2 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 CONTENT June 12, 2013

Editors-in-Chief: FEATURE CULTURE Brian Graham & Adam Welsh Managing Editor: 9 CATV and I am TV 12 If We Were You... Ben Speggen New Programming, Local Stars, and Contributing Editor: Here’s what we would do Cory Vaillancourt Impending Budget Cuts: The Past, Present, Contributors: and Future of Erie's Public Access TV 14 TO-DO LIST Alex Bieler Nappy Roots, "Next to Normal" Brennan Donnelly Pen Ealain NEWS AND NOTES 15 Q&A with ALT-J Matthew Flowers 4 THE "SPIRIT OF ERIE" The British Indie Buzz Band Takes a Break Dakota Hoffman From Touring to Answer a Few Important COMES TO LIFE Leslie McAllister Questions Rich McCarty The Perry 200 Commemoration Continues Ryan Smith with this $200,000-plus Production FASHION Jay Stevens 7 No More Fast Fashion Rebecca Styn 5 STREET CORNER SOAPBOX Bryan Toy 17 The Street Fashionista Copy Editor: Climate Change and Lake Erie Alex Bieler 6 THE WAY I SEE IT 19 YOU OUGHT TO KNOW Designer: Kevin-John Jobczynski Mark Kosobucki EMTA Buses Rerouted, Texting and Driving Burim Loshaj 6 TECH WATCH Cover Design: Mark Kosobucki Can Technology Make You Healthier? Photographer: Matt Kleck Jessica Yochim Things improved television. quickly under the guid- Flowers interviews the people Interns: From the Editors ance of the folks at behind these stations, the program- Adam Kelly CATV. The troupe be- ming and creative direction they Ryan Maloney onald Draper. Walter turing the “us” in a community. After hind ERTV were moved to the stu- explore, and the challenges they face. Tom Shannon White. Daenerys Tar- all, how many of us have a dynasty dio, and Speggen posted up behind a While one station’s been a mainstay 32 W. Eighth St. #500 garyen. These are the built around ducks or direct our lives desk and guests enjoyed the comfort in Erie for quite some time, the Erie PA, 16501 characters we welcome solely on visiting the gym, doing of a sofa. We even had special effects. other is still in uncharted waters. [email protected] into our lives in high defintion to laundry, and getting a fake tan? And our musical guest was live in And while one is growing quickly, Denthrall us, to captivate us, to en- So what if the cameras are truly the studio. They played three times the other is now facing significant The Erie Reader is Erie’s only free , tertain us, and to distract us from turned on us? And what if we’re the during that episode, and were still budgetary cuts. independent source for news, culture, and the mundane, the monotony, the ones directing them? What if the relatively new to the Erie music What does this mean for you, for entertainment. The Erie Reader is a forum struggles, and the challenges of our community directed and starred in scene. us, for the story of Erie and its com- for ideas and discussion, and seeks to drive day-to-day endurances that unfold TV? Enter community access televi- That’s as far as ERTV went (for munity? Those are questions Flowers two-way communication with its readers. At before us in real definition. sion -- something the Erie Reader the time being), but what came from explores in this character-driven fea- the Erie Reader, we endeavor to highlight the While a few still swear off televi- isn’t all that unfamiliar with. that is a desire to tell this story. One ture of the Matthew Weiners, Vince best of Erie by providing in-depth, magazine- sion and claim what little bit of Awhile back we toyed with the of the guitarists and singers in that Gilligans, and George R. R. Martins style journalism that cuts to the heart of the hipster cred exists for eschewing the idea of a TV show. You may have live-in-studio band was Matthew of Erie’s public access universe. issues that matter to Erie. The Erie Reader glowing rectangles that light up our even caught us once or twice while Flowers, whose band Falling Hol- You’ll find that, along with are- is published every other week at The Corry electric hearths, many find reprieve surfing around. Managing Editor lywood graced our cover last year visiting of climate change and Lake Journal, 28 W. South St., Corry, Pa. 16407. The in becoming lost in the storylines of Ben Speggen would interview writ- when they released their debut al- Erie, a look at the rerouting of Erie’s Erie Reader is distributed at over 250 high characters of another time, another ers about what they had contributed bum “Set The Table.” Since then, the buses, a discussion of fair trade and foot-traffic locations in Pennsylvania from North East to Girard to Edinboro. The Erie place, and other worlds. They’re our to an issue currently on stands. It band’s been gaining momentum, de- “fast fashion”, an interview with hot Reader is also available by mail subscription; escape, our entertainment, our con- started small, with Speggen behind veloping followings in surrounding indie band Alt-J, a profile of Erie one year (26 issues) for $49.99. Send check or nection to something other than us. a table and a writer flanking him on cities, and is currently working on its celebrity sports artist Kevin-John money order payable to Flagship Multimedia, But driven by budgets, commer- each side. There was only two angles, second album, less than a year later. Jobczynski, previews of the Erie Inc., to the address below. In addition to cials, and ratings, these stories are far and no one moved around the small- Flowers also showed us he can Playhouse’s “Next to Normal” and appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new from our own. As much as we revel in ish circular table. Then a cutaway write more than catchy, thoughtful, the huge “Spirit of Erie” Pageant, content daily at www.ErieReader.com as losing ourselves in these tales, we’re would happen, and suddenly there and entertaining lyrics and music -- and the upcoming Nappy Roots well social media sites. All rights reserved. not secretive, chauvinistic Madison was a musical guest, first a guy with he can write some damn fine stories show at the crooked i. All content © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 32 W. Avenue ad men, amoral, cancer-rid- a guitar off to the side of the table, fit for print here in the Reader. And So stay tuned, Erie, as we continue Eighth St., Suite 500, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part dled chemistry teachers turned meth just out of the first camera’s focus, with that, we bring you his first cover to bring you the characters that pop- of this publication may be reproduced without cooks, or gorgeous, dragon-wielding and then second a hard cutaway to story. It focuses on CATV and I Am ulate our city, the issues and events permission. Direct inquiries to 814.314.9364 conquerors of Westeros. a previously recorded bit of a show TV, and captures the past, present, that matter to us all, and the stories or [email protected]. And reality TV falls short of cap- in a local bar. and future of Erie’s public access that would make for some great TV. June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 3 The "Spirit of Erie" Comes to Life News The Perry 200 Commemoration Continues with this $200,000-plus Production of the By: Ryan Smith

