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The local voice for news, arts, and culture. ERIE ART MUSEUM’S Blues & Jazz Festival

July 22-August 4 2015/Vol. 5 No. 15/ErieReader.com

A Roaring Success? A deeper look at the economic impact of Roar on the Shore By: Jim Wertz

How Erie is Buying into the Solar Revolution By: Katie Chriest

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rom the outside, Roar day, folding Wednesday into rent issue, in which he talks on the Shore looks the festival to accommodate to several local small-busi- Erie at Large 4 Flike a hulking success. growth. ness owners about their As we wage our war on guns in Throngs of motorcyclists Think the M&BA lacks experience of competing Erie, we need smart, effective riding through Erie City vision? M&BA President against vendors who line solutions. streets, winding around Pr- Ralph Pontillo told Erie State Street who aren’t from esque Isle, rolling through- Times-News’ Ron Leonar- Erie, about how the official out the County for more di in a piece that appeared wine for the festival isn’t Editors-in-Chief: Street Corner Soapbox than half a week’s worth in Sunday, July 19’s edition local, how tattoo artists and Brian Graham & Adam Welsh 5 of festivities. From staying that he envisions the festi- silkscreeners brought in in hotels in Erie to eating val becoming a week-long specifically for the festival Managing Editor: If it’s the end of the world, maybe food in Erie to buying mer- affair. aren’t Erie entrepreneurs. Ben Speggen we should feel fine. Contributing Editor: ch and memorabilia in Erie, Question whether City Of- What’s missing most from Jim Wertz all signs point to a five-day ficials and the community Roar on the Shore is Erie. Arts & Culture Editor: stretch during which the support it? The Mayor — If we’re hanging our suc- News of the Weird 6 Alex Bieler Erie economy now gets an who’s been heavily criticized cess of the return of bik- Contributors: annual booster shot. lately because of his prefer- ers past and the arrival of Lisa Austin, Civitas But from the inside, what ence to keep a low-profile in first-time visitors because Mary Birdsong 8 Katie Chriest A Roaring Success? looks like — upon first the wake of rampant gun word of mouth, marketing, Rick Filippi Roar on the Shore boasts glance — an economic boon violence but still leads the or social media spread to Frank Garland economic development for the for Erie and Erie businesses ceremonial parade into the them, shouldn’t we deliber- Mike Iverson City of Erie, but local small- may not be the prescription City — noted that “so many ately work to ensure they James R. LeCorchick John Lindvay business owners feel a pinch for growth its label boasts. people come into the com- remember and talk about a Bob Protzman rather than a boost from the bike Because although this all munity” adding that “after great pad thai, a great falafel Dan Schank festival. happens in Erie, it may not they come here the first salad, and locally-made sub William G. Sesler be of Erie. time, we see they tend to they had instead of a grease- Chris Sexauer Tommy Shannon Yes, hotels are packed — come back, not only for this soaked stick of mozzarella? Ryan Smith Erie buys into the Solar some of which charge in- event but for other things.” Shouldn’t they be able to Jay Stevens Revolution 11 creased rates as much as a President of VisitErie show off tattoos done by Rebecca Styn third higher than average John Oliver credited the local award-winning artists Sara Toth John Purvis is on a mission to to bikers and non-bikers diversity of visitors, saying right here in Erie? Shouldn’t Bryan Toy help homeowners embrace solar Jim Wertz energy alike because of the occa- that he thinks “that’s why local T-shirt companies Cover Design: sion. And yes, there’s en- it has such a good economic make the products that will Liz Venuto President Obama on tertainment — from stunt impact because it’s spread be walking billboards once Photographers: Immigration Reform 15 bike demonstrations to out over all levels.” they leave the city, enticing Ryan Smith hair-metal-meets-hip-hop- Is this too good to be true? others to visit next year? Brad Triana Is he right or wrong? meets-hairier-metal. And Should we — even those Yes. Designers: yes, consumption is king: who don’t ride, those who At least moving forward. Mark Kosobucki Liz Venuto people eat, people drink, hate the increased volume Because as the chapter Geeked Out 33 people buy stuff. in both sound and space the closes on this year’s ROTS, Interns: Lauren Griffith Gamers mourn the loss of And thus, the people — fest brings to our streets, next year’s is already being Emily Hanisek Nintendo and gaming titan the sellers, the buyers, the those who deliberately written; after all, 2016 will Candice Martone Satoru Iwata. riders, the spectators, the avoid downtown because mark the 10th anniversary Nicolas Miller visitors, the locals — should of the scene created rath- of the festival, and given 1001 State St. Suite 901 all be merry. er than become part of it the occasion and the re- Erie, Pa., 16501 Who’s Driving the Bus? So when the last bike — embrace Erie’s ROTS be- cent success, expectations [email protected] 34 roars out of town as the cause of cheerleaders con- will be high. It’s clear that sun sets on the Sunday gregating around it chant- the City and (a large por- The Erie Reader is the local voice for The conversation over news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only evening, those of us left ing economic development tion of) the community independent, alternative newspaper. representation on the EMTA Founded in 2010, the Reader has quickly behind watching the ex- over and over again? embrace the festival, revs become the region’s award-winning source board rolls on. for arts coverage, a strong cultural compass, haust fumes of the biker No. and all. and a dynamic resource for news and opinion. With a dedication to long-form brigadoon vanish wave the At least not yet. If we’re going to herald journalism and a commitment to provoking victory flag and unfurl the Although the M&BA is Roar on the Shore as a true thoughtful discussion, the Reader tells the Los Angeles Angels stories of the people and places making and banner declaring our suc- clearly onto something — source of economic devel- shaping Erie, while highlighting the events Draft Gannon University and issues influencing life in northwestern cess, celebrating the clear the festival’s numbers swell opment and a strong in- Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is published Standout 36 symbols that Erie does do each year and bikers do re- jection of dollars into our every other week and distributed at over 250 high foot-traffic locations in something right: Erie hosts turn to Erie — what can’t be local economy, those plan- Pennsylvania from North East to Girard Aaron Cox looks to make his to Edinboro. In addition to appearing in major league debut with the help the largest motorcycle rally denied is that ROTS doesn’t ning the festival need to print, Erie Reader adds new content daily at ErieReader.com as well social media of mentor Mike Trout in this region, and it’s grow- yet benefit all Erie business- embrace, highlight, feature, sites. All rights reserved. All content © ing. es, especially the small lo- and include local business- Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of this Want proof of that cally-owned ones. es to increase their health publication may be reproduced without permission. The opinions of our columnists ER Sports 38 growth? Look no further What’s more, it actually and wellness — not those and contributors are their own and do not than 2014 when the Manu- harms some. simply in Erie for a week always reflect that of the editorial board or The Good, The Bad, The Ugly organization. Direct inquiries to 814.314.9364 facturer & Builders Associa- Look no further than Jim looking to make a quick or [email protected]. – weighing in on more than 40 tion tacked on an additional Wertz’s feature in this cur- buck. years of interviews. July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & OPINION Erie at Large As we wage our war on guns in Erie, we need smart, effective solutions.

With the increase of gun-related violence ation Ceasefire yielded a 63 percent de- and crimes in Erie, the City and County are crease in youth homicides, a 32 percent looking for a solution. decrease in shots-fired calls to police, and a 25 percent decline in gun assaults cases eliminated from federal budgets regardless of age. during the past 20 years as a result of In Pittsburgh, a gun bounty program lobbying efforts by the NRA and gun allowed anonymous callers to be given manufacturers in this country. a unique ID number when they called While there is little empirical evi- police to report an illegal gun posses- dence of crime reduction, gun buyback sion. If the police retrieved an illegal programs have enjoyed a great deal of firearm as the result of an anonymous anecdotal success. Gun buybacks are call, a $100 bounty was registered un- great public-relations events. Mem- der the callers ID number for pickup at bers of the law-abiding community a later date and time. see people trading guns for cash and And in St. Louis a firearm suppression feel like progress is being made; people program (FSP) that included traced se-

M&R GLASGOW who worried that their homes might rial numbers of confiscated firearms, the result of a phenomenon in which be robbed for their guns attain some regular reviews of sheriff's records to By: Jim Wertz non-criminals become the primary level of personal comfort; and, in com- track “straw purchases” – buying a gun participants in such programs. Mid- munities like Los Angeles and St. Lou- for someone who is prohibited by law un violence is a national prob- dle-class, law-abiding citizens trade is, where conflict between the police from possessing one or for someone lem. Erie’s just a bit late to the in old or rarely used guns for money, and the community is historically the who does not want his or her name as- Ggame. Now that it’s reached, which is sometimes used to buy new norm, gun buybacks provide an oppor- sociated with the transaction – and the what some might refer to as “epidemic guns. tunity to establish a modicum of rap- implementation of “consent searches,” proportions,” city leaders are searching This was the case in 1994 when the port between those who enforce the in which parents gave police consent to for solutions. City of Erie conducted a gun buyback law and those attempting to violate it. search their children’s belongings with Recently the Erie County Gaming program that spent $30,000 to net 649 The 2003 small-arms survey conduct- no threat of prosecution to the parents Revenue Authority (ECGRA) – a stal- handguns. Some program participants, ed by the United Nations Office on and interventions offered to the juve- wart community partner, to be sure according to the Erie Times-News, ad- Drugs and Crime estimated that there niles if illegal weapons were found, as – announced that it planned to con- mitted they would use the money re- were 88 firearms for every 100 people means to decrease juvenile crime. duct a study to determine the validity ceived to buy a new weapon. in the United States. Gun advocates Each of these communities, and doz- of working with law enforcement and A 1992 study of gun buybacks in Seat- who claim that access to guns keeps ens of others, abandoned gun buyback providing pilot funding for a gun buy- tle found that women and people over communities safe have lost traction. programs in favor of more targeted back program. The authority adminis- age 65 were more likely than men or Seventy-six percent of homicides in strategies to address rampant gun vio- ters grants to local businesses as well those ages 18 to 21 to participate in the the Americas are the result of gun vio- lence. Erie can relish in the fact that it’s as governmental and nongovernmen- program. A crucial finding in the Seat- lence. In Europe, only 21 percent of ho- taken a decade and a half for us to ex- tal agencies with funds from gaming tle study was that citizens who didn’t micides are by the gun. perience the problems that larger cities revenues at Presque Isle Downs and own guns were more likely than gun In the United States today, violent faced in the 1980s and 1990s, but it can’t Casino. ECGRA is purposeful in its in- owners to believe that the program, gun crime is most likely to take place afford to wait another decade or two to tent and it should play a role in culti- which collected more than 1,700 guns, in communities marked by concen- find a successful resolution to such vi- vating and curating resources as part would reduce the number of guns on trated poverty, hypersegregation, fam- olence, and it can’t afford to put cash in of the community’s broader strategy to Seattle streets and decrease crimes ily disruption – from divorce, parental the hands of law-abiding citizens while address gun violence. But it should not connected with handguns. By the way, absenteeism, death or imprisonment teenagers shoot each other with illegal- expend valuable resources on evaluat- the 1,700 guns collected represented – and high gun density. It’s a recipe for ly trafficked handguns. Gun buyback ing the merits of a gun buyback. less than 1 percent of guns known to be persistent violence that is all too famil- programs were a public relations solu- Nationally, gun buyback programs – in Seattle households. iar to the parts of Erie from which gun tion to a very concrete problem and, as even as part of more comprehensive in- Massive gun buybacks in St. Louis at violence emanates. we now know, gun buybacks were little terventions – are generally considered the pinnacle of an outbreak of gun vio- Many cities that attempted gun buy- more than political theater. ineffective. lence in the early 1990s, which brought back programs in the 1990s eventually Active policing and civic leadership If collecting guns is the measure of in nearly 10,000 guns in a four-year pe- turned toward more comprehensive that does not waiver when faced with success, gun buybacks work. If collect- riod, resulted in zero impact on violent strategies that included addressing the the emotional whims of a fearful com- ing guns from criminals and reducing crime during the same period. plaguing conditions mentioned above. munity are only the starting points violence is the objective, there’s little Why do we look so far in the past In Boston, Operation Ceasefire incor- of progressive change to end gun vio- empirical validation. for answers to a current problem, you porated three elements – an emphasis lence. Otherwise, Erie will continue to A 1998 study by the National Institute may be asking? Because funding for on gun trafficking, an interagency re- live by the gun, each gun, for more than of Justice concluded, “gun buyback the kind of research referenced above sponse to gang violence, and a commu- just a few dollars a shot. programs without geographic limita- and that which sheds light on the re- nications campaign aimed at reaching tions on the eligibility of those provid- lationship between gun ownership, people who were not the target of law Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ ing guns for money fails to reduce gun gun regulations, and gun violence has enforcement – in an attempt to curb ErieReader.com, and you can follow violence in cities.” This assessment is been markedly reduced and in some youth gun violence, in particular. Oper- him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

