 p.m. Help your pet live a longer, healthier life. Cast a Dark Shadow (1955) Art Series Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th Jan. 10 — 8 p.m. Jan. 4 — 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. Erie Movie House, 3424 W. AWE, 915 State St. Ste. Fran Noonan Lake Rd. facebook.com. LL1 facebook.com. Opening Jan. 12 Lady Frankenstein (1971) Gary Spinosa: Glass Growers Gallery, 10 E. 5th Jan. 11 — 8 p.m. Divine Instinct St. glassgrowersgallery.com. Erie Movie House, 3424 W. Ongoing through Jan. 6 Inkle Band Workshop Nickel Plate Mills Lake Rd. facebook.com. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th Jan. 12 — 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. BlacKkKlansman (2018) The Studio at St. Mary’s: 1932 Parade St, Erie, PA 16503 Jan. 16 — 6 p.m. Jamie Borowicz Space to Create, 310 E. 10th www.nickelplatemills.net Bourbon Barrel, 1213 State & Amy Hahn St. erieartsandculture.org. St. filmsocietynwpa.org. Ongoing through Jan. 8 Second Sundays: Snow Day Like us on facebook

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 CALENDAR

Art Groupies Furnish Gallery of Music Rock Out with YOUNG CULTURE at PACA

the “groupies,” there’s no telling who he Pop-punk/emo quartet YOUNG CULTURE headlines might bring on board this time around. a Tuesday date at PACA, In other words, you should expect some under the production surprises — such as vocalist Brittany of Aorta Music and Morton (of The Groove) taking the stage Management Erie. for a few songs. Coming off of the innocent high of his Joining Young Culture latest album Soundtrack of a Daydream- is native Erie band Real er, which was well-received by the Erie Fake Doors, an alterna- community, Trohoske still finds time to tive group that plays an let the limelight shine upon his team of exciting variety from ’90s SATURDAY, JAN. 12 brilliant musicians while maintaining classics to their own tephen Trohoske is well-known his creative hub, Artlore Studio, with his original songs. Additional Sthroughout the Erie area for his skill- wife Lena Logvina. Regardless of musi- musical guests include ful bass playing, captivating audiences cal preference, TAG has something to TUESDAY, JAN. 15 Fernway (an indie rock/ for decades. But this local musical am- offer each and every music lover, from alternative band native to Buffalo), and bassador is not afraid to share the stage reggae-funk to old-school jazz to post- oung Culture (often shout-stylized local singer-songwriter Lyle Sallade (of with other wonderful people and acts. punk cuts. You won’t know whether to Yin all caps as YOUNG CULTURE) the Wild Eyes). On January 12, Trohoske’s Art Groupies take a shot or have yourself a cocktail returns to Erie in the New Year, just in Expect to see and be able to purchase (TAG) will be painting a vivid picture with with the range of sound being so vast time to showcase their new album (This merchandise from the brand Melan- sound at the one and only Kings Rook and beautifully random. If there’s one Is) Heaven, set to be released through choly, which promotes self-love and Club. thing this gathering of rhythmic genius- Equal Vision Records on January 18. personal growth, as well as embracing What’s special about this hip collec- es knows, it’s how to blend genres into Despite band members being as young mental illness. tive is that the door is always revolving, a soul-nurturing concoction every time as 20 years old, their music showcases Let your hair down, rock out to bands allowing other players and vocalists to they hit the stage. This performance will a deep sense of maturity that’s unique both new and familiar, and embrace who be a part of this unique band. Concrete take your ears on an odyssey far beyond and appealing to both loyal fans of the you are with Young Culture at PACA. — members such as the world-renowned this world while inviting others on board Albany pop-punk/emo quartet and new- Kalli Oberlander Tony Grey, Eric Brewer, Elly Vahey, and for the next trip. You don’t want to miss comers alike. Prepare to check out some others will relentlessly set the stage this sonic vacation. — Charles Brown original music that Erie is lucky enough Doors at 7:30 p.m. // 1505 State St., 2nd ablaze performing improvisations and to hear before the album is released to floor // $10 Pre-sale, $12 Door // All Ages, timeless covers. Since Mr. Trohoske 10 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // 21+ // the public at the Performing Arts Collec- BYOB w/ID 21+ // brownpapertickets. welcomes others to play along with facebook.com/kingsrookclub tive Alliance (PACA). com/event/3918639