he spirit of nature. Weird The spirit of dis- By: Chuck Shepherd covery. The spirit of victory. The spirit of resolve. The spirit of community. TheT spirit of the future. he Food and Drug Administration proposed That's the stuff “The Spirit of recently to limit the quantity of tiny "mites" Erie” – a history-making cel- thatT could occupy imported cheese, even though ebration of Erie’s storied pasts, living, crawling mites are a feature desired by its amalgam of presents and its aficionados. ("Cheese is absolutely alive!" pro- panoply of possible futures – is claimed microbiologist Rachel Dutton, who runs made of. the "cheese laboratory" at Harvard University.) And for the Erie Playhouse's In fact, cheese is home to various molds, bacteria creative minds and their all- and yeasts, which give it flavor, and sellers rou- local cast and crew of 200-plus, tinely use blowers to expel excessive critters, but bringing Erie’s spirit to life the FDA now wants to limit them to 6 bugs per means delivering (and, later square inch. However, according to a May report this month, premiering at the on NPR, lovers of some cheeses, especially the Bayfront Convention Center) French Mimolette, object, asserting both an in- the most abounding all-original difference to the sight of mites creeping around theatrical spectacle ever to be -- and a fear of taste-loss (since the mites burrow seen in the Flagship City. into the hunk, aerating it and extending the fla- At $200,000-plus in produc- vor). [NPR, 5-11-2013] tion costs, the multi-media ex- travaganza that is “The Spirit” Ryan Smith imothy Adams, 24, was charged with home is “truly the biggest thing we invasion in May in Gardner, Mass., but only have ever produced – and cer- Dancers Stacey McClure (left) and Jade Burns (center) work on bringing the afterT resident Michael Salame slammed him into tainly the most costly,” says movement of "The Spirit of Erie" to life with choreographer Kelley Ulmer during a the floor. Salame is 70 years old, has had eight Playhouse Executive Director recent practice for Erie Playhouse's biggest-ever production, premiering later this heart stents, and is forced to wear special cover- Almitra Clerkin, who co-wrote ings on his arms at night because of nerve damage month and one of the main highlights of Erie's Perry 200 Commemoration season. the show with Richard Davis -- yet Adams apparently went down easily and at (the Playhouse’s producing di- one point offered Salame "thousands of dollars" rector), her husband the Rev. the great naval Battle of Lake Erie; the advent of a divine essence that binds all of Erie together. to let him up before police arrived. [WBZ-TV Shawn Clerkin (who’s also directing), and Teri the Industrial Age and its impacts on the growing She’s the original light that created Erie, and (Boston), 5- 9-2013] Marshall (the Playhouse‘s assistant development city, as well as tests of its strength; and through (that light is) passed from generation to genera- director); composer Andrew Rainbow penned to today – and beyond – with celebrations of the tion to all of us who love this town. Ironies original music. city’s unique and interwoven diversity and of all “She’s kind of the heart and soul of this town,” nergy West, the natural gas supplier in Great “It’s huge,” says the Rev. Clerkin, “easily the that could be its future. says McDonald, and, that said, the role represents Falls, Mont., had tried recently to raise biggest thing ever produced in Erie.” Along with molding hundreds of actors into “a tremendous responsibility for me” in terms of Eawareness of leaks by distributing scratch-and- The initial funding to produce the city’s biggest- the one-of-a-kind, history-rich roles “The Spirit” “accurately portraying who she is… because she sniff cards to residents, demonstrating gas's dis- ever show has come from the Perry 200 Com- calls for, the mega-sized production also incorpo- could be something different for everybody.” tinctive, rotten-egg smell. In May, workers cast mission Board, the Jefferson Educational Soci- rates an array of multi-media auditory and visual From a production standpoint, bringing the aside several cartons of leftover cards, which were ety, and a multi-tiered community-sponsorship spectacle that is “Spirit” to life is “what we do hauled off and disposed of by crushing -- which campaign, says Davis. And with a total of 14,000 (with every Playhouse effort), just times 10,” says released the scent and produced a massive blan- seats available (2,000 at each performance) over Davis. “It’s going to really be something spec- ket of odor over downtown Great Falls, resulting its six-day run between June 25 and 30, organiz- “It’s huge. tacular.” in a flurry of panicked calls to firefighters about ers are banking on ticket sales to make all the And for now, within the wide circle of people gas leaks. [Great Falls Tribune, 5-8-2013] efforts worthwhile. who are making it all happen, “it’s a little terrify- “Hopefully, (audiences) will come out,” says Easily the ing” too, he adds. ell, Of Course! (1) The Ypsilanti, Mich., Davis. “That’s the world of show business.” So far, says Clerkin, “it’s been a wonderful and City Council voted in May on a resolu- Back in 1963, when city players produced a exhausting and anxious journey – we’re all hear- tionW that would have required the members al- community pageant commemorating Perry’s biggest thing ing and feeling our heartbeats. …We’ve been ways to vote either "yes" or "no" (to thus reduce 150th to the tune of about $150,000, “a lot of given a huge responsibility, and we want Erie to the recent, annoying number of "abstain" votes). people didn’t even have TV,” says Davis, “so it was know we’ve taken it on full-force.” The resolution to ban abstaining failed because easy for them to wow the masses.” ever produced Echoing Davis’ sentiments, Clerkin adds, three of the seven members abstained. (2) Doc- But “audiences today expect more,” he says, “That’s what we do.” tors told a newspaper in Stockholm in April that “(They want) big, spectacular production.” ‘The Spirit of Erie” runs June 25 (its world- at least one of Sweden's premier modeling agen- In terms of making that happen, “I think we’ve in Erie.” premier opening gala event) through June 30 at cies, looking for recruits, had been caught pass- succeeded so far,” says Davis. the Bayfront Convention Center. For tickets and ing out business cards adjacent to the country's Through six take-your-breath-away segments, elements, costume and set changes and more… more details, visit EriePlayhouse.org or call the largest eating-disorder clinic, forcing the clinic to the community pageant – a big part of the city’s including flying. Playhouse box office at 454.2852. change its rules on patients taking outside walks. ongoing Perry 200 Commemoration – has been “I’m excited – this’ll be the first time I’ve ever [Associated Press via WHTM-TV (Harrisburg, crafted, according to its creators, as a sweeping flown in a show,” said actress Kelley McDonald, Ryan Smith can be contacted Pa.), 5-23-2013] [The Local (Stockholm), 4-18- journey across all things Erie history: A sensa- who’s taken on the task of physically embodying at [email protected]. 2013] tional 70-minute ride from pre-civilization and the “Spirit’s” star role. To follow this story or com- the Eriez natives’ first arrival to the subsequent For the city theater veteran and Erie native, “the ment, scan the QR code or go he United Nations Conference on Disarma- comings of white settlers; colonization and, later, character of the ‘Spirit’ is like Mother Nature, or to http://erirdr.com/lqys5 Tment, a multilateral forum on arms control 4 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 agreements, was chaired beginning May 27th (until June 23rd) by Iran, which, for that time, at least, had the awkward job of overseeing reso- Street Corner lutions on nuclear non-proliferation, which the country is widely thought to be ignoring. [Fox News, 5-13-2013] Soapbox Compelling Explanations nclear on the Concept: (1) Ruben Pavon Climate Change and Lake Erie was identified by surveillance video in Derry, UN.H., in April snatching a grill from the front porch of a thrift store. Pavon explained to police By: Jay Stevens that the store's name, "Finders Keepers," indi- cated to him that the objects were free for the taking and admitted that he had previously taken ast issue, I wrote about several threats items from the porch. (2) In May, Los Angeles to the environmental health of Lake police bought back 1,200 guns in one of the pe- Erie. Among them was climate riodic U.S. buy-back programs, but they declined change. But here's the thing: climate to accept the pipe bomb a man said he wanted change is the biggest threat of them all. to sell. "This is not a pipe-bomb buyback," said LFor starters, climate change influences or even Chief Charlie Beck. "Pipe bombs are illegal ... " causes some of the problems afflicting the lake. The man was promptly arrested. [WMUR-TV Climate change creates the conditions in which (Manchester, N.H.), 5-1-2013] [KCBS-TV (Los algae blooms thrive. And warming lake waters Angeles, 5-6-2013] make Lake Erie more hospitable for invasive species. But these are the things we know about oo Much Information: John Casey, 51, was during the early onset of climate change. What caught by security staff at an Asda super- awaits us in the future, we don't know. And that's marketT in Washington, England last October what should really concern us. after allegedly stealing a slab of beef. He was So what are we doing to curb climate change? convicted in May even after offering the compel- During his Inaugural Address this January, ling explanation that he had concealed the beef President Barack Obama promised to tackle underneath other purchases not to avoid paying climate change. “Some may still deny the over- for it, but only because the sight of the raw meat whelming judgment of science,” he said, “but gave him "flashbacks" to his dead grandmother, none can avoid the devastating impact of raging who had passed away of a blood clot when Casey fires and crippling drought and more powerful was a child. [Sunderland Echo, 5-23-2013] storms.” Tropical Pete Tropical The Litigious Society eith Judd filed a lawsuit in Iowa in May, in To be a skeptic on Climate change skeptics ignore science at their own peril. essence to invalidate the 2012 election by Khaving President Obama officially declared a climate change as a Kenyan and not an American. Judd filed the pa- be economically justified,” wrote Roberts. “That’s er and hotter fires – spurred by climate change pers from a federal penitentiary in Texas, where public official requires an a big deal.” – have increased by billions. And Lake Erie algae he is serving 17 years for threatening a woman It is a big deal, especially because it represents blooms adversely affect fishing and tourism, cost- he believed to be a "clone" of the singer Stevie obliviousness that borders how the Obama administration has been forced ing the region an incalculable amount. Nicks, because Nicks (or the clone) had tried to on recklessness. But then, to fight climate change: through regulatory That is, to be a skeptic on climate change as sabotage his home improvement company. (Bo- change. a public official requires an obliviousness that nus Fact: In the 2012 Democratic presidential climate change skepticism The administration has enacted a number of borders on recklessness. But then, climate change primary in West Virginia, Judd, a write-in can- these changes, from increasing fuel-efficiency skepticism is a political position, not a scientific didate, defeated President Obama in nine coun- is a political position, standards and appliance-efficiency standards one. Skeptics question climate change, not based ties and lost the state by only 33,000 votes.) [Des and, of course, the tax credits for improving en- on the science, but because it's considered a lib- Moines Register, 5-23-2013] not a scientific one. ergy efficiency in homes across the U.S. And now eral issue. the EPA is looking at regulations that would cap I can't imagine a worse response to our genera- dward Kramer, co-founder of the an- Skeptics question climate emissions for existing power plants – a huge step tion's greatest challenge – and maybe the greatest nual Atlanta fantasy-character convention change, not based on the towards reducing carbon emissions, given that al- challenge to have ever faced the species. We need EDragon*Con, was arrested in 2000 for allegedly most 40 percent of all national carbon emissions everyone involved in this problem. And I don't having sex with underage boys, but has yet to science, but because it's comes from coal-burning power plants. particularly care how we go about fixing it. Heck, stand trial in Georgia because he has engineered So, why is this a big deal? Because it's not be- if there's a conservative free-market solution, I'm a never-ending set of legal delays -- if not because considered a liberal issue. ing done through Congress. Ever since a carbon all ears. of his version of Orthodox Judaism that limits cap-and-trade bill flopped in Congress in 2010, Unfortunately that's not where we're at right his diet and activities, then it his allegedly poor legislators have avoided climate change bills like now. While Obama's policies – combined with health. ("As soon as he puts on an orange jump- And yet, here we are, with no climate change the plague. the recession and cheap natural gas – have re- suit," said prosecutor Danny Porter, "he becomes legislation on the Congressional table. No fund- Why? Because climate change skeptics wield duced carbon emissions (and by over 10 percent an invalid," requiring a wheelchair and oxygen ing for climate change initiatives in the most too much power. since 2005!), it's been done in stealth mode, by tank.) In 2011, after managing to get "house ar- recent budget. Has he gone back on his prom- Here's the thing: There really is no evidence regulations and through federal agencies. But in rest," he violated it by being caught with an un- ises? Is climate change reform dead in the White that climate change isn't happening, and that hu- addition to that, I think we need a very public derage boy. Lately, according to a May Atlanta House? man activity isn't contributing. There's really no discussion, and a very public solution. Journal-Constitution report, he files an average According to Grist's David Roberts, maybe competing theory explaining the readily observ- of three demands per day from his Gwinnett not. In a post on the environmental website's able and rapid spike in global temperatures. On Jay Stevens can be contacted at Jay@ErieRead- County, Ga., lockup, each requiring painstaking blog, he noted that the “social cost of carbon” – the other hand, there's overwhelming evidence er.com, and you can follow review before being rejected. Kramer still owns the amount of harm, in dollars, that a ton of car- that global warming is happening, and is here. him on Twitter @Snevets_ about one-third of Dragon*Con, whose current bon emissions does – as calculated by the federal Heck, global warming already has had discern- Yaj. To follow this story or officials are mortified that they cannot expel a government, increased by 60 percent recently. ible effects on our environment, and economic comment, scan the QR code man they consider a child molester. [Atlanta “This will, all things being equal, increase by 60 consequences for the American taxpayer. In the or go to http://erirdr.com/ Journal-Constitution, 5-28-2013] percent the amount of carbon mitigation that can West, for example, federal costs for fighting larg- shkh1 June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 5 THE WAY I SEE IT On the road, off the phone Tech watch Speaking of transportation… it’s City Buses Rerouted, Texting and Driving summer and school’s out. For younger Does technology provide the motivation to make you healthier? drivers, this break means more time By: Rebecca Styn behind the wheel. According to the By: Brennan Donnelly, Epic WebStudios National Highway Traffic Safety Ad- ecently, the Erie Metro- izens. Children and elderly and those ministration (NHTSA), car crashes ftentimes, technology has time. For example, if a user is finishing politan Transit Authority traveling alone come to mind first. (and related injuries) happen most been given a bad rap as an up dinner and notices that he or she (EMTA) decided to reroute The excuse to ease congestion on often between Memorial Day and La- enabler of laziness. Tech is only 50 steps (or points depending buses from State Street State Street will only bring more con- bor Day. And in the last decade, over activities such as video on which tracker used) away from a between 10th and Fourth streets. By gestion to Peach and French streets 68,000 teens have died in car crashes. games and television offer countless goal, or setting a new record, it is more Rthe time you are reading this, north- since they operate one-way traffic. However, an even bigger concern is Oalternatives to playing outside or being likely that he or she might run up and bound buses will be using Peach Street On State, buses pull into designated distracted driving. Although all of us physically active. But it comes down to down the stairs a few times rather than and southbound buses will be using areas on the parking side, in front of know the dangers associated with tex- how you use the growth of technology, plopping down on the couch to watch French Street to serve passengers on shelters (that presumably would have ting and driving, 40 percent of Ameri- and right now, it is in a direction to some television in the evening. those six blocks. to be moved, and at the very least, torn can teens say they have been in a car leverage these advances towards mo- Another key element to these activ- The decision appears to have been down), leaving the lanes open for traf- when the driver used a cell phone in tivating people and pushing them to ity trackers is that they provide the made without consulting those who fic – moving in both directions. But on a way that put people in danger. And get more activity out of their day. So opportunity to add social accountabil- actually ride The E. And while, often- Peach and French, there is no room for this goes for all ages. with summer beginning to show its ity. With the applications that power times this type of top-down decision traffic to pull over to the side. To put this into perspective, sending face here in Erie, take advantage of these devices, a user is able to search makes sense, when the issue could What it comes down to more than or receiving a text message averts a how these technologies can help you for and add his or her friends and pro- potentially present a safety hazard, I anything is that EMTA doesn’t fully driver's eyes from the road for an aver- to enjoy the beautiful weather – and pose challenges and competitions. It think those that utilize the services detail the causes of the congestion. I age of 4.6 seconds. stay, or get, healthy. also offers the option to publicly dis- should at least have an opportunity to will be the first to admit that I don’t 4.6 seconds. Currently there are many new ac- play activity, which may help to serve voice their concerns – concerns such utilize our public transportation sys- That’s the equivalent of driving – at tivity-tracking bracelets and pods be- tem. Utilizing public transportation 55 mph – the length of an entire foot- ing released – often coined as “fitness is seemingly better from a carbon ball field… blind. bands.” These devices are most com- It comes down to how The decision footprint standpoint, but for some, Despite the risks, the majority of monly a rubber bracelet that contains you use the growth of it doesn’t provide the ease and con- teen and adult drivers ignore cell motion sensors and an LED display. technology, and right now, it venience that owning a vehicle does. phone driving restrictions. However, The devices are typically worn on the appears to However, many people do not have it really is a dangerous game of Rus- wrist and are able to track a person’s is in a direction to leverage that option – or of their own volition sian roulette. Even if you think you steps, sleep, activities, and calories these advances towards have been opt for public transportation – and are completely cognitive of everything burned. The current best-selling and motivating people and having the option of adequate public going on around you, the truth is, driv- leading models include the Nike+ Fuel pushing them to get more made without transportation is more of a necessity ing while using a cell phone reduces Band, Jawbone UP, or the Fitbit Flex. than a luxury. the amount of brain activity associated Depending on the version you chose, activity out of their day. consulting those And when those people don’t have with driving by 37 percent. So, even all of the information that is collected the option of owning their own car when you think you’ve “got it totally is either wirelessly (via Bluetooth) or as a reminder of accountability. Per- who actually or make the choice to rely on public handled,” you don’t – you only have manual synced to a computer and/or sonally, I know that if both my friends transportation, I think it’s up to us as it 63 percent – less than two-thirds – smartphone. For most models, this and I had these, we would implement ride The E. a community to do our best to offer handled. allows you to monitor your progress ridiculous challenges based around what is in the best – and safest – inter- So, this summer, put the cell phone throughout the day and your amount who can take the most steps in a day, est of the entire community. Whatever aside when driving. You don’t know and quality of sleep throughout the or who could burn more calories. as the safety and well being of others. the ultimate decision, the community whose life you’ll be saving otherwise – night by simply checking your phone. Another feature that drew me spe- Just as a starting point, statistically – particularly those directly affected and you don’t want to have to find out. Having all of this data neatly or- cifically to the the Fitbit Flex is that speaking, the number of crimes com- – should be part of the conversation ganized at your fingertips does a few it plays well with other apps. I can as- mitted in areas that aren’t as heavily and not just shifted over a block, out Love? Hate? Agree? Disagree? I want to hear things. First, it promotes users to set sociate it with my “MapMyRun” app trafficked are higher than those that of sight, without being welcomed into from you. Email me at rStyn@ErieReader. goals, and by having definite goals, a (among others such as “endomondo” are more congested. the conversation about them. com, and follow me person might be more likely to strive and “My Fitness Pal”) and this would Seeing as Peach and French streets In general terms, change is good for on Twitter @rStyn. to reach that point. enable me to compare my tracked ac- only provide one way routes and all of us, but the powers to be haven’t To follow this story or Additionally users are granted the tivity alongside the speed and distance French Street isn’t considered as main really given us detailed reasoning for comment, scan the QR immediate gratification of the visual of my run after a workout. a thoroughfare as State, this may pose their actions – and until then, I’m just code or go to http:// results available at anytime so they are After doing some research on this a serious threat to the safety of our cit- not sure the ends justify the means. erirdr.com/42fh2 able to monitor their progress in real fast-growing tech segment and ask- ing some friends about their experi- ences with the different devices, it has By: B. Toy sparked my interest and I now even JUST TOYIN’ WITCHA intend to pick up one of these trendy little bands to help push my fitness to the next level (though my desired model is currently on backorder). Now that summer is upon us, I encourage you to do the same. At a minimum, it should serve as a conversation piece when people ask about that cool little bracelet.