4 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 NEWS & OPINION Street Corner Soapbox If it’s the end of the world, maybe we should feel fine. he end of the world. How's it go- And there are movies for that. The The cartoon, Adventure Time. ing to come? By ice? By fire? Day After Tomorrow is about global And I didn't even mention meteorites T Have you noticed how many cooling. Water World depicted a planet (Armageddon), alien invasion (Aliens), movies, books, and games revolve after the polar ice caps melted. or robots (the Terminator movies). around post-apocalyptic themes? Fury And what about natural disaster? The But, again, why focus on the negative? Road just came out, as did the latest Earth has been slammed by a series of Why obsess over the end of the Earth? Terminator movie. Fallout 4 is due in disasters recently. Hurricane Katrina, (That's the premise of Tomorrowland, November. Station 11 was shortlisted the 2004 tsunami in Southeast Asia, ironically.) After all – and I paraphrase for the latest National Book Award. And the 2010 Haitian earthquake, the 2011 stand-up comic Steven Wright here – in Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the our plan for the human species to last has sold more than 65 million books; the 2011 tornado that destroyed Joplin, Mis- forever, so far, so good. first three Hunger Games films grossed souri. The New Yorker's Kathryn Sculz For one, it's a neat literary device to more than $3 billion, worldwide. recently warned of an impending disas- strip away all human establishments: Wait! Let's not forget that the zombie ter in the Pacific Northwest in her piece authority, tradition, social groups. And genre is a sub-genre of post-apocalyptic “The Really Big One,” where the Casca- what's left is what you think human be- themes. I am Legend, World War Z, and dia subduction zone – a fault line off ings really are. In the Mad Max movies, the Walking Dead – which is based on the west coast – is overdue and head- humans are chaotic, violent, thrill-seek- a comic. And the games, Dead Island, ing for a massive quake. The resulting ing renegades. In the Walking Dead, DayZ, Dead Rising, State of Decay, Left 4 shock and tidal wave, if the quake hits we're reluctant allies, too often at each Dead, Resident Evil, and the kids' game, 9 on the Richter scale, is estimated by others' throats. Civilization mitigated Plants vs. Zombies. officials to kill as many as 13,000. conflict. Without it, we fight. Writing And the book, Pride and Prejudice and San Andreas is about an earthquake. a post-apocalyptic book lets you say Zombies, of course. The Impossible about the 2004 tsunami. something about the state of humanity. What gives? Why are people obsessed Disease is popular in our imagina- For another, a post-apocalyptic land- with the apocalypse and what comes tion. Sure, we freaked out about the scape is a kind of frontier. If you, like after? recent Ebola scare – and it's still active Fredrick Jackson Turner, thought It wouldn't be the first time we were in Africa – but what about SARS, a vi- American exceptionalism was born out obsessed with a kind of story. In the rus that killed more than 700 in Asia? of our struggles on the frontier, you 1950s, alien invasion was all the rage. And the bird flu's always one season know we have no more frontier to train The Day the Earth Stood Still. Inva- away from wiping out a sizable chunk our wit on, to sharpen us and focus us sion of the Body Snatchers. War of the of the population. The 1918 flu, after all, (Unless you count space). Post-apoca- Worlds. And a few memorable Twilight killed as many as 40 million, worldwide. lyptic settings allow us to imagine our- Zone episodes. Those movies and sto- And with the amount of antibiotics selves in a kind of frontier. ries are generally said to be spawned by we slather on ourselves and our cattle, Or maybe it's an intellectual practice. our fear of Soviet Russia and the threat it seems only a matter of time before Maybe we do feel on the cusp of some of Communism. The Invasion of the pathogens mutate to resist our medi- monumental and cataclysmic change. Body Snatchers, for example, featured cines, sending us back to the days when Maybe these stories let us figure out aliens that would replace people with death by disease was common. how we'll do on a post-apocalyptic land- emotionless doppelgangers while they The television series, The Last Man on scape. Hoard shotgun shells, people! slept – the infamous “pod people” – an Earth. The novels, Enclave, Station 11. But one thing that most post-apoc- obvious allegory for the altering effects The comic, Y: The Last Man. The game, alyptic stories share in common is an of a creeping, invasive ideology. Deus Ex. You could argue zombie mov- idea I reject: once civilization is down, So what are we afraid of? ies and film fall under this category, too. people will go at each other. We will Maybe it's that we're constantly in- So add all of those here. fight. What order there is will be main- undated with huge Earth-shattering What about old-fashioned nuclear an- tained by violence. And yet...is that how scenarios. Climate change, for one. nihilation? That used to be all the rage it will really go down? It seems most We've been living under dire warnings during the Cold War, but it's settled disasters are marked by how much peo- that our emission of greenhouse gases down now. Or has it? Vox's Max Fish- ple set aside their differences and work will eventually destroy us – or, at least, er in “How World War III became pos- together for rescue and rebuilding. fundamentally change the way we live sible,” wrote that we may be closer to Is it really so odd to think that disas- and alter the Earth we live on. “Climate nuclear war than we ever have been be- ter isn't sure to bring about fear and change is accelerating species loss,” re- fore, with a tangle of treaties and alle- hate? Am I just an optimist? ports Sarah Zielinski in Smithsonian giances and a desperate Putin-led Rus- Maybe I am. I guess we’ll know for Magazine, “and by the end of the centu- sia playing games of high-stake chicken sure after our new robot overlords take ry, as many as one in six species could with the U.S. in Ukraine and the Baltic control, the asteroid strikes the planet, be at risk of extinction.” Australian mi- republics. and the Russians launch their ICBMs. crobiologist David Fenner went further And even if nuclear annihilation and said humans will be extinct in 100 isn't as much a concern as, say, climate Jay Stevens can be contacted at Jay@ years, because the Earth will be unin- change, it's still popular in fiction. The ErieReader.com, and you can follow habitable. new Fallout game. The Hunger Games. him on Twitter @Snevets_Yaj.

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 5 NEWS & OPINION

did so only as “makura eigyo,” more that might get caught in the victims’ eggs would. Hence, News of the Weird or “pillow sales tactic.” Said the backdraft. Wired.com also according to Davies, she is “na- the judge, “As long as the inter- learned of the related species ture’s most notorious cheat.” By: Chuck Shepherd course is for business, it does Chrysoperla comanche, whose [Wall Street Journal, 5-30-2015] not harm the marital relation- anal weaponry is in solid form, er-savvy student and, accord- ship at all.” (The ruling, from wielded by “master contortion- Outsourcing ing to the maintenance supervi- Perspective 2014, was first publicized this ists” who lift their abdomens in sor, still works fine. Fortunately, mong the protesters at year.) [Japan Times, 6-10-2015] order to directly contact their o cover various general ex- the supervisor said, the student ANew York City’s Gay Pride victims’ head. [Wired.com, 6-24- Tpenses (such as helping the still lives in the area and is avail- Parade on the Sunday after New World Order 2015] indigent), the average hospital able if problems arise. [WOOD- the Supreme Court’s historic n 1993, the owner of the icon- mark-up for patient care in the TV, 6-11-2015] uspicion Confirmed: In June gay-marriage decision was a ic 5Pointz building in New United States is about 3.4 times group of men outfitted in Jew- I 2015 research, scientists costs (according to a Johns ecurring Theme: Govern- York City began allowing graf- S ish prayer garments and repre- from Britain’s University of Ex- Hopkins Bloomberg School of ment officials who insist fiti artists to use the walls for senting the Jewish Political Ac- R eter and Queen Mary Universi- Public Health report in June), on such “bells and whistles” as their masterpieces, but by 2013 tion Committee, carrying signs ty of London warned that own- but 50 of the nation’s 5,000 redesigning their department’s had grown weary of the build- reading, for example, “Judaism ers of “domestic” cats seem not, hospitals charge more than 10 logo are often ridiculed for ing’s look and had the walls prohibits homosexuality.” How- on average, to appreciate what times the cost, with the North wasting taxpayer money (yet whitewashed. In June 2015, ever, the men were very likely vicious killers their pets are and Okaloosa Medical Center near design consultants continue nine of the artists filed a feder- not Jewish, but in fact Mexican urge, for instance, that they be Pensacola, Florida, billing at to sell the illusion that a new al lawsuit demanding that the laborers hired for the day. A kept indoors more often lest 12.6 times costs. According to logo can give a bureaucracy owner compensate them, sub- representative of the commit- they decimate the neighbor- the co-author, professor Gerard a refreshing rebirth). In May, stantially, for destroying their tee told The New York Times hood’s bird and small-mammal Anderson, the 50 “are marking Tennessee officials unveiled a creations — and they stand a that the men were “supplemen- populations. Estimates of the up the prices because no one new state logo (which cost only good chance of collecting (un- tal” — necessary because the yearly death toll generated by is telling them they can’t.” (For- $46,000 — not counting the ex- der the Visual Artists Rights committee’s rabbis would not housecats are “in the magni- ty-nine of the 50 are for-profit pense of changing signs, cards, Act) if they prove their partic- permit their students (who nor- tude of millions” in the United hospitals, and 20 are in Florida.) stationery, etc.), which consists ular works are of “recognized mally staff such protests) to be Kingdom and “billions” in the [Washington Post, 6-8-2015] of the letters “TN” in white in- stature” and not merely art of exposed to the sights of same- United States. [Ecology and side a red box with a blue trim an “ephemeral nature.” At its sex exuberance typical for the Evolution, 6-19-2015] underneath. (A Watchdog.org height, 5Pointz attracted more People With Issues parade. [New York Times, 6-28- critic suggested a contest to than 350 artists’ works from he “parasitic ways” of the ormer British Navy sailor 2015] design a superior one, but open around the world. [New York Tcuckoo bird were remarked FAlan Reynolds, 55, of Porth- only to kids age 12 and under, Daily News, 6-12-2015] upon “as far back as Aristotle,” leven, England, was convicted Government in Action with the prize a $50 Amazon. wrote a Wall Street Journal in April of a burglary in which he stole items from the home OOD-TV of Grand Rap- com gift certificate.) [WSMV-TV Animal World book reviewer in May, but some (Nashville), 5-22-2015] biologists may not have be- of a colleague to pursue his ids, Michigan, seemingly June entry in Wired.com’s W lieved the behavior because it fetish for waterproof clothing uncovered an antiquity — if “Absurd Creature of the A was so cold-blooded. The bird, — to enrich his fantasy, he told not a potential vulnerability Compelling Explanations Week” series warned of the according to Nick Davies’ book a judge, of imagining himself — in the Grand Rapids public Beaded Lacewing that preys on dultery is illegal in Japan — “Cuckoo: Cheating by Nature,” a prisoner of war. Photos and school system in June when it termites by first immobilizing except, as a Tokyo District lays its eggs in other species’ videos taken from his home reported that the heating and A them with a “vapor-phase tox- Court judge ruled in a “psycho- nests to trick those birds into show him in bright yellow wa- cooling systems at 19 schools icant” released from its anus. logical distress” lawsuit filed by incubating the cuckoos, who terproof trousers and green are controlled using a Commo- The silent-but-deadly gas is the jilted wife, when it is done then hatch and kick the eggs of waterproof poncho, remov- dore Amiga computer (released reportedly powerful enough to by a company to retain a good their host out of the nest. The ing layers of clothing from in the 1980s, about the same disable six ordinary termites customer. A night club hostess mother cuckoo, it is said, times underneath and “smelling” time as Windows 2.0), operating for up to three hours (plenty who had carried on with the her mating schedule so that them. [Western Morning News on an early Internet modem. It of time for a sumptuous meal married man proved that she her eggs mature just before (Plymouth), 4-9-2015] had been installed by a comput- of termite) and weaken several

JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA — BY: B. TOY

6 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 Register Now

WHEN: Saturday, August 1, 2015 TIME: 9 a.m. START & FINISH LINE: LECOM Medical Fitness & Wellness Center

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All proceeds raised support the LECOM Student Scholarship Fund to provide financial support to medical, pharmacy and dental students attending the Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine by offering scholarships for their educational needs. FEATURE A Roaring Success? Roar on the Shore boasts economic development for the City of Erie, but local small-business owners feel a pinch rather than a boost from the bike festival.

The five-day event brings in a reported more than 100,000 bikers, but according to some Erie business owners, not much of the money spent is injected into the local economy. (Opposite) Mike Augustine of Like My Thai restaurant makes the most of a slow business day.

tween $450 and $1550 for booth space ranging from 10’x10’ to 60’x20’. The majority of vendors in Perry Square are not local vendors. Seivers Concessions, based in Grove City, Pa., has a monopoly on food at Roar on the Shore. No other food vending is available at the event. Additionally, the screen-printing, tattoo artists, and even the official wine of Roar on the Shore – Webb Winery from Hermitage, Pa. – are not local. There were a few local clothing and novelty vendors for whom ROTS is an easy couple of days with relatively low overhead. “This is a good festival for me,” says Michael Anderson, who sells tye-dye T-shirts and other clothing items at a price point mostly under $25. “The crowd here doesn’t spend a lot of money. They’re here for the bike stuff, and that’s what they spend money on. BRIAN GRAHAM But since we’re in Erie and I don’t have By: Jim Wertz America looks like.” Money is clearly being spent, but its hotel and food costs like I would if we The Manufacturer’s and Business impact is more difficult to discern. were out of town, I do very well.” tanding on State Street 200 yards Association, which organizes the four- Some tourist dollars are spent direct- Walt Ponatowski agrees. He’s from from the main stage at the Satur- day motorcycle festival, has contended ly with the Manufacturer’s Association North East and travels to festivals Sday night climax of Roar on the since the festival’s inception in 2007 and its partners who put on charity around the country to sell hemp-wo- Shore was somewhat like I’ve always that the estimated 100,000 or more bik- rides to raise funds for the designated ven rugs, shirts, and other novelties. imagined purgatory. It was packed ers and enthusiasts who attend – local nonprofit each year. This year’s pro- “The show here is awesome,” he says. with a mix of people, some of whom people and visitors – collectively inject ceeds will go to the Erie Homes for “But sales-wise, I go to little flea mar- are hard-worn by life, others just lived around $20 million into the regional Children and Adults’ “Project First kets where I pay $50 for the space and hard, all intermingling with a middle economy. Step,” which helps low-income expect- do three times the business. For the class that likes being close to the fringe Based on a small Erie Reader survey of ant mothers and families by offering caliber of show it really is, I expect to without relishing in the consequences out-of-town bikers, each biker spends training and support that limits the do better. Don’t get me wrong, I make of bad decisions made during long days approximately $75 per day in Erie. risk of disabilities, substance abuse, money, but there’s a disconnect be- and late nights. That’s $29 higher than the U.S. Gener- domestic violence, and homelessness, tween the caliber of show and the cali- From the vantage point at North Park al Services Administration’s per diem among other issues. The rest of that ber of people we see through here.” Row onlookers could gaze over the sea rate for Erie, Pa., which is an estimation purported $20 million is spent through- And for many of the restaurants and of people facing North toward a stage of how much a traveler would need to out the region at hotels and eateries bars between French and Peach streets they couldn’t fully see to hear a band spend on meals and incidentals in this and downtown with vendors who pur- from 12th Street to Third streets, the mostly long forgotten. Their sightline, area. It’s also equal to any vacation in chased space in Perry Square. success of ROTS doesn’t necessari- obscured by the elevated VIP area at which you live out of a hotel room and There are essentially two types of ly translate into a winning weekend. the back of the ten-foot-high-chain- are forced to purchase all meals out vendors in Perry Square, transaction- Mike Augustine, co-owner and chef at link-fenced-off beer garden to which about town. On top of the $75 per day al vendors that exchange money for Like My Thai located at 827 State St. in concert goers could purchase entry for in living expenses, bikers we spoke to goods and services, and informational the heart of the Roar, says that limit- $10 each night, left them focused on the paid between $200 and $250 per night vendors – mostly motorcycle centric – ed access to his restaurant prevents is video screens at Fifth and State streets for hotel accommodations. whose booths are there to provide in- regular customers from coming in for framed by the backs of the rich and a Where the $20 million injection comes formation about everything from pin- lunch and dinner. distant American flag – the backdrop from is hard to tell. It’s a multiplier ef- striping your motorcycle to retaining a “I’m down $2,000 on the week because to the stage – as if to say, “This is what fect that any industry would relish. rider-friendly lawyer. Vendors pay be- my customers can’t get to me,” Augus-

8 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 FEATURE JIM WERTZ tine says. “The bikers are cool, but they and charging admission to the fenced don’t eat places they don’t recognize.” in area. Other bar and restaurant owners on State Street remains closed all the State Street told us that despite the vol- way to Third Street for backstage ac- ume of people in town, they are lucky cess even though closing State Street to break even on the week. Augustine only to Fourth Street would provide attempted to make up some lost reve- approximately the same backstage nue by selling chicken on a stick on the space used at other events in previous sidewalk outside of his restaurant. years. We heard similar stories last year as This year, those businesses on lower well. Tickle’s Deli owner Sue Wyant State Street were further constrict- lamented the loss of business that be- ed because event organizers moved gins as soon as the streets are blocked the stage a half-block south on State for preparations including the installa- Street, just past the museum steps, SUMMER SAVINGS Purchase a NEW 96% efficient furnace tion of the main stage. presumably to prevent people from & 14 Seer A/C unit that comes with a “We’re small business,” Wyant said taking in iconic rock acts like Jackyl, FREE digital thermostat & air cleaner last year. “Small businesses can’t afford April Wine, and Dokken from heights and get your choice of a FREE this kind of disruption.” This year Wy- reserved only for VIPs. At Celebrate humidifier or 50% OFF a new water ant planned for weekend traffic. She Erie, the museum steps serve as the heater ($350 value) printed fliers with sandwich specials, VIP space, while front stage belongs to (Prior sales excluded) purchased extra bread and meat, and the people. Moving the stage south on brought in extra staff, but she saw no State Street completely cut off Scully’s CALL NOW! return. “I stayed open late on Friday Pub and The U-Pick 6 Tap House from FOR A FREE ESTIMATE SALE! and Saturday. On Saturday, I had two the foot traffic so common at these, eh- 459-8255 deliveries and three walk-ins. Who’s hem, public events. making out on this? Now, I need to Walking North from 12th Street, ob- PA0005218 cut down this week to make up for the serving the bikers parked in four lanes weekend.” across State Street down to Perry Street closures begin the Monday Square, and doing the drunken two- prior to the event’s kickoff and remain step with some motorcycle momma in effect until cleanup concludes at and her old lady, it’s clear that Roar the start of the following week. For on the Shore is a draw and we’ve nev- businesses between Third and Fifth er disputed that. But as the event gets streets, stage construction has always bigger, it’s also becoming less inclusive been a reality during festival season. to the community it claims to be serv- It’s a huge presence that costs local ing. businesses in that area big bucks. But “We want the City to do well,” Augus- at least during Celebrate Erie, the area tine says, “but not at the expense of the around the stage remains open allow- people who have to live here and make ing concertgoers to move in an out it happen every day.” of the performance area to buy beer, eat and socialize. ROTS changed that Jim Wertz can be reached at jWertz@ equation by erecting a chain-link fence ErieReader.com, and you can follow around the crowd nearest to the stage him on Twitter @jim_wertz.

