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CONTENTS: From the Editors The only local voice for The roads ahead news, arts, and culture. February 15, 2017 Editors-in-Chief: rie has been at a crossroads for too long. As Brian Graham & Adam Welsh we begin to inch one way, toward innovation Managing Editor: Just a Thought – 4 Nick Warren Ebirthed from bold new ideas, something al- Copy Editor: The fruits of their labor ways seems to pull us in the other direction. It’s Katie Chriest as if the things that should be nothing but obsta- Contributing Editors: cles are becoming our destination. Crises have a Ben Speggen gravity to them, pulling us in by the sheer weight Jim Wertz News of the Weird – 7 of certain problems. Issues like the state of our Contributors: Rent free roaches and off Maitham Basha-Agha public schools, the ongoing heroin epidemic, and Ed Bernik balance accounts the increase of economic blight must be properly Mary Birdsong treated not as our fate, but simply as problems to Tracy Geibel Lisa Gensheimer overcome on our way to a brighter future. Gregory Greenleaf-Knepp One of the most direct factors impacting our Dan Schank Raising the Stakes – 11 Tommy Shannon city’s growth is its leadership. In this issue, Ben Ryan Smith When it comes to the city Speggen dives into the ideas behind our upcom- Ti Sumner Matt Swanseger economy and gaming funds, ing mayoral election. With advice from James Bryan Toy $24 million is greater than Fallows of The Atlantic, he establishes a strong Cover Design: foundation for this momentous decision. This, Nick Warren $550,000 Photographers: the first in a series, serves to underscore an on- Maitham Basha-Agha going focus for the Erie Reader until Election Day Ryan Smith on Nov. 7. Brad Triana For a closer look at an important financial issue Publisher’s Assistant: What History Will Erie Elect Emily Hanisek Intern: to Make? – 12 Angie Jeffery City faces stark choices in One of the most direct factors impacting our city’s growth is 1001 State St. Suite 901 upcoming mayoral primary Erie, Pa., 16501 its leadership. In this issue, Ben [email protected] Speggen dives into the ideas behind our upcoming mayoral election. The Erie Reader is the local voice for Spotlight on Erie – 17 news, arts, and culture, and is Erie’s only independent, alternative newspaper. Here's to you, the same chords Founded in 2010, the Reader has quickly that I stole, from a song that I impacting our city right now, read the op-ed from become the region’s award-winning the Erie County Gaming Revenue Authority’s source for arts coverage, a strong cul- once heard Executive Director Perry Wood. He crunches the tural compass, and a dynamic resource for news and opinion. With a dedication numbers, contrasting the positive effects of prop- to long-form journalism and a commit- er allocation of gaming revenue with the dangers ment to provoking thoughtful discus- posed by new legislation proposed in both Har- sion, the Reader tells the stories of the Good Things Come in Small people and places making and shaping risburg and City Hall. Erie, while highlighting the events and Packages – 30 In this issue, we’re also happy to welcome John issues influencing life in northwestern Working ducks elevated to Repp, as he offers up the first entries in a regu- Pennsylvania. The Erie Reader is published every other week and distributed art in Erie Decoys: Folk Art lar series of book reviews. You’ll also find quite a at over 250 high foot-traffic locations in healthy amount of event spotlights for those in Pennsylvania from North East to Girard Sculpture search of worthwhile activities. In fact, this issue to Edinboro. In addition to appearing in print, Erie Reader adds new content dai- contains as many featured events as an average ly at ErieReader.com as well social me- summer edition. Not too bad for the middle of dia sites. All rights reserved. All content Music Reviews – 32 winter. © Flagship Multimedia, Inc, 1001 State St., Suite 901, Erie, Pa, 16501. No part of The Menzingers, Allison So don’t let the snow throw you off course. this publication may be reproduced There are places to go, and roads to get there, lit- without permission. The opinions of Crutchfield, Surfer Blood, and erally and figuratively. our columnists and contributors are their own and do not always reflect that Elbow As for the future of our city, we have the nec- of the editorial board or organization. essary maps to get us where we need to be, the Direct sales inquiries to 814.314.9364. clearest being Erie Refocused, the comprehensive For editorial inquiries, email contact@ ErieReader.com. Book Reviews – 33 plan from Charles Buki of the Alexandria, Vir- ginia-based firm czb. We have the examples of Recent works by Emily St. John similar cities, some not far from here, that have Mandel and Keith Taylor successfully begun turning things around by reshaping their goals to accommodate our ever changing economy. And most importantly, we have the voice of the people. Capable of shifting Erie Faces Erie – 34 massive tides, the dialogue created by informed A look through photographer citizens can be one of the most powerful forces Ed Bernik’s lens on earth. It’s up to us to speak up, do something, and take the right path.

February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 3 NEWS & VIEWS Just a Thought The fruits of their labor

The stop-in-your-tracks sensational green of an Osage Orange tree fruit, found alongside Gudgeonville Road near Elk Creek.

ders, if we’d only truly look; slower journeying through life reveals what rushing never can. And Mother Nature has an inexplica- bly wacky sense of humor. That one’s for certain. Clichés aside, I’ve thought a lot about that weird green brain – especially about which homesteaders planted it. And also about the neighborly man’s family, stewarding that land for so long. Surely, they thought their problems were insurmountable. Surely, they suffered moments of utter despair. Surely, they wondered how they’d ever find the strength to persevere. KATIE CHRIEST KATIE History is often discussed in such an imposing, distancing way – as if By: Katie Chriest As we walked on, I thought about how little I really know about the place ew Year’s Day dawned bright where I grew up, not far from where I thought about how little and clear. Remember? It’s hard we walked – let alone about its former I really know about the Nto, now that winter’s skies inhabitants. place where I grew up, let have written into history their own 50 What were their private griefs, and alone about its former shades of gray. But on that gleaming public worries? Without ads telling day, the sun shed the shroud of 2016 them what new disease they might inhabitants. What were and allowed us all to believe – at least have, and constant “news” telling their private griefs, and in terms of vitamin D consumption – them what new fears to harbor, what public worries? What kept that 2017 would be a big improvement. kept them awake at night? Or when them awake at night? Or Craving wide open spaces and (most- sleep was restful, what did they dream when sleep was restful, ly) unencumbered views, we drove out about? to a road near the old Gudgeonville What consumed their thoughts, as what did they dream about? Bridge, parked the car, and started they moved through their alternately walking. Soon, we had company. mundane and heroic lives? “Happy New Year, neighbors!” ex- On these things I ruminated. Until it only happened to the important claimed a man leaning out his truck we spotted a fluorescent green grape- people and their most unfortunate window, slowing down to greet us. fruit-sized brain in the leftover snow subjects. So it’s easy to forget the day- “Oh! You looked like the folks who live on the road side of the ditch. to-day lives that actually came before here,” he then corrected, gesturing “What the heck is that?” we both ours. All those who walked our streets toward a farmhouse that sat distant asked, our incredulous voices piercing and lived in our houses and tried to from the slushy dirt road we walked. the quiet country hum. do their best with what life had dealt Instead of pulling off, he introduced Back home that evening, I asked them. himself, idling nonchalantly in the Google, “What is the green brain fun- It’s comforting to think of them now, middle of the road. gus thing under trees in Pennsylva- and the wisdom they’ve embedded in Our local historian told us that his nia?” us. Maybe some of their sensibility land had belonged to his family for 110 Google – with the enduring patience remains in our landscape, waiting to years. And that – though just 67 – he’d of a thousand angelic moms – showed be absorbed by our wandering selves. been in the last class to come through me photos of the Osage Orange tree’s Maybe that wacky fruit really is brain- a nearby one-room schoolhouse with fruit (which are apparently some- like. a potbellied stove and an outhouse. times called “Monkey Balls”). Soon he bade us farewell, driving Of course, the metaphors are gim- Katie Chriest can be contacted over a muddy knoll and out of sight. mes here: Our region is full of won- at [email protected].