Brennan Donnelly can be contacted at Epic@ErieRead- er.com. To follow this story or com- ment, scan the QR code or go to http:// erirdr.com/36xb6 6 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 effort in helping countries with skills Benetton, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hil- that benefit their communities. The figer, and Abercrombie & Fitch. black and white definition is this: “A Surprising, eh? So when shopping, Say no to Fast fashion trading partnership that seeks equity take a stance: know how much is in international trade. It contributes enough, know from where your cloth- to sustainable development by offering ing comes, and have a plan for the Finding an Alternative to the Junk Food Style better trading conditions to and secur- lifetime of the article. In other words, ing the rights of marginalized produc- think beyond the rack and shop in- ers and workers,” as told by FINE, formed since even the smallest article By: Leslie McAllister an association of the main Fair Trade of clothing can have a global effect. networks. Want to know more about this topic? n the wake of the current building “We sell Zulugrass beads, which Check out Elizabeth L. Cline's "Over- collapse in Bangladesh – more benefit the Maasai men and women dressed: The Shockingly High Price of than 1,100 factory workers died in Kenya. We also order from Serrv, Cheap Fashion." in April 24’s Rana Plaza garment a Fair Trade and nonprofit organiza- factory complex collapse – everyone’s tion to eradicate poverty by providing Grasshoppers’ Dave and Diane share Ilips have been abuzz with the current opportunity to artisans and farmers,” why Fair Trade is a win-win for all catch phrase “fast fashion,” a term that Diane tells me sitting up in her seat. and fast fashion is a thing of the past. has hovered in the fashion realm for a “Another great thing about Fair while, which has now become a house- Trade is the connection to the culture. Through buying Fair Trade hold name. It’s not just another item made in Chi- products you will: In layman’s terms, fast fashion de- na. It has a story, authenticity, a heart,” • Gain a connection to the culture scribes clothing produced quickly to Dave says about the benefits of buying • Ensure authenticity and meet the demands of a trendy fashion consciously. craftsmanship of an item market. Fingers are mostly pointed at What does buying Fair Trade mean • Not be supporting an operation the larger retailers, like Zara, H&M, for the farmer and artisan? Fair Trade that exploits its employees Topshop, Forever 21, and Target, USA explains it like this: “Funds are • Support a livable wage for a which sell low-cost, stylish goods that specifically designated for social, eco- skilled artisan appeal to the masses. These larger nomic, and environmental develop- • Become more socially conscious commercial outlets taunt and grab mental projects. A democratic system their consumer by using shiny, pretty is in place where each community de- Sustainable ways to think about words, like Karl Lagerfeld, Kate Moss, termines and votes on how the earned fashion: Jimmy Choo, Rodarte, Jason Wu, and funds will be used.” The websites con- • Buy classic pieces that won’t go (sigh) Missoni, to lure fashion addicts tinues: “The agreement enlivens devel- out of style by saying ‘no’ to fads and

into this socially irresponsible web. Leslie McAllister oping countries, relieves exploitation, trends Fret not, my little fashion mavens and promotes environmental sustain- • Consider purchasing clothing that – you can stay away from the bright, ability.” uses recycled materials or organic glamorous strobe light and still main- Dave and Diane Nieratko outside the As far as our abuzz lips go, the stone fabrics – cotton, bamboo, hemp, tain your chic. But like any diet, it will new Grasshopper location tossed into the river of tragedy in recycled silk take some tweaking. Let’s call it count- Bangladesh has caused a ripple effect. • Trade clothes with friends or host a ing your fashion calories. Audrey Hepburn for an evening cer- as many clothes. This reaction has birthed the Bangla- clothing swap party First take stock of your closet – yes, emony. “They are filling up landfills,” Diane desh Safety Agreement. But the scary • Donate to your local thrift shop not just the clean clothes teeming out That classic shift can add miles to explains of the recent increase in ward- thing is 14 North American retailers • Buy vintage or secondhand goods of the laundry basket – your actual something you already have before you robes, as Dave sat across from her in have chosen to not sign the agreement, closet where clothes hang. Look again even think of tossing or replacing it. the back office of their new location. which calls for a five-year commit- Visit Grasshopper in two locations: 2518 in there before you buy another dress Yet if you must splurge, visit your local “It’s the demands on the market; ment from retailers to conduct safety Peach St. and 2818 W. Eighth St. next to for your 15th wedding of the summer. thrift and consignment shops and try there are more seasons now,” she con- inspections of factories and pay up to Joe Root’s. I bet you have something that will to shop locally. tinues, fervidly. “It used to just be Fall/ $500,000 per year towards safety im- work just fine with some new acces- Speaking of local businesses, I sat Winter and Spring/Summer. Now provements. Leslie McAllister can be contacted at lMcAl- sories. down with Dave and Diane Nieratko there’s inter-seasons, like pre-fall, holi- So here’s who they are: Walmart, [email protected], and you can follow Take the classic LBD and add dif- in their new Grasshopper shop, locat- day, resort/cruise. This requires a lot Gap, Macy’s, Sears/Kmart, JC Pen- her on Twitter @ ferent accouterments. Drown yourself ed at 2818 W. Eighth St, to chat about of man hours – like 14 hours a day in ney’s, North Face, Target, Kohl’s, Cato ShopJuJus. To follow in turquoise and silver for a boho day Fair Trade and sustainable clothing. some situations.” Fashions, Carter’s, Nordstrom, Ameri- this story or com- wedding or take that black dress to Diane read a recent article online, and To counteract this, Dave and Diane can Eagle, The Children’s Place, and ment, scan the QR Fifth Avenue and throw on scads of she was astounded to find out that choose products that are Fair Trade Foot Locker. code or go to http:// diamonds and strands of pearls a la since the ‘80s, women own four times certified. This means there’s a global Here’s a few who have signed: H&M, erirdr.com/ur6oz

Friday, June 14, 2013 7 to10 p.m. Erie Club, 524 Peach Street

drink tokens | lavish hors d’ oeuvres | music from Pittsburgh’s DJ Spaed | silent auction

iteTickets: or$65 cream (individual) attire $120 requested (couple) sponsorship packages are available.

Event to benefit the Young People’s Chorus of Erie’s Tuition Angel Fund.

Call 898.6789 for ticket information. White|PartyAn event to benefit the Young People’s Chorus of Erie June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 7 A benefit for the Erie Art Museum

pARTy on the patio Anchors Aweigh Friday, June 28 from 7 to 11 p.m. The Ultimate Retro-Nautical Bash The Breeze Band & Born as DJ Shineomite retro snacks • FREE craft beer • nautical-inspired art Tickets $25 in advance / $35 at door For tickets: Erie Art Museum / erieartmuseum.org / 814.459.5477 Pony Express, 1903 W 8th Street Art Lottery & Sale Warner Theater June 26 Starting at 5:30 p.m.

food is wholesome again

Frankie & May is home to Erie’s favorite butcher: Tom Hill. We’re serving only the freshest, all-natural, premium hand-selected meats available. At Frankie & May, we believe that quality ingredients are the foundation of every great meal. From super-fresh fish to locally grown farm produce — you’ll find it here for a fair price.

Win an exquisite work of art! Hundreds to choose from. Stop by to shop or pick up a healthy, made-to-order lunch from our café and talk with Tom to make tonight’s TICKETS $110 each – Includes dinner for 2; a beautiful giclée print by dinner a special one. Victoria Norvaisa; and your art lottery ticket. GREAT odds!!! – One drawing Locaed under the clock in the Peninsula Plaza. for every ten tickets sold. Get tickets ONLINE at NPAAonline.org. Or MAIL your check payable to NPAA to – NPAA, 2001 W. 4th St., Erie, PA, 16505. good for you, good for your community

NW PA Artists Association Scholarship Fundraiser peninsula plaza :: 1101 peninsula drive :: erie, pa 16505 :: ph. 814.836.0070 :: frankieandmay.com

8 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 CATV and I Am TV New Programming, Local Stars, and Impending Budget cuts: The past, present, and future of Erie's Public Access Television

By: Matthew Flowers

he channel button is soft on the re- mote; the baseless arrows that point in two simple directions – up and down – are worn from obsessive surfing; the common couch potato’s eyes turn bloodshot,T the whites partitioned with red cracks like a cold marble floor; exhausted pupils dilate in response to commercial-break cliffhangers and constrict back again as the fleeting transitions between sales pitches and stories carry on. Television is intoxicating. It fills a void in ev- eryday life by letting its viewers live vicariously through their beloved sitcoms. High definition is clearer than a crystal glass, making sports shows, action movies, and nature documentaries look like they’re occurring right outside the illuminat- ed ever-changing window. When we can’t laugh in our own lives, we search for a segment that’ll draw our lips into a crescent, when we lose our small daily battles, we look for a program that will empower us, and when we’re sad, we find a show that’ll let our remaining tears seep into our shirt sleeves. But in all our efforts to fill this void, we’re sitting in silence on our life-draining thrones, subconsciously pleading for a voice in all the commercialized chaos of cable television.

The content of a citizen’s message is important, Yochim Jessica but what is more important is that each individ- ual has the freedom and opportunity to vocalize these words – be it a sermon, a satire, or service announcement – if their heart's desire is to ex- press such a point. While the First Amendment does not restrict our speech (at least not entirely), we can’t expect to demand a time slot on televi- sion – in the midst of Fox News, ESPN, etc. – to transmit these thoughts. Many television sta- Scott Jones, network president, for I Am TV, started the new local station, which tions are like immense audio-visual troughs; they currently broadcasts in Erie and Crawford counties, earlier this year. aim to feed as much mental mush as they can, weighing us down until we can’t move when the ble thump, talk politics, chat senior-citizen living, backed with three purple letters reading: C-A-T. a safety valve, it’s a voice for people that might commercials hold us hostage. It’s about money, or highlight the Erie Arts, CATV is the heart Coincidentally, the light, knotty pine, wood express themselves in not very healthy ways.” His access – and most of us can’t afford it nor have that helps pump the public’s message through paneling in CATV’s offices has an uncanny re- hope is that individuals will realize they can have the connections. Commercial stations control us, those wire veins loud and… well, standard defini- semblance to the set of the world’s most famous a presence in the community without having to whereas community stations liberate us, allowing tion, clear. public access television show, "Wayne’s World." make it known through destructive actions. us to become our own chefs with our own ingre- Community Access Television is “an indepen- Stepping through CATV’s doors is kind of like CATV is a community resource. For $45 you dients – they just provide the utensils. dent, nonprofit corporation authorized by the stepping into a time machine, except you only can become a member of the studio, and after City of Erie to administer the public access chan- step back into the ‘90s. taking a few training classes, you can gain access f you’re willing to learning the basic recipes nel on Time Warner Cable Channel 2,” accord- Bob Lechner, the executive director of CATV to lights, cameras, editing software, and most and cook for yourself, the guys at CATV ing to the organization’s website, CATVerie.org. says the essential mission of their station is to, importantly, broadcasting equipment. Once you can teach you how to serve it – at least while The studio is located just outside downtown Erie “empower community voices and visions.” With- know the inner-workings of the studio, you’re Ithe kitchen doors are still open. Running below at 142 W. 12th St. where you’ll see a small, white out any pussy footing around, it’s a way for the free to start producing television shows for public a flock of black bird’s feet, through a barrage of building, highlighted in neon-green trim, sport- public to speak out. “In many cases we’re serv- access. braided cable lines, your message can reach every ing a sign with a winking – or possibly wincing – ing an underserved population,” Bob continues. While most of the producers write shows suit- TV in the City of Erie. Whether you want to Bi- yellow cat, its tail high in the air, like an antenna, “I like to think that we’re an outlet; [CATV] is able from all audiences, the FCC has granted June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 9 Safe Harbor Hours from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. for But the city has fallen on budgetary hard times those who want to craft a racier script, or for and has recently informed CATV that there may those live shows that’ll attract loud mouth call- not be consistent funding for their studio. There ers, such as "The Alley’s" – the most recently was a discussion with City Council on June 5 aired segment to use Safe Harbor Hours – where about the new franchise ordinates, which could the live calls went uncensored. Surprisingly, as of eliminate almost $250,000 from CATV’s annual this article being written, there are no produc- budget. However, the “discussion” was glazed tions on CATV that have been banished to the over, demeaning CATV funding to a mere men- late night because of adult content. tion in the meeting. Coming up, though, is a The rules are minimal at CATV: As long as public hearing, which is to be held on June 19, you give them con- when a second – pos- tent to broadcast, sibly refigured – read- you can use their Because there are no ing of the contract equipment to speak will be given, but your mind. But if commercials on Public Access more likely, it’ll just the show insinuates be a public signing of and advocates over- Television, 95 percent of the new contract. throwing the gov- CATV’s income is acquired “We know the city ernment, however, is hurting in their or is slanderous or through grants from the cable budgeting, we know libelous, or patently they’re losing their obscene, it may have franchise and funding from the tax base in terms of to be reviewed by City of Erie. But a new cable ways to generate rev- the staff. After ed- enue, but truly we’re its – generally – the franchise is being negotiated here for the citizens show can be aired of Erie,” Bob says, again in their re- with Time Warner Cable leaning forward in vised form. and the city. Now, CATV’s his folding chair. The station broad- And over the last 24 casts 24/7. The finances are in jeopardy. months, CATV has channel’s range of managed to support content is a vast over 45 nonprofit or- spectrum from church groups to movie critiques, ganizations including Africa 6000 International, senior living, storm chasing, opinions on hydro- The Achievement Center, Community Health fracturing, and puppet shows involving nonsen- Net, Erie Art Museum, and Erie Homes for sical Internet movies about cats and wolves sell- Children and Adults. “We promote the city,” ing Old Spice. There isn’t much you can’t see on Bob finishes, gazing at the dated wood paneling CATV, and this is where Bob finds the passion in his office. for his job. In late May, during the negotiation process, “It’s the free speech aspect of things,” he shares. City Council alluded to a new plan that works From good to great. “We don’t even really preview anything that goes on a year-to-year basis. In the coming years, it is on. We’re not supposed to.” probable that Bob will have to annually ask for Shaping model teachers But what specifically can’t be in a program are funding and justify CATV’s inclusion into the commercials. city’s budget. “In a year when they may choose to Our master’s program in Secondary Because there are no commercials on Public cut us significantly, it almost smacks of censor- Education doesn’t just create amazing Access Television, 95 percent of CATV’s in- ship, maybe we said or did something that they educators — we attract them. come is acquired through grants from the cable didn’t like.” Bob says with the future seemingly franchise and funding from the City of Erie. But in mind. In the wisdom of the 1991 franchise We aim to inspire, create leaders and a new cable franchise is being negotiated with act, the city had to set aside this funding for Time Warner Cable and the city. Now, CATV’s community access television, separating finances strengthen field knowledge, so our students finances are in jeopardy. from free speech, limited the chances of such a learn invaluable tools that make them A franchise is simply an agreement between a situation to occur. better at what they do. city and a cable provider. In return for the cable What’s more is that Time Warner Cable has company running lines through the city, Erie decided it would not award grants for CATV How? By offering unique learning takes a 5 percent fee, and one-fifth of that fee without creating a new line item on each cable opportunities, such as: goes to Public Access television. customer’s receipt, which would state where this

• Teaching through the GEARS after- school program, a STEM-based (science, technology, engineering and math) initiative aimed at improving education. • Experiencing teaching in urban settings. • Presenting research at statewide conferences.