Jan. 13 — 2 to 4 p.m. Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th commission.com. Thursdays through Jan. 31 Jan. 7 — 6 p.m. Musical Games Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th St. erieplayhouse.org. Studio Z, 716 Shenley Dr. Tom Ridge Environmental Cen- Erie Otters vs. Sarnia Sting Jan. 12 — 10 to 11 a.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. VeganCheers.com. ter, 301 Peninsula Dr. trecpi.org. Amahl and the Jan. 6 — 4 p.m. Blasco Memorial Library, 160 E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Richard P. Sadlier Night Visitors Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Make Your Own Symphonic Singers Retrospective Jan. 6 — 4 p.m. French St. ottershockey.com. Dreamcatcher Open Rehearsal Intro to Dungeons Opening Jan. 14 St. Luke’s Church, 421 E. 38th Cosmic Tubing Jan. 3 — 8 p.m. Jan. 7 — 7 to 9 p.m. & Dragons Cummings Art Gallery at St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Wayside Presbyterian Church, Jan. 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 — 5 p.m. Jan. 12 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mercyhurst Univ., 501 E. 38th Peach St. facebook.com. 1208 Asbury Rd. 814-774-8425 Blasco Memorial Library, 160 St. miac.mercyhurst.edu. Peek ‘n Peak Resort, COMEDY 1405 Old Rd., Clymer, NY Community Singing Read to a Therapy Dog E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Healing HeARTS 14724 pknpk.com. & Musical Meditation Jan. 8 — 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. Using Jade to Create Ongoing through Feb. 17 The Best Comedy Show Harlem Globetrotters Workshop Lincoln Community Center Wheels to Wellness Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th of 2019 (So Far) Library, 1255 Manches- Jan. 10 — 7 p.m. Jan. 4 — 7 p.m. Jan. 12 — 1:30 to 3 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. Jan. 4 — 7 to 10 p.m. ter Rd. erielibrary.org. Erie Insurance Arena, Unitarian Universalist Con- Glenwood YMCA, 3727 Donna Nicholas: The Basement Transmissions, 145 809 French St. harlem- gregation of Erie, 7180 Perry DiscoverE: Turtles Cherry St. ymcaerie.org. W. 11th St. facebook.com. Hwy. heatherpierson.com. Space Between globetrotters.com. Jan. 9 — 10:30 a.m. Tech Toolbox Ongoing through Mar. 10 Ron Pearson Erie Otters vs. Reiki I & II Certification Tom Ridge Environmental Cen- Jan. 14 — 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. ter, 301 Peninsula Dr. trecpi.org. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th Jan. 10 — 7 p.m. & Jan. 11, Oshawa Generals Jan. 5 — 9 a.m. Lincoln Community Center St. erieartmuseum.org. 12 — 6:45 or 9:30 p.m. Jan. 12 — 7 p.m. Basement Transmissions, 145 Mafia & The Mob Library, 1255 Manches- Jr’s Last Laugh, 1402 State W. 11th St. facebook.com. ter Rd. erielibrary.org. Tyanna Buie: Recollections St. jrslastlaugh.com. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Trivia League Ongoing through Apr. 1 French St. ottershockey.com. Yoga With Kelly Jan. 9, 16 — 6 p.m. Natural Wonders of PI Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th Champion Cheer Central Jan. 6 — 4:30 p.m. Room 33, 1033 State (Past to Present) St. erieartmuseum.org. St. facebook.com. SPORTS Cheerleading Competition Tipsy Bean, 2425 Peach Jan. 15 — 9 a.m. St. facebook.com. James McMurray: Jan. 13 — 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. January Fiction Book Club Tom Ridge Environmental Cen- Erie BayHawks vs. ter, 301 Peninsula Dr. trecpi.org. Faces and Paces Windy City Bulls Bayfront Convention Center, Kickstart Your Health Jan. 10 — 5:30 p.m. Ongoing through June 10 1 Sassafras Pier champi- (Fairview Parks & Rec) Presque Isle Wine Cellars, Jan. 4 — 7 p.m. Presque Isle After Dark Erie Art Museum, 20 E. 5th oncheercentral.com. Jan. 7 — 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. 9440 W. Main St., North East, Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Jan. 15 — 6 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. PA 16428 piwine.com. French St. gleague.nba.com. Five-class program Thompson Circle at PI State Mondays through Feb. 4 Regional GSA Park, 1 Peninsula Dr. trecpi.org. Erie Warhawks COMMUNITY 1st Choice Auto, 7222 W. Jan. 10 — 6 to 8 p.m. THEATER Battle on the Bay Ridge Rd., Fairview, PA DIY Shrink Plastic Pins Kickstart Your Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Jan. 5, 6 16415 VeganCheers.com. Jan. 15 — 6 to 7 p.m. Matilda Health (Studio Z) E. Front St. erielibrary.org. Bayfront Convention Center, Blasco Memorial Library, 160 Jan. 3 — 6 to 8 p.m. PI History Series: What’s Jan. 4, 5 — 7:30 p.m. 1 Sassafras Pier eriesports- Story Shenanigans: E. Front St. erielibrary.org. & Jan. 6 — 2 p.m. Five-class program Behind the Name

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 rCv'\Patterson � School of Ballet inc. New Year...New Cards! Mich,ip) P,ittprson. Artistic OirPctor 500 Business Cards Term II Begins (of same design) January 21, 2019 Ages 3 and Up Only $29.50 ($45 Value) Register Today! DETAILS: 2 Sided, Full Color Glossy, AVAILABLE • Small Class Sizes ONLY FOR 16 pt. Cover 4-5 Day Turn Around. THE MONTH OF JANUARY *Some Graphics Fees May Apply. 2019 • Individualized Attention • Proven Graded-Level 814-833-9020 Photo Left: Ballet Syllabus Mary Eger, Age 11 Presque Isle 4318 W. Ridge Road 2014 •2015 •2016 •2017 Erie, PA 16506 Printing Services www.PattersonSchoolofBallet.com www.presqueisleprinting.com @GoAskAlice08 2415 W. 26 Street* Erie, PA* (814) 833-3919

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 17 BEST OF ERIE JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA