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 9 When it comes to IT, does it all.

10 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22 , 2015 BUSINESS Erie buys into the Solar Revolution John Purvis is on a mission to help homeowners embrace solar energy. John Purvis has been in the solar business for seven years, bringing his Solar Revolution to Erie.

huge solar arrays on military bas- es all over the world. Huge con- tracts. And when the government is taking advantage of something, you know it works. “So it caught my attention,” he continues. “And anytime I started to think about foreign dependen- cy, wars on terror, gas prices … so- lar was always in the back of my mind. It’s something that is good. That doesn’t hurt anyone. “I can feel good about doing this,” Purvis reasons. “It’s all plusses. The only negative I ever thought of was: am I going to be able to eat?” He needn’t have worried. This June, Solar Revolution celebrated seven years in business. They em- .com BRAD TRIANA ploy student interns from local universities, and are now working By: Katie Chriest seen it hundreds of times by now, too well-behaved. Bland. And elit- with school districts and munici- so is Purvis. His excitement is ist. No wonder many people are palities interested in large-scale he morning finally arrives. contagious and powerful. He’s a reluctant to get on board. Where’s projects. A Saturday, mid-September. modern-day Helios for the mass- the egalitarianism? Where’s the “I knew this was going to be a We’ve hoped for sun and es, hellbent on turning us all to- empowerment? Where’s the ex- thing of the future and I rolled T . vnetfiber summer temperatures. Instead, ward the sun. citement? the dice,” he declares. “People autumnal winds blow threaten- Purvis is not your typical beard- Now, it’s impossible to imagine asked if I was crazy: in Pennsyl- ing clouds across a gunmetal gray ed-and-Birkenstocked environ- anyone but Purvis as the one to vania?!?!’” But today, according to sky. mentalist. Nor does he fit the lead this aptly named Solar Rev- the National Renewable Energy www Not the most ideal day to start starched, stuffed shirt image of olution. I ask how he chose that Laboratory’s Open PV (Photovol- a solar revolution on our rooftop. the president of a thriving busi- name. “Here I am with my big per- taic) Project, Pa. ranks 7th in the A little dejected, we pour coffee ness. He’s tall and tattooed, broad sonality,” he replies. “And I always nation by number of PV systems and mope into the living room. and bald-headed, with thick black wanted to be a revolutionary installed, and has more solar pan- Moments later, a decisive knock glasses and heavy black boots. leader. So it just fits. Were gonna els than Florida. ested by taking the survey at: awakens us beyond any coffee’s “I’ve knocked on doors and had change the way we power every- In Ecowatch, writer Anastasia capability. In walks John Purvis, people ask ‘where’s Mr. Purvis?’” thing.” Pantsios discusses the top twenty ourGig facebook.com/ vnetfiber president of Solar Revolution he laughs. “People first see me as Purvis graduated from high U.S. cities using solar at the end of LLC, a local solar company that a big, burly, biker-looking dude. school in 1991, and says the re- 2014. As expected, Pantsios points designs and installs solar in Penn- Then I start talking, and they re- emergence of environmentalism out, sunny cities rank highly. e inter sylvania and New York. With the alize I do know what I’m talking in that era helped to turn his “But,” she clarifies, “demonstrat- same enthusiasm that sold us on about. They see, ‘oh, he is an envi- mind toward solar. “We started ing that solar’s potential is not solar, Purvis arrives early to meet ronmentalist. One older woman I having recycling bins in school, limited to the sunny south, India- d. #GetY his contracted electrician and installed for said, ‘John, I gotta tell there was talk about Styrofoam, napolis—which averages 187 sun- hook up our system for good. you: you kind of look like a crazy and the ozone layer,” he says. ny days annually compared to Los Once everything is connected, barbarian.’ But it’s just that old “Maybe that’s where the seed got Angeles’ 292—came in at number we circle around our electric me- saying: don’t judge a book by its planted.” four, Denver at number eight, and ter. Purvis flips the switch, offi- cover.” After high school, Purvis served New York City at number nine.

cially converting us to solar pow- Admittedly, I also had a different in the Army for about a decade. Newark and Boston also cracked ll us that you’r er. Ninety seconds later — though picture in mind before Purvis ar- There, he began to turn toward the top 20.” Te appliances and lights are still con- rived — early and ebullient — for the sun. “They were using a ton of Erie, incidentally, averages ead the wor suming electricity in our house, our initial free solar consult. Envi- solar in the military by the time I around 160 sunny days per year. and clouds fill the sky — our me- ronmentalism too often manifests got out in 2000,” he recalls. “It was But as it turns out, that’s largely ter starts spinning backward. as dull earnestness tinged with clearly an upcoming technology. irrelevant. We’re giddy. And though he’s resigned austerity. It’s all a little The Department of Defense has “It’s UV radiation that makes it Help spr

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 BUSINESS work,” explains Purvis. “It’s daylight. In Arizona or California, they need a panel or two less [to generate the same amount of power]. Here, we need a pan- el or two more. “Look at where we are on longitude, around 42 degrees,” he continues. “Ger- many is north of us, and they’re leading the world in solar. It’s not about where you are. Solar panels can work any- where there’s daylight. Anything that runs on electricity can run on solar, equal to or cheaper than electricity.” Purvis always knew the real hurdle to converting people to solar would be educational. But he is the consum- mate educator: brilliant, eloquent, and passionate about sharing his ever-ex- panding knowledge. He has mastered his subject, and teaches with the per- suasive patience of a man on a mission. “I chose solar for its own sake,” he says. “I knew it was going to be a thing. I’m a purpose-driven person. I decided: I’m going to try to offer this and make this work. I took a gamble, and I’m glad I did.” BRAD TRIANA Keeping himself educated is a job, in itself. He gets up at 4 a.m. just to re- is growing,” writes Taylor, “is popular Casey (D-PA) has received $296,550, and Purvis grants. But one with about a 205 search what sorts of advances have with the public and is generating new Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) has received percent return, and prices dropping transpired in the world of solar while jobs — and the solar industry now em- $267,600. rapidly. the sun was down. “Everything’s devel- ploys 140,000 more people than our na- Though these numbers speak vol- “Some naysayers say to me, ‘solar is oping so quickly,” he says. “A lot of the tion’s coal mines — conference attend- umes, I nevertheless ask Purvis why subsidized,’” Purvis says. “But every- work is just staying on top of every- ees focused on hindering this sector, solar hasn’t taken off. “Ithas !” he ex- thing is subsidized!” Especially fossil thing.” especially solar. claims. “We’re just getting off a bad gov- fuels. PennFuture’s recent “PA Fossil To that end, Solar Revolution’s next “Legislators from Utah and Oklaho- ernor curse. Other states around us are Fuel Subsidy Report” states that each big move will be to employ someone ma bragged about slowing the devel- doing huge things. New York has incen- Pennsylvania taxpayer paid $794 in in the realm of IT and public relations. opment of solar energy in their states,” tive and loan programs, and a state tax subsidies to the fossil fuel industry, in Someone, Purvis insists, who also can Taylor continues. “Oklahoma Sen. A.J. credit. Still, last year was [Solar Revolu- fiscal year 2012-2013.” If solar had equal get on the roof and then be able to ex- Griffin passed a bill to tax individuals tion’s] busiest year ever, even without a subsidies to natural gas in Pa., Purvis plain to customers the solar process. using distributed generation from so- state rebate.” points out, “Everyone in Pa. with a roof But for now, he mostly handles the lar panels or wind turbines to ‘protect Meanwhile, the federal tax credit of could have solar.” highly educational and persistently po- our most vulnerable utilities.’ ALEC 30 percent back on solar installation In “Revolution,” John Lennon sang: litical Facebook posts on the Solar Rev- wants to tax people who use small cost will expire in December 2016, “un- You say you got a real solution / Well olution page. He ends many posts with scale solar or wind or who drive elec- less this Congress gets its act together,” you know / We’d all love to see the plan. “Term limits for Congress!!!” tric cars. According to ALEC, property adds Purvis. Clearly, John Purvis is the man with “I am an American,” he states. “I owners should have a right to kill a per- Regardless of incentives, however, he that plan. And you know it’s gonna be fought for my freedoms. I will not be son on their property, but not use so- emphasizes that “solar is a resource … all light. silent [about political matters]. lar or wind energies on their property that’s easier to install and cheaper ev- “Back in 2008,” Purvis recalls, “I had a “The government is owned by rich without paying a tax.” ery day. And it’s there. Every home or politician who obviously didn’t believe wealthy corporations in America, by So how likely are our local legisla- business has a roof, or a parking lot. in solar asking me, ‘What kind of guar- big interests and lobbyists. Oil has huge tors to get behind solar? Not very, Architectural solar is also getting really antees can you make about solar?’ lobbyists; the environment doesn’t. Do- according to numbers published on big: panels on pergolas, parking ramps, “I told him, ‘I can guarantee that the ing what’s right doesn’t. And it’s going Oil Change International, “a research, even at amusement parks. sun is going to come up every day.’” to be that way until we move money communication, and advocacy orga- “Now, there are a ton of panel man- out of politics and common sense in.” nization focused on exposing the true ufacturers. But I buy American. I use For more information, to see photos A recent essay published in The Pro- costs of fossil fuels.” Using data pro- time-tested American companies that of solar installations, or to schedule gressive by Wisconsin Rep. Chris Tay- vided by OpenSecrets.org, Oil Change have been around, that have good war- a free solar consultation, call Solar lor, about attending his second Amer- International reveals non-renewables’ ranties. I’m not going to try out some- Revolution LLC at (814) 602-5896, or ican Legislative Exchange Council claims on our legislators’ hearts, minds, thing brand new on my customers.” visit http://solarrevolutionerie.com. (ALEC) conference, certainly corrobo- and votes. Since 1999, Sen. Pat Toomey Instead, Solar Revolution installs a 25- rates Purvis’ point. (R-PA) has received “dirty energy mon- year warranty system that’s paid off in Katie Chriest can be contacted “Though the renewable energy sector ey” contributions of $953,504. Sen. Bob ten years or less. “It is an investment,” at [email protected]

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 Little Italy Farmers’ Market FRESH ORGANIC PRODUCE The Market is Open: Mondays 3-6 p.m. St. Paul’s parking lot 453 W. 16th June 29th - September 28th

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14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22 , 2015 NEWS & OPINION

Met with both criticism and praise, President polls support this view. Barack Obama used his executive authority As I spend more time studying the to expand his immigration program. issue, I am reasonably certain that opposition to immigrants is based pri- to Obama) declined to lift the injunc- marily on faulty economic logic, not tion – although the third judge hearing race. Americans are generous people, the matter wrote a spirited dissent. and they generally support immigra- The Circuit Court will hear oral ar- tion – even when immigrants are dif- guments on July 10. The appeal to be ferent from us. People in the middle heard in July will focus on the merits and upper-middle classes don’t mind of the case. The Obama administration poorly-educated, low-skilled immi- will argue that the president acted grants in the county, nor do we mind within the law and the states do not highly-educated professionals com- have the power to enforce immigration ing in – unless, that is, they are in the law. More delays, if not the outright de- same profession as ourselves. Those feat of Obama’s initiative are likely to of us advocating an immigration over- follow, although the matter may quite haul are basically calling for official likely end up in the Supreme Court recognition of the present status quo and be an issue in the 2016 Presidential through offering legal status to some, election. The legal wrangling to date if not all, of the roughly 11.2 million suggests that the President and his undocumented workers who aren’t aides may have underestimated the going away. The idea of attempting de- legal and political challenges to offer- portation at this level would create an ing protections to more than 4 million enormous economic fallout, constitute illegal immigrants without a congres- a humanitarian tragedy, and require sional vote. billions of dollars of taxpayers’ money. In a statement, Ken Paxton, the at- So much for the 29 percent in the poll torney general of Texas, said the Pres- mentioned above who say immigrants WHITE HOUSE ident had tried to impose “a drastic should be required to leave. change in immigration policy” without The basic opposition is based on the President Obama on Immigration the consent of Congress. The appeals erroneous notion that there is only so Reform court decision is “a victory for those much work to be done and that no one committed to preserving the rule of can get a job without taking one from Is he right or wrong? law in America,” Paxton said. “We will someone else. It’s an understandable continue to fight the brazen lawless- assumption. Adam Davidson, writing By: William G. Sesler “Which comes closest to your view ness that has become a trademark of in the New York Times Magazine on about illegal immigrants who are living the Obama administration.” March 24, 2015, hit the nail on the head elcoming strangers from for- in the U.S.? They should be allowed to In response to this purple prose, a when he said, “It might seem intuitive eign lands into our land has stay legally, but not be allowed to apply White House spokeswoman, said, “To- that when there is an increase in the Walways been and probably for citizenship. OR, They should be re- day, two judges of the Fifth Circuit supply of workers, the ones who were always will be a sensitive matter on quired to leave the U.S.” Results were chose to misrepresent the facts and here already will make less money or which the American people will dis- as follows: Stay, Apply for Citizenship the law.” She said, “The president’s ac- lose their jobs. Immigrants don’t just agree. The problem was addressed ini- = 57 percent; Stay, not apply for citizen- tions were designed to bring greater increase the supply of labor, though; tially in the second book of the Bible, ship = 11 percent; Be required to leave accountability to our broken immigra- they simultaneously increase demand Exodus, where it was written in Chap- = 29 percent; Unsure/ No Answer = 3 tion system, grow the economy and for it, using the wages they earn to ter 22, verse 21: "You shall not wrong a percent. keep our communities safe. They are rent apartments, eat food, get haircuts, stranger or oppress him, for you were President Obama, in the face of fail- squarely within the bounds of his au- buy cell phones. That means there are strangers in the land of Egypt.” ure of Congress to take action, used his thority, and they are the right thing to more jobs building apartments, selling It is obvious that the need for com- executive authority to expand his pro- do for the country.” food, giving haircuts and dispatching prehensive immigration reform has gram and permit certain undocument- This writer has difficulty under- the trucks that move those phones. been acute, but to date, Congress has ed immigrants who came to this coun- standing why there has not been the Immigrants increase the size of the seen fit to do nothing and the legality try as children to remain here without beginning of a truce—or at least a re- overall population, which means they of the executive order, issued by Pres- the threat of deportation. Most of the configuration—in the politics of im- increase the size of the economy. Logi- ident Barack Obama last November 21 plan was supposed to go into effect on migration. Several of the potential Re- cally, if immigrants were ‘stealing’ jobs, in an effort to start reform, has been Feb. 18, 2015, but 26 states filed a chal- publican candidates, most notably Jeb so would every young person leaving stonewalled by federal courts thus far, lenge before Judge Andrew Hanen of Bush, have expressed pro-immigration school and entering the job market; despite the fact that the majority of the federal district court in Browns- views. Even self-identified Tea Party countries should become poorer as the American public are in favor of tak- ville, Texas, a noted critic of the Pres- Republicans respond three to two in they get larger. In reality, of course, the ing action. ident’s immigration policies. Judge favor of a path to citizenship for un- opposite happens.” In one of the latest CBS News/New Hanen issued an injunction stopping documented immigrants. Every other Remember the Old Testament admo- York Times Poll taken from April 30 to the program before it started, and two group—Republicans in general, inde- nition, "You shall not wrong a stranger May 3 this year addressed to 1,027 adults judges of the 5th Circuit Court of Ap- pendents, and especially Democrats— or oppress him, for you were strangers nationwide, the question was asked: peals panel (who are similarly hostile is largely pro-immigrant and repeated in the land of Egypt.”