January not to use the term "expectant course the Samoa, rated 9, but longtime News of the Weird mothers" when referring to pregnancy favorites like the Trefoil ("boring") rat- because it might offend transgender ed 6 and the Do-Si-Do ("bland") 5. The Rent free roaches and off balance accounts people. Instead, the Association's memo new Toffee-tastic was simply a "bleak, (reported by the Daily Telegraph) sug- flavorless, gluten-free wasteland." [NJ. By: Chuck Shepherd sue (for back rent, fees, and electricity). gested using "pregnant people." The com, 1-31-2017] [New York Post, 1-8-2017] BMA acknowledged that a "large majority" of such people are, in fact, "moth- LEAD STORY EWWWW! Update From "Big Porn" ers," but wrote that there may be "inter- "Less Cowbell!" n Jan. 31, doctors at Stanley Medi- he colossus PornHub dot com, in its sex" and "trans men" who also could get pplicants for passports in Switzer- Ocal College and Hospital in Chen- Tannual January rundown, reported pregnant. [Daily Telegraph, 1-29-2017] Aland are evaluated in part by neigh- nai, India, removed a live, full-grown its several sites had 23 billion "visits" in bors of the applicant, and animal-rights cockroach from the nasal cavity of a 2016 (about one-fourth from females), Leading Economic Indicators campaigner Nancy Holten, 42, was re- 42-year-old woman whose nose had during which time its videos were jected in January because townspeo- n 2001, Questcor Pharmaceuticals been "itchy" earlier in the day. Two hos- viewed 91 billion times. In all, earth- ple view her as obnoxious, with, said a bought the rights to make Acthar pitals were unable to help her, but at lings spent 4.6 billion hours watching I Swiss People's Party spokesperson, a Gel, a hormone injection to treat a rare Stanley, Dr. M N Shankar, chief of ear- PornHub's inventory (that is 5.2 cen- "big mouth." Among Holten's "sins" was form of infantile epilepsy, and grad- nose-throat, used an endoscope, for- turies' time doing whatever people do her constant criticism of the country's ually raised the price from $40 a vial ceps, and, for 45 minutes, a suction de- when viewing porn). USA took home hallowed fascination with cowbells to $28,000 a vial. The British compa- vice because, he said, the roach "didn't the gold for the most "page views" per that make, according to Holten, "hun- ny Mallinckrodt bought Questcor in seem to want to come out." Another capita, just nipping Iceland. Online vis- dred decibel," "pneumatic drill"-type 2014 and apparently figured the vials doctor on the team noted that they've itors from the Philippines, for the third sounds (though a hit song, "(Don't Fear) were still too cheap, raising the price removed beads and similar items from straight year, remained (per capita) on The Reaper," by the group Blue Oyster to $34,000. However, the Federal Trade the nasal cavity (demonstrating the the sites the longest per visit. The top Cult, skillfully employed the cowbell Commission noticed that Mallinckrodt splayed-out trespasser in full wing- search term on PornHub from U.S. com- before it was satirized in an epic "Satur- also during the latter period bought span), "but not a cockroach, especially puters was "step mom." [The Daily Dot, day Night Live" sketch starring Christo- out and closed down the only company not one this large." [Times of India, 2-3- 1-5-2017] pher Walken). [The Independent (Lon- manufacturing a similar, cheaper ver- 2017] don), 1-19-2017] Unclear on the Concept sion of the product, thus ensuring that Mallinckrodt had totally cornered the Can't Possibly Be True ate last year, Oxford University pro- The Aristocrats! market. In January, the FTC announced fessor Joshua Silver accused Brit- achary Bennett and Karen Nourse L that Mallinckrodt agreed to a $100 mil- n January, Texas district judge Patrick ain's Home Secretary of a "hate" crime Zhave found Manhattan quite af- lion settlement of the agency's charge IGarcia was charged with misdemean- merely because the Secretary had made fordable, reported the New York Post of illegal anti-competitive practices. or disorderly conduct after a dispute a speech urging that unemployed Brit- in January by simply not paying, for ("$100 million" is only slightly more outside the courthouse in El Paso. An ons be given preference for jobs over six years now, the $4,750 monthly rent than the price of giving one vial to each April trial date was set for Garcia, who people recruited from overseas. Sil- on their loft-style apartment in the infant expected to need it in the next was accused of giving the middle finger, ver denounced this "discrimination" Chelsea neighborhood, citing New year.) [Futurism, 1-18-2017] in public, to another judge. [Associated York state's "loft law," which they say against "foreigners" and made a formal Press via KTVT-TV (Dallas-Fort Worth), technically forbids the landlord from complaint to West Midlands police, recocious: Girl Scout Charlotte Mc- 1-20-2017] collecting. Since the other eight units which, after evaluation, absolved Sec- PCourt, 11, of South Orange, New Jer- of their building are "commercial," the retary Amber Rudd but acknowledged sey, saw her sales zoom recently when Least Competent Criminals landlord believes it doesn't need a "res- that, under the law, the police were re- she posted "brutally honest" reviews ot Ready for Prime Time: A sus- idential certificate of occupancy," but quired to record the Secretary's unem- of the Scouts' cookies she was selling Npect pointing a gun attempted Bennett and Nourse believe the law ployment speech as a "non-crime hate giving none of them a "10" and labeling a robbery at a laundromat in Upper only exempts buildings with at least incident." [BBC News, 1-12-2017] some with dour descriptions. She was Darby, Pennsylvania, in February was two residences, and for some reason, hoping to sell 300 boxes, but as of the he British Medical Association is- not immediately identified. (The offi- the landlord has obstinately declined end of January, had registered 16,430. sued a formal caution to its staff in cial reason for not initially identifying to initiate eviction or, until recently, to T For the record, the best cookie was of him was that, though detained, he had

February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 7 NEWS & VIEWS

not yet been booked; less likely, per- name tattooed on his chest). (2) Police haps, police might have been trying to arrested a 22-year-old knife-wielding spare him embarrassment in that the man in a restroom on a train in Dus- laundromat's overnight clerk, a woman seldorf, Germany, in January. The man, named Naou Mor Khantha, had simply naked, appeared "quite annoyed" at be- taken his gun away from him and shot ing hassled, did not have a ticket to ride, him three times. He was hospitalized in and said he was using the knife to shave serious condition.) [Philly.com, 2-3-2017] his genital area because he was not welcome at home. [The Smoking Gun, 1-9- Undignified Deaths 2017] [Associated Press via WJLA-TV hat Goes Around, Comes Around: (Washington, D.C.), 1-10-2017] W(1) In January, Jesse Denton, 24, driving a stolen truck, tried to flee po- A News of the Weird lice on Interstate 95 near Brunswick, Classic (May 2013) Georgia, but accidentally crashed head- he Washington Post reported in on into another vehicle. Seconds later, April (2013) that the federal govern- Denton was then fatally hit by another T ment spends $890,000 a year on totally motorist as he ran across the highway useless bank accounts. The amount is to escape the crash scene. (2) A 37-year- the total of fees for maintaining more old Saanich, British Columbia, man did than 13,000 short-term accounts the not die but nearly bled out before being government owns but which have no heroically rescued following his park- money in them and never will again. ing-rage blunder. Angered that another However, merely closing the accounts driver had parked too close to his own is difficult, according to the watchdog car, he grabbed a knife and stabbed group Citizens Against Government a tire on the other vehicle with such Waste, because they each previously force that he wound up slashing the housed separate government grants, main artery in his leg. [Florida Times- and Congress has required that, before Union (Jacksonville), 1-26-2017] [Global the accounts are "closed," the grants News BC, 1-27-2017] must be formally audited something bureaucrats are rarely motivated to do, The Passing Parade especially since, as Citizens noted, there homas Pinson, 21, was arrested in is no additional penalty for not audit- TSt. Petersburg, Florida, in January ing. [Washington Post, 4-24-2013] and charged with domestic battery for roughing up his mother (even though, presumably lovingly, he had her full COPYRIGHT 2017 CHUCK SHEPHERD