The 2018 Best of Erie Winners Brittany Stowe, voted Erie’s best bartender, pours libations at the ever-popular Plymouth Tavern, winner of the “Best Neighborhood Bar” and “Best College Bar” categories. Your favorite people, places, and things

ongratulations to all 111 Best of Erie winners. This year, we saw a record num- ber of ballots, clocking in at just under 350,000 total votes among all catego- Row Assassins ries. Some races were incredibly close, decided by surprisingly slim margin. C Best Smoke/Vapor Shop Best Place to Adopt a Pet Because of this, we wanted to highlight the top three finalists once again, with run- Winner: Smoker Friendly Winner: The ANNA Shelter ners-up in each category listed in alphabetical order. In the end we were left with Runners up: Hippie and the Hound Runners up: Because You Care, your favorites. These we selected from your nominations, and calculated from your Vapor Store and Lounge, Vapor Cabana Inc, Humane Society of Northwest votes. As the name implies, it is the best of Erie, a list filled with familiar faces and Pennsylvania newcomers to the list. It’s all the best in business, culture, food, and of course the Best Place to Get a Six Pack remarkable individuals that make our community special. It’s our lifeblood, the bars, Winner: U Pick Six Best Bank the bands, the organizations we love and want to tell you about. To everyone who Runners up: 1000 Beers, Wegmans Winner: Erie Federal Credit Union voted and all the people who helped spread the word to others, thank you. Runners up: Northwest Bank, Widget Best Health Food Store Financial Winner: Whole Foods Co-op Runners up: The Juice Jar, Zero Gravity Best Spa GOODS AND SERVICES Winner: The Sassy Peacock Winner: Coventina Day Spa Best Tattoo Parlor Runners up: Plato’s Closet, The Runners up: Ambridge Rose Spa & Best Local Business Salvation Army Family Store Winner: Ink Assassins Salon, Panache Salon and Spa Winner: Waldameer & Water World Runners up: Mid-Town Tattoo, Wayward Best Jewelry Store Tattoo Studio Best Beauty Salon Runners up: Erie Insurance, Kraus Winner: Panache Salon and Spa Department Store Winner: Dahlkemper’s Jewelry Connection Best Local Graphic Designer Runners up: Ambridge Rose Spa & Best Car Dealership Runners up: Breakiron Jewelers, Sacred Winner: Ellen Chipoletti Salon, Moxi Hair Salon Winner: Bianchi Honda Piercing Runners up: Amanda Daniels, Alice DeGeorge Best Barbershop Runners up: Hallman Chevrolet, Humes Best Furniture Store Winner: Russo’s Barbershop Chrysler Jeep Dodge & Ram Winner: John V. Schultz Best Place to Get Pierced Runners up: Colony Barber Shop, Best Used/Vintage Clothing Runners up: Arthur F. Schultz, Furniture Winner: Sacred Piercing Uncle’s Barber Shop Runners up: Erie Eclect-Ink, Ink

18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 BEST OF ERIE

[top left] PopLuck popcorn has proven CULTURE & NIGHTLIFE a blockbuster hit since its debut, quantified by its win in the prestigious Best Local Festival “Best New Business” category. [bottom right] Since making its first inroads Winner: Roar On The Shore into the Erie market in 1993, Rochester, Runners up: 8 Great Tuesdays, N.Y.-based Wegmans has established a Celebrate Erie quality reputation for both its products (“Best Sushi”) and its workplace Best Art Event environment (“Best Place To Work”). Winner: Gallery Nights Runners up: Arts & Drafts Festival, Erie Art Museum Spring Show Green Eyed Lady Best Museum Best Independent Book Store Winner: Erie Art Museum Winner: Books Galore Runners up: Erie Maritime Museum, Runners up: Pressed, Werner Books ExpERIEnce Children’s Museum Best Law Firm Best Performing Arts Space Winner: Vendetti & Vendetti Law Firm Winner: Warner Theatre Runners up: Knox McLaughlin Gornall & Runners up: Erie Playhouse, PACA Sennett, P.C., MacDonald, Illig, Jones, & Britton LLP Best Local Band Winner: The Groove Best Real Estate Agency Runners up: Eric Brewer & Friends, First Winner: Marsha Marsh to Eleven Runners up: Agresti Real Estate, Keller Williams Best Local Fine Artist Winner: Corey Thompson Best Real Estate Agent Runners up: Evan Everhart, Tom Ferraro

JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA Winner: Levi A. Marsh Runners up: Nanci Lorei, Amanda Best Art Gallery Serafini Winner: Erie Art Museum Best Bike Shop Winner: Presque Isle Printing Services Best Bed and Breakfast Runners up: Erie Art Gallery, Glass Winner: John Adams Cycling & Fitness Runners up: ErieMultimedia, Tungsten Growers Gallery Winner: Spencer House Runners up: A. R. Adams Cycle, Creative Group Bed & Breakfast Competitive Gear Best Music Venue Best Antique Shop Runners up: George Carroll House Bed Winner: Warner Theatre Best Web Developer Winner: Oregon Antiques and Breakfast, Grape Arbor Bed and Runners up: Basement Transmissions, Winner: Epic Web Studios Runners up: The Curiosity Shoppe, The Breakfast Coconut Joe’s Runners up: Snowberry Media, weCreate Website Design & Marketing Best Locally Made Product Winner: Smith’s Hot Dogs Runners up: Erie Apparel, PopLuck Popcorn Best New Business (Within Last Two Years) Winner: PopLuck Popcorn Runners up: Ember + Forge, Room 33 Best Dog Groomer Winner: Mud Puppies Self Serve Dog Wash Runners up: Paws ‘n Claws, Peninsula Pups Doggie Daycare Best Consignment Shop Winner: The Sassy Peacock Runners up: Claudine’s Consignment, Milestones Children’s Consignment Best Thrift Store Winner: The Salvation Army Family Store Runners up: Goodwill, The Thrifty Shopper Best Graphic Design Agency JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 BEST OF ERIE

at world of music Turn Your instruments into instant cash or store credit JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA