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 FEATURE Blues and Jazz Fest 2015 Here’s the down and dirty on the acts taking the stage at Frontier Park Red Baraat (pictured left) perfromed to a packed Frontier Park in 2012. This year’s lineup will be looking to bring the same intensity to the Erie Art Museum’s Blues and Jazz Festival. Alex Bieler, Bob Protzman, and Ryan Smith give you the skinny and many reasons to catch each performance.

hometown R&B/soul virtuosos the Breeze Band take the stage at Frontier Park at 2 p.m. Saturday. On Radars Because: Featuring five well-known lo- cal musicians, all with well-honed chops, the Breeze Band is among Erie’s musical favorites, regularly playing shows at various locales and events (includ- ing a stop this summer at the Erie Art Museum’s Mid-day Art Break). You Should Attend Because: With influences rang- ing from Chaka Khan and Aretha Franklin to Jimi Hendrix and Stevie Ray Vaughn, the Breeze Band has a whole lot of versatility, and the abilities to match up to the task of covering a wide range of classics across several genres. Whatever sound hits you, at one point or another, the Breeze Band will make you want to move and groove. – Ryan Smith

4 p.m. // Travis “Moonchild” Haddix CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

and Museum, and now they’ll be looking to get the BLUES — SATURDAY, AUGUST 1 Blues and Jazz Festival off to a good start. You Should Attend Because: You get a chance to Noon // M4 and the Rock School catch some of the brightest young talent in Erie. It’s also helps that it’s easy to support the Rock School’s acts when they can legitimately rock out so early in their lives. The Rock School is giving young Erieites a chance to shine on stage and create their own sound, so this is a great chance to check out just what the future of Erie sounds like right at the beginning of Blues and Jazz Fest. – Alex Bieler

2 p.m. // The Breeze Band CONTRIBUTED PHOTO CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The Skinny: On a day that will feature several old-school artists, young up-and-comers M4 and the Rock School will kick off Blues and Jazz Festival The Skinny: Tennessee-bred, Cleveland-based with a performance starting at noon on Saturday. blues guitarist Travis “Moonchild” Haddix will grace On Radars Because: The Rock School at World of the Blues and Jazz Festival stage Saturday afternoon, Music has been a hotbed for young artists since the bringing decades of experience to electrify the Fron- program started in 2009. More than 50 acts have had tier Park crowd starting at 4 p.m. a chance to develop under the tutelage of local rock- On Radars Because: Ever since Haddix ditched er and program founder Ryan Krysiak, including Sat- the piano for guitar at age 8 after seeing B.B. King

urday’s opening act M4. The teenage quintet recently CONTRIBUTED PHOTO perform, the axe man has been on a path to wow won the Tri-C High School Rock Off in Cleveland, an fans with his electric, horn-driven style of blues. The event sponsored by The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame The Skinny: Second-up in the day’s lengthy lineup, veteran musician has recorded more than 20 albums

16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 Mercyhurst Institute for Arts & Culture Announcing the 2015-16 MIAC Live Season, a thrilling lineup of music, theatre, dance and comedy from 2015-16 SEASON around the globe. Ignite your curiosity with 14 of the hottest performances you venues. won’t find anywhere else in town!

live performances. Subscription sales are on through July 31 – buy tickets destination. to 3 or more shows and take 30% off your order. Single ticket sales begin August 3. Visit miac.mercyhurst.edu or call 814-824-3000.

9.9 AN EVENING WITH THE CREATORS OF INVISIBLE THREAD PLAYING IN ERIE BEFORE BROADWAY 9.19 TOMÁŠ KUBÍNEK VAUDEVILLIAN CLOWN, MIME & ACROBAT 9.29 LEIF VOLLEBEKK KALEIDOSCOPIC FOLK DRIFTING BETWEEN FRENCH & ENGLISH 10.13 RESHIMO BY VERTIGO DANCE COMPANY ISRAEL’S LEADING MODERN DANCE TROUPE 10.24 NELS CLINE & JULIAN LAGE WILCO GUITARIST UNITES WITH JAZZ PHENOM 10.27 BOLLYWOOD MASALA ORCHESTRA AND DANCERS OF INDIA THE SPIRIT OF INDIA COMES ALIVE 11.19 SINKANE SIT ONSTAGE & FEEL THE AFROPOP RHYTHMS 11.30 VIENNA BOYS CHOIR SIX CENTURIES OF ACCLAIM 2.13 THE MERMAID THEATRE OF NOVA SCOTIA PRESENTS THE STORIES OF ERIC CARLE FAMILY-FRIENDLY FUN 3.4 WELLINGTON INTERNATIONAL UKULELE ORCHESTRA KIWI HUMOR, SUBLIME MUSICALITY 3.10 AVI AVITAL GRAMMY-NOMINATED MANDOLIN VIRTUOSO 3.30 DORRANCE DANCE TAP DANCE FRESH OFF A SOLD-OUT RUN AT JACOB’S PILLOW 4.7 MATUTO SWAMPY BRAZILIAN BLUEGRASS 4.28 ALLISON MILLER’S BOOM TIC BOOM FEATURING MYRA MELFORD & TODD SICKAFOOSE

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18 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22 , 2015 FEATURE and DVDs over his career, even creating his own la- On Radars Because “For many years I dreamed of bel Wann-Sonn Records in 1989 to further showcase forming a vocal-instrumental band modeled after the his craft. Four Freshmen (a very popular jazz vocal group in You Should Attend Because: Moonchild knows the 1950s-‘60s),” said Hultman. “I was especially taken how to fire up a crowd. Haddix has made a career with their complex and beautiful arrangements.” out of electrifying crowds with his music, touring The 72-year-old Hultman, a retired Gannon FEATU across the United States and Europe. His releases chemistry professor of 44 years, is an arranger, plus have earned high praise from Living Blues and Big he luckily came upon some exact transcriptions of City Blues, and he hasn’t started slowing down yet, Freshmen charts. releasing a new album called Love Coupons just last “Barb and I could cover the vocals and guitar and

year. Now you can see the music veteran display his CONTRIBUTED PHOTO percussion parts, but I needed bass and horn players award-winning blues sound for yourself at Frontier who could also sing,” explained Hultman. Park. – Alex Bieler stage as the 8 p.m. Saturday headliner, showcasing It took awhile, but he got his men: tenor saxophon- his take on the sounds of North Mississippi Hill ist Stan Bialomizy, in his 70s and generally regarded 6 p.m. // Grady Champion Country and Memphis on his trusty guitar. as the dean of Erie jazz, and Bob Seamon, bassist and On Radars Because: Wilkins has got blues in his high falsetto vocalist. blood. John’s father was The Rev. Robert Wilkins, About three years ago, The Four Grads were born, who released a series of songs in the ‘30s. One of and they’ll be performing for their biggest audience those songs was “Prodigal Son,” a track that was cov- ever at noon Sunday kicking off jazz day at Frontier ered by a little ol’ band called The Rolling Stones. The Park. younger Wilkins followed in his father’s footsteps, You Should Attend Because: Four Freshmen fans not only because of his ability to enchant with some should anticipate hearing many of the group’s hits — gospel-fueled blues, but also because he became a “It’s a Blue World,” “Poinciana,” “Day By Day,” et al. pastor in the ‘80s. Not a Freshman fan? Don’t fret. The Four Grads also You Should Attend Because: A tremendous musical do Manhattan Transfer, Beach Boys, Chordettes, and performance can feel like a religious experience, and even The Beatles. Oh, and don’t be surprised if you Wilkins has both the tunes and the worship down get at least a taste of country. – Bob Protzman pat. Touring with his band, Wilkins will put on a show that will please both gospel lovers and blues 2 p.m. // The Monk’s Brew fans, capping off the Blues portion of Blues and Jazz Fest with a performance that will have you feel- ing like you're right in the heart of hill country as Wilkins lets his guitar strings speak for themselves. – Alex Bieler CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Skinny: Celebrated Mississippi-based blues JAZZ — SUNDAY, AUGUST 2 man Grady Champion takes one of the top spots at the 23rd annual Blues and Jazz Festival, performing Noon // The Four Grads onstage at Frontier Park at 6 p.m. Saturday. On Radars Because: Singer/harp player/guitarist/ songwriter Champion has been around the musical block, playing his take on American blues for audi-

ences across the country for the better part of the CONTRIBUTED PHOTO past couple of decades. Signed with the legendary Mississippi-based blues label Malaco Records, Cham- pion released his first full-length album, Bootleg The Skinny: Thousands of young men and women Whiskey, in 2014, and has been nominated for several play in jazz ensembles in numerous U.S. colleges and industry awards over the years. universities, but few become jazz musicians, or it You Should Attend Because: In his style and ap- appears, jazz fans. proach to the craft, Champion’s been compared by Well, there’s an exception in Erie — four 22-year-olds critics to legends and revolutionaries like Sonny Boy who call themselves The Monk’s Brew. The Monk in Williamson, Junior Wells, and Howlin’ Wolf. When it the quartet’s name refers, of course, to pianist/com- comes to the blues, that’s some good company to be poser Thelonious Monk. keeping. “I play what I feel,” Champion states in his Members of The Monk’s Brew met in music studies

press bio. And, he adds, “I think blues has a bright CONTRIBUTED PHOTO at Mercyhurst University. They were drawn to one future. ...You just gotta be able to hang in the game.” another and began jamming together outside of reg- Right on, Champion – see you there. – Ryan Smith The Skinny: Guitarist/vocalist Carl Hultman has ular jazz ensemble class. been a local country music fixture for many years, On Radars Because: Before long, Dillon Shideman- 8 p.m. // Rev. John Wilkins leading several different bands with partner Barb tle, trumpet/vocals; Bobby Lucas, piano; Alex Mc- Schwartz. Laughlin, bass, and Michael Hibbler II, drums, were a The Skinny: The Rev. John Wilkins will bring a life- But wait a minute. Turns out Hultman isn’t just a band ready to begin a serious, difficult journey. time of blues lessons to the Blues and Jazz Festival good ol’ country boy. “We are doing our best to make it as musicians and

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 19 FEATURE

6 p.m. // United Trumpet Summit want to make music our career,” said McLaughlin. with Dr. Eddie Henderson, of special occasions, none more important or presti- gious than the 25th Annual Clifford Brown Jazz Festi- “We are very serious about our band and our music.” Russell Gunn, & Rayce Biggs They are scuffling for gigs (what jazz musicians ar- val, named for the brilliant trumpeter/composer who en’t in Erie, especially in summertime?), but enjoyed died tragically at 25 in a car crash on the Pennsylva- a recent high spot when they played at JazzErie’s nia Turnpike. Jazz and Blues Walk. “We played at Gigliotti’s for two You Should Attend Because: What can we expect hours straight because we were digging it,” said Mc- stylistically from United Trumpet Summit? Well, Laughlin. Henderson favors Miles Davis’s early electric fusion, Now The Monk’s Brew will play for a really big audi- but he’s best known for his acoustic hard bop play- ence at 2 p.m. Sunday for the Erie Art Museum’s Blues ing. Now THAT is quite an exciting combination! – and Jazz Festival. Bob Protzman You Should Attend Because: They’ll be ready, ac- cording to McLaughlin. They won’t lack for material 8 p.m. – No BS! Brass Band with a mix of originals by band members, some

Miles Davis, Charles Mingus, of course Monk, and CONTRIBUTED PHOTO other bebop and mainstream jazz artists, a little rock, and more. The Skinny: One brash, talented jazz trumpeter Said McLaughlin, “We’re nervous but excited.” – Bob can turn a concert hall upside down. Dizzy Gillespie Protzman did it for decades. Diz’s protégé Arturo Sandoval sometimes plays so powerfully these days that he 4 p.m. – One World Tribe nearly outdoes his mentor. So what do you think three trumpets — especially in unison – might sound like? You can find out be- ginning at 6 p.m. Sunday when the United Trumpet Summit takes the stage at Frontier Park. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

The Skinny: Most of us have enjoyed a brass band in a parade or struttin’ and wailin’ and moanin’ in a The NBSBB doesn’t New Orleans funeral procession. But playing music by jazz great Charles Mingus? Not likely… it’s the play just one Mingus incredibly eclectic No BS! Brass Band. On Radars Because: This unique ensemble, sched- tune. They’ve done an uled for the 8 p.m. Sunday headliner spot at the Erie Art Museum Blues and Jazz Festival at Frontier Park, entire album of nine claims perhaps the most varied playlist of any band out there. songs titled Fight Based in Richmond, Va., the NBSBB has played any- where they’ve been asked — from sweaty clubs to the CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Song: A Tribute to Kennedy and Lincoln centers to National Public Ra- dio and, of course, festivals like ours. The Skinny: Following the day’s first two perfor- Charles Mingus, and Formed in 2006, the band’s members were careful- mances, One World Tribe takes the stage at Frontier ly chosen by founders Reggie Pace (he’s the Mingus Park at 4 p.m. Sunday. are considering doing fan) and Lance Koehler based on their skills and what On Radars Because: Based in Pittsburgh but fea- someone called a “definable unique persona.” Also, turing a lineup of colossal musicians from around the same with several each player is conservatory trained. the world (Erie included), One World Tribe has, over The first group had 11 members, although the num- the past couple of decades, developed into a truly other major jazz artists. ber seems to change by one or two players from time multicultural, multi-musical collective of artists to time. Latest published roster includes four trom- with real, and really diverse, chops. And One World bones, four trumpets, tuba, drums, and, surprise, sax- Tribe has been no stranger to Erie stages over the ophone. years, having played tons of memorable, colorful, The group is led by Dr. Eddie Henderson. Yes, he is a You Should Attend Because: The NBSBB doesn’t cool-as-can-be shows in and around the Gem City. retired physician who once had Thelonious Monk as play just one Mingus tune. They’ve done an entire You Should Attend Because: More than 20-plus a patient and earned the nickname of Dr. Funk. The album of nine songs titled Fight Song: A Tribute to years and running, OWT’s music has been compared prodigious fusionist Russell Gunn and the up-and- Charles Mingus, and are considering doing the same to the elemental sounds of groups and perform- coming Jayce Biggs fill out the front line. with several other major jazz artists. ers like Earth, Wind & Fire, War, and Santana – an United Trumpet Summit has been around for years, But their repertoire offers something for just about earthy, funky, and worldly groove, a musical feast but the players have changed – Randy Brecker, Jer- everyone with elements of music by James Brown, providing plenty of food for thought (and, of course, emy Pelt, Dave Douglas, Leon Jordan Jr., and others Michael Jackson, Led Zeppelin, and genres and styles dancin’). have moved through the band. including jazz, funk, R&B, klezmer, calypso, and pos- So if that’s your kind of thing (and whose is it not?), Henderson has a solid background that includes sibly more. be sure to check out what’s happening smack-dab in stints with pianist Herbier Hancock (1970-73), drum- If you don’t find the sound of tuba unbearable, you’ll the middle of Day Two at this year’s Blues and Jazz mer Art Blakey, and organist Charles Earland. probably enjoy the heck out of the dynamic No BS! Festival. – Ryan Smith On Radars Because: The group plays for a number Brass Band. – Bob Protzman

20 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 21 Bringing the Big Screen to the Community Enjoy summer evenings under the stars while watching movies hosted by The Community’s College. Admission and parking are free! Just bring your blankets and lawn chairs and relax outdoors on the beautiful Porreco College campus.