ECGRA Executive ner-city businesses, creating jobs, and vendor, organizational, and consumer Director Perry Wood improving the city tax base via inno- spending. That’s a total of $84.9 million warns Erie City Council vative partnerships with our universi- in local economic impact. The econom- to ask for a proper share ties and small business lenders. ic impact of Erie County government’s of gaming revenues. ECGRA’s investments support in- investments at the state level is even frastructure and public safety, renew greater and totals $106.1 million. $550,000 each. Coun- main streets and neighborhoods, ECGRA’s investments have resulted cilman Bob Merski protect and preserve historical prop- in a cumulative economic impact of sponsored the reso- erties, and educate and entertain via $87.2 million. Over the past eight years, lution. Erie County’s nine largest cultural as- 573 jobs have been supported and What City Council sets – all of which are headquartered sustained because of ECGRA’s invest- doesn’t seem to un- in the city of Erie – and dozens more ments and $2.9 million in state and derstand is that the urban-based arts, heritage, and recre- local tax revenue has been generated. city has been receiv- ational organizations and events. In And millions of those dollars gener- ing far more than 10 short, ECGRA funds are seeding the ated at the local and state levels sup- percent every year economy and growing the communi- port the city. since 2008. ECGRA ty in ways that local tax dollars don’t Councilman Merski has said that if alone has invested have the will to perform. the city receives direct support from more than $22 mil- ECGRA’s $22 million is just the tip of gaming funds, urban tax payers will lion in nonprofit the iceberg. It doesn’t include any local benefit. Quite the contrary, if Coun- organizations and share gaming revenue that Erie Coun- cilman Merski’s short-sighted view of for-profit businesses ty government has invested in the city how funds are doled out comes to fru- in the city – that’s an or that directly benefits city residents ition, the city and its taxpayers would average of $2.4 mil- and businesses. be forced to underwrite a larger por- lion each year. Local With cooperation from Erie County tion of what ECGRA currently funds, share gaming reve- government and Summit Township creating an even more crushing bur- CONTRIBUTED PHOTO nue has been hard at officials, ECGRA recently completed den on city residents. work for nine years an economic impact study of gaming ECGRA staff and board members improving the city of Erie’s quality of revenue investments made from 2008 are busy in Harrisburg protecting By: ECGRA Executive Director Perry Wood life and generating new local and state through 2016. The report, available Feb. Erie County’s $11 million share of lo- tax revenue. 19 at ECGRA.org, details how ECGRA’s cal gaming revenue. Erie City Council, rie City Council wants its share ECGRA’s investments in the city are investments leverage additional fund- under the leadership of Councilman of gaming revenue. Ten percent, combatting blight and empowering ing, support jobs, and generate tax rev- Merksi, is squabbling over scraps. City Eto be exact. underserved residents through neigh- enue. It also features the cumulative Council should join us and communi- At its Feb. 1 meeting, City Council borhood development associations impact of local share gaming revenue cate with one voice to Harrisburg – or agreed to ask state legislators to sup- and community centers. They’re al- at the local and state level. there will be nothing left to fight for. port its quest to receive a portion of leviating poverty by helping to train The direct impact of Erie County Not even 10 percent. slot machine revenues garnered by and put at-risk youth to work through government’s gaming revenue invest- Erie County government from Pr- in-school and after-school employ- ments totals $42 million. Those in- To see a map of ECGRA’s investments esque Isle Downs & Casino. The mon- ment initiatives, including those over- vestments go on in our community to in the city, visit ECGRA.org/ ecgra- ey would be used to fund the city and seen by Erie’s Public Schools. They’re generate an additional $42.9 million in grant-money-at-work. [ADD BIO, Erie’s Public Schools to the tune of fostering entrepreneurs, bolstering in- indirect and induced revenue via local w/ [email protected]; 464.3605]

February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 11 FEATURE What History Will Erie Elect to Make? City faces stark choices in upcoming mayoral primary

Control of the mayor’s office, registered voters. specifically located on the fifth Erie’s blue mayoral line runs floor of 626 State Street, is being long because of the dispro- sought by many of Erie’s political portionate swing of registered hopefuls. Democrats outnumbering Re- publicans more than two to destiny, all eyes in Erie will be one, making a path to City Hall focused on 626 State Street. more challenging for a Repub- In January of 2018, Erie’s next lican than a Democrat. By its mayor will be tasked with current voting laws, Pennsyl- showing the region’s residents vania limits voters to their reg- what that action does or does istered party during primary not look like. But before then, elections. And Pennsylvania Erieites will take to the polls in still remains one of 10 states to November of 2017 to elect our feature straight-party voting, next leader. And perhaps more an option that allows a Dem- importantly than that, voters ocrat or Republican to push will choose between whose only one button in the booth general election dance card and cast votes for all candi- gets punched at May 16, 2017’s dates of their registered party primary election. for any open seats. As it stands, 10 people are seeking that opportunity. But before we begin to discuss any Why does the primary of the candidates, let’s focus matter so much? By: Ben Speggen plains that he recently decid- August of 2016, James and on the important dates that ed to send it to the Fallows Deborah Fallows began fea- dot the path to City Hall. Bluntly put: The ll eyes have been af- themselves. While Washing- turing Erie in their City Mak- The first day to circulate and path to victory in the fixed on 1600 Pennsyl- ton might make the most ers: American Futures project file nomination petitions is general election is Avania Avenue. They sense, because, as Brooks for The Atlantic, where the Feb. 14. The last day to do so is more difficult for any likely will continue to be. says, “Washington will either husband-wife team focus on March 7. Candidates need 100 Republican candidate Reasons abound why we fo- preserve the world order or “the people, organizations, and signatures of the same party cus our attention on national destroy it,” the Fallows only ideas reshaping the country.” and within the voting district. simply because of the politics and the presidency agreed with that in part. They In the opening piece of their Those collecting enough move numbers of registered in particular. Reasons also told him that “the most im- coverage on Erie, James Fal- on to the next round, and can- voters. abound why we’re perhaps portant place to be now might lows draws a parallel between didates are already advertis- more focused now than ever be places like Erie, Pa.; Fresno, America on the whole and ing events to welcome the op- before, and if those reasons Calif.; and Columbus, Ohio.” Erie, noting the stark contrast portunity for voters to put pen But if Donald Trump’s victo- were to be summed up in two Why? “If you want to ‘ob- between the national tone to paper. ry proves anything, it reminds words, they’d most likely be: serve’ history,” the Fallows told and the local, perhaps more For voters, April 17 matters. us that improbable are impos- Donald Trump. Brooks, “go to Washington. If hopeful one – of those taking It’s the last day to register sible are not synonymous. But is 1600 Pennsylvania Av- you want to ‘participate,’ go action to better their commu- before the primary. May 9 For the Democratic Party, enue where history is being elsewhere.” nities rather than waiting for also matters because it’s the candidates include: commu- made? David Brooks would This mention of Erie isn’t the help to come from the nation- last day to apply for a civil- nity organizer and Edinboro argue no. first time our region’s been in al level. “Being active, rather ian absentee ballot, and May University of Pennsylvania The New York Times colum- national ink. than passive, is one working 12 marks the last day for the Professor Lisa Austin; Erie nist’s “Where History is Being The NYT front-page feature, definition of today’s American County Board of Elections to County Councilman Jay Bren- Made” introduced The Fallows “How Erie Went Red: The Idea.” receive those absentee ballots. eman; Erie Playhouse Execu- Question. Economy Sank, and Trump Erie is on the precipice of And Tuesday, May 16, 2017 is tive Director Almitra Clerkin; The Fallows Question, Rose” keys in on where Erie making history because of its the municipal primary, which former Erie Bureau of Police Brooks explains in his NYT County will head because of current positive momentum. then launches the march to- Chief Steve Franklin; former Feb. 7 op-ed, is: “If you could its majority decision to back We’ve been in the national wards Nov. 7’s municipal gen- City Councilwoman Rubye move to the place on earth Trump. So does Yahoo! News’s spotlight, and many – right- eral election. Jenkins-Husband; current where history is most impor- “Clinging to hope in a fading fully so – are taking delight in Why does the primary mat- Erie City Councilman Bob E. tantly being made right now, factory town.” NPR’s Market- that. But the stories focus less ter so much? Bluntly put: The Merski; and retired PNC Bank where would you go?” place did an entire series on on the-where-we-are-now and path to victory in the general Vice President and former Erie Brooks confesses that it’s a Erie, and pledged to return. more on the where-are-they- election is more difficult for City Councilman Joe Schem- question he often tosses out But the national spotlight headed. any Republican candidate sim- ber. at dinner parties, but he ex- had already been on Erie. In Regarding that action and ply because of the numbers of On the Republican side, two