Best Local Photogra- Best Neighborhood Boasting a swanky pher Bar atmosphere and finely crafted cocktails, Room Winner: Sarah Peach Winner: Plymouth Tavern 33 Speakeasy took home Runners up: Paul Gibbins, Runners up: Jekyll & our “Best New Bar or Club” Matt Mead Hyde’s, Lavery Brewing award. Company Best Up-and-Coming Band/Musician (Last Best Night Club Best Lounge Two Years) Winner: Coconut Joe’s Winner: Cloud 9 Wine Bar Runners up: Room 33, Winner: Black Runners up: Bourbon Scotty’s Martini Lounge Moon Mistress Barrel, Kings Rook Club Runners up: Cult Best New Bar or Club Best Local Cover Band Classics, The Filthy Winner: The Geek Army Casuals (Within Last Two Years) Runners up: Abbey Road, The Groove Best Local Singer Winner: Room 33 WE BUY Winner: Zack Orr Runners up: Big Bar, The Best Happy Hour We buy, sell, consign, trade, and Runners up: Mckenzie Skunk and Goat Tavern Winner: U Pick Sprague, Brooke repair all types of instruments 6 Taphouse Surgener Best College Bar Runners up: Cloud 9 Wine Winner: Plymouth Tavern WORLD OF MUSIC Bar, Coconut Joe’s Best Local Musician Runners up: Coconut 1355 W. 25th St. Erie, PA 16508 Winner: Eric Brewer Joe’s, Cornerstone Bar & Best Dance School Runners up: Matt Boland, Grill (814) 459-2585 • worldofmusicerie.com Winner: Long’s Zack Orr Best Sports Bar School of Dance Runners up: Little Dance Best MC Winner: Odis 12 Studio, Marguerite’s facebook.com/worldofmusicerie Winner: Charles Brown Runners up: Coach’s Academy of Dance Runners up: Jonny Evans, Sports Bar & Grill, Oasis instagram.com/worldofmusicerie Tony Facchiano Pub Best DJ

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 BEST OF ERIE [top left] Pictured from left to right are “Best Singer” Zachary Orr, “Best MC” Charles Brown, and “Best Musician” Eric Brewer. [bottom right] North East’s Skunk & Goat Tavern was awarded this year’s “Best New Restaurant” honors.

Brewery Erie Best Place to Get Ice Cream Winner: Sara’s Restaurant Runners up: Creamland, Whippy Dip Best Local Brewery Winner: Voodoo Brewery Erie Runners up: Erie Brewing Company, Lavery Brewing Company Best Locally Made Beer Winner: Voodoo Love Child (Voodoo) Runners up: Dulachan (Lavery Brewing Company), Railbender (Erie Brewing Company) Best Place to Get Vegan or Vegetar- JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA ian Food Winner: Dj Bill Page Runners up: Plymouth Tavern, U Pick 6 Best Breakfast Winner: Whole Foods Co-op Runners up: Dj Johnny B, Dj Roach Tap House Winner: The Breakfast Place Runners up: The Juice Jar, Like My Thai Runners up: Flip Cafe, The Original Best Irish Pub Best Local Coffee Shop Best Barbecue Breakfast Place Winner: Molly Brannigan’s Irish Pub Winner: Ember + Forge Winner: Federal Hill Smokehouse Runners up: Lavery Brewing Company, Runners up: Brew Ha Ha at the Colony, Best Patio Runners up: Dickeys Barbecue Pit, McGarrey’s Oakwood Cafe Mugs & Muggles Winner: Calamari’s Squid Row Three B Saloon Best Food Truck Runners up: Bayfront Grille, Plymouth Best Burger FOOD & DRINK Tavern Winner: The Que Abides Winner: Five Guys Best Restaurant Runners up: The Big Cheese Food Truck, Best Brunch Runners up: Max & Erma’s, Odis 12 Winner: Pineapple Eddie Voodoo Brewery Foodoo Truck Winner: Peek’n Peak Sports Bar & Grille Southern Bistro Runners up: Cloud 9 Wine Bar, Voodoo Runners up: Federal Hill Smokehouse, Nunzi’s Restaurant Best Sandwich Shop Winner: Teresa’s Italian Deli Runners up: Lucky Louie’s Beer and Wieners, Picasso’s Best New Restaurant (Within Last Two Years) Winner: The Skunk and Goat Tavern Runners up: Room 33, Sneaky Pete’s Best Seafood Winner: Joe Roots Grill Runners up: Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro, Smugglers’ Wharf Best Romantic Restaurant Winner: Mi Scuzi Runners up: Cloud 9 Wine Bar, Colao’s Ristorante Best Chef Winner: Jean Paul (Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro) Runners up: Bertrand Artigues (Cloud 9 Wine Bar), Dan Kern (Noosa/1201 Kitchen) Best Bar Food