All movies Thursday nights at 9 pm: July 23: WALL-E July 30: Interstellar August 6: Raiders of the Lost Ark August 13: Moonrise Kingdom August 20: Edge of Tomorrow

2951 West 38th Street, Erie | Porreco.Edinboro.edu

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22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22 , 2015 CALENDAR

Wednesday, July 22 would be the rare exception to that Film at 7pm, Q & A with filmmaker Sarah rule. Every band on the bill is from out Adina Smith to follow // Erie Art Museum, Erie Art Museum’s Mid- of state. The Plot in You (Finlay, Ohio), 20 E. Fifth St. // erieartmuseum.org/ day Art Break Features Bermuda (Ventura County, Calif.), events/film.html Erie Phil’s Brass Quintet Myka Relocate (Houston), Yüth Forever Thursday, July 23 (Chicago), The Funeral Portrait (Atlan- s good as we all thought we were at ta), and The Prestige (Montreal), are Ainstruments like the tuba and the Warped Tour Veterans Like all coming to show Erie what metal is trombone, let’s face it – the Erie Phil Moths to Flames Headline a like in their neck of the woods. – Tom is a lot better than us at the classics. Shannon Getting down to brass essentials, The Night of Heavy Metal at BT Erie Phil brass quintet will perform at 5:30 p.m., Thursday, July 23 // Basement noon Wednesday, July 22 at the Erie Art Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. // Pre-sale Museum’s Mid-day Art Break, and will Tickets $15, $18 @door // https://www. bring with them an enormous level of facebook.com/events/828288730583588/ talent and a few shiny instruments. This free event takes place on the mu- Thursday, July 23 seum’s Fifth Street patio. With just a Eriestock, Urraro Gallery few performances left for the summer, this Mid-day Art Break is a great one to Artist Collective: Out drop by and enjoy. – ­Lauren Griffith of the Instruments

CANDY FACTORY FILMS FACTORY CANDY and onto the Walls Noon // Erie Art Museum, 10 E. Fifthth St.// erieartmuseum.org ocal musicians, bands and the Erie haunted? Are the sisters descending Lmusic scene, past and present, get Wednesday, July 22 into madness? I found myself less in- their due at Eriestock, a show at the

terested in these questions than I was CONTRIBUTED PHOTO The Midnight Swim Tells newly reconfigured Urraro Gallery in the aftermath of their mother’s Artist Collective. Artwork tied to the a Spooky Story about death. The sense of grief is strongest music scene, whether it be gig posters, earded Baby Productions is hosting Another Great Lake when it feels intimate, rather than su- logo designs, and more will pay tribute a night of nothing but heavy metal pernatural. B to that rich history. on’t go into The Midnight Swim ex- at Basement Transmissions, Thursday, Midnight’s most impressive feature is The multimedia show features pecting a horror movie. July 23. D the chemistry among the three main two-dimensional screen-printing, pho- It has some of the ingredients – a Warped Tour veterans from Colum- characters. They laugh, fight, mourn, tography, drawing, and digital works. mysterious death, a potentially haunt- bus, Ohio, Like Moths to Flames, are and reminisce like real sisters, effec- Some pieces were created in collabo- ed lake, Blair Witch-style camera tricks headlining the event. The band has tively conveying what goes unspoken ration with local bands specifically for – but it works much better as a char- been at the forefront of the metalcore among families. The film screens at the show. acter study. The story concerns three scene since their debut in 2010, and is the Erie Art Museum Wednesday, July The Collective is operated by a group sisters who return to their childhood now working on its fourth studio al- 22, and director Sarah Adina Smith will of artists who wish to support emerg- home, where their hippie-ish mother bum, after releasing the single “Bury drop by (via Skype) for a Q & A after. ing and underground artists in all me- has died in a drowning accident under Your Pain” in April. Perhaps we’ll learn how she encour- dia. Appropriately, the evening will also mysterious circumstances. If there’s an unwritten law that shows aged such strong performances. Or include an open mic to give new musi- At times, I was tempted to forget the at Basement Transmissions must fea- maybe we’ll just swap haunted lake cal talent a chance to introduce them- horror trappings entirely. Is the lake stories. – Dan Schank ture a local band or artist, this show

Flames, The Plot in Boyd Baker Kris Mathers July 25 — 5 to 7 p.m. July 25 — 6 to 9 p.m. MUSIC You, and Bermuda July 24 — 5 to 7 p.m. July 24 — 9 p.m. Presque Isle Downs Romolo Chocolates, Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy., 1525 W. Eighth St., Erie Philharmonic July 23 — 5:30 p.m. Presque Isle Downs Ugly Tuna Tavern, presqueisledowns.com. romolochocolates.com. at the Mid-day Basement Transmissions, Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy., 1010 Peninsula Dr., Art Break 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ presqueisledowns.com. uglytunatavern.com. French Kiss m4 beardedbabyproductions/ July 22 — 12 p.m. events. BT’s Punk Floor Mushroomhead July 25 — 9 p.m. July 26 — 4 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Show 2 July 24 — 8 p.m. Presque Isle Downs Presque Isle Downs St. erieartmuseum.org. Remnants Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy., Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy., July 24 — 6 p.m. Sherlock’s, 508 State presqueisledowns.com. presqueisledowns.com. Colony House Band July 23 — 10 p.m. Basement Transmission, St. facebook.com/ Sherlock’s, 508 State 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ sherlocksparkplace. Jim Tobin War of Ages July 23 — 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m. St. facebook.com/ basement.transmissions. Colony Pub & Grille, 2670 sherlocksparkplace. Rankin & Schell July 25 — 6 to 9 p.m. July 26 — 5:30 p.m. W. Eighth St. jazzerie.com. Geek Army July 24—6 to 9p.m. Sprague Farm & Brew Basement Transmissions, Lee Cobb Works, 22113 US HWY 6 & 145 W. 11 St. facebook. Erie Downtown July 24 — 9 p.m. Sprague Farm & Brew 19, sleepingchainsaw.com. com/basement. July 23 — 7 p.m. Works, 22113 US HWY 6 & Block Party Presque Isle Downs transmissions/events. Penn State Behrend, Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy., 19, sleepingchainsaw.com. featuring Ruby Kiss This! 4701 College Drive., presqueisledowns.com. Dwayne Dopsie Port and The Man’s July 25 — 9 p.m. behrend.psu.edu. Adam Gould and the Zydeco Room Band Hit N’ Run July 25 — 9 p.m. Sherlock’s, 508 State St. facebook.com/ Hellraisers w/ Sean July 23 — 6 to 10:30 p.m. Bobby V July 24 — 8 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 sherlocksparkplace. Patrick and the Brewerie, 123 W. 14th St., July 24 — 6 to 9 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Peach St. facebook. Newgrass Revolution eriedowntown.com. Arundel Cellars, Peach St. facebook. com/kingsrookclub. Romolo Summer at 8 Great Tuesdays 11727 E. Main Road, com/kingsrookclub. Music Series Like Moths to lakeeriewinecountry.org. Chris Mathers July 28 — 6:30 p.m. featuring Ali Ryerson

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23 BECOME A LEADER IT’S TIME TO HO-HO-HOWL! INSPIRE ENJOY CHRISTMAS IN JULY & MORE! change vs. RICHMOND JULY 23-26 vs. PORTLAND The landscape of today’s workplace is fast-paced, AUGUST 4-6 change- filled, globalized and FRIDAY, JULY 24 diverse, making the need for effective leadership crucial. Snow globes to the first 1,000 fans SATURDAY, JULY 25 Christmas in July + FIREWORKS Arrive early! Gates @ 6 PM July 24 & 25 festivities presented by TUES-SAT @ 7:05 PM REBICH INVESTMENTS you’reORGANIZATIONAL invited! LEADERSHIP SUN @ 1:35 PM GRADUATE OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, July 29 · 5-7 p.m. Fri, Aug. 7 is McDonald’s Friends & Family Night RSVP & Directions: mercyhurst.edu/ol-open-house Get 4 tickets + 4 SeaWolves caps + 4 McDonald’s Value Meals (over $120 in value) for just $32 until 3 PM on game day. [email protected] 814-824-2297 CALL mercyhurst.edu/graduate (814) 456-1300

24 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22 , 2015 CALENDAR

Burger King uglytunatavern.com. Erie Ale Works, 416 W. 12th selves to the crowd. Friday, July 24 Amphitheatre, Liberty South 79 St., eriealeworks.com. Eriestock will be on exhibit for about Park, porterie.org. three weeks after the opening, with Punk Floor Show July 31 — 6 to 9 p.m. Erie Horror Fest viewings by appointment only. Call Series Returns with The Breeze Band Arundel Cellars, Fundraiser: Michelle Betancourt at 419.508.4053 to at the Mid-day 11727 E. Main Road. Second Installment Omega Man/Last arrange a viewing or for more informa- Art Break lakeeriewinecountry.org. Man on Earth tion about the opening. – Mary Bird- asement Transmissions is abandon- July 29 — 12 p.m. Blues & Jazz July 25 — 4 p.m. song Bing the stage to relive the up-close- Erie Art Museum, Festival and 9 p.m. and-personal, in-your-face, no-b.s. ex- 20 E. Fifth St. 7 to 10 p.m. // 134 W 14th St. // BYOB with perience of the old BT with their Punk Aug. 1 & 2 — 12-10 p.m. Erie Movie House erieartmuseum.org. 3424 Westlake Road. proper ID Floor Show series, currently on its sec- Frontier Park 1501 facebook.com/ ond installment on July 24. Colony House Band West Sixth St. ErieMovieHouse/events. Thursday, July 23 erieartmuseum.org. The lineup includes locals Frame and July 30 — 6:30 Mantle, Till the End, and My Secret Web Brewerie Block Party p.m. to 9 p.m. Ruby Port Band Weapon, Genetically Enhanced Super July 29 — 7 p.m. with Ruby Port and Humans (GESH) from Meadville, and Colony Pub & Grille, Aug. 1 — 5 to 9 p.m. 2670 W. Eighth St. Erie Art Museum, Man’s Room Band touring bands Bear Girl and Iselia, com- Penn Shore Vineyards, 20 E. Fifth St. jazzerie.com. ing up from North Carolina and Geor- 10225 East Lake Road. erieartmuseum.org. he Brewerie is already a great place lakeeriewinecountry.org. to stop for a drink during the sum- gia, respectively. Jesse James Weston T In true BT fashion, a wide array of Despicable Me 2 mer, but the local establishment will July 30 — 6 to 9 p.m. The Shameless Hex have some extra outdoor space to work styles will be prevalent at the show, July 31—8:30 p.m. ranging from ‘80s punk stylings by Sprague Farm & Brew Aug. 1 — 9 p.m. with when it hosts its Block Party Frontier Park, 1501 W. Thursday, July 27. GESH, post-rock indie from Frame and Works, 22113 US HWY 6 & Kings Rook Club, 1921 Sixth St., leaferie.org. Peach St. facebook. In fact, you don’t even have to walk Mantle and Bear Girl, and a set of post- 19, sleepingchainsaw.com. rock/screamo hybrid tunes by Iselia. com/kingsrookclub. Airplanes through to the Trackside beer garden Erie Downtown (although we certainly suggest that In gaining a larger venue and hosting Block Party Gem City Ongoing to Sept. 7 — you do), as West 14th Street will be the more popular bands to bigger crowds featuring Concert Band 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. scene when The Brewerie provides an since their move last year, part of what made the old Basement Transmissions Geek Army Aug. 2 — 3:30 to 5 p.m. Tom Ridge Environmental electric setting with music from Ruby Center, 301 Peninsula great was lost (no disrespect). Fifteen July 30 — 6 to 10:30 p.m. Corry City Park, Drive #1 trecpi.org. Port and Man’s Room Band, plus plenty gemcitybands.org. of cold brews. With proceeds benefit- people at a show made the place feel Park Place, 508 State St. packed, and now looking at 15 peo- James Cameron’s ting The Epilepsy Project, you can even eriedowntown.com. Gem City Jazz ple from the stage at a smaller show Deepsea Challenge feel even better about having a good Ensemble time at the Block Party. – Alex Bieler doesn’t feel quite the same. It’s good to Sue Bergren Ongoing to Sept. 7 — see that the BT crew hasn’t forgotten Aug. 4 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. July 30 — 7 p.m. 12 p.m. and 4 p.m. 6 p.m. // 123 W. 14th St. // eriedowntown. its roots, and is bringing some shows New Hope Church, Tom Ridge Environmental back down to earth. – Tom Shannon Penn State Behrend, 5440 Washington Ave., com gemcitybands.org. Center, 301 Peninsula 4701 College Drive. Drive #1 trecpi.org. Thursday, July 23 $5 6 p.m. // Friday, July 24 // 145 W. 11th St. behrend.psu.edu. // facebook.com/basement.transmissions Los Straightjackets Mysteries of the WALL-E Visits Porreco The Breeze Band and Daybreak Radio Great Lakes Friday, July 24 at 8 Great Tuesdays College’s Movies July 31 — 9 p.m. Ongoing to Sept. Aug. 4 — 6:30 p.m. Under the Stars Gallery Night: An Artful Presque Isle Downs 7 — 1 p.m. Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. Burger King rive-in movie theatres are one of Summer Evening Tom Ridge Environmental presqueisledowns.com. Amphitheatre, Liberty the fun, family-oriented events Park, porterie.org. Center, 301 Peninsula D uly’s Gallery Night might be the best Drive #1 trecpi.org. that are always on a summer calendar. one yet. If the weather’s warm, you Charlie Wheeler It doesn’t get much better than watch- J Trio Lake Erie Sound can enjoy strolls in the summer air as Rocky Mountain ing a flick under the stars, does it? you travel from one venue to the next. July 31 — 9 p.m. Aug. 4 — 7 to 8:30p.m. Express This is where Porreco College’s Mov- And if you time it right, you can enjoy Jefferson Educational Kings Rook Club, 1921 Ongoing to Sept. ies Under the Stars Series comes in this the sunset over the bay. Peach St. facebook. Society, 3207 State 7 — 2 p.m. & 5 p.m. summer. WALL-E opens the series on The Bayfront Gallery, open only in com/kingsrookclub. St., jeserie.org. July 23, showing at 9 p.m. WALL-E is Tom Ridge Environmental the summer months, offers the add- set largely in outer space, and there is I-90s BT Mid Week Center, 301 Peninsula ed bonus of being in the right place to Drive #1 trecpi.org. no better way to watch it than laying watch one of Erie’s treasured views. July 31 — 9 p.m. Punk Night on your back staring at the stars. Heck, The sunset will be rivaled however, by Aug. 5 — 5:30 p.m. VISUAL ARTS Sherlock’s, 508 State you might even be able to see WALL-E the mini-retrospective of early and cur- St. facebook.com/ Basement Transmission, Eriestock: A and the lovely robot EVE, who ends rent works by local legend, V.J. Kaiser sherlocksparkplace. 145 W. 11 St. facebook.com/ up helping WALL-E clean up planet gimpguyunderground/ Celebration of just inside the door. Earth far in the future, if you look close Mid-life Crisis events. Local Music Also on tap this night at the Erie Art enough. Museum is Art of the Comic Book; In- Unplugged July 23 — 7 to 10 p.m. FILM Admission and parking are free, so novationErie: Design Competition 2015; July 31 — 5 to 7 p.m. Urraro Gallery, 135 W. all you have to do is pack enough lawn Storm by Ian Brill; and Stories We Tell… Presque Isle Downs The Midnight Swim 14 St., facebook.com/ chairs and blankets for the family, urrarogallery.com. by Kristin Cliffell. Clayspace will be on Casino, 8199 Perry Hwy. July 22 — 7 p.m. and a little bit of bug spray. After all, it presqueisledowns.com. hand with pottery demonstrations and Erie Art Museum, Spaces doesn’t get much better than watching sales. 20 E. Fifth St. a flick under the stars, does it? –Lauren At Glass Growers Gallery, Three Voic- Rankin & Schell erieartmuseum.org. July 24 — 8 to 11 p.m. Griffith es in Pastel features the works of Pitts- July 31 — 9 p.m. Radius Gallery Suite 907, Renaissance Building, burgh artists Gail Beem, Karen Ferrick Ugly Tuna Tavern, Blood, Sweat, 9 p.m. // 2951 W. 38th St. // 836.1955, and Beer 1001 State Street. edinboro.edu/porreco-college and Diane Grguras who celebrate the 1010 Peninsula Drive. region’s landscape in their paintings, as July 24 — 7 p.m.