Contact us to learn about advancing your education. Visit mercyhurst.edu/graduate, call (814) 824-3384 or e-mail [email protected].

Matthew Hubert ’07 & ’11 English Department Chair, Cathedral Preparatory School

10 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 THE SHOPS AT THE COLONY 2602 West 8th Street (814) 833-5311

M T F D T

Father's Starting at Day $100.00

Jessica Yochim Jessica www.lescrago.com Administrative Coordinator Jacob Bartko (left) and Information Systems Technician DJ Barker pose on the set of CATV. extra money is going. That doesn’t sound too the show “Star Trek.” If CATV were a starship, bad, right? However, Mayor Joe Sinnott and DJ Barker, the Information Systems Technician City Council agreed it would be wrong for Time would be Montgomery Scott, fixing everything Warner Cable to make this a new line item, as it from the warp drive to the subatomic scan in the would be objectionable for cable subscribers in force field. the city of Erie to see a 15 cent increase on the DJ stumbled into CATV in the late ’90 during bill. Meanwhile, “The average cable customer in some of the darkest years of his life. “Previous to the United States paid $81 per month for televi- working with CATV, I was pretty much a sui- sion services in the year 2012,” Bob says, offering cidal shut-in. I didn’t have a direction in life… I the number provided by the Cable Television was becoming a recluse… a hermit,” DJ admits, Association in an exhausted kind of disbelief. reminiscing on his days devoid of natural light. But there is still another option for funding. But the idea of having a voice was a beacon for CATV could begin underwriting shows. him to come out from within his gloomy refuge Underwriting is what you see on PBS or he’d fortified. His drive to broadcast forced him WQLN, “This program is brought to you by…” to unlock his doors, pull open his shades, see is not considered commercial content. However, some daylight, and reunite with society. Bob is worried they’ll have to ask producers to Before working for CATV, he’d work his find underwriting for their own programs. “There third-shift janitorial job and edit in the studio is going to be less and less desire to underwrite during the day. “I started as a member, became programs that are in standard definition,” Bob an employee, and they’ll probably bury me un- explains. “[They] don’t look as good because der this place,” DJ says in a laugh. He has been they’re made with the 1991 vintage gear that working with CATV since 2006, and as a self- we have.” And underwriters want warm, fuzzy, proclaimed jack-of-all-trades, DJ labors to keep high-definition content – something CATV can things running smoothly. In the midst of all the only produce if they can achieve funding. repairs, from that busted warp drive to the glitch No grants from the cable company means no in the subatomic scan – his essential tasks are to new equipment – and even more vital, no fund- help pilot this Erie Enterprise by ensuring there ing from the city means no fuel for operations. is content to be broadcasted and make sure the Moreover, like antique cars, these obsolete elec- programs make it on the air. tronics are expensive to repair, except in the end, “I decided that I wanted to put something the car gets a shiny coat of paint and a “classic” on [CATV] to try to tell my story, which at the or “vintage” label while the cameras still produce time I didn’t even know I had a story,” DJ says. “I a pixilated picture. just wanted people to see something different.” “All our stuff we keep running with spit and To break up the monotony of some stuffy baling wire like Scotty Star Trek,” Bob says, scripture readings, Bible babble, and God talk, with a laugh. For those of you who don’t know, he began producing a puppet show called “The “Scotty” is the engineer aboard the Enterprise in Mister Bear Today Show” to tell [Cont. on 20] June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 11 JUNE 12 - 25 If We Were You...

mer Thursdays. Food, drinks, and live music from WEDNESDAY 6.12 The Romantic Era and Money Shot should make FRIDAY 6.14 The Lower Eastside Connection for a great night this Thursday. Sullivan’s Pub is CD Release Party FILM Kick-off Party where the festivities will be located, so it’s time “A Bench In The Sun” Local hippie-hoppers The Lower Eastside Con- featuring "Sound City" to head downtown and unwind -- after all, the Erie Station Dinner Theatre hosts this comedy nection have been repping their Erie pride since FILM at the Erie Art Museum kicks off their weekend’s almost here! about two elderly gents in a retirement home that their inception, so now it’s our time to return the summer season with a kick-off party featuring When: 6 to 10:30 p.m. sit on a bench and bicker all day. Now, the retire- favor. In honor of their new CD, The LEC will be the Dave Grohl-directed documentary "Sound Where: 301 French St. ment community is in risk of being demolished, hosting a party for you hip-hop, funk, and rock City." The documentary has been garnering lots Contact: 455.3743 and they have to prevent this from happening. fans out there, so get out and support our local of buzz since it's debut at the 2013 Sundance So whether young or old, pull up a seat in the scene. Film Festival. The Erie Reader-sponsored event Chasing Moira w/ theater tonight and see if these gents can save the When: 10 p.m. will also highlight the upcoming season. Show Falling Hollywood theater. Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St. up early for food and drinks. We’re not quite sure why Moira is being chased When: 7 p.m. Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedi When: 6 p.m. and Hollywood is falling, but when you got two Where: 4940 Peach St. Where: Erie Art Museum, 20 E. Fifth St. bands this good coming together, it really doesn’t Contact: 864.2022 Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum matter. The breezy, Dave Matthews Band-tinged SUNDAY 6.16 Chasing Moira and the whiskey-splashed folk- "The Diary of Anne Frank" rock of Falling Hollywood come together for a Relive this emotional and thought-provoking Daniel Ellsworth & The Great THURSDAY 6.13 Sherlock’s show that will make Thursday night classic about eight people hiding from Nazis dur- Lakes w/ Looka Looka Looka feel alright. ing World War II, as An All Act Theatre show- With Daniel Ellsworth & The Great Lakes re- Erie Downtown Partnership When: 9 p.m. cases its talented youth performers. Admission is turning to the crooked i yet again, it’s probably Block Party Where: Sherlock’s, 508 State St. $10 per person and $7 for students and seniors. safe to say they’ve come to like our town, which Downtown Erie is the ideal place to be on sum- Contact: 453.760 This should be both an enjoyable performance is good, because there’s plenty to like about the and a realistic reminder of the harsh realities of Nashville, Tenn. band. The quartet’s 2011 release the Nazi occupation, all told through the world’s “Civilized Man” was named to Amazon’s Top most famous diary. 100 Albums of the Year list, with catchy-as-hell When: 7:30 p.m. track “Shoe Fits” landing at their No. 7 track of Where: 652 W. 17th St. 2011, so this bands got the goods for a Sunday Contact: 450.8553 night out on State Street. When: 10 p.m. Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St. SATURDAY 6.15 Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedi Fossils, T.J. Borden, MONDAY 6.17 and Alex Wilson What’s better than having one experimental mu- Sounds of Summer concert sician play for you? Having two! And what’s bet- series kicks off Thu. June 13 Chasing Moira ter than having two experimental musicians play We talk all the time about how much there is to for you? Having three! And what’s better than... do in Erie in the summer, and for most people Whiplash, Beyond well, you catch our drift, so check out Basement that's true. For some, possibly some members of Fri. June 14 Transmissions tonight when they host Canadian our senior community, many of these events may Silence, and Numbskull improv jazz/noise/psyche monsters Fossils, Buf- be a bit much. To you, we say head over to Saint falo solo cellist T.J. Borden, and Albion noise- Mary's Home East tonight and enjoy the sounds Sat. June 15 master Alex Wilson, as well as some potential of the Gem City Jazz Ensemble. This series of Renegades of Funk guests to be added later. free concerts will take place at parks throughout When: 7 p.m. the city, so grab a blanket and some chairs and go Kevlar, 86 to Nowhere, Where: Basement Transmissions, 1501 State St. enjoy a summer night out in Erie. Thu. June 20 Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com When: 7 p.m. and Paradox Please Where: Saint Mary's East, 607 E. 26th The Final Clue Contact: 814.870.1234 Drunk in Memphis Fri. June 21 At this special event at the Watson-Curtze man- & French Kiss sion, the Erie County Historical Society will TUESDAY 6.18 take you back to the 1920s. Teams of 6-8 will SeaWolves vs. New Icarus Witch partake in solving a murder mystery, much like Sat. June 22 Clue. Dressing up is optional, but most will ar- Britain Rock Cats rive wearing clothes from the era. Single tickets Wolves versus cats? We're pretty sure we know Sherlock’s / Molly’s are $50 and team tickets are $250. After party who’ll win this one, even if the cats are a-rockin’. Thu. June 27 tickets are $20. But what we are absolutely positive of though is Summer Block Party When: 8 p.m. that the first 500 kiddos through the gates each Where: 356 W. Sixth St. get a free Smith’s hot dog, a bag of Utz potato 508 State Street 18-20 North Park Row 814-453-7760 Contact: 454.1813 chip, and a Pepsi fountain drink, as part of the 12 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 “Kids Eat Free Night.” So gather up the family Monster Mutt, Grave Digger The Legend, Cap- And he has three fiancees -- an Italian, a Ger- the family down and enjoy food, music, raffles, and head down to the ballpark and enjoy a game tain's Curse, Stone Crusher, and Hooked. man, and an American. If that doesn’t scream giveaways and contests. A great way to spend a and celebrate foregoing the need to plan dinner. When: 6 p.m. drama, what does? Well, this is a ‘60s farce, so Monday night in the summer. When: 6:35 p.m. Where: 10700 Delmas Drive, North East there’s some laughs to boot, especially when an When: 6 to 9 p.m. Where: Jerry Uht Ballpark, 110 E. 10th St. Contact: 725.3303 unexpected schedule change -- you guessed it -- Where: Bayfront Parkway Park- Contact: 456.1300 brings all three women to Paris and to Bernard’s n-Ride, foot of Liberty St. Contact: 814.474.5183 apartment... at the same time! Thankfully, Bertha WEDNESDAY 6.19 SATURDAY 6.22 -- Bernard’s housekeeper -- is there to help with the juggling act since this womanizer’s love life is TUESDAY 6.25 Colton Harper Quartet Bay Swim certainly up in the air. CD Release Party Living in Erie, it’s hard to resist staring at our When: 2:30 p.m. Lagoons by Pontoons Colton Harper of the multi-platinum selling lake and feeling the urge to swim. If you can’t Where: The Riverside Inn Dinner Theatre, Listen. Watch. Enjoy. All as the sunsets over the band Rusted Root brings his quartet to PACA fight that urge any longer, we suggest an outlet – One Fountain Avenue, Cambridge Springs waters at Presque Isle. Take in the sights and Contact: 800.956.9490 for the release of his new LP, Fools Resolution. this one-mile long swim starting at Presque Isle sounds of the Isle’s event wildlife while experi- Harper draws musical influences from is world State Park and ending at the Erie Yacht club. It’s encing a PI sunset during this special Lagoons by travels, including such places as Brazil, West Af- sure to separate the casual swimmers from the Pontoons evening session. Registrations for the rica, and Europe. Tickets are $10. hardcore water fans, but both are welcome. And MONDAY 6.24 boat’s 16 seats are available on a first-come, first- When: 7 p.m. if you’re just looking to support your local swim- served basis by phone or in person at the Park Where: PACA, 1505 State St. mers, spectators are welcome too. Cost is $50 and Cruisin' the Bay Office, starting 10 a.m. Monday, so reserve early Contact: paca1505.com limited to 300 swimmers. Attention car lovers! Mondays this summer are so you don’t miss this free event. When: 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. check in, 9 a.m. start for you. Fire up that classic car and get on down When: 7 p.m. THURSDAY 6.20 Where: Presque Isle State Park Vista 3 Parking Lot to the Bayfront Parkway Park-n-Ride. Don't Where: Lagoon Launch, Presque Isle State Park Contact: 833.7424 Contact: TRECPI.org Boom Bap: Summer Edition have a sweet vintage ride? Who cares! Bring All-Ages Hip-Hop Show Girls Girls Girls Boom Bap returns to help dole out a whole Some girls just want to have fun, and for the bunch of hip-hop goodness. The all-ages show members of Girls Girls Girls, having fun means is set to stuff the stage with performers, bring- being badass. The all-female Motley Crue tribute ing in Buffalo, N.Y.-based rappers Mad Dukez band has gone from breaking out in New Jersey and Fresh Kils, Cleveland’s Muamin Collective, to touring across the nation. Now, these live wires Erie’s own Ghost the Ill Figure, plus even more are coming to State Street to show you their wild out of state talent. side. When: 6 p.m. When: 10 p.m. Where: Basement Transmissions, 1501 State St. Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St. Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedi FRIDAY 6.21 SUNDAY 6.23 Lake Erie Speedway Racing The Riverside Inn Dinner Racing and fireworks make for a great summer Theatre presents “Boeing night at the Speedway, so check out the Advance Boeing” Auto Parts Monster Jam featuring Grave Digger, Bernard is a self-styled Parisian womanizer.