12 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 15, 2017

FEATURE

candidates have officiallyLouis Brandeis opined, cities gees. Are we doing enough to announced their bids – local – according a bevy of urban harness the energy and spir- businessman Jon Whaley and scholars and observers rang- it these immigrants bring? retired security guard Al Zim- ing from Brookings Institu- Should we become a sanctu- mer. To take us to 10, a third tion’s Bruce Katz to The Atlan- ary city? Republican, Attorney John tic’s Fallows – have become the There are plans for growth. Persinger, has scheduled his labs of the 21st century. A cold, A community college. An in- formal announcement for Feb. hard truth exists that Trump novation district. Businesses 16. isn’t coming to save Erie, just planning to locate downtown. There may yet be more to like Barack Obama before him Neighborhoods looking to col- come; the rumor mill contin- hadn’t. laborate. And … ues churning. Changes on the national The list goes on. Erie finds itself in this situa- level can, undoubtedly, affect Mayor Joe Sinnott’s legacy tion for several reasons. lives on the local level, but is too young to record. Histo- Erie Mayor Joe Sinnott is most often those changes are ry needs time to breathe, to completing his third and fi- slow and small. To pivot a be studied, and to be judged; nal four-year term as mayor. community’s trajectory quick- but most likely history will Sinnott, who ran unopposed ly, local leaders must pilot the remember his fiscally sound for both his second and third course. And the terrain ahead approach to the office. He reelection bids, took office in for Erie’s course is rocky. brought the city back from the January 2006 after defeating Erie’s Public Schools re- brink of Act 47 and has kept a incumbent Democratic Mayor main in crisis. And there’s balanced budget ever since. Rick Filippi, in the 2005 prima- brain drain – a crisis Tullio His initiatives haven’t been ry election. addressed in a speech to Erie flashy, but that’s because that’s Term limits were proposed decades ago. And population not his style and approach. by Mayor Joyce Savocchio, decline spurred by continued And disagree with that style who succeeded Erie’s six-term suburban sprawl. And there’s and approach as some may, mayor Lou Tullio in 1990. Sav- an eroding tax-base and fear he was successfully re-elect- occhio left and Sinnott will that taxes will continue to in- ed twice and twice faced zero leave office because of those crease. And there’s blight. And opposition on the ballot. Sin- limits. Filippi served only one … nott’s approach in his second term in between the two. But there’s also potential and third terms didn’t deviate The line from Tullio to Sin- and hope. The comprehensive from his first. We knew what nott runs blue. Charles Wil- plan, Erie Refocused, address- we would get and we voted for liamson, who served as mayor es serious concerns – but it it. And if we didn’t vote for it, from 1962 to 1965, was Erie’s needs to be implemented. The we did little to offer alterna- most recent Republican may- downtown has a master plan, tives. or. Before Williamson, the last and there’s new potential for “Not every city that ‘works’ Republican mayor in Erie, Clai- Emerge 2040 to be impactful in America does so due to a rence K. Pulling, held office under new leadership as the strong or visionary mayor,” from 1950 to 1952. countywide comprehensive James Fallows told me. “Some Brooks isn’t the first to sug- plan is seeking a new execu- city-governance systems are gest that history is being made tive director. designed to minimize a may- at the local level in places like Although the general trend or’s personal influence. Some Erie. If states were the labo- for population growth is de- others, although structured ratories of democracy in the clining, Erie’s becoming known on a ‘strong-mayor’ model, 20th century, as Chief Justice as a welcoming place for refu- have incumbents who in practice have left the initiative to other people, organizations, or business groups. We’ve written extensively about the economic and educational innova-

In addition to former City Councilwoman Rubye Jenkins- Husband and former Erie Bureau of Police Chief Steve Franklin, Democratic candidates include community organizer Lisa Austin (top), Erie Playhouse Executive Director Almi Clerkin, Erie County Councilman Jay Breneman, Erie City Councilman Bob Merski, and

PHOTOS BY MAITHAM BASHA-AGHA BY PHOTOS former Erie City Councilman Joe Schember.

14 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 15, 2017 FEATURE tions underway in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of northern Missis- sippi, where the main players have been people other than the mayors.” “But in many cities,” he continued, “you can trace a direct line between a mayor who has a vision for his city, plus the political skills to bring others along in the same direction, and long-term improvement for the town. Even better is when a city has a sequence of such leaders, as places as different as Green- ville, S.C., Duluth Minn., River- side, Calif., and Burlington, VT demonstrate.” Given the current dialogue in Erie, it’s safe to assume that our next mayor will be a departure from the current course – as Sinnott was from the mayor before him. “Some cities can muddle ahead despite weak mayors, and some others have too many problems for city government to solve,” James told me. “But a strong mayor, with a long-term idea of where the city can move, is usually a significant plus.” Erie isn’t in the spotlight because of where it is but because of the interest in where it will be. Remaining the same isn’t an option, as we know that the only constant is change. We needn’t worry about status quo; we need to worry about slipping into oblivion. “Most people can’t up and move in search of history,” Brooks concludes that op-ed. “They’re tied down by work, family, and spiritual commit- ments. But you only go around once in life, so if you can swing it, you might as well be where the action is.” Those of us in Erie don’t have to pick up and move. We’re already here, where the action is. What history we elect to make is yet to be seen, but it’s all the more reason to ensure that we elect the best of us to lead the way.

Ben Speggen can be reached at bSpeggen@ErieReader. com and you can follow him on Twitter @BenSpeggen.

February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 15 16 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 15, 2017 Spotlight on Erie February 15 – 28, 2017

Thursday, Feb. 16 of Michigan, Flint, and former assis- again as much as you (the fans) have al- Performing Arts at Edinboro University // tant professor of language and literacy ways mattered to them. Vanilla Ice (“Ice, 219 Meadville St., Edinboro // $10 general The Deviant Art of Improv studies at Penn State Behrend. Wal- Ice Baby,” “Go Ninja”), Coolio (“Fantas- admission; $5 for seniors, and EUP faculty, dron will speak about his research on tic Voyage,” “Gangsta’s Paradise”), Salt staff, and non-EUP students, and $3 for the United Way’s Imagination Library, N’ Pepa (“Push It,” “Shoop”), Tone Loc EUP students // Tickets at the door or at which was conducted in the fall of 2015. (“Wild Thing,” “Funky Cold Medina”), laughrioterie.com This library – a program that pro- and Young MC (“Bust a Move,” “Princi- Thursday, Feb. 16 vides one free book every month to a pal’s Office) round out the all-star hip child until age five – has served almost hop lineup, with sensitive R&B quartet United Way Wants Erie to 16,000 children since 2013. It now in- All 4 One (“I Swear,” “I Can Love You “Just Keep Swimming” cludes nearly two-thirds of eligible Like That”) helping slow things down Erie County children; and according to for a moment. Waldron’s findings, it’s made a differ- You will need a breather, too, because ence, even during the short time that the Erie Insurance Arena floor will be the program was established prior to open to all amateur choreographers. his research. Of course, if you grew up with the Learn more or donate at unitedway- novelty of watching music videos on onsidering an improv show titled erie.org. – Tracy Geibel MTV (!), you’ll likely have the routines “Deviant Behavior,” you might etched in memory anyway. Since it’s C 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. // Erie Bayfront imagine the off-color or perverse. 2017 and not 1997, you can call up your Convention Center, 1 Sassafras Pier // But when you realize Deviant Behav- BFFs and order your tickets from the $35 // 456.2937 ext. 233 // facebook.com/ ior is actually the name of the group internet at the same time! If you can’t events/381122938896838/ performing under the aegis of Laugh/ find value in perspective, then you may Riot Performing Arts Company, the be more Clueless than Cher Horowitz. emember the scene in Finding Friday, Feb. 17 production and what it proffers be- – Matt Swanseger Nemo when Dory is stuck in a fish- come a little more clear. R 90s Nostalgia Returns to ing net? It’s chaos as all the frantic fish 8 to 11 p.m. // Erie Insurance Arena, 809 “In 1999, I started an improv troupe swim in different directions, but Dory Erie Insurance Arena French St. // $38-$93 // erieevents.com // at Edinboro [University] called Deviant and the others break free when little Behavior,” explained L/R’s artistic di- Nemo enters the net, instructing the Friday, Feb. 17 rector, Rob Connick “[and because] im- fish to “swim down.” prov isn’t traditional performance, it’s Hope You Get to See The United Way of Erie County is do- slightly deviated from the norm.” ing something similar at its upcoming A Chorus Line He continued, “Deviant Behavior had annual meeting and Self-Sufficiency a five-year run at Edinboro starting in Summit with the intention of moni- 1999 through the University Players. toring and promoting self-sufficiency When we decided to rebrand and re- throughout the county. focus Laugh/Riot’s improv troupe, The Laugh Half, we looked to the performance history at Edinboro as a way to SALT N’ PEPPA connect to the history there.” This library – a program that According to Connick, the shows will provides one free book every weating in your windbreaker be- include audience participation to test Scause you’re worried you left your uditioning can be the most intense month to a child until age youth back in the 90s? Call off the part of an actor’s career. A Chorus the group’s mettle. five – has served almost 16,000 A “The audience will be expected to search party; the I Love The 90s Tour Line, which will be performed at the give suggestions, let us know who they children since 2013. may be just the ticket to reclaim your Erie Playhouse, explores this unique think won competitions, and poten- missing inner child. experience through the stories of ac- tially interact a bit more with the cast Let nostalgia enrobe you like a well- tors vying for a spot in a chorus line. “Our community is caught in the net in certain games,” he said. “You will not worn Starter jacket with six senti- The musical runs on select dates from of poverty,” President Bill Jackson and be expected to interact, though. If you mental favorites from the decade that Feb. 17 to March 5. Board Chair Janel Bonsell said. “But don’t want to participate, you can still The original show opened on Broad- through the power of collective im- have a great time.” way in April of 1975. A Chorus Line, pact, United Way is playing the part of Let nostalgia enrobe you like a After a performance of Deviant Be- composed by Marvin Hamlisch, begins Nemo and encouraging the ‘fish’ – lo- well-worn Starter jacket with havior, will audience members come in the middle of an audition for an un- cal social service agencies, businesses, away with a greater appreciation of six sentimental favorites from named Broadway musical; the director government, the faith community, and improv performers? the decade that brought us and his choreographer are auditioning individuals – to swim together in the “I hope so. If not a greater apprecia- hopefuls. The director asks the remain- same direction and break the cycle of Crystal Pepsi, AOL, and Pogs. tion, then a greater sense of what they ing performers to reveal more about poverty.” do,” said Connick. “Most of it is funny, themselves, and the dancers delve into This first Self-Sufficiency Summit but it can create some very intense their pasts, telling their unique stories. will discuss current community bench- dramatic moments as well.” – Gregory brought us Crystal Pepsi, AOL, and Interestingly enough, the musical was marks and feature keynote speaker Greenleaf-Knepp Pogs. No longer content to be fodder created around real stories from taped Chad Waldron, assistant professor of for VH1 specials and reality shows, workshop sessions featuring actual 7:30 p.m. on Feb. 16-18, 23-25; 2:30 on education literacy at the University these artists are ready to matter to you Broadway dancers, or “gypsies.” Feb. 19, 26 // Diebold Center for the