Winner: Odis 12 Sports Bar & Grille NICK WARREN

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 BEST OF ERIE

Best Pizza Winner: John’s Wildwood Pizza Runners up: Stevo’s Pizza, Virgil’s Plate Best Wings Winner: Odis 12 Sports Bar & Grille Runners up: One Way Inn, The Park Tavern Best Sushi Winner: Wegmans Runners up: Chopstix Asian Restaurant, Samurai Kitchen + Sushi Best Asian Restaurant Winner: Chopstix Asian Restaurant Runners up: Golden Wok, Like My Thai Best Italian Restaurant Winner: Serafini’s Restaurant Runners up: Mi Scuzi, Nunzi’s Restaurant Best Mexican Restaurant Winner: El Canelo Runners up: Moe’s Southwest Grill,

Torero’s HUNTER JESSICA

Best Mediterranean or Middle East- Best Indian Food Winner: Romolo Chocolates ern Restaurant [top right] Thanks to its tremendous efforts Winner: Tandoori Hut Indian Cuisine Runners up: Pulakos Chocolates, helping the area’s stray, neglected, or abused Winner: Casablanca Grill Runners up: Curry Point LLC, Darjeeling Stefanelli’s Candies animals, the Humane Society of Northwest Runners up: Alkeme, Petra Restaurant Kitchen Pennsylvania was voted “Best Non-Profit or Best Bakery Charity.” [bottom left] A look at the Presque Best Late-Nite Menu Best Thai Restaurant Winner: Art’s Bakery Isle Lighthouse, a landmark of Presque Winner: Dominick’s Diner-Eatery Winner: Like My Thai Runners up: Icing On the Lake, Ye Ole Isle State Park, winner of “Best Tourist Attraction” and “Best Place for a First Date.” Runners up: Panos Restaurant, Runners up: Kao Thai, Thai Eatery Sweet Shoppe Plymouth Tavern Best Donut Shop Best Deli Winner: Mazza Vineyards Best Dessert Winner: Mighty Fine Donuts Winner: Teresa’s Italian Deli Runners up: Arundel Cellars & Brewing Winner: Romolo Chocolates Runners up: H & K Donut Shop, Jack Runners up: Tickle’s Deli, Urbaniak Co, Heritage Wine Cellars Runners up: Give A Crepe. La CrepErie, Frost Donut Shop Brothers Quality Meat Pineapple Eddie Southern Bistro Best Distillery Best Chocolates or Candy Best Winery Winner: Luminary Distilling Runners up: Cart/Horse Distilling, Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing

PEOPLE & PLACES

Best Radio Station Winner: HAPPI 927 Runners up: 90.5 WERG, Star 104 Best Radio Personality (or Radio Team) Winner: Jessica and Murphy in the Morning Runners up: Sammy Stone, Craig Warvel Best TV Personality Winner: Sean Lafferty Runners up: Lou Baxter, Amanda Post Best Yoga Studio Winner: yogaErie Runners up: LECOM, YMCA Best Poet Winner: Marisa Moks-Unger Runners up: Michael Bennett, Monica Igras JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 BEST OF ERIE JESSICA HUNTER JESSICA

Best Filmmaker The cream always rises to the top — our voters elevated Ember + Forge to the “Best Winner: Mike Gallagher Local Coffee Shop” crown. Of course, Runners up: John Lyons, Jack Rys coffee is a perfect companion to sponge candy from Romolo’s, Erie’s favorite Best Place to Work chocolatier. Winner: Wegmans Runners up: Erie Insurance, UPMC Best Athletic Competition Hamot Winner: Barber Beast on the Bay Best Tourist Attraction Highmark QUAD Games, The Color Run Winner: Presque Isle State Park Best Bowling Alley Runners up: Brig Niagara, Waldameer & Winner: Greengarden Lanes Water World Runners up: Eastway Lanes, Rolling Best Local Actor Meadow Lanes Winner: Brendan Daugherty Best Team to Root for Runners up: Michael Haas, Will Winner: Erie Otters Steadman Runners up: Eerie Roller Girls, Erie Best Local Actress Seawolves Winner: Emily Olszewski Best Golf Course Runners up: Adele Crotty, Kelly Rodland Winner: Whispering Woods Golf Club Best Non-Profit or Charity Runners up: Beechwood Golf Club, Peek Winner: Humane Society of n’ Peak Northwest Pennsylvania Best Local Entrepreneur(s) Runners up: Emma’s Footprints, Orphan Winner: R.J. Messenger (Iron Empire) Angels Cat Sanctuary and Adoption Runners up: Autumn and Ryan Atzert Center (Federal Hill Smokehouse), Hannah Best Bartender Kirby (Ember + Forge) Winner: Brittany Stowe Best Place for a First Date (Plymouth Tavern) Winner: Presque Isle State Park Runners up: Meghann Legler Runners up: Cloud 9 Wine Bar, (Haggerty’s), Jim Wise (Coconut Joe’s) Tinseltown Best University Best Lawyer Winner: Penn State Behrend Winner: James “Chetty” Vendetti Runners up: Edinboro University, Runners up: Erin Connelly, Rebeka Gannon University Seelinger Best Fitness Club Best Tattoo Artist Winner: Planet Fitness Winner: “Gentle” Josh Makowski Runners up: LECOM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center, YMCA Runners up: Jennifer Christina, Corey Thompson