June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 13 To-do List By: Alex Bieler

Nappy Roots ust over a decade ago, a movement began that all of the country boys and po’ folks out in the UPCOMING EVENTS world could embrace. On Friday, June 21, our fairJ city is welcome to see the Nappy Movement up close and in person. The crooked i will play host to Nappy Roots, the beloved alternative hip-hop group that came onto the scene in 2002 with the successful de- THE TOWN PANTS but album “Chicken, Watermelon & Gritz.” Since then, the Kentucky-based rap group has JUNE 14 // FRIDAY @ 10:00 had their music showcased in the Madden NFL videogame series and featured on several movie soundtracks, a level of success from a quartet with humble beginnings. “Just being some college students, some young THE LEC black guys with a dream from the state of Ken- tucky in the middle of nowhere, to be able to get CD RELEASE PARTY nominated for Grammys and sell over 2 million Jeremy Wilburn JUNE 15 // SATURDAY @ 10:00 records, to just have the type of career we’ve had, it’s a dream come true,” says Nappy Roots mem- Nappy Roots take the stage at ber Buffalo Stille. the crooked i Friday, June 21. It’s been a great ride for Stille and company, DANIEL ELLSWORTH AND winning awards, going out on the USO tour in The 2009 Broadway sensation “Next to Normal” THE GREAT LAKES the mid-2000s with stars like Robert De Niro will be brought to life in the W. 10th St. theater, and John Stamos, and even having school kids playing a three-weekend run, with upcoming 8 WITH SPECIAL GUEST LOOKA LOOKA LOOKA from Wisconsin sending in anti-bullying videos p.m. shows June 13 to 15 and June 19 to 22 and using the Nappy Roots’ song “Good Day” in the 2 p.m. matinee performances June 16 and 23. JUNE 16 // SUNDAY @ 10:00 background, the latter of which helps reassure The 2010 Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama, the Stille that their music has made an impact on first musical to achieve the honor since “Rent” in Nappy Roots fans. 1996, focuses on a mother suffering from bipolar “We don’t take it for granted at all,” Stille disorder, a condition that has drastic effects on GNOSIS says.“We could have just had one hit record and her family and herself. fell to the wayside, so it was a blessing for the fans “It’s certainly something different for the Play- JUNE 20 // THURSDAY @ 10:00 to support us for this long. And we’re still mov- house,” Producing Director Richard Davis says. ing. We’re not going to slow down anytime soon.” “We tend to do a little more mainstream shows That last point brings us to the upcoming show and don’t often do edgy theater, but ‘Next to at the crooked i, a show that Stille is excited to Normal’ is certainly edgy subject matter dealing play for both the devoted Erie chapter of the with mental health and a family trying to deal Nappy Movement as well as potential new fans with that. It has adult situations and adult lan- that may just be learning of the Kentucky crew guage, so it’s a little departure for the Playhouse, THE NAPPY ROOTS now, the type of people that, like the members of but the show is so good and the message is so Nappy Roots, keep a positive attitude throughout powerful that we just had to do it.” JUNE 21 // FRIDAY @ 10:00 life. Davis, who’s been directing shows for nearly 25 “Everybody gets dealt a plateful of shit every years, will put on the rock musical with the help once in a while, so it’s how you make it,” Stille of a six-person cast, including Trisha Yates as the says. “A lot of stuff can come from bad stuff, and central character Diana and Ken Brundage as if you turn it into something great, like you’re her husband Dan. With much of the show com- rolling with the punches, that’s what Nappy’s prising of musical numbers, the director sounds GIRLS GIRLS GIRLS been doing for so long. It’s just a statement that thrilled to have the talent to produce the three- ALL FEMALE TRIBUTE TO MOTLEY CRUE we wanted out there that no matter what kind time Tony Award Winner. of hand we ever get dealt, we’re always making “The score really is amazing,” Davis says, the ex- JUNE 22 // SATURDAY @ 10:00 something positive out of it because that’s the citement evident in his voice. “The music is really type of group we are.” incredible, and we have six of the finest singers in With Nappy Roots coming to town, we’d like the city that are in the show.” to think that June 11 will be a Good Day. With a talented cast and the experienced Davis in control, a little adventure into something dif- "Next to Normal" ferent, like “Next to Normal,” should be an excit- ing change for the theater veterans. Every once in a while, you need to mix things TUE: Songwriter Showcase & Vinyl Night up. For some, that may mean switching to a Alex Bieler can be contacted at aBieler@ErieRead- SUN: Open Mic & Jam half-pound of roast beef instead of the safe-yet- er.com, and you can follow delicious oven-roasted turkey at your local grocer. him on Twitter @Catch20Q. For the Erie Playhouse, it means bringing a Pu- To follow this story or com- litzer Prize- and Tony-winning musical to their ment, scan the QR code or go stage. to http://erirdr.com/zjxgc 14 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 Q&A with Alt-J The British Indie Buzz Band Takes a Break from Touring to Answer a Few Important Questions

By: Alex Bieler AB: I've been impressed with how much you guys pop up. I was watching "Silver Linings Playbook" the other day and heard you guys in t’s not uncommon to dream about success. the movie. Even 90.5 WERG, one of Erie’s lo- Some people have visions of hitting the cal college radio stations, has "Breezeblocks" game-winning homerun in the bottom of in fairly heavy rotation. I'm going to guess that the ninth inning of Game 7 in the World your whole plan all along was to take the state of Series; others see themselves thanking all the Pennsylvania by storm. Ibeautiful people for their shiny new Academy JN: Yes, our main focus was to dominate Penn- Award. sylvania straight from the get go. Then you have those bands that become critical AB: Speaking of "Breezeblocks," I'd be willing darlings over the span of a year for a project that to say that you and Frightened Rabbit [in their started in college. song “State Hospital”] Alt-J is one of those have led plenty of bands. Americans to find of 2012 was a good what an actual bree- year for Alt-J. The zeblock is. Ever get British quartet wowed If I wake up to any feedback from the numerous critics with masonry industry? their debut “An Awe- find this to be a JN: Not yet. The some Wave,” taking construction business home the Mercury has called us on occa- Prize and having the dream, I'm not sions. release named “best AB: Now, as a big of the year” by NPR’s quite sure how I'd Radiohead fan, I'm Bob Boilen. Now always intrigued when Jory Cordy working on a U.S. a band starts getting Alt-J recently played shows in Cleveland and tour, Alt-J guitarist react. There would compared to them. and vocalist Joe New- What is it like to get Pittsburgh in support of their U.S. tour. man answered a few that kind of feedback? questions about the be a lot of crying JN: Flattering but labelmates album – “Fields of Reeds” by These accents. band’s success, com- maybe premature. Ra- New Puritans – which I'm excited about. I don’t AB: You're already 1-for-1 on Mercury Prizes. parisons to Radio- and screaming diohead’s great success know that we are culture vultures; we only care to Do you have anything in mind for your next al- head, and what he’s has come from their sing about what we find interesting, and much of bum to try and make it 2-for-2? currently reading. consistency, and as of what we find interesting is others’ work, often in JN: Reggae breakdowns, and we've been work- Alex Bieler: For and swearing. yet we've only pushed the form of books and cinema. ing on Thom’s voice – he can do an impressively a band that pretty out one album. But it’s AB: When you come to America, is there any- low Lamb of God-like metal voice so maybe that much started by cre- fantastic that people thing you look forward to doing in your spare plus Gus MC'ing? Could work? ating music that its band members wanted to find resemblances in our music. time? Also, I saw that Gus was wearing a Minne- hear, does all the success feel sort of like a dream AB: Given references to "Where the Wild sota Vikings shirt when you guys were on Triple Alex Bieler can be contacted and you're just hoping nobody wakes you up? Things Are" and "Leon: The Professional" in your J in Australia, so I've always wondered if any of at [email protected], Joe Newman: If I wake up to find this to be songs, it wouldn't surprise me if you guys were you had a special connection to the States, be it and you can follow him on a dream, I'm not quite sure how I'd react. There big culture buffs. Are you reading or watching Minnesota or not. Twitter @Catch20Q. To fol- would be a lot of crying and screaming and anything interesting at the moment? JN: We have no real connection other than that low this story or comment, swearing. We have been flabbergasted by the re- JN: I'm about to read “Iris: A Memoir of Iris jumper Gus wears and the fact that we all look scan the QR code or go to sponse to our debut album. Murdoch,” and today I was handed our fellow forward to returning to Minnesota. We like the http://erirdr.com/a0i80

BLESSED SACRAMENT Ultimate 80s Block Party Starring NEW WAVE NATION! An 80s tribute cover band from OHIO.

Blessed Sacrament Saturday, June 29th parking lot from 7 - 11 2510 Greengarden Blvd. Erie, PA 16502

$10 DONATION includes cover and select beverages. Food and raffles for sale. Benefits Blessed Sacrament School Advancement Scholarship Fund. Tickets at the church office or call 454-0171

June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 15 To follow this story or comment, scan the QR MUSIC code or go to http://erirdr. REVIEWS com/7o0na Chrome Moses Chrome Moses Self-released Portugal. The Man Queens of the Stone Age Evil Friends Laura Marling … Like Clockwork, Hailing from a town just Atlantic Once I Was An Eagle Matador two hours south on I-79, Ribbon Music Pittsburgh rockers Chrome While it may not seem so This album to most, more Moses provide some good long to some bands, the When it comes to Laura Mar- than anything, will be about old-fashioned rock on their nearly two years Portugal. ling, the phrase “wise be- the supporting cast. “Clock- self-titled seven-song re- The Man took to release yond her years” immediately work” sees the return of for- lease. The trio kicks things their follow-up to their At- comes to mind, and under- mer bandmates Nick Oliveri off with “Boot Zipper Blues,” a rollicking four lantic Records debut “In standably so. At just 23 years and Mark Lanegan, along minutes of The Strokes-inspired guitar work, the Mountain In the Cloud” old, the British singer/song- with Dave Grohl drumming bopping bass lines, and cymbal crashing good- was a long gap for the Alaska-raised, Portland, writer manages to create for one-half of the album, coupled with guest ness. Guitar fans will be pleased by the thump- Ore.-based band, having pumped out an al- deftly arranged, ‘60s folk-inspired songs with spots from Trent Reznor, Jake Shears, Alex Turn- ing, bluesy solos provided by Joe Piacquadio, bum each year from 2006 to 2011. Still, when engaging lyrics, all in a voice similar to if Re- er, and even Elton John. But make no mistake: whose soulful voice permeates through the the group got Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, gina Spektor aged a decade or two and ended This album is Josh Homme – the sole continu- tracks, breaking into a brawny, Caleb Followill- to produce latest effort “Evil Friends,” the - ex up settling for cold-hearted logic over fanciful ous band member and principle singer/song- like squeal when provoked. After “Boot Zipper tra time seemed worth it. With Burton behind dreams. Appropriately, her latest album “Once I writer – a collection of wails, coos, oddities, and Blues,” the rocking continues on “Black Hearted the knobs, the band maintains a darker vibe Was An Eagle” focuses on the battle of logic and pleasures. The band’s sixth studio album – the Girl” and “Cinnamon Moon.” The second half of throughout the album, all while keeping songs love, kicking off with a wonderful four-song set first after their last two albums (2005’s “Lulla- “Chrome Moses” continues along the same for- fun, in large part due to frontman John Gour- highlighted by the soaring yet tragic “I Was bies to Paralyze” and 2007’s “Era Vulgaris”) fell mula, and though it contains admirable efforts, ley’s youthful voice. Portugal. The Man certainly An Eagle,” in which Marling announces “Every far short of the critics’ darling (2002’s “Songs it doesn’t compare with the first trio of tracks, succeed in creating a batch of tunes that keep little girl is so naïve… I will not be a victim of for the Deaf”) – lacks the thrashing intensity of although bonus track “Knock One More Time” your head bopping (“Evil Friends” and “Hip Hop romance. I will not be a victim of circumstance.” “Songs,” but is no less pleasing. It’s quieter but provides a nice, swampy change of pace while Kids”), although by the latter third, the formula Over the course of a hefty 16 songs, Marling’s sharper with Homme’s barbing songcrafting, showing of Piacquadio’s vocal abilities, round- starts to drag. Still, with Burton’s help, Gourley journey out of and back into love capture your proving that he knows not only how to write ing out an intriguing first release for the Steel and company succeed in pumping out a rous- imagination, lovely songs wrapped in sepia damn good songs but how to assemble a damn City band. - Alex Bieler ing, radio-friendly release. - Alex Bieler tones. - Alex Bieler good cast to support his work. - Ben Speggen

2013 1st Step: Graduation 2nd Step: Graduation Party!! Give us a call for your Banners, Invites, and Much More! 814-833-9020 Go Ask Alice! 4523 W. Ridge Road Presque Isle Erie, PA 16505 Printing Services www.presqueisleprinting.com