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And what about the music? “I Hope video-sharing websites and a massive Saturday, Feb. 18 opera singers, which will give the music I Get It” embodies many an actor’s following among Chicago’s South Side a rich, poignant beauty. dream; “What I Did For Love” and with his single “I Don’t Like.” A bidding American Spiritual Ensemble McCorvey established the Ensemble “Dance: Ten, Looks: Three” are other war ensued for his talents, ultimately Celebrates Tradition in 1995. Its members are almost en- popular numbers. won by Interscope Records with the tirely soloists who have performed in The musical ultimately “salutes all release of his 2012 debut Finally Rich. venues across America and Europe, yet dancers who have trod the boards. It With several successful mixtapes to his these highly talented voices unite to tells of the achingly poignant ambi- name and another LP leaked online in highlight the intense harmonies in the tions of professional Broadway ‘gyp- 2015 (Bang 3), Keef’s renown continued blended acapella music that McCorvey sies,’” according to the Erie Playhouse. to grow within the industry. Unfortu- likens to the Fisk Jubilee Singers – an So, line up, grab a ticket to this re- nately, so did his rap sheet, with numer- early, college-aged group of African nowned musical, and encounter anoth- ous paternity suits, firearm charges, American singers who came together profession through the eyes of those and parole violations ushering a split er in 1900 to introduce this music to a directly involved. – Miriam Lamey with Interscope. Keef “retired” in 2016, wider audience. This same music per- only to resurface in collaborations lat- formed with more cultivated voices 7:30 p.m. Feb. 17, 18, 23-25, Mar. 1-4; 2:00 er that year and drop his new mixtape will, McCorvey says, present a sound p.m. Feb. 26, Mar. 5 // Erie Playhouse, 13 W. Two Zero One Seven last month. that is “rich, full, and incredibly excit- 10th St. // 454.2852 ing.” Saturday, Feb. 18 Basement Transmissions will Chief Keef Drops be slammin’ with the sounds of With the strength and emotion the Beats at BT the streets as “Sosa” takes the of these voices and the weight stage to spit his truths. of the songs, “the music will touch you in a way that will Despite his turmoil, Keef continues feel as if it goes directly to your he “unmatched” sound of the Amer- promoting his work (and that of his Glo soul,” says McCorvey. ican Spiritual Ensemble will come Gang collective) through his imprint T to the Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Glory Boyz Entertainment and per- Center at Mercyhurst University on forming live. Basement Transmissions With the strength and emotion of Saturday, Feb. 18, giving audiences the will be slammin’ with the sounds of the these voices and the weight of the opportunity to immerse themselves streets as “Sosa” takes the stage to spit songs, “the music will touch you in a in a deep, evocative tradition. “The his truths. Opening will be local rapper way that will feel as if it goes directly concert will celebrate the music of the William Weyes, who cold-filters trap to your soul,” says McCorvey. “Through American Negro Slaves, and the story music through strains of chill, breath- the music, you experience [the Negro of their struggle will be told through hen Kanye West first heard Chi- ing lyrics so real you can see them slaves’] plight, their joys, their sor- music,” explains American Spiritual cago’s Keith Cozart on the mic, he hanging in the air. The Dream Team rows, the longing for a better existence. W Ensemble Founder and Director Ever- did something decidedly out-of-char- will also precede the main event, with When you leave the concert, you will ett McCorvey. “The music of the slaves acter – he listened. subwoofer workouts such as the Ying- feel different.” – Miriam Lamey started in the cotton fields in the South What West witnessed on that day five Yang inspired “City.” – Matt Swanseger where this music was sung acapella.” years ago was one of rap’s young prod- 7:30 p.m. // Mary D’Angelo Performing Arts Today, the Ensemble continues this igies, a 16-year-old dynamo who had Doors at 6 p.m. // Basement Center at Mercyhurst University, 501 E. tradition, except at a higher level: All of accumulated over 1 million views on Transmissions, 145 W. 11th St. // ticketfly. 38th St. // 824.3000 or miac.mercyhurst. com/event/1409326 // $25-30 the performers are classically-trained edu

Dave Callaghan 18th St. facebook.com/pg/ Dave VanAmburg Kings Rook Club, 1921 Funk Apostles MUSIC Quartet gimpguyunderground. and Friends Peach St. facebook. Feb. 23 — 7:30 p.m. com/kingsrookclub. Feb. 17 — 6 to 9 p.m. Feb. 18 — 6 to 9 p.m. Dave VanAmburg Chris Higbee Walker Recital Hall, and Friends Wegman’s Cafeteria, 6143 Anchor In at Oasis Pub, 3122 Grunge Monkey 501 E. 38th St. miac. Peach St. jazzerie.com. Feb. 17, 18 — 9 p.m. W. Lake Rd. jazzerie.com. mercyhurst.edu. Feb. 15, 22 — 6 to 9 p.m. Presque Isle Downs, Feb. 18 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Maxi’s in Bel Aire I Love the 90’s Tour 8199 Perry Hwy. Chief Keef Sherlocks, 508 State ZAKI Clarion Hotel, 2800 W. presqueisledowns.com. St. facebook.com/ Feb. 24 — 5 to 10:30 p.m. 8th Rd. jazzerie.com. Feb. 17 — 8 p.m. Feb. 18 — 6 to 11 p.m. GrungeMonkeyBand. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Let’s Be Leonard Basement Transmissions, Basement Transmissions, D’Angelo Department French St. erieevents.com. 145 W. 11th St. facebook. Sam Hyman 145 W. 11th St. facebook. Feb. 17 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. com/tecshows. com/pg/basement. of Music: Faculty Feb. 19 — 1 to 4 p.m. B.D. Lenz Kings Rook Club, 1921 transmissions. Recital Series Peach St. facebook. Arundel Cellars, Feb. 17 — 8 to 11 p.m. The Apotheosis Feb.15 — 8 p.m. com/kingsrookclub. of Dance 11727 E. Main Rd. Thomas Rhett Anchor In at Oasis Pub, 3122 arundelcellars.com. Walker Recital Hall, Feb. 18 — 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24 — 7 p.m. 501 E. 38th St. miac. W. Lake Rd. bdlenz.com. The Bring Back The 90’s Erie Insurance Arena, 809 mercyhurst.edu. Party with the I-90’s Church of the Covenant, Cootie Jazz Jam 250 W. 7th St. gannon.edu. French St. erieevents.com. First Class Friday’s Feb. 17 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Feb. 19 — 2 to 6 p.m. Colony Pub Trio Feb. 17 — 8 to 11:55 p.m. Sherlocks, 508 State American Spiritual Meadville Market House, Tri-State Music Festival Feb. 16, 23 — 6:30 Basement Transmissions, St. facebook.com/pg/ 910 Market St. jazzerie.com. to 9:30 p.m. 145 W. 11th St. facebook. Ensemble Feb. 24 — 8 p.m. & sherlocksparkplace. Feb. 25 — 2 p.m. Colony Pub & Grille, 2670 com/pg/basement. Feb. 18 — 7:30 p.m. Ethnic Heritage Mary D’Angelo Performing W. 8th Rd. jazzerie.com. transmissions. Wagner and Winston Mary D’Angelo Performing Ensemble in Concert Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. Arts Center, 501 E. 38th Feb. 18 — 1 to 4 p.m. Feb. 20 — noon to 1 p.m. St. mercyhurst.edu. Dave VanAmburg The Super Delinquent miac.mercyhurst.edu. Shimmy Shimmy Arundel Cellars, Erie Art Museum, 411 State Feb. 17, 24 — 5:30 Ya Show 11727 E. Main Rd. Chestnut Grove St. erieartmuseum.org. The Groove to 8:30 p.m. arundelcellars.com. Feb. 17 — 8 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. Feb. 18 — 10 p.m. Feb. 24 — 9 p.m. Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, 3716 Cory Henry & The Liberty St. jazzerie.com. Bobby’s Place, 1202 W. to midnight Presque Isle Downs,