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 CALENDAR well as the ceramic works of Julia We- tory with Erie and Sherlock’s, having Chaffee’s is one worth checking out is more your thing, Beach Eight will ber entitled Efforescent. played the bar often as an up-and-com- for sure, a place where you can get host a quartet of local acts, with M4, Recent works in ceramics by Mark ing band in the early ‘90s, and return- good and comfortable right off the The O’Needers, Eric Brewer & Friends, Nowak are in the spotlight at Allen ing now after achieving international bat, and, after that, get set for plenty and East Ave. all performing by a gi- Stoneware Gallery, and the works of success shows a great humility among of awesome tunes and positive vibes. – ant bonfire from 3 to 10 p.m. on Sat- Lena Logvina and Linda Daugherty the band’s members – a group that is Ryan Smith urday. will be at Lighthouse Jewelers in the experienced but not jaded. Want something a bit more phys- 8296 Mill St., Girard // thegatherin- same neighborhood. Logvina creates The group packed BT nearly to the ical? All three days have some excit- gatchaffees.com. mosaics inspired by nature, folklore, brim their last time in Erie, and they’ll ing events, including the 17th Annual and life; Daugherty’s paintings focus have no problem doing the same this Friday, July 24 NASH 97.9 Dig Off on Friday, a Sand on landscapes and flowers. time around at Sherlock’s, so be sure to Sculpture Competition and Beach A must-visit is the Secret Squirrel, get there early to grab some drinks and Discover Presque Isle Brawl on Saturday, and the Smith’s an arts cooperative and incubator at get a good view of the action. – Tom Hot Dog Volleyball Challenge on Sun- 3205 French St. Who could skip a place Shannon day. called the Secret Squirrel? It’s current- There are plenty of sights and ac- ly showing It’s a Spring Thing and Sum- 8 p.m. Friday, July 24 // 508 State St. // tivities during Discover Presque Isle, mer Daze, featuring a variety of Erie facebook.com/sherlocksparkplace which is already a fantastic destina- area artists and media. Friday, July 24 tion in its own right. For a full list of Most venues service light refresh- activities and locations for the three- ments to accompany the art, and art- Gather at the Gathering day festival, head to discoverpi.com ists will be in attendance at many ven- at Chaffee’s and make it a priority to visit one of ues. Visit three or more locations to Erie’s greatest treasures. – Alex Bieler have a chance to win a gift certificate to he Gathering at Chaffee’s is one lo- any of the participating galleries. Tcal music festival that tons of folks Presque Isle // discoverpi.com

— Mary Birdsong from around here wait, with happy an- BRAD TRIANA Saturday, July 25 Hint: Sunset on July 24 is at 8:48 pm. ticipation (and with good reason), all year long for. rie’s pretty fortunate to have a lo- Romolos Summer Music Series 7 to 10 p.m. // Free Admission // Various And this year’s time for Gathering is cation like Presque Isle State Park. locations // erieartmuseum.org/events/ coming on Friday, July 24 and Saturday, E Welcomes Flutist Ali Ryerson It’s even luckier when the Presque Isle gallerynight July 25. ay!! I made it into the critics poll Partnership hosts three day’s worth Keeping it small-ish, but continuing in DownBeat Magazine again,” Friday, July 24 of activities and events in such a gor- “Y to spread out a little to keep including flutist Ali Ryerson practically shouted geous place. more and bigger regional and nation- on her Facebook page. Mushroomhead Headlines Discover Presque Isle returns to the al acts, the 2015 Gathering lineup (like You notice she said “again,” indicating at Sherlock’s state park from July 24 through 26, last year’s) is a veritable who’s-who of this is nothing new, but still obviously and the three-day festival has some- fter playing at Basement Trans- both well-established favorites and exciting for someone also named Jazz thing for everyone. Arts enthusiasts missions in January, Cleveland up-and-coming jam and rock masters, Flutist of the Year by the Jazz Journal- A can check out the Arts & Crafts Fes- NÜ-Metal nonet Mushroomhead is including The Heavy Pets, Consider the ists Association. tival and the Walk in the Park Art coming back to Erie July 24, this time Source, Spiritual Rez, Big Something, Some locals may remember that Ryer- Competition all three days at Pr- taking the stage at Sherlock’s. Conehead Buddha, and the Hornitz, son made a surprise appearance in Erie esque Isle’s waterworks. If live music Mushroomhead has had a long his- just to name just a few. in 2009 when JazzErie signed up Har-

Beach Glass Pastel in Three Voices Higherglyphics: Children’s 3p.m., or 4p.m. to 7p.m. Performing Arts Collective Alliance 1505 State Street, Jewelry Making July 3 through Aug. Annex Stairwell Beginner Division Liberty Park, Lawrence Pier, eriepa.com. paca1505.ning.com. July 26 — 2 to 4 p.m. 4 — all day Project, Annex Summer Camp Stairwell Courtyard Winery, Glass Growers Aug. 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 — 12 p.m. THEATER Meadville Council 10021 West Main Road, Gallery, 10 E. 5th St., Ongoing — All Day Lake Erie Ballet 701 Holland on the Arts Presents lakeeriewinecountry.org. glassgrowersgallery.com. Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. lakeerieballet.org The Station Dinner Next to Normal St. erieartmuseum.org. Theatre Presents Erie Open Figure Efforescent National Night Out Celebrate America! July 24, 25 — 7:30 p.m. Sessions and July 26 — 2 p.m. July 3 through Aug. Ian Brill: Storm, Aug. 4 — 5 to 9 p.m. July, 22, 25, 26; Aug. 1, 4, Gardner Theatre, 910 Thursday evenings 4 — all day McCain Family Gridley Park Station, Liberty 5 — Fri @ 7 p.m. Sat @ Market St., Meadville. — 6:30 to 9 p.m. Glass Growers Gallery St. jenniferdennehy.org 5:30 p.m. Sun @ 2:30 p.m. artsmeadville.org 1505 Artworks, 1505 Gallery, 10 E. 5th St., Ongoing — All Day Tue & Wed @ 12 p.m. State St., erieofs.com. glassgrowersgallery.com. FOOD AND DRINK Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth The Station Dinner Erie Playhouse St. erieartmuseum.org. Presents All the Holocaust Exhibit Corn and Pig Roast Theatre 4940 Peach St. Erie Open Figure canterburyfeast.com. King’s Women Session June 22 through October July 18 — 5 to 9 p.m. Kristen Cliffel, Ronald July 27 — 7:30 p.m. July 26 — 5 to 9 p.m. 28 daily — 8 to 4:30 p.m., E. Holstein Gallery Burch Farms Winery, Erie Playhouse 9210 Sidehill Road, Presents Elvis Has Erie Playhouse 13 West 10 1505 Artworks, 1505 Gannon, 619 Sassafras St. Ongoing through St. erieplayhouse.org. erieartsandculture.org. lakeeriewinecountry.org. State St., erieofs.com. Aug. 22 — All Day Left the Building July 22, 23, 24, 25, 26 — 7:30 Dramashop Presents Selected Works from Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth Vine Dining Dinner Minyao: Chinese Folk St. erieartmuseum.org. p.m. (2 p.m. on 26th) “Gertrude, Queen the Mercyhurst July 18— 7 p.m. Pottery, Imperial Erie Playhouse 13 West 10 of Denmark” 21 Brix Winery, 6654 Porcelains, and University Permanent DANCE St. erieplayhouse.org. Brother Thomas Art Collection West Main Road, July 30, 31; Aug. 1 — 8 p.m. Mid-Day Dance Breaks lakeeriewinecountry.org. Dramashop Renaissance Ongoing through PACA Presents Daily July 17 through Centre, 2nd Floor 1001 July 23, 30 — 12 to 1 p.m. November 15, 2015 Aug. 14 — All Day Beer on the Bay Love Letters State St. dramashop.org. Cummings Art Gallery, 501 Perry Square, State St. and Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth July 25 —12 noon to July 22, 23, 24, 25 — 8 p.m. St. erieartmuseum.org. E. 38th St. mercyhurst.edu. Rt. 5 jenniferdennehy.org

26 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 Free Parking! Free Admission to Amusement Park! Water World open daily at 11am Waldameer at noon Enjoy Waves of Summer Fun!

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July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 27 CALENDAR

Romolo’s emphasis on it in its pre-pub- lin pop-punk outfit The Plot Twist. Noon to 3 p.m. and 4 to 7 p.m. // Liberty licity, it seems likely that Ryerson and Presale tickets are available online Park // eriepa.com/beer-on-the-bay band will play a number of tunes from and through band members, so don’t it. Sunday, July 26 miss this opportunity to see some of It’s definitely something to look for- the area’s greatest acts. – Tom Shannon ward to. – Bob Protzman War of Ages Return to Erie 6 p.m. Sunday, July 26 // 145 W. 11th St. // 6 p.m. // 1525 W. Eighth St // for Eclectic Show at BT brownpapertickets.com/event/1892839 // romolochocolates.com $8 presale , $10 day of show Saturday, July 25 Tuesday, July 28

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Beer on the Bay Dwayne Dopsie and the risburg-based pianist Steve Rudolph to ometimes people celebrate a spe- Zydeco Hellraisers and play the nonprofit’s 10th anniversary Scial occasion with a nice, cold beer. Newgrass Revolution part brunch at The Brewerie. At Beer on the Bay, Erie can celebrate

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO of 8 Great Tuesdays When Ryerson returns to Erie to take the joys of a nice, cold beer with some center stage, her sidemen will be Mike of the best breweries from Northwest rie natives and Christian metal Demicco, guitar; Chuck Lamb, key- Pennsylvania and beyond. Eface-melters War of Ages are com- boards; Karl Latham, drums; Kip Reed, The annual event will once again be ing back home once again for a mixed- bass. held at Liberty Park, with two separate genre show at Basement Transmis- Showing her versatility and skill sessions allowing craft beer fans to sions Sunday, July 26. outside of playing, she helps design try everything from 21st Amendment Although War of Ages is no longer flutes. And as a musician? In 2013, she Brewing Company to Woodchuck Hard based in Erie, they continue to show released Game Changer, featuring the Cider, all while a part of the proceeds their hometown love again and again Ali Ryerson Jazz Flute Big Band, with go to benefit the A.N.N.A. Shelter. In ad- by returning to the city, which they’ve guest soloist Hubert Laws on flute. dition to the over three dozen different been doing since the days of Forward The acclaimed album was one of near- breweries represented at Beer on the Hall and aren’t showing any signs of ly two-dozen discs she has released on Bay, several vendors will also be selling stopping. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO major labels, not to mention a dozen their wares. And of course, in order to Rounding out the metal end of the or so albums of well-known artists she help you drink responsibly, free shuttle bill are Erie’s Saevitia and Amavasya. appeared on. service from EMTA will run through Adding the diversity to the night’s son- nterestingly, Dwayne Dopsie and the The album prior to the big band ef- the day and Erie Yellow Cab will be on- ic presence are Archway, an emotive IZydeco Hellraisers are ranked No. 29 fort was 2011’s Con Brio! And judging by site. – Alex Bieler punk band from Meadville, and Frank- on LouisianaTravel.com’s “Top 100 Rea-

Come and see the unique gift items that capture the Have you heard essence of Presque Isle God’s love calling your child to Jewelry Clothing baptism? Local artisan pieces and much more “Let the little children come to me” Luke 18:16

You are invited to worship with us.