16 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 Name your three favorite websites for shopping and inspiration. Three – I have more than Street Fashionista three, I am really good at online shopping – favorite websites to buy clothing are Kelly Lee Kleinert-Haney By: Leslie McAllister ASOS, Mod Cloth, Nord- strom, Forever 21, Lulu's and Nasty Gal. And karmaloop. e are beyond lucky to have such know how to help your girl fly that pesky kite, com and urban outfitters. an amazing peninsula in this a teacup Chihuahua for your pocket (chicks dig com too. town. Lake Erie is our truest Chihuahuas), a Frisbee, and a childlike imagina- Handbags or shoes? gem, and when the summer tion. Shoes! Although in the rolls in, it's the only place to be. Our sunsets are Chicks also go wa-wa for the childlike imagi- summer, you will most likely amazing,W our little amusement park is adorable, nation thing – we're all still kids at heart. catch me just in flip-flops – and Sara's is the place for the tastiest peanut but- Who? Kelly Lee Kleinert-Haney or barefoot, ha – no one has ter yogurt and the zestiest curly fries! Where? Presque Isle Beach One time to chase kids around in What better way to enjoy that firey descending Why Kelly? She is the bohemian goddess – a heels! orb, drum circles, and picnics on the beach than modern day Yemaya, spirit of the water per- What is your most beloved in the flowiest, boho-iest kind of way. White sonified, a maiden in the mist with an adorning tattoo? Have you stopped gauzy, lacey, maxi dresses with flowers in our hair crown of flowers. Her gauzy, lacey maxi is perfect counting how many you – shoes not required. for walking the beach in search of heart-shaped have? Your uniform for the summer consists of the rocks, boldly colored glass and other curiosities. Yes, I have stopped count- following, in no special order: The charm bracelet and bejeweled sandals are ing! I am getting a bodysuit, The cutest bike with the cutest basket – think: the exact accompaniment to play up her day so counting is just ridiculous vintage-esque beach cruiser with a brown wicker dress. Be it frolicking, chasing babies, or medi- at this point. My favorites are basket, full of fresh flowers or a little doggie. Gi- tating on the beauty of nature, Kelly’s style is ef- the ones for my daughters. fortless, gypsy-esque, and immaculate. What is on your agenda for summer fun? What We Want to Know: I have manifested this She is the Describe your style. summer to be the most fun I often have a really hard time describing my summer ever, so I have a lot Leslie McAllister bohemian goddess style. My closet is very confusing, as I like so of plans! My favorite will be many different types of fashion. However, I very going to the Jersey Shore – as rarely wear pants, so however I am dressed I am I do every year – for a few weeks. It's very nos- a handful of really good independently-owned – a modern day always a lady. talgic for me. restaurants, which we prefer. It really is a good From where do you get your inspiration? You are an Erie transplant. Tell us your story – place to have a family. Yemaya, spirit I could give a 500-word answer for this. Ha! I where are you from and how are you liking Erie? seriously find inspiration in everything. My brain What surprises you most about this town? Check out Kelly's blog – Kelly's World – full of never ever stops! I am a transplant! My husband and I moved cupcakes, makeup, and fun times with her kiddies of the water If you had to pack in a flash for a weekend get- here about two years ago. We were both artists at www.kellyleerules.blogspot.com, or follow her on away to the beach what would you bring? working in Philadelphia; he is a tattoo artist, and twitter @kellyleerules, and for a killer tattoo, find personified, a Bathing suit, cover up, iPhone, mascara, wine. I am a makeup artist. Pat Haney at Ink Assassins, located at 2601 Peach This is all assuming this getaway is kid-free! In We love, love, love Philadelphia, but when my St. maiden in the mist my dreams – ha! husband's friend said they needed some tattoo As a make-up artist, what are your Top 5 artists at Ink Assassins, we thought we would Find me out on the town and challenge yourself to must-have beauty essentials and Top 5 makeup give it a try. The idea of less crime, a cheaper cost get noticed by the Erie Reader! with an adorning products? of living, and the ability to be a stay-at-home Loaded question! I could go on! mom was a refreshing idea, so we moved. Leslie McAllister can be crown of flowers. Top 5 beauty essentials: I'm not going to lie, the first year and a half contacted at lMcAllister@ 1. Kiehl's Midnight Recovery Concentrate were not fun for us! It was a more drastic change ErieReader.com, and you gantic sunglasses – aviator or retro, your decision. 2. Kiehl's Vitamin C serum than I had anticipated. But over time, it became can follow her on Twitter @ A straw hat -- floppy or fedora, whatever protects 3. Face wipes (I actually like Target's) better for sure. The peninsula really is a gem – we ShopJuJus. To follow this your precious skin. Your most flattering swim- 4. LUSH Ocean Salt scrub (best exfoliator ever) go daily. And even weekly in the winter. We are story or comment, scan the wear. A boho maxi dress – white cotton, black 5. The Body Shop Coconut Body Butter (the totally an outdoors family! QR code or go to http://erirdr. and white stripped, lacey love, or asymmetrical whole coconut line is a must-have, actually) Antiquing is great here, and there are definitely com/zevcg – pick one. Top 5 makeup must have’s: Loads of Tibetan prayer beads around your 1. Mascara!! MAC Haute n Naughty or Dior 2818 West 8th St 2518 Peach St neck or wrist. A bottle of water or a sparkling Show coconut seltzer. Ridiculous quartz crystal rings or 2. Foundation: MAC Studio Fix Fluid amethyst shards dangling from your neck – think 3. Eye brow pencil, I wear MAC Lingering the Astral-Goddess-gone-beach-babe-for-a-day. 4. Blush: NARS Orgasm A daisy chain of flowers to crown your head. A 5. A great finishing powder is a must: Makeup Mexican Serape to lie upon for reading tarot, Forever HD Loose Powder Grasshopper sharing secrets, or cloud gazing. And sunscreen, Items in your closet you are currently ob- sunscreen, sunscreen. sessed with (p.s. I instrgram stalked you – love Prepare to be lulled into a hypno-trance listen- the sunglasses, had to buy them; don't hate me). ing to the crest and crash of the waves. I am pretty obsessed with my floor-length sheer 20% off Gents, pack your beach bag with the following: kimono. I have gone to wear it out about three Board shorts in a plaid pattern, short-sleeve times now in Erie and haven't... I'm just not sure ANY CLOTHING ITEM. button-down cotton shirts, slick shades, boogie Erie is ready for it! My high-waist jeans from Ur- board, and while you're at it, a long board too ban Outfitters, and my disco pants from Ameri- 1 coupon per customer. (why not?). Add canvas Vans, Bocce, some flow- can Apparel. Every girl needs a pair of those! Expires June 25, 2013 ers for your lady fair, an ice-cold beverage, the You'll feel like Sandra Dee at the end of “Grease!” June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 17 SIDENTS A RE ARE RIE Y E 12 B 1, ' , '1 '10 IN W RO N A S I AR V YE OT ER 3 ED BEST CATER

18 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 You Ought to Know: Kevin-John Jobczynski

By: Alex Bieler a huge sports buff, save for his love of football. Before the Sports Auction, Kevin-John was more interested in landmark art, bringing in some cash buzz has started outside a small flow with his craft, but not enough to pay all of square room in The Ambassador the bills. The McDowell High School graduate Banquet & Conference Center, with eventually contacted Edinboro about tickets, of- several pairs of eyes peeping in to fering to donate some of his work to benefit the catch a glimpse of a rather animated athlete be- auction and to provide a gift for his pigskin hero. ingA interviewed by JET 24’s Craig Smylie. It was this gesture that helped put him on the Standing with the local sportscaster is Pitts- sports-art path. burgh Steelers free safety Ryan Clark. The hard- “Rod really liked the piece, and he asked me to hitting defensive back is pretty loose with the dif- help him carry it out to his car when the [Auc- ferent media members in the room, joking around tion] was done,” Kevin-John says, recalling the before signing autographs at the 10th Edinboro memory fondly. "We talked, and he said, ‘I’m University Sports Memorabilia Auction with opening up a restaurant in Pittsburgh, and I’d wide receiver teammate Antonio Brown. The like to have a portrait of myself playing football Steelers stars are two of the special guests for the in the restaurant. Would you be interested in do- event, scribbling down their John Hancock’s on ing that?’” a special Clark-approved poster created by the Eventually, Rod would go on to show Kevin- third man sitting at the signing table, celebrity John’s handiwork to his teammates, which led to more projects for the artist, oftentimes for trade – an autograph here, a jersey there. However, even The goateed artist talks with new high-profile clients contracting him for work, Kevin-John couldn’t yet call art his primary openly of his past. At career. Still, for someone that discovered his love of drawing early on, it was a step towards turning the Sports Auction, he that passion into a career. warmly greets everyone “I’ve always wanted to draw, that was always my thing,” Kevin-John says. “I don’t know the reason; that approaches, his it’s just something inside of me. When I found out that a pencil or crayon or marker could make muscular arms reaching something out of a piece of paper, I wanted to draw things that I like. When I was a kid, it was

out to shake the hands of Contributed Photo Batman and dinosaurs and ‘Star Wars.’ For some those that approach him. reason, I just wanted to replicate those things on Celebrity artist Kevin-John Jobczynski, originally paper.” from Erie, now works for Disney. The goateed artist talks openly of his past. At sports artist Kevin-John Jobczynski. the Sports Auction, he warmly greets everyone “It’s pretty sweet,” Clark says, as he plants that approaches, his muscular arms reaching out he says. “I took the leap of faith and left my job sketching Walt Disney right now because it’s so his signature beside his Kevin-John-crafted to shake the hands of those that approach him. and took the shot. I worked my ass off, starved, much fun. I’m having the time of my life render- likeness.“I think he made my muscles very rep- He wasn’t always quite as gregarious as he is now, almost lost my house, but I survived, eventually ing my idol for his company.” resentative of who I am – they’re very swole. He something that his art helped change. started eating again, and now it’s more wonderful Now Kevin-John lives in Florida, not too far always does a great job. To have somebody like “I was socially awkward as a real young kid, than ever.” Disney World, part of a personal goal to eventu- him involved with this event is huge for this area like a grade-school kid,” Kevin-John says, unex- Now the Millcreek man has built up an im- ally live by the beach on the ocean, but none of because he’s a guy that’s from here and he loves pected words from a man that was surrounded pressive resume. It’s hard work, with portraits it ever would have happened if it weren’t for a it.” by Auction-goers in The Ambassador. “I didn’t taking roughly 80 to 100 hours to complete, of- little luck, a lot of talent, and the will to stick to This isn’t Kevin-John’s first foray into the world necessarily know how to communicate very well ten forcing Kevin-John into 16-hour workdays his dreams. of sports. Far from it, in fact, as the Millcreek- with other kids and that sort of thing, but as soon to complete a commission on time. Yes, there “You can’t be scared to fail,” Kevin-John says, bred artist has worked with a SportsCenter as I would start drawing, I would have 12 kids are times where he isn’t always enthralled with dispensing words of advice to other potential studio’s worth of professional ballplayers, from huddled around the table watching me. I realized his situation, but when he recalls the multitude artists.“I’ve failed thousands of times. So you fail Steelers greats “Mean” Joe Greene and Jerome really early that if I drew a dinosaur better than of unloved part-time jobs – from selling ads to – you learn from it and keep going.” Bettis to NASCAR star Dale Earnhardt, Jr. anybody else in the classroom, that’s pretty cool, whipping up graphics – he remembers how spe- And keep going he did, eventually making his Heck, even ESPN itself has contracted him for so I kept doing it.” cial his career is to him. dream a reality. If Kevin-John’s life – from the his art. Still, all success stories have a beginning, Fast-forward to the late-‘90s and Kevin-John Of course, a recent contract with Disney cer- awkward dinosaur-aided early years to having and appropriately, Kevin-John’s sports-art career stayed true to his word, keeping one foot in the tainly hasn’t hurt his morale at all, although if it bosses trying to talk him out of his passion – was got its start due to Edinboro’s fundraiser. art world as he planted the other in what some weren’t for a friend’s insistence that he submit his a Disney movie, you couldn’t have drawn it up “Way back in the mid-‘90s was the first time naysayers deemed “real jobs.” He worked in ad- work to the company, he wouldn’t be working any better. that they had a sports memorabilia auction and vertising, he sold cars, and he worked in radio – with the massive corporation. Despite his doubts, my all-time favorite athlete was Rod Woodson, all while he pursued his dream career on the side, Kevin-John ended up being chosen by Disney Alex Bieler can be contacted at aBieler@ and he was coming to be the guest signer at the despite one boss telling him to give up on art and and now gets to work with the company his idol ErieReader.com, and you auction,” Kevin-John says. “I hadn’t really done beg his parents to take him back. founded. can follow him on Twitter anything sports-related back then at all, maybe Eventually, he did leave something behind.But “It’s like a dream come true,” he says, the joy @Catch20Q. To follow this just a few pieces for personal consumption.” it wasn’t what his boss suggested. evident in his voice. “Open my high-school year- story or comment, scan the It may come as a surprise, but despite all of “I realized that until I made [art] a full-time ca- book, and where it says what you want to do, it QR code or go to http://er- his experience with sports art, Kevin-John isn’t reer, it wasn’t going to become a full-time career,” says, ‘I want to be a Disney artist.’ I can’t stop irdr.com/j25h5 June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 19 [Cont. from 11] his undiscovered story. “I have minds us that you can put just about anything programming is directly political, at least it is a lected, and he’s trying to get them all out there nothing against religious programming,” DJ says on public access. The canned laughter and audi- possibility, and as Bob reminds us, “It’s a healthy before he can’t anymore. His I Am TV persona whole-heartedly, “but I had to have something on ence cheer in Episode 14, “Cheesy Schwarma,” is thing in a free society.” has intensity to it, an intensity that breeds a the channel to balance out the number of reli- reminiscent of something Hunter S. Thompson contagious enthusiasm for life in the Erie com- gious shows that [CATV] had.” Interestingly and would find inspiration from during a long night munity and all its opportunities. “Living everyday importantly, roughly 50 percent of CATV’s pro- in a hotel room, dying to make sense of the non- he whole idea behind a well-developed like it’s your last” isn’t just a cliché idiom for Scott gramming is still religiously affiliated. DJ’s show sensical. television show is to give the impression – it is a principle. “We should be ashamed for may not directly reflect his life, but it allowed for The animals are played by DJ and co-writer of experience without actually having to not doing more with what we have,” he says, still some of the pent up insanity – stored in his head and producer Joe Kwitkowski. The anthropomor- goT through the experience. However, our society smiling. like an old, forgotten box, buried beneath nights phic rodents all carry a different slew of strange loves being on camera, being part of the show “There’s pre-deployment Scott, and there is of watching mop strands swirl across a dirty floor talents, issues, and ethnicities. “[The animals] rather than apart from it. We can scroll through a post-deployment Scott, and post-deployment – to finally go free into the cable lines. have strange backstories. The kangaroo is from thousand mouse-clicks’ worth of pictures of our- Scott came back on a mission to take a city.” If After a couple productions, DJ reduced his Russia, the elephant – his name is Chung-Kei selves and reminisce about each one; likewise, if Erie had a Pirate Radio, he’d be the one standing social anxiety and stepped out from behind his – he’s a Samurai pachyderm,” he says, as if thick- the counter goes up on our YouTube channel, we at the ship’s wheel. “Post-deployment Scott came puppet stage, still moving to the second safest skinned, sword-wielding Japanese mammals are smile and watch our own video again, as if to see back on a mission to affect change.” spot – behind the camera. But he was also estab- commonly written in and type-casted as warriors. if we’re still in it. Scott believes Erie is in the midst of a renais- lishing himself as a talented producer, and soon DJ’s main character is a skunk, who has had an So, what if Erie was the subject of a network, a sance, he believes the importance of art, music, he was doing more work on others’ shows than amazing revelation with help from his co-star, real commercial network? and culture is coming back to this city, and he his own. After a few months, he started filming a half wolf-half raccoon played by the show’s No longer would we simply see our celebrities wants to be a part of this transformation. “There and editing with other CATV members, ulti- second half, Joe: If I make a television show, then merely on television screens, but rather in our are a lot of organizations out there that are doing mately meeting with other passionate producers. humans will bring me food. city’s streets. Erie would be TV, you would be the same types of things,” he admits. But these While DJ never found a common bond with The desk in DJs office now serves as his puppet TV, and even I would be TV – all with: I am TV. organizations may be lacking the perspective I what he describes as “the truck driver mentality” stage. Except, today if you ask him what he likes I Am TV is not only an independent, local tele- Am TV has acquired. “We have primetime cable third-shift crew at his janitorial job, he was able more, sitting behind the scenes or out under the vision network but the persona of network presi- television… who else can get primetime televi- to use his new common thread to weave friend- stage lights, he’ll tell you he’d rather be in front of dent, Scott Jones. As if his eyes were two lenses sion access? I Am TV, that’s it!” ships in the studio. “[CATV] taught be how to the camera. After years of working with CATV, themselves, he wants to bring the experience he’s From 8 to 10 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Satur- interact with people. It’s taught me how to deal DJ has found a creative family here, and the stu- found in Erie – from concert coverage to coun- day on channels 180 [Erie, Erie County] and 225 with real life.” dio has become a second home for him. terculture – to your television screen. [Crawford County], viewers can experience the In contrast with his new understanding of life, Despite the subject matter of “Please Stand He’s got a grin that indicates he’s truly happy to artistic rebirth of Erie on I Am TV. his show “Please Stand By,” is far from factual. By,” he takes his job seriously and still believes see the sun each day, and a couple worry lines, like If Scott is steering the ship, picture Paul Gor- The premise of the show is simple, clever, and the voice that CATV allows the citizens of Erie scars, that note he hasn’t always experienced life man, executive producer of “Inked in Erie,” with outlandish: What would animals broadcast if to have is significant. “I think [what we do] is im- through the lens of a camera. Caused by his days the telescope, keeping an eye out from the crow’s they took over a TV station? portant because we give people a voice,” DJ says. of combat in Afghanistan, Scott pushed down on nest. While Scott is more sales-minded, Paul With its epileptic transitions, spliced with “It [means] that somebody might run a pro- the fast-forward button of life and wouldn’t let lends himself to content. bizarre Internet footage, and undertones of gram that [is] critical of things going on in the up when he arrived back to the States. Their dynamic is nothing new – one guy at creepiness due to big, fuzzy, life-sized creature city," Bob says, possibly thinking of his next He talks fast but confident, as if the ideas are the wheel, another looking beyond the horizon costumes, “Please Stand By” is the show that re- meeting with City Council. Although little of the coming to him faster than his words can be col- charting the direction – but it’s this contrast in