Thursday, Feb. 23 played with the BBC Proms in England, Thursday, Feb. 23 sicals since then. and on The Tonight Show with Jimmy A Man of No Importance won the Out- Get Funky (and Warm!) Fallon. A Man of No Importance to er Critics Circle Award for Best Musical With Cory Henry & As for the music itself, get a taste be performed at Mercyhurst in 2003. The same group of individuals the Funk Apostles by checking out Henry’s cover of “Bil- – McNally, Ahrens, and Flaherty – also lie Jean” with the Proms; the synthy, won Tony Awards for their roles in the production of the musical Ragtime. – Tracy Geibel Henry is also a member of the Grammy Award-winning group 7:30 p.m. Feb. 23-25; 2:00 p.m. Feb. 25, Snarky Puppy, which plays R&B 26 // Taylor Little Theatre, Mercyhurst and jazz – sounds that speak to University, 501 East 38th St. // $15; $10 seniors & students; $5 youth // miac. Henry’s current iteration. mercyhurst.edu // 824.3000 Monday, Feb. 27 swarthy, and sultry sounds sway over the toe-tapping percussion and strong Man of No Importance actually is Pippin Revival Comes to Erie beat. Henry also gets bonus points for important. the otherworldly way he manipulates A That’s why the Mercyhurst Theatre his voice. “What’s Going On” picks up Program will perform this musical on the pace with a faster beat – and some Thursday, Feb. 23 at the Taylor Little ome genres of music warm even the absolutely mesmerising percussion – Theatre. rawest of winter days. And while but dreamy, swoony keys over a stellar, S Based on the book by Terrence Mc- it hasn’t been as snowy ’round these funky bassline warm those chilly limbs Nally, A Man of No Importance tells parts as it typically is, that doesn’t in a way that layers and a fireplace can- the story of Alfie Bryne, a bus driver in mean local music fans should skip the not. The group’s cover of Gnarles Bark- Dublin during the 1960s. Bryne, who is rousing, funky, thoroughly warming ley’s “Crazy” mellows out the tune in a gay, refuses to reveal his sexual orien- night of music on Feb. 23 when Cory smooth jazz fashion, but with a cheeky tation, keeping it a secret from even his Henry & the Funk Apostles take over bassline that stands up to the lyrics – sister, as he lives in a time when society Walker Recital Hall at Mercyhurst Uni- with guest vocals from Chantae Cann. deems it unacceptable. Obsessed with versity. For more sonic surprises and some gen- ircuses are known as the “greatest Oscar Wilde, Bryne dedicates himself Henry has quite the celebrated back- uinely brilliant music, head to Mercy- show on Earth,” so it shouldn’t be to producing a version of Wilde’s Sa- C ground, having performed with artists hurst for this Erie Reader co-sponsored surprising that the big-top revival of lome at his local church hall. like Kenny Garrett, Robert Glasper, and gig. – Miriam Lamey the Broadway musical Pippin – first Bruce Springsteen. He is also a member Stephen Flaherty wrote the show’s performed in 1972 – won “Best Revival of the Grammy Award-winning group 7:30 p.m. // Walker Recital Hall at music and Lynn Ahren wrote the lyrics. of a Musical” in 2013. Snarky Puppy, which plays R&B and Mercyhurst University, 501 E. 38th St. // The two first worked together in 1988 The show, coming to Erie this month, jazz – sounds that speak to Henry’s cur- 824.3000 or miac.mercyhurst.edu for the musical Lucky Stiff, and they’ve aims to not only entertain and en- rent iteration. Most recently, the outfit continued to collaborate on other mu- gage, but also to enchant and amaze

8199 Perry Hwy. Peach St. facebook. Feb. 24, 25 & Mar. 3, Sight Center of NW PA, Mind, Body, Beer Erie’s Voices & presqueisledowns.com. com/kingsrookclub. 4 — 8 to 10 p.m. 2545 W. 26th St. facebook. Feb. 28 — 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. Moonlight Lake Erie Ballet, com/League-of-Women- Voters-Erie-County- Erie Ale Works, 416 Feb. 15 — 7 p.m. ELM: Electric Mike and Marie Duo 1020 Holland St. W. 12th St. facebook. lakeerieballet.org. PA-693947254074130. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Love Machine Feb. 26 — 1 to 4 p.m. com/ErieAleWorks. St. erieartmuseum.org. Feb. 24 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Arundel Cellars, FOOD & DRINK 19th Annual MECA Kings Rook Club, 1921 11727 E. Main Rd. Barstool Open FILM Disney’s Newsies: The Peach St. facebook. arundelcellars.com. Broadway Musical com/kingsrookclub. Wine and Chocolate Feb. 25 — 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Walking With Weekend Various Locations, Feb. 16, 22 — 7 p.m. & Amber Shay Nicholson Dinosaurs: Feb. 18 — 12:55 p.m. Tear From Grace Feb. 17 — 6 p.m. & Feb. 18 mecaerie.org. Prehistoric Planet Feb. 27 — 7 to 8 p.m. — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. & Feb. Tinseltown, 1910 Rotunda Feb. 24 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Admiral Room in the Blasco 19 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Ongoing through Mar. 3, Dr. cinemark.com. Mind, Body, 2017 — 11 a.m. & 1 & 3 p.m. Sherlocks, 508 State Memorial Library, 160 E. Various Locations, Beer, Brunch St. facebook.com/pg/ Front St. erielibrary.org. lakeeriewinecountry.org. Tom Ridge Environmental Mr. Nobody sherlocksparkplace. Feb. 25 — 9:30 a.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. to 12:30 p.m. biggreenscreen.com. Feb. 16 — 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Gem City Jazz Ensemble Brewer’s Cup Home Whiskey Road Erie Ale Works, 416 Edinboro University Feb. 28 — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Brew Festival W. 12th St. facebook. Pogue Student Center, 405 Feb. 25 — 9 p.m. Lewis & Clark: Great St. John’s Lutheran Church, Feb. 18 — 5 to 8 p.m. com/ErieAleWorks. Journey West Scotland Rd. facebook.com/ 2216 Peach St. jazzerie.com. pg/edinborofilmseries. Presque Isle Downs, The Brewerie at Union 8199 Perry Hwy. Ongoing through Mar. Station, 123 W. 14th Fat Tuesday Bingo 3, 2017 — noon & 4 p.m. presqueisledowns.com. DANCE St. brewerie.com. Pink Flamingos (1972) Party and Luncheon Tom Ridge Environmental Feb. 28 — 11 a.m. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Feb. 17 — 8 to 11 p.m. Stilettos Erie A Night at the Wild Game Wine Oscars Dance Woman’s Club of biggreenscreen.com. Erie Movie House, 3424 Feb. 25 — 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. Dinner: 6 Courses, Erie, 259 W. 6th St. W. Lake Rd. facebook. Feb. 18 — 7 to 10 p.m. Sherlocks, 508 State 6 Wines eriewomansclub.com. Journey to Space com/ErieMovieHouse. St. facebook.com/pg/ St. John’s Lutheran Feb. 23 — 7 to 11 p.m. Ongoing through Mar. sherlocksparkplace. Church, 2216 Peach St. Dick Tracy Meet facebook.com/pg/Stardust- The Cork 1794, 17 W. Fat Tuesday 3, 2017 — 2 & 5 p.m. Main St. cork1794.com. Feb. 28 — 5 p.m. Gruesome and Dick Subsoil and The LEC Ballroom-Dance-Club-of- Tom Ridge Environmental Tracy’s Dilemma (1947) Erie-597514403606573. The Brewerie at Union Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. Feb. 25 — 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Legislative Luncheon Station, 123 W. 14th biggreenscreen.com. Feb. 18 — 8 to 10 p.m. Kings Rook Club, 1921 Matters of the Heart Feb. 24 — noon to 2 p.m. St. brewerie.com. Erie Movie House, 3424