Baptism Informational Meetings following our services on:

Sunday, September 20 and Sunday, September 27 at 11:00 am

Light refreshments provided Reservations appreciated Call 864.1920

New Hope Presbyterian Church 5440 Washington Avenue Located in the Tom Ridge Environmental Center on Peninsula Drive Erie, PA 16509 Open Daily 10 am to 5 pm Pastor: Reverend Charles McClung 814.836.9107 DiscoverPI.com www.NewHopeChurchErie.com All proceeds are used to enhance Presque Isle State Park

28 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 CALENDAR sons to Visit Lousiana.” And they’re one outfits: Sounds like a really good way to of this year’s 8 Great reasons to head to spend a mid-week lunch hour. Liberty Park’s Burger King Amphithe- That’s what being served up on ater on a Tuesday evening. Wednesday, July 29, when the Erie Art Add local favorites Sean Patrick and Museum presents the Breeze Band as The Newgrass Revolution into the mix, part of EAM’s ongoing Mid-Day Art and you’ve got two good (er, Great) rea- Break series. sons to check out July 28’s installment The five-piece band specializes in va- of the free, weekly summer music se- riety, and in getting people up to dance, ries. so be ready to hear a lot of classics — Together, the bands will make the and, maybe, move your feet — between third week of Port Erie’s 2015 concert noon and 1 p.m. series one to remember, adding to a siz- The free music series also offers free Erie community and nonprofit events, brought to you by Country Fair able list that draws in thousands each gallery tours, making another good week a couple of months out of every reason to take a Mid-Day Art Break this year. – Ryan Smith week. Summer Walking The Vibrant Goodell Gardens And there are plenty of others, too, Program Life Series Farmers Market 6:30 p.m. // Burger King Amphitheater at with four more performances from July 22, 23 — 8:20- July 27 — 10:30-11:30 a.m. Wednesdays through Liberty Park // porterie.org other awesome local artists set each 9:30 a.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Sept. — 3 to 6 p.m. Wednesday between Aug. 5 and Aug. 26. St. lifeworkserie.org Wednesday, July 29 LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Goodell Gardens, So grab your lunch bag — or visit the St. lifeworkserie.org 221 Waterford St. Web Explores the Potentials museum’s Wave Café — and get ready Academy Class goodellgardens.org. Mindfulness, of 1975 Reunion and Perils of a More to kick back and take a breath of fresh, music-and-art-filled air. — Ryan Smith Movement & Lagoon by Pontoon Connected World July 31— 7:00 p.m. Meditation Calamari’s, 1317 Ongoing to Sept. 7 — 11 Noon to 1 p.m. // outside 20 E. Fifth St. // s there anything in our lives more July 22, 29 — 12:30-1 p.m. State Street a.m., 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. erieartmuseum.org Itransformative, liberating, or frus- LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Pontoon station, trating than the Internet? You can use St. lifeworkserie.org Street Soiree 301 Peninsula Drive, Thursday, July 30 trecpi.org. it to order a pair of shoes, plan a vaca- Aug. 1 — 6 to 10 p.m. Doo Wop Dance tion, check a baseball score, or bicker Interstellar Beneath the ExpERIEnce Children’s Evening Lagoon with your relatives about Obamacare. Stars at Porreco College July 24 — 6-9 p.m. Museum, 420 French St., by Pontoon Michael Kleiman’s 2013 documentary LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach eriechildrensmuseum. Web takes a bird’s eye view of the chal- St. lifeworkserie.org org. Wednesdays and lenges we face in an increasingly con- Fridays to Sept. 4 Opia: An Art nected and digitized world. To access Painting Party — 7 and 8:30 p.m. the impact of the Internet, he turns to a with Angela Show to Reduce Pontoon station, variety of experts, including Wikipedia Preventable 301 Peninsula Drive, July 24 — 6 to 8 p.m. Blindness trecpi.org. co-founder Jimmy Wells, Meetup CEO Camp Sherwin, 8600 Aug 2.—6 p.m. Scott Heiferman, Foursquare’s Den- West Lake Road., Children’s Art nis Crowley, and public policy expert ymcaerie.org/sherwin. PACA, 1505 State St., Classes Anne-Marie Slaughter. paca1505.ning.com The documentary also sets off for Flagship Trolley Wednesdays and Peru, where people in small towns, like Wine Tour Wings of Hope Thursdays in July Antuyo and Palestina, are introduced July 25—1 p.m. Aug. 2 — 1 p.m. — 10:30 a.m. to the Internet for the first time. Many leaves from the Millcreek Porreco Center, 2951 Lake Erie Arboretum, of the computers are provided by an or- Mall, 5800 Peach St., W. 38th St., edinboro. 1501 W. Sixth St. ganization called One Laptop Per Child, BROS. WARNER flagshiptrolley.com. edu/porreco-college which brings digital access to children Arts in the in many of the poorest parts of the orreco College adds another level Frolf Summer Choir Arboretum Camp world. Is web access a human right? Pof immersion to Christopher No- July 26—2 p.m. Thursdays in lan’s Interstellar with their Movies Un- And if so, what impact does this right Meet at Eighth St. Aug. 3-7 — 9 a.m. July — 7 p.m. have on an individual’s cultural identi- der the Stars series. Interstellar, a 2014 and Seminole Drive, to 4 p.m. Lake Erie Arboretum, ty? film, is a sci-fi odyssey. Fans of Kubrick’s leaferie.org. Episcopal Cathedral of St. 1501 W. Sixth St., When Web screens at the Erie Art 2001: A Space Odyssey will recognize Paul, 134 W. Seventh St. Museum on July 29, filmmaker Michael the ultimately cyclical, mind-bending Kleiman will be on hand (via Skype) to metanarrative that aims to challenge address some of these questions with and excite its viewers. us. – Dan Schank Interstellar’s Earth is dystopian and on its way out, and Matthew McCo- Film at 7 p.m., Q & A with filmmaker naughey discovers himself as the un- Michael Kleiman to follow // Erie Art expected hero charged with abandon- Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. // erieartmuseum. ing his family to lead a team into the org/events/film.html depths of space in hopes of discovering a new planet for Earth’s remaining pop- Wednesday, July 29 ulation to inhabit. The Breeze Band Blows in Driven by an emotionally gripping plotline and fueled by mind-bending for Mid-Day Art Break theoretical physics (what actually atching some classic soul, R & B, and goes on inside of a black hole?), No- Cblues, being played live and outside lan’s Interstellar is worth the watch, by one of Erie’s most versatile musical and thanks to Porreco College’s Movies

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 GORGEOUS HAS ARRIVED IN ERIE

Swing by for Manscape Monday 8/10 from 4-7 pm for complimentary back or chest wax for ERIE Join us for our men and for our Brow & Bikini Happy Hours for women on Tuesday 8/11, Wednesday 8/12 814 866 9929 GRAND OPENING and Thursday 8/13 from 4-7 pm to enjoy a complimentary brow or bikini line wax & mingle 6660 Peach Street over mocktails & finger foods. waxcenter.com

© 2015 EWC

CALENDAR

Under the Stars series, you can check Friday, July 31 Daybreak Radio, which is a big reason it out for free on Thursday July 30. – why WQLN will host Smilo during its Nicolas Miller WQLN Sounds Around Sounds Around Town Series Friday, Town Presents Tyler Smilo July 31. 9 p.m. // 2951 W. 38th St. // 836.1955, With a pair of excellent albums to edinboro.edu/porreco-college his name – both of which earned four stars from this writer – Smilo has Thursday, July 30 become a prominent songwriter in Park Place Hosts Geek Army the region, so make sure to head to for a Rockin’ Block Party WQLN’s pond-side pavilion and check out one of Erie’s terrific talents for herlock’s/Park Place has been host free. – Alex Bieler Sto many rockin’ bands over the years, and the venue shows no sign of 7 p.m. // 8425 Peach St. // wqln.org stopping when Geek Army steps on scene for a downtown block party July Tuesday, Aug. 4 30. With nerdy costumes and music 8 Great Tuesdays Presents that fills venues to capacity, Geek Army is an Erie favorite, and this outdoor, Los Straightjackets, on the streets performance is a great Daybreak Radio MAS PHOTO MAS chance to, well, join the Army. bunch of wrestling-masked men – So get to Park Place early, grab a cou- Awho just so happen to put out the should stay true to their form. ple of drinks, and hang out to hear salty-sweet sounds of some of the best CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Erie’s own Daybreak Radio will open Geek Army on what is going to be one surf-rock around – are coming to the the show, putting some straight-up of their biggest gigs of the summer. shores of Lake Erie when Aug. 4’s in- rock ’n’ roll into the mix, and making This block party installment benefits yler Smilo may not originally be stallment of 8 Great Tuesdays presents for one more good reason to head out Therapy Dogs United, and that is a from the Erie area, but he’s cer- Los Straightjackets. to the Burger King Amphitheater at cause worth rockin’ out to. – Lauren T tainly found himself a home in The Boldly billing themselves as the Liberty Park. Griffith Flagship City. The talented performer “world’s leading practitioners of the And, oh yeah – it’s free, too.– Ryan guitar instrumental,” the five-piece 6:30 p.m. // Park Place, 18 North Park has endeared himself to the region Smith with his heartfelt music, both solo band has been tearing up stages since Row // 453.7760 6:30 p.m. // Burger King Amphitheater and with bands like Potwhole and 1988, and their 8 Great appearance at Liberty Park // porterie.org

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 MUSIC REVIEWS

Tame Impala Jason Isbell Chrome Moses Wilco Currents Something More Than Free Tamaraine Star Wars Interscope Southeastern Independent dBPM Records

n Currents, it’s not ason Isbell knows f you’re looking for some urprise! Wilco's re- Oso much that Kev- Jthat you don’t need Ibrawny rock ‘n’ roll in Slease of Star Wars in Parker abandoned to be loud to grab some- Western Pennsylvania, Thursday, July 17 caught his guitars as much as one’s attention. You won’t Chrome Moses might be everyone off-guard. And he traded them in for find the squalling guitars the band for you. The Pitts- don't take the option to more synths. The Australian musician of songs like “Decoration Day” from his burgh-based trio has won over fans with download the album for free as a warn- behind Tame Impala finds himself in a time with Drive-by Truckers on Something their muscular tunes, a trend that continues ing; this album delivers much more than a sonic haze on his latest album, which More Than Free, his latest album. Instead, on new release Tamaraine. The four-song straight to Crackle release. Opening track is exactly where he wants to be. You Isbell uses the quiet spaces to his advan- EP was recorded on two-inch tape, a smart "EKG" sets the tone with loud, garagey dis- won’t find a thumper like “Elephant” on tages, adding extra heft to his words on choice for a band that embraces such an old- sonance. From there, the album assumes a Currents, as Parker sticks to a sound “Flagship,” as his voice lightly echoes over school rock sound. From the opening sec- collage of sounds in an apparent effort to that’s much closer to “Feels Like We a gently-strummed guitar. Like his 2013 re- onds of the first track “Horse Faced Lynn,” decode the opening chaos. Catchy hooks, Only Go Backwards,” except with a little lease Southeastern, Isbell channels a qui- Chrome Moses makes its presence known, psychedelic builds, and mellow tones all bit of soul mixed in with the John Len- et devastation, singing tales of plain folks delivering a sinister four-minute blast of suspend the diverse vocal performance put non-esque easy psychedelia. Currents trying to make life a little bit better. Isbell guitar, bass, and drums. Second track “Can’t on by Jeff Tweedy and company. Lyrically, starts with the groovy “Let it Happen,” adds a special weight to his words, giving You Hear Me Coming?” can’t be ignored as the album does not disappoint. Moments a highlight in an album full of catchy each song a sincerity that fits the lovely the slide guitar commands your attention of clarity intermingle with those moments synthpop tunes. Not all of the experi- arrangements. When Isbell finally does before boiling down into a bluesy rock jam of poetic ambiguity that we've grown to at- ments work, namely the spoken word add some electric grit, songs like “Pal- that would please early White Stripes fans. tribute to Wilco, culminating in the album's portion of “Past Life,” which ends up metto Rose” and “24 Frames” provide an The sweet “Butterfly” is a jarring change of final moments where we "realize we're sticking out like a sore thumb amid the extra punch to help balance out the inti- pace amid the muscle, a solid song that’s a magnetized." Timing in at only 33 minutes, song’s hazy soundscape. Still, Parker’s mate moments. Whether he’s channeling victim of the EP’s short format, but Chrome the sheer scope of the album keeps it from shift to a more synth-driven sound on country-tinged ballads or heartland rock, Moses returns to the brawn on the squalling feeling short. Star Wars certainly has some- Currents makes for a fun ride overall. Something More Than Free is a success. “No Enemies” to close out a welcome dose of thing to offer everybody, and old fans of Wil- – Alex Bieler – Alex Bieler old-school rock. – Alex Bieler co will not be disappointed. – Nicolas Miller

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32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22 , 2015 CULTURE Geeked Out Gamers mourn the loss of Nintendo and gaming titan Satoru Iwata.

Nintendo CEO Satoru Iwata left a lasting impact on both his company and the game industry as a whole.

which allowed the company to design interesting mechanics with well-known franchises, like Mario and Pokemon. It was through this novelty that Ninten- do saved its seat at the table when it comes to console manufacturers. It is interesting to add that it was just a few months ago that Nintendo did make a partnership with a popular mo- bile gaming company to license IP like Mario and Pokemon for mobile phone games. Soon, there will be Mario games on your iPhone, and Iwata was part of that decision, much to the joy of many gamers. It would be hard to think of a world where Mario wasn’t the most recog- nized video game mascot around the world, because Iwata was key in ensur- ing Nintendo’s strength. With the news of his death, an out- pour across social media and websites

PURE NINTENDO shared the triumphs of Iwata and cele- brated his legacy. Video gaming is still a By: John Lindvay was a role-playing game for the Super stead of going after technological leaps young industry, and many of the iconic Nintendo that featured a kid named in hardware, like PlayStation and Xbox, figures who have shaped the childhood atoru Iwata died July 11. Iwata was Ness and his friends who were tasked Nintendo pivoted and leaned on unique of myriad gamers haven’t yet been laid the CEO of Nintendo, and was also with defeating alien invaders (it was controllers, motion, and familiar fran- to rest, so it was comforting to see the Sresponsible for many of the be- where the phrase “Say fuzzy pickles” chises to differentiate from its compet- industry and fans alike rally to cele- loved franchises, including Earthbound was coined!). Aside from Earthbound, itors. brate Iwata’s legacy. and the Kirby games. With his passing, Iwata was also instrumental in Ninten- Using the blue ocean strategy led Nin- video game fans and the industry are tendo to what it is today, as Nintendo John Lindvay can be contacted at paying their respects to a man key in games exist on Nintendo hardware. [email protected], and you can guiding Nintendo from its rough patch It would be hard to think The reason why it works is because follow him on Twitter @Fightstrife. during the GameCube years to the wild of a world where Mario Iwata pushed for novel devices like the success of the Wii. wasn’t the most recognized Wiimote and touch screen on the DS, Sponsored by: Epic WebStudios It’s hard not to love and respect a man who at Game Developers Conference video game mascot around 2005 said, “On my business card, I am a the world, because Iwata corporate president. In my mind, I am a was key in ensuring game developer. But in my heart, I am a Nintendo’s strength. gamer,” during his keynote speech. Nintendo has a special place in the hearts of many fans of video games do’s development of Super Smash Bros., around the world thanks to staple which is a Nintendo fighting game fea- franchises like Mario and Zelda. Iwata turing playable characters that range started with the company back in 2000, the entirety of Nintendo’s cast. but before that, he started at HAL Lab- The efforts of Iwata have help shaped oratory. He was instrumental in pro- the games industry to its current posi- duction of games like Balloon Fight for tion. He was responsible for Nintendo the Nintendo Entertainment System, changing its model of competing, after Earthbound for Super Nintendo, and failing with the GameCube, against for helping bring Kirby into the Ninten- other industry leaders like Sony and do cast of characters. Microsoft. Instead, he followed the Blue Earthbound is a cult favorite when it Ocean Strategy for business of creating

comes to games that I grew up with. It an uncontested space in a market. In- TECHNO BUFFALO

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 NEWS & OPINION Who’s Driving the Bus? The conversation over representation on the EMTA board rolls on. is not going to change unless you sys- needs to operate like a business. temically take away service from the “We are running a labor-intensive, city,” he said, “but then you’re no longer 300 employee business, and we charge meeting that model – which we need to a fare that is nowhere near the cost to ensure.” operate,” Tann says. “And if we go from As for providing services in outlying Erie to Corry and don’t pick up any- areas? body in between, that’s all miles – miles “We currently run more than 60 trips with no revenue.” a day up to Robison Road in Summit Additionally, 25 percent of the EMTA Township, and this doesn’t include the funding comes from the ridership. “We 22 trips daily to Presque Isle Downs. are going to be held accountable for the One of our routes extends as far out as number of people that ride our buses. If Caughey Road and services The Porre- the group puts services out there with co College 58 times a day; and 28 times no riders, they are then wasting tax- a day another route goes to the Fortis payer dollars – city, county and state.” Institute.” So while there is a need to service Adding to that, EMTA buses “run to Corry, it needs to make business sense. North East seven times a day, 21 times Facilitation of the needs in other a day to Penn State Behrend, and 25 counties not only falls on the EMTA, NIAGARA times a day out to Harborcreek.” County, and City, but falls partially on There are also hundreds of other the local municipality as well. “These lying areas; it continues to foster rela- daily trips into these areas via other conversations continue to happen be- By: Rebecca Styn tionships with townships to continue routes, as well as daily service to Edin- tween the organization and the repre- to expand these services as well. boro. “We also have a Welfare to Work sentatives of the municipalities - and n the ongoing battle over the rep- Currently, the organization operates transportation program running three while we continually need to grow and resentation of the EMTA board, a network of 32 fixed routes and down- shifts a day to Lake City,” Tann added. adapt, the way to get there is a well-ed- Iwhat has gotten lost in the shuffle town trolley shuttle routes. They also But even with all this, the executive ucated, well-trained, and well-connect- is the service that the EMTA provides offer a complementary paratransit director notes that room for improve- ed board.” to the community. The main argument service, known as the LIFT – which the ment of the EMTA exists. No matter where they reside. started by County Council is that the EMTA took over when the private op- “We currently do not serve the needs Lastly, and something to note in par- individuals that make up the board no erator went bankrupt. The basic adult of individuals living in Corry – and ticular, a typical transportation model, longer best represent the community fare for fixed routes is $1.25, and those they are the second largest city in Erie such as ours, is designed to serve an it serves, because many of them reside age 65 and older ride free. County,” he noted. “At one time, every- urban population. And while Erie may in the city – and the services the EMTA I discussed these numbers and more one lived in the city center and walked not be on the same scale as New York, provides needs to expand beyond the with executive director Mike Tann and to school and work; I know this be- Chicago, or D.C., one of the intents of a city core. asked him to tell me in his own words cause I lived there. However, Corry has mass transit system is to attract more I am not arguing for or against this what he believes the present and fu- changed and much of the services have citizens to live in the core of their city. notion, as there are valid points to be ture of the EMTA should look like. moved to outlying areas and therefore So while we do need to continually made (and in full disclosure I am a mem- He noted that while 70 percent of the there is now a need for public mass increase services to outlying areas, ber of the Authority); what is missing, EMTA ridership comes from the city transportation. The question then be- shouldn’t we be simultaneously finding though, throughout all this discussion area and the other 30 percent comes comes how do we service it?” ways to drive citizens back to the city is that even with the current makeup, from the urbanized area, this is a typ- What many neglect to realize is that – thereby helping to drive population the EMTA not only serves those out- ical public transportation model. “This at the end of the day, the EMTA still in – not out.