20 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 personality that makes a creative organization “Inked in Erie” is a double-threat when it comes thrive. Years ago, when Paul was still playing in to piquing the audience’s interest. “The ‘Ink’ com- Legal Notice a band called the Gypsy Poets, Scott approached munity itself is its own subculture, but what I the guys about being filmed for a television show, managed to do with the show is get people in our Fictitious name notice Scott’s first attempt at launching an independent community on television.” 1. Fictitious Name: The GeekERIE TV station. In Episode 1 of the first season, the I Am TV 2. Address of the principal place of Later, Scott approached Paul again, but this crew follows Jack, a 78 year-old army veteran and business: 3626 Harvard Road, Erie, Pa. time his station had a mission, “to transform lives terminal cancer patient whose dying wish is to 16508 in the community by building [a] creative outlet get his first tattoo. Patrick Stephens, aka Phat 3. Names and addresses of the persons and connecting people to this outlet.” Pat, over at Vicious Rumors received a call from who are a party to the registration: Sean For over a decade, Paul had been producing Erie hospice and the Make-A-Wish Foundation Edward McGrath, 3626 Harvard Road, independent films, shows, and webisodes with regarding the war hero’s yearning for ink. Jack’s Erie, Pa. 16508 no real outlet to connect them to. “Scott knew family was adamantly opposed to the idea of him 4. The application for registration of the about my work,” Paul says, while measuring an getting tattooed, so much so, that they threatened fictitious name was filed with the De- imaginary portfolio packed full of work with his to sue anyone involved in the process. Thus, the partment of State under the Fictitious hands “So he approached me with the idea of the old timer’s skin was inked in secrecy, only Phat Name Act on or about April 19, 2013. network and said, ‘Hey, I got a whole bunch of Pat and I Am TV’s camera crew were present June 12 primetime television space, would you want to and the parlor even locked its doors until Jack develop a show or two for me?’ and I’m like, ‘Holy left with his new tattoo, the “little life owl” he Hell, Scott. Yes!’” always wanted. There are three aspects that separate I Am TV By the time he arrived back at his nursing home, from CATV: funding, content, and the end goal. his family had found out, but they softened when I Am TV is for-profit, meaning they have adver- they saw Jack, so proud of his bird. Since that first tisers and commercials between and during their episode, Jack has returned for another tattoo, an broadcasts. Eagle over his heart, and plans to go back for a “It’s all still community-based,” says Paul, third, a mouse. counting up the local advertisers – some of which include Arts Bakery, Harley Davidson, and Dave t the heart of it, CATV and I Am TV Hallman Chevrolet. have the same longing to capture these Because I Am TV has a costly and limited beautiful moments in our underex- timeslot, Scott and Paul are A posed city. “We really want choosier about who puts what to know what the community where. “It’s not like anybody We have wants,” says Scott. Through can walk in and drop some- social media, which Scott has thing off,” Paul says, fully primetime cable deemed I Am TV’s “founda- aware that without quality tion,” these stations can reach content, Scott won’t be able television… out to the public like never to find funding. “We’re af- before. I Am TV holds live ter something different. We who else can TV contests via Facebook want to be more engaging, we get primetime and Twitter where people can want to get the community win free “ink” for submitting involved, we want to draw out television access? I a picture of their worst tattoo. the creative people, and give Conversely, CATV is glad them a place to work.” Am TV, that’s it!” to give lessons and provide I Am TV is still in its in- resources for anyone longing fancy stage, launching March for a public voice. 23, 2013, but it’s generating revenue – enough As there may very well be a renaissance in the to start paying producers a small wage. However, Erie arts, as Scott Jones indicated, we should this also means limiting what content, and how cultivate our local up-and-comers by continu- much of it, is put on air. The hope is that quality ing to support local organizations like this. But content will attract more sponsors, fueling the we must also ensure we have the means to com- team with more broadcasting time, which in turn municate – rich, poor, or underserved, a privilege means more Erie producers, journalists, and art- Bob Lechner is scared to lose if CATV doesn’t ists have a shot at landing a local job they’re pas- receive proper funding. sionate about “Anybody in the region that wants “We don’t know where CATV is going to be to do a show has that opportunity,” Paul states, in a year, but we’re trying to make it symbiotic likely with the caveat of quality in mind, so that they can help us and we can help them,” “Our short-term goals right now are to stay in Paul adds. primetime… Where we want to end is to be a By the time an experience has been filmed, 24/7 network that reaches as far as we can go.” edited, and projected through our televisions, we Where I Am TV has made its biggest mark is sometimes forget what we’re watching and why through “Inked in Erie,” a television show akin we’re watching, diluted from all the junk food to “LA Ink,” “Miami Ink,” and “Inked,” except television. But these local stations are broadcast- it’s kept at a gritty, street-level without the added ing from our city, our streets, and maybe even glamour of Hollywood interference. Erie is home your neighborhood, and they play a vital role in to more than a dozen tattoo parlors, a huge our community by showing us the stories of you, “Inked” community, and a dramatic undercurrent of me, of our city – of Erie and its people. of tattoo-artist trash-talking. “‘Inked In Erie’ has become – I don’t want to Matthew Flowers can be contacted at mFlowers@ overstate it – a viral phenomenon. The Facebook ErieReader.com, and you page has reached almost 300,000 people,” Paul can follow him on Twitter @ says while pointing to a stack of DVDs of the MFlowersER. To follow this first season. story or comment, scan the With a clever concoction of curiosity-provok- QR code or go to http://erirdr. ing culture and a chance to see familiar faces, com/5xehb June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 21 lenge, give the ol’ Double- Vegetarian Triple Bypass, which packs on three all-beef patties, Whole Foods Café Offer- ham, salami, pepperoni, ing a wide variety of vegetar- capicola, provolone, and ian staples, including wraps, American cheese all on one sandwiches, soups, pizza, ERIE’S EATS hoagie roll, a try. and seasonal specialties. 24 N. Park Row // 455.1072 1341 W. 26th St. // 456-0282 up some of Erie’s more // 734.3400 French Japanese won’t break the bank but American Fusion unique breakfast and lunch will definitely stretch your Suds and Grub Bertrand’s Bisttro Sushi and Asian Cuisine Wings Avanti’s If you’ve only options. Their breakfast Brewpub A belt. U Pick 6 Tap House Great eaten breakfast at Avanti’s, burrito is a must-try, but menu featuring local meats Fresh sushi and sashimi Buffalo Wild Wings Brewerie Erie’s only brew- and vegetables and organ- steal the spotlight of this 2709 W. 12th St. // 835.2290 beer meets great food at the you are in for a big surprise. be sure to check in for fresh and 4236 Peach St. // daily specials. on-premise pub and eatery, ic and Kosher ingredients show but their support- corner of Fourth and State Fourteen original sauces and Every Thursday, Friday, and 860.8187 and 4459 Buffalo loads of televisions make Saturday night, this daytime the Brewerie is on a mission when possible. The crepes ing cast shouldn’t go unno- Rd. // 898.1531 streets. From gourmet flat- 2605 Washington Ave. // to, “Revitalize Downtown and award-winning wine ticed. The Kim Chi is a breads to pizza muffins, BWW a great place to meet diner changes over to a Moe’s With friendly staff 452.2500 Erie One Pint at a Time.” selection are more than great place to start and any there’s plenty of great grub friends for the big game. fine dining establishment. Jo’s Brooklyn Bagels A serving up fresh, made-to- Full bar menu available. Check back often since enough to encourage a trip of the noodle choices make to pair with the endless flow walk through the door says 123 W. 14th St. // 454.2200 order southwest fare, Moe’s of over 20 microbrews on the menu changes weekly. to France via downtown for good choices to contin- Interchange Road it all. Well, at least it’s speak- is a great place for quality, tap. And with helpful serv- BYOB Erie. ue on. With veggie-friendly on-the-go Mexican food. (Across from Milcreek Mall) ing to your noise. Inhale Carribean options and a staff happy to ers who know their beer, 18 N. Park Row // 871.6477 868.9464 1662 W. 8th St. // 456.3096 deeply and breathe in those 2052 Edinboro Rd. this is a great place to come Pineapple Eddie South- serve you, Sushi and Asian Odis 12 aromas. Fresh bagels and (Outside Millcreek Mall) to try the beers you’ve never Award-winning Summer House Café With ern regional cuisine served Gastropubs Cuisine is a must. wings and affordable sit- an ever-changing menu and coffee. What’s not to love 459.2121 had but have always want- about that combination? A up with a bit of caribbean 1014 State St. //455.0596 down dining. Odis 12 lots of fresh baked good- flair. Featuring savory dish- Jeckyl & Hydes - Just like ed to. little piece of Brooklyn right Aoyama Think it’s hard Middle Eastern features over 100 differ- ies, this local favorite serves here in Erie. es like Creole shrimp and the title characters—wait, 333 State St. // 520.5419 ent flavors, including the breakfast and lunch daily andouille sausage over grits, character—this gastropub to find a daily sushi bar Casablanca From tradi- Six Pack House of Beer crowd-favorite “ugly cous- and stays open for dinner 833 W. 38th St. // 520.6246 seared catfish served with seems bent on being two in Erie? Find your way to Aoyama for the hibachi tional to modern reci- With an ever-changing line- in.” Thursday, Friday, and Satur- Peggy’s Restaurant A rice and beans and fresh things at once—and that’s pes, from strictly vegetari- up of brews on tap and cool- day. BYOB sauteed vegetables, and a good thing. While the experience combined with 664 W. 26th St. // 452.6347 landmark in the Liberty an extensive sashimi and an meals to meals centered er wall of six-packs to go, Plaza for a few decades now, grilled Angus Rib Eye steak. seating area is small, which around a choice selection Greengarden Tavern 2605 Washington Ave. // sushi menu. You’ll have the Six Pack also serves up some Classic corner bar atmo- 452.2500 Peggy’s serves up quick, Deserts include grilled makes for a cozy experience, of fresh meat, Casablan- cheap eats to boot. pound cake served w/fresh the tastes are big and bold. choice between hibachi- sphere, great prices, excel- 1201 Kitchen affordable meals and plen- ca Grille looks to provide Featuring glazed pineapple, ice cream style seating and the tradi- 847 Pitt. Ave. // 454.1989 lent wings. Honey-hot Latin/Asian-inspired food, ty of room for conversa- 8 E. 10th St. // 456.0072 tional sit-down dining expe- something for everyone tion. You can sit at the long and rum sauce, and luscious looking for a good Moroc- U Pick 6 Beer Store Off barbecue and cranch are this hip downtown spot lime layer cake. BYOB. rience, so your mood can do standouts. Go Browns! is full of great art, and the counter than spans