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its audience with high-flying stunts, leads him on the adventure that he hula-hooping acts, knife-throwing desired and leaves him to make some talents, and other circus-related per- hefty decisions, as he joins the war formances. and falls in love. The musical features songs by Ste- phen Schwartz, who is well known as The musical features songs by the composer for the beloved musical Stephen Schwartz, who is well Wicked. Among Schwartz’s songs that known as the composer for ultimately make this musical such a the beloved musical Wicked. sensational show are: “Magic to Do,” “Corner of the Sky,” “Morning Glow,” and “No Time at All.” “A truly dazzling feat of theatrical If it’s not the “greatest show on alchemy,” Chris Jones of the Chicago Earth,” the revival of Pippin, which Tribune wrote about the musical. “An has won four Tony Awards and four inestimably clever blend of Broadway Drama Desk Awards, promises to im- tradition and raw risk.” press and will certainly be one of the Originally directed by Tony-winner greatest shows in Erie this year. – Tra- Diane Paulus – who is known for Hair cy Geibel and Porgy and Bess – Pippin tells the story of a young prince who is search- 7:30 p.m. // Warner Theatre, 811 State ing for excitement and hopes to find St. // $34-54 // nacentertainment.com/ meaning in his life. Pippin’s quest shows/pippin?venue=Erie

W. Lake Rd. facebook. Ongoing through Feb. 21 White Photography com/ErieMovieHouse. Allegheny College Doane Feb.17 through Mar. Hall of Art, 520 N. Main 8 (Artist’s Reception National Theatre St. allegheny.edu. Feb. 18 — 1 to 4 p.m.) Live: Amadeus Glass Growers Feb. 19 — 12:55 p.m. The Art of Resistance: Gallery, 10 E. 5th St. Mary D’Angelo Performing Veterans Respond glassgrowersgallery.com. Arts Center, 501 E. 38th St. Visually to War miac.mercyhurst.edu. Ongoing through Mar. 4 Mystical Arts of Tibet Bruce Gallery in Doucette Feb. 26 through Mar. Allegiance Hall, 215 Meadville St. 5 (Opening Ceremony Feb. 19 — 12:55 p.m. brucegallery.info. Feb. 18 — 12:15 p.m & Closing Ceremony Tinseltown, 1910 Rotunda Mar. 4 — 1:30 p.m.) Dr. cinemark.com. Patricia S. Yahn ‘50 Juried Art Show Allegheny College Doane Hall of Art, 520 N. Main The Nice Guys Ongoing through St. allegheny.edu. Mar. 24 (Reception Feb. 22 — 7 p.m. Feb. 16 — 5 to 7 p.m.) Erie Art Museum, 411 State THEATRE St. erieartmuseum.org. Mercyhurst University Cummings Gallery, Fringe Fest Erie 501 E. 38th St. miac. Laser Mission (1989) mercyhurst.edu. Ongoing through Feb. 24 Feb. 23 — 8 to 10 p.m. Various Locations, gannon.edu. Erie Movie House, 3424 Kids As Curators 2017 W. Lake Rd. facebook. Ongoing through Mar. 26 The White Snake com/ErieMovieHouse. Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. erieartmuseum.org. Feb. 15, 16, 17 — 8 p.m. School’s Out: Lessons & Feb. 18 — 2 & 8 p.m. & Feb. 19 — 2 p.m. from a Forest Sergei Isupov: Kindergarten and Hidden Messages Schuster Theatre, 620 The Last Dragon Sassafras St. gannon.edu. Ongoing through Apr. 2 Feb. 24 — 6:30 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Deviant Behavior Whole Foods Co-op, St. erieartmuseum.org. 1341 W. 26th St. Feb. 16, 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 — 7:30 p.m. & Feb. Earth Stories Groundhog Day 19, 26 — 2:30 p.m. Ongoing through June 11 Edinboro University’s Feb. 26 — 1:30 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Diebold Center for H.O. Hirt Auditorium St. erieartmuseum.org. the Performing Arts, in the Blasco Memorial 219 Meadville St. Library, 160 E. Front laughrioterie.com. St. erielibrary.org. Tin Plated Dreams: Sculptures by William Brady, Jr. All The Better to Hell or High Water Kill You With Ongoing through Mar. 1 — 7 p.m. January 7, 2018 Feb. 17, 24 — 7 p.m. & Feb. 18, 25 — 5:30 p.m. Erie Art Museum, 411 State Erie Art Museum, 411 State St. erieartmuseum.org. St. erieartmuseum.org. Station Dinner Theatre, 4940 Peach St. canterburyfeast.com. VISUAL ARTS Terry Pytlarz: Making a Statement in Black & Persuasion A Chorus Line

22 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 15, 2017 February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 23

CALENDAR Imagination Expotarium Drives Kids Into Their Minds Eight islands to inspire creative fun

Fable Forest – story readings from spe- firefighters, and EMTs and explore emer- cial guests, a book store, and a meet- gency vehicles. If they’re not impressed and-greet with “forest friends.” Here’s an with real heroes, a few superheroes will early lesson about clique formation that be on hand as well. should click. Treasure Island – the Scallywags crew Bwana Jungle – humans aren’t the only animals that don’t come with instruc- tions. That’s why Bwana Jim is here to With interactive activities educate your young about how to care spread across eight “Imagination for and be mindful of creatures at home Islands,” they may discover their and abroad. calling. And you may think better Campfire Canyon – foster appreciation of marooning them before the for the great outdoors so you can final- vernal equinox. ly have some peace and quiet indoors. Kids can learn about the environment, shoot a bow, and pet puppies and ponies is more fun than a barrel of rum, with (you’d better start erecting that stable). treasure chests, games, and crafts for all Discovery Island – the intelligentsia your little landlubbers. of the Imagination Expotarium convene Sportlandia – shoot hoops with Clutch here, showing you how things work and (Erie BayHawks) and hit home runs with the science of meteorology. What this C. Wolf (Erie Seawolves). Learn the val- may inspire, there’s no predicting. ue of exercise with the YMCA of Great- Princess Palace – here your child can er Erie as parents jump for joy. – Matt be pampered or enjoy a makeover cour- Swanseger SATURDAY, FEB. 18 interactive activities spread across eight tesy of the Fortis Institute or enjoy a cup Saturday: 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. or 2 to of tea with the princesses of Once Upon re your stir-crazy kids conjuring up “Imagination Islands,” they may discover 5 p.m., Sunday: noon to 3 p.m. // Avisions of the nearest orphanage their calling. And you may think better of A Party, LLC. Marrying a rich guy is still a 1 Sassafras Pier // epe.ticketleap. or adoption agency? Before you enter- marooning them before the vernal equi- very real fantasy. com/imagineexpo // $10 per child tain this fantasy, allow them to entertain nox. Safety City – for the child with the with adult (incl. traveling sack and their own at the Bayfront Convention These eight participating island na- noble aim of being a civil servant. Here takeaways), $5 for each additional Center’s Imagination Expotarium. With tions include: your kid can mingle with police officers, person over 12, free for children under 3