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 BOOK REVIEW Pardon the Technicalities DINNER & MOVIE Andy Weir’s Artemis solid sci-fi that often gets hung up on the details Dinner: 6PM Presented by: Movie: 7PM ners of the oxygen generating facility Admission: she’s been paid to trash turn out to $12/Table be — stay with me — Brazilian ma- $15/Couch fia dons. Their lack of amusement at Jazz’s money-making scheme leads to Bourbon Barrel what could have been an exciting cli- 1213 State Street max, were it not for the endless laps- Erie, PA es in the action to explain things like variations in the melting point of ore filmsocietynwpa.org smelter walls. Artemis is full of complex techni- cal information that often gets in the way of a good tale that only needed enough science to give it credibility. Mission: Impossible - In The Martian, Weir’s prose flowed Fallout (2018) reasonably well, despite the technical Jan 9, Action/Adventure data woven into its folds. But Artemis has a far more complex plot with many more characters to accommodate it,

PG-13 DEL REY PUBLISHING and may have taxed Weir’s ability to hold his audience. It’s also populated BlacKkKlansman (2018) with characters who all speak with the Jan 16, By: Richard Perhacs same glib, smart aleck voice we hear Biography/Comedy/Crime non-stop from Jazz. The first person Sponsored by: A ndy Weir rocked the publish- point of view allows a reader to get Compassionate Hart Massage Aing world with The Martian, a inside the head of the protagonist,

JANUARY Therapy, Erie Right to Know, R Inc. self-published project turned block- and, in skilled hands, it can reveal vul- buster that was picked up by Random nerability and self-doubt in the most Colette (2018) House, sold over five million copies, hard-boiled character, or sensitivity in Jan 23 and made into a Ridley Scott hit star- the cruelest villain. But Weir never lets Biography/Drama/History ring Matt Damon. Weir’s follow-up Jazz drop her guard, and makes mono- Sponsored by: Pointe Foure novel, Artemis, was a best-seller be- chrome what could have been a more Vintage fore it went on sale. Good thing, too, interesting, complex character. R as we’ll see. Computer programmer Artemis also fails to capitalize on op- Weir seems to be a genuine eccentric, portunities to paint a vivid portrait of Suspiria (2018) living in a rented two room apartment a world that the few humans who’ve Feb 6 despite his financial success. Afraid of seen it first-hand have described as Fantasy/Horror/Mystery flying, he never visited the Hungarian hauntingly beautiful. I didn’t expect Sponsored by: Snowdog Studio set of Scott’s movie adaptation of The to hear a poetic description of the Martian. lunar surface from Neil Armstrong, R Weir sets Artemis in Earth’s first but, from an artist, I do expect some- permanent lunar colony where his thing more than Jazz’s dismissal of the First Man (2018) protagonist, Jasmine “Jazz” Bishara, moonscape as “gray, dusty terrain.” Feb 13 a 26-year-old Saudi woman with little So, you’re thinking only two stars for Biography/Drama formal education, nonetheless paus- Artemis? Not quite. Despite its issues, Sponsored by: R.Frank es in her narrative every few pages Artemis is a clever tale, and the heavy Photography to explain the science behind the dose of science, while distracting, was

FEBRUARY PG-13 mind-boggling technology. Some- interesting. I suspect sci-fi fans will how, she intuitively knows things love it, and that counts. As much sci- A Star is Born (2018) that would have taken the rest of us ence as fiction, it’s worthy of two and Feb 20 several college degrees to figure out. a half stars. Drama/Music/Romance The daughter of a working stiff welder, Jazz’s life is hardscrabble in a pressure Random House; 305 pages; $16.00 suit as she battles poverty, scratching (soft cover) // Richard Perhacs R out a living as a low-level smuggler practices law in Erie and holds a until she stumbles into an opportuni- Master of Fine Arts in Popular Fiction. CELEBRITY ty to make real money by engaging in He can be reached with comments SPONSORS: industrial sabotage on a lunar scale. and suggestions for reviews at Things unravel when the silent part- [email protected].

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 MOVIE REVIEWS

Power Behind the Throne: The Favourite is a Different Kind of Period Piece More Than Meets the Eye?: Bumblebee is the Best Transformers Movie ... but is it Good?