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34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 35 SPORTS Los Angeles Angels Draft Gannon University Standout Aaron Cox looks to make his major league debut with the help of mentor Mike Trout. GANNON EDGE

By: Frank Garland met Trout while he was a middle school things because I can ask him questions,” Just like his mentor Mike Trout was drafted student and Trout was a freshman at he said. “He made every stop, but he in 2009, the Angeles drafted Aaron Cox, who’s now fighting for a roster spot. hen it comes to choosing a Millville High School. The two became went through very quickly.” baseball mentor, it’s hard to closer as the years went by, as Trout be- Having Trout as a mentor was a bo- Wimagine doing any better gan dating Cox’s older sister, Jessica. nus for Cox, said Roy Hallenbeck, who And I think that Aaron knew that if he than reigning American League Most Cox hopes to rise through the minor coached both players at Millville High did the same, he could succeed and do Valuable Player Mike Trout. league ranks just like Trout, whom the School. The two players overlapped one what he wants to do in his life. That’s who former Gannon University Angels selected in the first round of year at Millville – Cox was a freshman “He looks up to (Trout) so much. Any standout Aaron Cox considers one of the 2009 draft and became a fixture in during Trout’s final season there – and questions he has, Mike has always been his most influential role models. And their outfield by the middle of the 2011 they did not spend a lot of time togeth- willing to answer. He’s been such a big now that Cox is playing professionally season. er on the field that year. But as Cox’s help along the way. I can’t say enough in the same organization as Trout – con- “Obviously I’m very happy I went to high school career unfolded, and Trout about the kid on and off the field.” sidered by some to be the best player in the Angels – they’ve been my favorite was making his way through the Angels Pam Cox said that she and her hus- the game today – he hopes to join him in team for a few years,” he said. “If I had system, the two would see each other band, Joe, could see that their older son a Los Angeles Angels uniform in the not to pick anyone, it would have been the during the offseasons because of Trout’s – younger son Kyle played at Gannon too distant future. Angels. It’s definitely cool being on the relationship with Cox’s sister. this past season and is slated to return The 6-foot-4, 205-pound Cox has a same team as (Trout). Hopefully I’ll “I’m sure they talked a lot about what as a sophomore next year – had the po- ways to go before he reaches the big make it to his level one day.” Mike was going through,” Hallenback tential to play professional baseball but leagues, but he started his climb last Cox said he’s lucky to have such a close said. “It’s hard to think some of that it became a realistic goal this season month after the Angels selected him friend who’s traveled the same road – al- stuff did not rub off on (Cox).” at Gannon. When it came time for the in the 19th round of the Major League beit at a much faster speed – a few years Cox’s mother, Pam, said Trout has of- draft, they discussed the possibility of Baseball first-year player draft. ahead of him. He knows he’s fortunate fered “big encouragement to Aaron ev- Aaron forgoing his final season at Gan- The Dorchester, N.J., native, who to be able to lean on Trout if he encoun- ery step of the way. It’s been a big influ- non and signing a professional contract. signed shortly after the draft and was ters any problems on his way up the mi- ence on Aaron from the respect that he “This has been his lifelong dream,” assigned to the Orem (Utah) Owlz of the nor league ladder. sees Mike’s determination and his drive Pam Cox said of her son, a criminal jus- short-season Class A Pioneer League, “It’s nice having him go through these has helped get him to where he is today. tice major at Gannon who turns 21 in

36 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015 SPORTS

early August. “He can always go back to first since 1982. “It was not a question of showed a quality slider – all of which get there, to get to the next level. I’m school for another year at any point in whether he would be drafted, but what helped him compile a 5-5 record with going to learn things along the way and his life.” round he’d get drafted.” a 3.74 earned run average and 81 strike- hopefully get to where I want to be.” Pam Cox said scouts had indicated Cocolin said getting selected in the outs in 65 innings. He set a Gannon sin- John Slusarz, the Orem Owlz pitching Aaron might be selected around the 19th round, it made sense for Cox to gle-season mark for strikeouts with 89 coach, said his first impressions of Cox 15th round, but when that didn’t hap- sign – even though it would mean losing as a sophomore. have been positive ones. “He’s a really pen, “my heart sunk because I didn’t Gannon’s best player. “And another thing they liked was good kid with a really good work ethic,” know how (Aaron) felt.” But then came “You get that opportunity, you have to that he would throw his off-speed pitch he said. “And he definitely has a live arm the 19th round “and he went to the An- take it,” he said. “It’s something he defi- in any count for a strike,” Cocolin said. – he hit 95 (mph) and was averaging 92 gels, of all places,” Pam Cox said. “It just nitely should have done. I was excited “With professional hitters, you can’t get or 93. His ball has some sink. completed the whole package.” for him to get that opportunity. That’s behind (in the count) and throw a fast- “The big thing for him and almost ev- Trout even called to congratulate Cox everyone’s dream who ever played base- ball over the plate, or they’ll kill it.” ery other guy coming into professional after the Angels chose him. ball – to play professionally.” Cox has already gotten a taste of what baseball is commanding that fastball. Although Cox played several posi- Cocolin said he talked to dozens of professional hitters can do, having ap- Guys think they have command, but tions at Gannon, he was drafted as a scouts this season alone and they asked peared in eight games through July 11, what they really have is control. They right-handed pitcher and that’s how the him questions about Cox’s character, surrendering nine hits in 11 2/3 innings can throw strikes. But command, to me, Angels plan to use him going forward. his work ethic and his velocity on the while striking out seven and walking is to put it where you want to. And make He’s already appeared in three games in mound. “They were not going to take five. He pitched three hitless innings adjustments. That’s what (Class) A ball relief for the Owlz and figures to work my word on his baseball ability – it in his last two appearances combined, is for everyone over the next two years.” out of the bullpen for the rest of the was more of they saw what they saw,” lowering his earned-run average to 3.86. Command, Slusarz said, is what will season. he said. “But what they would take my Cox said he knows the professional separate the true prospects from the Neither Cox nor his coach at Gannon, word on was the off-field stuff – things game will be much different from the rest. “They all have good arms – they’re Nate Cocolin, was surprised to hear his like how hard he works.” one he played at Gannon. “It’s a job,” he all big guys who look the part,” he said. name called at the MLB draft. “There What scouts saw on the field was said. “This year it’s a 75-game schedule “But who’s going to be able to throw were scouts at every one of our games plenty impressive. Cocolin said Cox but as you go up, it’s well into the hun- the fastball where they want to over he was pitching,” Cocolin said of Cox, displayed a fiercely competitive nature, dreds. It’s a marathon. It’s important to the next two years? If (Cox) can put it who was the fourth Gannon player se- plus his fastball registered between 91 stay healthy and work hard. To set goals where he wants to at 93-95, he’s going to lected in the MLB amateur draft and the and 93 mph the whole season. He also and get to the next level. And once you get a lot of guys out.”

July 22, 2015 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 37 SPORTS

ER Sports The Good, The Bad, The Ugly – weighing in on more than 40 years of interviews.

Jim LeCorchick of the Erie Reader him. White was one of my favorite in- a banquet he was also speaking at, and poses with former world boxing terviews ever. let me say: That was the best scouting champion Carmen Basilio. circa 1980 BERNIE CARBO – There was a time report I ever heard. when I thought the former Major What a Neanderthal. DIGGER PHELPS – Interviewed League Baseball player would be on my REX CALDWELL – This one-time him while cruising Lake Erie on a all-time ugly team, but he won me over. PGA tourney winner – he acted as if he boat, and the ND basketball coach He, also, was in Erie for the Sports Ban- was a 20-time winner on the tour – was was fun. I had no problem getting quet and made a total fool of himself, one of the most obnoxious athletes I him to talk about himself. but he took the opportunity to apol- have ever been around. I was forced to BOB DIBIASIO – Whatever the ogize to the local sports' fans during ride in the same car with him when the Cleveland Indians are paying their a phone interview I had with him. He Greater Erie Charity Golf Classic was Vice-President it isn't enough. His called in from the Pirates' clubhouse held at Lake Shore Country Club. It passion for the Indians is amaz- and was definitely sincere. seemed as if the trip from Lake Shore ing, and in the 35 years I have been “CLASSIE” FREDDIE BLASSIE – The to downtown Erie would never end. dealing with him, he has never man who coined the term "Pencil Neck FRANCO HARRIS – As a favor, I turned a chance to talk to baseball Geek" was one of my favorites, the picked Harris up at the Erie Airport fans in Erie. pro wrestler was pure entertainment and gave him a ride to Union City (that STEVE BLASS / LANNY FRAT- whenever he called in. And he called in is correct) for a football camp being put TARE – I can say the same thing at least a dozen times. on by his good friend and former Penn CONTRIBUTED PHOTO about this duo that I said about THE BAD State teammate Charles Pittman. He DiBiasio, except they are talking, [Editor's Note: Let the record show was disgusted from the beginning and By: James R. LeCorchick "Bucco Baseball." these aren't necessarily "bad" peo- wasn't afraid to show it. I told Charles I was always welcome in the booth ple; they just were bad interviews. Of to get someone else to drive him back. was talking to some friends the with them when I went to Pirate course some of them did almost make THE UGLY other night and they started ques- games. Blass is hysterical. the Ugly list – again, reserved for total [Editor's note: Both of these meetings Itioning who I have met and/or in- MIKE BREY – I called the current No- jerks.] took place in the visitors' locker room terviewed in my more than 40 years of tre Dame coach a week after he accept- BOB FELLER – Wow! Being an In- at old Municipal Stadium in Cleveland.] covering sports, and it got me to think- ed his position with the Fighting Irish, dians fan, it's hard to put this Hall of RICK BURLESON – They called this ing – actually thinking it would be a and he gladly came on my radio show. Famer first, but what an attitude he Red Sox shortstop “The Rooster” and I good subject for an Erie Reader article; He was excellent. had. hated this rooster from the time I met I hope you agree with me. FLOYD PATTERSON – The former He called in earlier than agreed to and him. I'm embarrassed (not really) to ad- I thought I would name the column heavyweight champion was in Erie for then demanded to be put on the air im- mit how happy I was when he suffered The Good, The Bad (some not too bad), an exhibition and was staying at the mediately. I told him, "Thanks, but no a career-ending injury. What a jerk! and The Ugly. Let me explain: you have Downtown Holiday Inn. I called and thanks. I am going to just let you go." PETE VUCKOVICH – By far, this Cy to have been a real jerk to make The asked if we could talk and he told me He finally calmed down and went on Young Award winner is heads and Ugly category. to meet him in the dining room. He with the interview as scheduled. shoulders above all, the most arrogant THE GOOD was almost a bit on the shy side, but It's really hard to put into words how athlete I ever ran into – and I didn't CARMEN BASILIO – A winner of we chatted for nearly two hours and impressed he was with his importance. even want to talk to him. world championships in two different he was a great. There's no doubt he is JAY BILAS – He's very good as a col- I was working at a radio station when weight divisions, Basilio was one of my a true gentleman. lege basketball analysis, but as a phone I told my friend Butch Nemenz, the sta- all-time favorites – by far. JOHNNY LATTNER – I was doing a interview in Erie, the ex-Duke player he tion manager, that I was going to the He was in Erie representing Genesee show from Art Arkelian's Sports Ban- was a total dud. He was paid very well Blue Jays-Indians game the following Beer, and I jumped at the chance to quet and the Heisman Trophy winner to be a speaker for Mercyhurst Univer- day, and he badgered me into looking have him in the studio when offered. from Notre Dame agreed to come on sity but didn't seem to be too happy up his buddy "Vukie." He stayed for two hours and was in- for an interview. You never know what that he had to take some time to help I never liked going into locker rooms, credibly entertaining. you're going to get in this situation, but promote the event. He kind of person- but I let him talk me into looking up his JERRY FAUST – Two days after he what I got was one of the classiest peo- ified the image of an "Arrogant Dukie." former teammate at Clarion University. was named the head football coach ple I ever interviewed. He thanked me DAVID WOLF – It's a long story I introduced myself to him, and it was at the University of Notre Dame, I 10 times for having him on the radio. how the former editor of Life Maga- all downhill from there. Let me just called him and he agreed to come on DWIGHT WHITE – He showed up zine ended up in my studio, but I was say more that than half the words are the show. There was a mix-up the eve- unannounced one night at my studio thrilled when I found out who he was. deemed unprintable in a newspaper. ning he was supposed to call in, but he and threw quite a scare into me. This He wrote one the best sports books of And this is before he ever did anything. called the show the very next day on Steelers great filled the doorway to the all time, Foul, a story of Connie Haw- I can honestly say, "He makes me sick his own. As a matter of fact, he called studio as he announced, "I'm Dwight kins. He was a great writer, but when I and flat out nauseous." The best de- from a pay phone from a country club White from the Pittsburgh Steelers, put him on the air I found out he was a scription is total moron! in Michigan, where he was being hon- and I heard what you said about the horrible talker. ored by an ND group, and stayed on team." I was on the verge of passing JACK LAMBERT – I heard from this James R. LeCorchick can be contacted at the air for 15 minutes with me. I have out when I saw my good friend Fred Steelers Hall of Famer’s teammates [email protected], and you never forgotten that. Rush laughing hysterically behind that he was a "bad" drunk. I spoke at can follow him on Twitter @JRLSports.

38 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com July 22, 2015