nearly Irish the choosing for you. Reser- can meal—and the diversi- the downtown beaten path, marble bar is a perfect place the entire restaurant, grab a 1402 W. 10th St. // 454.0700 vations are highly suggested. ty’s a good thing too since U Pick 6 takes pride in its 1543 W. 8th St. // 454.3367 booth upfront, or get a table when it comes to Middle revolving draft beer line- to try their fresh sushi. With Molly Brannigans - Got Park Tavern – Known for a menu that changes every in the back. Chinese a hankering for bangers and 970 Millcreek Mall // East Mediterranean cuisine, up. With some quick eats 868.7999 Casablanca is it. Reserva- and sandwiches sliced up its wings, the Park Tavern four to six weeks, be sure to 3512 Liberty St. // 866.3216 mash? Have no idea what boasts a family-friendly Golden Wok Quality the heck bangers and mash Hibachi From flinging tions are recommended. right in front of you, U check in often. The Breakfast Place Low smoke-free environment. ingredients, affordable pric- is? Head to this authentic shrimp to slinging steak, Pick 6 draws you in for the Try some Herbies or crispy 1201 State St. // 464.8989 prices and big portions-- es, and consistent service Hibachi combines dinner 2174 W. 8th St. // 452.4544 beer and keeps you for the just the way Erie likes it! The Irish gastropub where you Palm Market and Deli Cajuns. Buffalo Cajun is Under the Clock - Locat- make this Chinese restau- can get your fill of Irish- with the show without conversation. also recommended. Cajun eggs are a must-try. rant stand out among the service charges or ticket fees. This authentic Arabic ed in the historic Boston fare and Irish drinks. From 7520 Peach St. // 866.2337 Store, Under the Clock 2340 E. 38th St. // 825.2727 rest. Jameson to Guinness, from If you’re fine with sitting market and eatery offers 4205 E. Lake Road // is reviving the old phrase beside your date instead of delicious, freshly prepared 899.8661 Panos Open late night with 3202 Pitt. Ave. // 836.9657 Shepherd’s Pie to Purcell’s Steakhouse “Let’s meet under the an attentive wait staff who Fish and Chips, Molly across from him or her, opt food and baked goods for clock.” With a “sophisticat- for this straight-off the grill a very reasonable price. The Sweet Treats will never let your coffee Delicatessens Brannigans brings the Irish Sensory 3 Next time you’re ed casual”-style restaurant pub to downtown Erie. without time-to-chill dinner market offers a wide variety mug go empty. Try the at Presque Isle Downs & Mighty Fine Donuts If experience, Under the Clock famous Greek omelet. Teresa’s Italian Deli experience. of exotic food and merchan- Casino, take a break from 506 State St. // 453.7800 dise. you love donuts and are offers lunch and dinner 3000 W. 12th St. // 838.2495 the table games and check menus with something for 1504 W. 38th St. // 866.0517 Teresa’s Deli has been a McGarrey’s Oakwood looking for something staple in Erie for over 60 2702 Parade St. out this bar and grille If off the well-worn path to everyone. The steak salad Café Known for the award- Mediterranean you’re cashing in your chips is a must-try for any self- Sidewalk Cafe Tucked years, and it’s no secret why. winning Reuben, McGar- Dunkin’ Donuts and Krispy away on historic North Now in its third generation, Pizza for fine dining, we bet on Kreme, this local gem is respecting carnivore. Look- rey’s believes in big portions Petra Open since 2004, Park Row, you’ll find one of the Theresa’s staff still makes being satisfied by a fine your destination spot. ing for something lighter? of comfort food served up Petra serves as Erie’s window Papa Joe’s With special- downtown’s popular break- the food fresh every day, steak since Sensory 3 serves Heralded by locals as the Try their seared ahi tuna. hot and fresh. Although to the Eastern Mediterra- ty pizzas ranging from up some of the best cuts in fast and lunch places. following the same scratch Irish in name, McGarrey’s nean. The folks at Petra want “Vegan Demise” to “Chick- best donuts ever 101 Boston Store Place // recipes used since 1949. the area. 454.4700 also dishes out American you to have “a unique culi- en Gorgonzola” and subs 2612 Parade St. // 455.6408 26 N. Park Row // 455.0002 8199 Perry Hwy // 866.8359 3201 Greengarden Blvd. // and Italian cuisine so that nary experience.” And with that go by the names of Romolo Chocolates George’s American With retro decor 864.5322 and 810 E. 38th St. you’re bound to find some- Mediterranean-inspired “Enchanted Eggplant” and Colony Pub & Grille – Tony Stefanelli apprenticed trimmed in red and black, // 459.1145 thing satisfying. items on the menu you’re “Chuck Norris,” Papa Joe’s Multiple fireplaces and three with his family in the choc- lymouth avern George’s is known just as P T An Erie Picasso’s With signature 1624 W. 38th St. // 866.0552 unlikely to find anywhere brings more to the table intimate dining rooms make olate business for nearly 20 institution with great food much for looking like a panini-style sandwiches like else, this is a one of a kind than any commercial pizza the Colony a popular spot years. Where’d that get him? and drink specials every retro diner as it is for the the Lee Roslyn (Twinkie, Italian dining experience. joint. And to boot, they for a romantic dinner. He’s one of only 26 master night of the week. friendly safe and great grub. serve up a mean falafel ham, and cheese) and the 3602 W. Lake Road // confectioners and he’s right They’re famous for their DaVinci (sausage, ravioli, Alto Cucina Chef Pat sandwich—something that’s 2670 W. 8 St. // 838.2162 1109 State St. // 453.6454 mashed potatoes, but don’t 838.7197 here in Erie. So for hand- and provolone), Picasso’s is Rodgers mixes the old- a must. Ricardo’s Opened in 1943 made pieces of chocolate, be Pufferbelly Set in a get stuck on only that. Try a must-try. Great vegetarian world with the exotic. Beau- by two brothers, Ricardo’s decommissioned firehouse, the soups and sandwiches Mexican 3826 W. Ridge Rd. // sure to stop by Romolo’s— options available. tiful décor, with an outdoor 835.3360 serves up some of Erie’s then boast to your out-of- the Pufferbelly is full of arti- on for size too. deck for the summer El Toro Loco With a full finest steaks. Chef Peter Valerio’s town friends about having a facts from Erie’s fire fight- 2060 Interchange Rd. months. bar and the best margaritas More than just West and Cathy Merk- 2614 Glenwood Park Avenue (Outside Millcreek Mall) Pizza, Wings, and Subs! master confectioner in your ing past. // 455.0860 in town, there is something si run one of Erie’s choice 866.1183 3531 W. Lake Road // Local Italian Restaurant & city. 414 French St. // 454.1557 Dominick’s Famous among 835.3900 for everyone. Enjoy a little restaurants that’s known Tickle’s Deli – This popu- Pizzeria that has been serv- 1525 W. 8th St. // 452.1933 Calamari’s Extra-long bar, Erie’s late-night bar patrons taste of Mexico right here in for its hand-cut, grain-fed Colao’s Authentic Italian, ing Erie County for over Pulakos with a large outdoor patio who swear by this place as a lar deli features good pric- downtown Erie. western beef and delicious, George P. Pula- es and big, tasty sandwiches fresh seafood, and a cozy, 17 years. Offering a vari- mouth-watering ribs cooked kos opened his first choco- for those warm summer sure-fire hangover cure. intimate setting. 333 State St. // 454.5626 ety of Homemade Italian nights. including the famous “Big outside year-round. Hearty late shop at 926 State St. in 123 E. 12th St. // 456.6891 Freddy.” Call ahead if you Latino’s With fresh ingre- Dinners, Seafood, Daily 1903. Over a hundred years 2826 Plum St. // 866.9621 Lunch Specials, and Cater- Italian fare with casual feel 1317 State St. // 459.4276 Hyatt’s - Serving up break- can because this downtown dients and a commitment of fine dining make Ricar- later, the fourth-generation- Mi Scuzi Southern Italian to serving up the authentic ing Services. Check out fast and lunch standards for hotspot gets busy at lunch- cuisine with fresh, home- do’s a must. run chocolate shop is still Barbecue years and is a staple in the time. Mexican-cuisine experience, our menus online at www. one of Erie’s favorite plac- made pasta. Latinos is the place to go for valeriospizzeria.com. With 2112 E. Lake Rd // 455.4947 es for a wide selection of West Erie Plaza. 17 W. 4th St. // 455.5718 Three-B Saloon Beer, 2641 Myrtle St. // 454.4533 more than just the average 3 convenient locations to Victor’s –Located inside all things chocolate—and Bacon & Barbeque—the 928 W. Erie Plaza // 456.0102 Gerry’s 8th Street Deli serve you, we’ll have you Amici Ristorante Tex-Mex experience. The the Bel-Aire hotel, Victor’s other delicious snacks too. name says it all. Featur- From the world-class deli With singing...Manga Italiano! Flip Cafe place isn’t flashy, but with offers fine steak and seafood ing slow-cooked brisket, Tired of the to the homemade soups, dinner hours from 5 to 9 2530 Parade St. chain restaurant dishing out p.m. Fridays and Saturdays food this good, it doesn’t 2179 W. 32nd St. // 833- with drink specials every Donut Connection ribs, and other down-home breakfast by the numbers? Gerry’s offers everything and a takeout menu avail- have to be. 2979 and 1803 E. 38th St. night of the week. - Just favorites. If you behave Then try this sweet little you’d expect from a deli. able Monday through Satur- 825-2693 and 724 Powell off the corner of Peach and yourself, you may get a free But with sandwich names 1315 Parade St. // 452.1966 833-8884 // Catering Office// 2800 W. 8 St. // 833.1116 Liberty streets sits a fami- spot tucked away in Edin- day, Amici Ristorante dishes El Canelo With three 866-3193 slice of bacon with your boro. Flip Cafe serves break- like “Cluckmeister,” “Chive out fresh food at affordable ly-owned donut shop that’s beer. Turkey,” “Tongue Fu,” and locations to serve the great- Steel 12 Jonesing for some Thai celebrating its Golden fast and lunch from morn- “Breast of Times” just to prices. From wings to pizza er-Erie area, you’re never Anniversary this year. With 732 W. 4th St. // 451.0007 ing ‘til afternoon, so stop in to fresh perch sandwich- Pittsburgh eats but don’t Khao Thai The only full- name a few, you’re going to more than a 15 minute have four hours to kill on the “best coffee” in town and try any one of the favor- es and more, the menu drive from all the chips and time Thai restaurant in Erie. Breakfast ites, including “Flip Bread.” want to keep going back to has something for every- a roundtrip just for some Luckily, it’s fantastic! Try the and a wide selection of deli- check out all of these one- salsa you can handle served grub? Hit up this Peach- cious hand-cut donuts, this You won’t pay much and one. Call ahead one hour up with sizzling fajitas, drunken noodles for a spicy Summer House Cafe Open you’ll go home happy think- of-a-kind sandwiches. Deli for takeout since food is Street eat for fries on your delight. Vegetarian friend- is a great place for a for a from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. hours run Monday through hand-wrapped enchiladas sandwich and a pizza crust ly. BYOB sweet treat. ing about coming back Saturday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. prepared fresh per order. and burritos, and a whole each day of the week, the again. that can’t be beat. But if yinz 3842 Liberty St. // 864.8702 1518 Walnut St. // 455.0041 lot more. The Super Crab 36 N. Park Row // 454.4069 Summer House Cafe serves 2620 W. 8th St. // 836.8702 are really looking for a chal- 103 Meadville St. Edinboro Quesadilla is a must-try that 22 | Erie Reader | eriereader.com June 12, 2013 June 12, 2013 eriereader.com | Erie Reader | 23 GET IN ON IT ALL