he films of Yorgos Lan- Tthimos (Dogtooth, The Lobster) are some of the have never liked Mi- strangest in recent mem- Ichael Bay’s brutally ory. A part of the so-called long assaults on the “Greek Weird Wave,” Lan- senses known as the thimos uses the absurdity Transformers series. of his stories to make deep- I find them crass, er social statements. His vulgar and offensive; newest film, The Favourite jingoistic, misogy- is both his highest-budget nistic and just gen- and most easily accessible erally misanthropic, film, but it is by no means they represent all of any less sardonic. In fact, the worst qualities thanks to some clever writ- of their auteur. With PARAMOUNT PICTURES PARAMOUNT ing and three brilliant per- that out of the way, formances, I think it may Travis Knight’s (Kubo and the Two Strings) prequel Bumblebee could be the course be his best film yet. PICTURES SEARCHLIGHT FOX correction we were all waiting for. I’m happy to report that it is by far the best Trans- Set during the War of Spanish Succession in the early 18th century, the film con- formers film to date, but does that make it a good film or merely the least terrible cerns the friendship between Queen Anne (an incredible Olivia Colman) and Lady film? Sarah (Rachel Weisz). Sarah serves as the queen’s confidant during parliamentary Set in 1987, the film’s titular hero lands on planet Earth and has to find a new base of meetings, offering her advice but also pushing her own political agendas. Howev- operations after the Autobots suffered a defeat at the hands of the Decepticons on er, this relationship is thrown into turmoil when Sarah’s commoner cousin Abigail their home planet of Cybertron. He soon finds himself in the care of teenager Charlie (Emma Stone) comes to the palace looking for employment but with some hidden Watson (Hailee Steinfeld) and the two quickly become friends. However, a pair of De- agendas of her own. The resulting rivalry for the queen’s affections will leave all three cepticons, as well as the U.S. military (led by a delightfully over-the-top John Cena) women damaged in more ways than one. are on Bumblebee’s trail and the two friends soon find themselves on the run. The film relies completely on the performances of its three leading ladies and Col- Thankfully, the film loses all of the racist caricatures and incomprehensible action man, Weisz, and Stone are more than up to the task. Colman is clearly having a blast of Bay’s films and instead tells a surprisingly sweet coming-of-age tale in the style of with her demented but tragic role. Meanwhile, Weisz’s Sarah seems harsh and brutal E.T. or The Iron Giant with a protagonist who’s actually likable and relatable (a first for to the queen but there’s obviously genuine love there. Stone’s Abigail has no problem this series). It relies a little too heavily on nostalgia-baiting (does every scene need being a subservient sycophant if it means getting what she wants. The film’s anach- an ‘80s pop culture reference?), but it works for the most part. Bumblebee won’t blow ronistic scenes and dialogue prove that this film is after something beyond a simple you away. It’s a simplistic, corny action/adventure story. Perfect for 10-year-olds ... in period piece. Is Lanthimos using this tale to satirize the modern political landscape? other words, exactly what we need in a Transformers movie! — Forest Taylor Whether he is or not, The Favourite makes for an entertaining watch. — Forest Taylor Directed by: Travis Knight // Written by: Christina Hodson // Starring: Hailee Directed by: Yorgos Lanthimos // Written by: Deborah Davis and Tony McNamara Steinfeld, John Cena, Jorge Lendeborg Jr., John Ortiz, Jason Drucker, Pamela Adlon, // Starring: Olivia Colman, Emma Stone, Rachel Weisz, Nicholas Hoult, Joe Alwyn, Stephen Schneider and the voices of Dylan O’Brian, Angela Bassett, Justin Theroux Mark Gatiss, and James Smith // // 119 minutes // Rated R and Peter Cullen // 114 minutes // Rated PG-13

Kayla Brandonand June 24, 2017 • 2:00 PM Our Lady of Peace 2401 West 38th Street • Erie, Pennsylvania

Mr. and Mrs.and Terry Ferrante

Mr. and Mrs. Brian Shields request the honor of your presence at the marriage of their children PRELUDE Processional ENTRANCE RITE ...... Kayla Renee LITURGY OF THE WORD Canon in D

First Reading Opening Prayer and ...... Read by Krista Ferrante-Walsh, Cousin of Bride Responsorial Psalm ...... Genesis 2:18-24 Second Reading “The Earth is Full of Beauty” Brandonon Saturday, June Eugene 24, 2017 ...... Psalm 33 Read by Arthur Lynch, Uncle of Groom at 2:00 in the afternoon Gospel Acclamation 1 Corinthians 12:31-13:8a Our Lady of Peace ...... 2401 West 38th Street Erie, Pennsylvania RECEPTION RITE OF MARRIAGE Celtic Alleluia Cocktail hour 5pm Introduction Statement of Intention Dinner and dancing 6pm-10pm Exchange of Vows Concourse of Union Station Blessing and Exchange of Rings 121 W. 14th Street Erie, Pennsylvania 16501 BLESSING AND PRAYERS 5 theknot.com/us/kayla-ferrante-and-brandon-shields-jun-2017 Read by CherylPrayer Hersperger, of the Faithful Aunt of Bride

PRESENTATION OF GIFTS Gift Bearers: Shirley Ferrante and Guilo Ferrante

COMMUNIONnumber of persons attending CONCLUDING RITE Recessional ...... Final Blessing

Ode to Joy

January 2, 2019 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 MUSIC REVIEWS

Earl Sweatshirt Ex:Re Reel Big Fish Bruce Springsteen Some Rap Songs Ex:Re Life Sucks … Let’s Dance Springsteen on Broadway Columbia Records Glassnote Records Rock Ridge Music Columbia Records

t’s been three x:Re’s debut ven at the apex ’ve never held Iyears since Earrived as a Eof third wave “Ian honest job we last heard surprise late this ska’s popularity in my entire life, from Thebe past November. in the 1990s, Reel I’ve never done Kgositsile, bet- In fact, it may Big Fish barely any hard labor, ter known as have flown com- seemed con- I’ve never worked Earl Sweatshirt. pletely under the vincing. Forev- nine-to-five, I’ve Following news of his father’s death radar if it weren’t for the name attached to er feeling like a parody of then-modern never worked five days a week until right last year, it seemed the once Odd Fu- the moniker; the first proper solo release ska bands rather than something real, now,” Bruce Springsteen admits to thun- ture prodigy might need more time to from Daughter frontwoman Elena Tonra, they did hit all the marks, and for bet- derous laughter and applause. “And I grieve before returning to the public Ex:Re’s self-titled LP takes a step back ter or worse, defined the movement in don’t like it,” he jokes. “I’ve never seen the eye. But in the last weeks of 2018, Earl from the band’s cinematic soundscapes many people’s eyes. They’re bright, bold, inside of a factory and yet it’s all I’ve ever delivered Some Rap Songs, a complex and lush post-rock to craft something and brash, combining sarcastic fun with written about,” he goes on to say. The masterwork with a title that is both hi- darker, more focused, and intensely per- incredibly tight, coordinated, turn-on- opening lays everything out on the ta- lariously understated and wildly fitting. sonal. Although this unique set of songs a-dime musicianship — a gifted class ble, a supremely self-aware performance The best word for Some Rap Songs took years to write, they were recorded clown deeply burdened by ADHD. If you from one of the most iconic figures in very well may be “kaleidoscopic.” After relatively quickly, and that sense of urgen- happen to remember cuts off their 1996 American music. From October of 2017 2015’s brief, cohesive I Don’t Like Shit, I cy carries throughout the album. Laying album Turn the Radio Off like “Beer,” to December of 2018, Springsteen held Don’t Go Outside, its successor prefers down her electric guitar, many of Ex:Re’s “Everything Sucks,” and “Sell Out,” you’ll a residence at Broadway’s Walter Kerr to toss listeners from sound collage to compositions are centered around mel- know just what to expect. For the sextet’s Theatre, consisting of five shows a week. sound collage like an old, beat-down ancholic acoustic arrangements (open- ninth studio album in 23 years, it seems This doubly-extended run culminated in funhouse. While this MF Doom-esque er “Where The Time Went” and standout like the band is still doing exactly what a beautifully recorded Netflix special and approach takes time to fully resonate, it “New York”), and, occasionally, a buzzing they want, and that energy turned out to a 30-track, double disc soundtrack to go is also a natural step in Earl’s evolution, synth or two (single “Romance”). But the be authentic after all. At first listen, the along with it. There is no other artist like and the rapper sounds comfortable one thing Tonra retains is her knack for album drops more eye-rollingly acerbic Bruce Springsteen. Having consistent- making himself at home. From its me- unforgettable songwriting. On sparse uptempo ska punk, forgettable and bare- ly produced a catalog worthy of praise lodic takes (“Shattered Dreams,” “The highlight “The Dazzler,” she drunkenly ly forgivable. Starting with “Ska Show” (a since the early 1970s, “The Boss” plays Mint”) to its most deeply unsettling longs to spend the rest of her life in hotel simple song we desperately needed in stripped-down cuts filled with moving moments (“Red Water,” “Peanut”), Earl rooms, constantly being provided for and the late ‘90s), the flipside of the record moments, insights, and humor. Through finds deliberate ways to incorporate never having to leave on someone else’s redeems itself by slightly shifting down extended songs with multiple introduc- his family’s legacy and his own personal volition. In terms of relatability, you’d be in tempo for track after track of warm, tions (“Promised Land” has three), it’s like downfalls into 2018’s finest 26 minutes hard-pressed to find a more endearing funny, sincere songs like “I’d Rather Get It a VH1 Storytellers, but the best it could of levity. — Aaron Mook wordsmith. — Aaron Mook Wrong.” — Nick Warren ever be. — Nick Warren

TOMMY IN TOON — BY TOMMY LINK

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com January 2, 2019 CROSSWORD

Across want, when they want? 13. Bathwater tester 1. Movie in which Brad Pitt 48. Superman, notably 21. Honey Bunches of ____ plays Achilles 49. PlayStation compet- 22. Conversation fillers itor 25. Small-time 5. New York Times pieces Answers to last puzzle since 1970 50. Like an eagle who lets 26. Greek for "vapor" 10. Mario ____ (Nintendo a rainbow fish slip from its 27. Crop-destroying beetle racing series) talons? 28. Some camcorder 14. Fontana di Trevi locale 58. R.E.M.'s "The ____ recordings 15. Hamilton, to Burr Love" 29. Singer DiFranco 16. Falsetto-voiced Mup- 60. String bean's opposite 30. Pan-frying instruction pet 61. Some early computers 31. Wand material in the 17. A bit cracked 62. Sheep's coat Harry Potter books 18. "Same with me" 63. ____-de-lis 32. Verizon FiOS, e.g., for 19. "Anything ____?" 64. Sound on Old Mac- short 20. "Sorry about that -- I Donald's farm 33. Time and ____ need some practice kick- 65. Handmade products 37. Roofing material ing a football"? website 38. Postal abbr. for a rural 23. In history 66. Some subs address 24. Celebrated Bom- 67. General ____ chicken 39. 511, to Caesar bay-born conductor 42. Make some changes 27. "Got any other Sala- Down to mandridae family mem- 1. Mouth, slangily 44. How one person might bers in your pet shop"? 2. Red, as a Spanish wine resemble another 33. Almost an eternity 3. Vizquel with 11 Gold 45. To's opposite 34. "Happy Days" diner Gloves 46. Says "My bad!" 35. ____-com 4. Ending with brick or 47. Hardships 36. Prefix meaning "half" stock 51. Fizzling sound 37. Person in the headlines 5. Popsicle choice 52. Wan ... or a two-word clue to 6. It may be drawn 53. Thingamajig this puzzle's theme 7. Cole Porter's "Well, Did 54. ____ gear 39. Olivia ____ of "The You ____?" 55. Geishas' sashes Wonder Years" 8. Title for Helen Mirren 56. "Let me think ... yeah, 40. Uber app abbr. 9. Freudian mistake that's stupid" 41. QB's try: Abbr. 10. One of the Wayans 57. Judgmental sounds 42. U.S. military vets brothers 58. Fall behind 43. State motto for those 11. Hot 59. "Let's ____ and say we who want to eat what they 12. Hotel capacity: Abbr. did"

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