Feb. 17, 18, 23, 24, 25 & Mar. 501 E. 38th St. miac. eReader One-on- Feb. 15 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Whole Foods Co- Feb. 17 — 11 a.m. to noon 1, 2, 3, 4 — 7:30 p.m. & Feb. mercyhurst.edu. One Help Sessions Jefferson Educational Op, 1341 W. 26th St. Ridge Library Great 26 & Mar. 5 — 2 p.m. environmenterie.org. Feb. 15, 16, 21, 22, Society, 3207 State Room at Mercyhurst Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10 Luna Gale 23 — 3 to 4 p.m. St. jeserie.org. North East, 16 W. Division St. erie playhouse.org. Dr. Rosanna Reyes St. mercyhurst.edu. Feb. 23, 24, 25 — 8 p.m. Room 157 in the Blasco & Feb. 26 — 2:30 p.m. Memorial Library, 160 E. Erie United Way Feb. 16 — 7 to 8 p.m. Spider’s Web Allegheny College Vukovich Front St. erielibrary.org. Free Tax Program Allegheny College Quigley Artsy Elephant Feb. 17, 18, 24, 25 — 7:30 Center for Communication Feb. 16, 23 — 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hall Auditorium, 520 N. Canvas Class to 10 p.m. & Feb. 19, Art, 520 N. Main St. Ceramics & Feb. 21, 28 — 1 to 5 p.m. Main St. allegheny.edu. Feb. 17 — 6 to 8 p.m. 26 — 3 to 5:30 p.m. sites.allegheny.edu. Handbuilding Class Room 219 in the Blasco Claytopia, 924 W. Erie Plaza All An Act Theatre Feb. 15, 22 & Mar. Memorial Library, 160 E. Kakuma Refugee Dr. heathercash.com. Productions, 652 W. Pippin 1 — 6 to 8 p.m. Front St. erielibrary.org. Camp: The Wretched 17th St. allanact.net. Feb. 27 — 7:30 p.m. Erie ClaySpace, 1505 of the Earth Environment Erie Warner Theatre, 811 State State St. eventbrite.com 2017 Annual Meeting & Feb. 16 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Murder Mystery Event Shakespeare Abridged St. erieevents.com. Self-Sufficiency Summit Jefferson Educational Feb. 17 — 6:30 p.m. Feb. 17, 18 — 8 p.m. & Erie Otters vs. London Feb. 16 — 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Society, 3207 State Feb. 19 — 2 p.m. Women’s Club of COMMUNITY Feb. 15 — 7 p.m. Bayfront Convention St. jeserie.org. Erie, 259 E. 6th St. Meadville Community Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Center, 1 Sassafras environmenterie.org. Theatre, 400 North Main St. Tinker the T-Rex Pier facebook.com/ Lake Erie Eagles facebook.com/MCT1967. French St. erieevents.com. Comes to the TREC UnitedWayErie. Feb. 16 — 7:30 p.m. Jim Florentine Ongoing through Feb Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Feb. 17, 18 — 6:45 & 9:30 p.m. Silence The Musical 24 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Garden Design Basics American Short Stories with Dan Dahlkemper French St. erieevents.com. Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Feb. 17, 18, 24, 25 & Tom Ridge Environmental Feb. 16, 23 & Mar. 2, 9, Mar. 3, 4 — 8 p.m. Feb. 15 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Club, 1402 State St. Center, 301 Peninsula Dr. 16, 23 — 4 to 6 p.m. jrslastlaugh.net. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Storytime with PACA, 1505 State St. LEAF Education Center, Jefferson Educational Gretchen paca1505.com. 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. Society, 3207 State Hatha Yoga 1 Feb. 17 — 10 to 11 a.m. Wintertime at St. jeserie.org. the Maritime A Man of No Feb. 15 — 11 a.m. to noon The Electoral College: The Family Shop, Importance An Examination of 2501 W. 12th St. Feb. 17 — 6 to 10 p.m. Edinboro Branch Environment Erie: thefamilyshoperie.com. Feb. 23, 24, 25 — 7:30 p.m. Library, 413 W. Plum Its Past, An Analysis Green and Healthy Erie Maritime Museum, & Feb. 25, 26 — 2:00 p.m. St. erielibrary.org. of the Present, and Home Workshop 150 E. Front St. Oasis Open House flagshipniagara.org. Taylor Little Theatre, Discussion of Its Future Feb. 16 — 6 to 8 p.m.

February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 25 CALENDAR Discover PI … on the Snowy Side of the Year. Presque Isle Partnership has a full slate at PI Snow Day.

So, after you meet the famous ursus, drawn wagon rides. Borrowing skis and wander over to watch chainsaw carving snowshoes only requires paying the in action, get to know some sled dogs rental charge; the wagon rides are $8 as they are put through their paces, or and require pre-registration (do so at watch a park naturalist bring Joe Root to life. If completion is in your blood, you may want to join the snow sculpting “Our goal is to encourage use of contest starting at 10 a.m. Register for the park throughout the year.” free at the PI Partnership table. Family ice fishing (with equipment provided) will be available, as well as a discoverpi.com/events/snowday) snowshoe hike and a longer three-mile Representatives from Field & Stream hike out to Gull Point in hopes of seeing and Off-Road Express will also be on a visiting snowy owl (waterproof boots hand demonstrating winter-themed recommended). If geocaching is your gear for getting your frosty party started thing, well, they have that, too. after this event is over. Indoors, everyone can meet some As in the past, Snow Day Buttons will

CONTRIBUTED PHOTO Erie Zoo animals, find food and refresh- be available for $3 (or two for $5, five for ments, linger over Chinese auction bas- $10) and five lucky button holders will be kets, and the kids can make some crafts. gifted with prizes. All proceeds of but- By: Mary Birdsong safety ambassador of the U.S. Forest What’s sure to be a hit is the doggy ton sales and the event benefit the part- Service. ugly sweater contest. No entry fee or nership’s projects throughout the park. ou have no excuse to stay inside on Jon DeMarco, executive director of PI pre-registration required; just show up Embrace the snowflakes, have a good YFeb. 18. Snow Day, organized by the Partnership, says Snow Day gives the with your favorite canine decked out in time. Presque Isle Partnership as a winter group the opportunity to showcase Pr- its ugly finery. Representatives from the complement to the summery Discover esque Isle during the winter months, a ANNA Shelter will be taking pictures of 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Presque Isle, features 18 ways to enjoy time when most people might not even the contestants. Feb. 18 //Rotary Pavilion and a (mostly free) day at the park, both consider venturing out here. “Our goal is Two activities requiring a fee (and Waterworks area, Presque Isle indoors and out. It even includes vis- to encourage use of the park through- some pre-planning) are cross-country State Park // Free admission; fee its from Smokey Bear, the goodwill fire out the year.” ski and snowshoe rentals, and horse- for some activities // 838.5144

February Speaker Feb. 18 — 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. EPIC Volleyball The Family Shop, St. lifeworkserie.org. Raised Beds and Series The Family Shop, Tournament 2501 W. 12th St. Container Gardens thefamilyshoperie.com. Feb. 18, 25 — 10 a.m. 2501 W. 12th St. Feb. 19, 26 — 8:30 a.m. Therapeutic Yoga with Ruth Benner thefamilyshoperie.com. McCord Memorial Family First Sports Feb. 21, 23, 28 & Mar. Feb. 22 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Community-Police 2, 7, 9, 14, 16, 21, 23, 28, Library, 31 W. Main St. Park, 8155 Oliver Rd. Relations Forum LEAF Education Center, mccordlibrary.org. Mindfulness eriesportscommission.com. 30 — 4 to 5:15 p.m. 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. and Meditation Feb. 20 — 6 to 8 p.m. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Foods Alive! A Teacher Training Lake Erie Eagles Pfeiffer Burleigh St. lifeworkserie.org. The History of Beer Elementary School, 235 Day Devoted to Feb. 18 & Mar. 18 & Apr. Feb. 19 — 1:30 p.m. Feb. 22 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Fermentation 1, 22 — 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. E. 11th St. wqln.org. Great Books: Sanding Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Jefferson Educational Kombucha, Kimchi Plasha Yoga Studio, Down From Warrior French St. erieevents.com. Out of the Blue Society, 3207 State and Salads 3330 W. 26th St. to Civilian St. jeserie.org. plashayoga.com. and Into the Red: Feb 18 — 10 a.m. LuLaRoe Pop Up Feb. 21, 28 & Mar. 7, 14, to 3:30 p.m. Pennsylvania’s 21 — 4 to 5:30 p.m. L’Arche Erie Outdoor Feb. 19 — 3 to 5 p.m. Role in the 2016 Cardio Fit and Weight Tom Ridge Environmental Jefferson Educational Lifting Class Center, 301 Peninsula Adventures Raffle The Family Shop, Presidential Election Society, 3207 State Feb. 23 & Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Feb. 18 — 1 to 5 p.m. 2501 W. 12th St. Feb. 20 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. St. jeserie.org. thefamilyshoperie.com. 30 & Apr. 6 — 9:30 a.m. Zem Zem Shrine and Jefferson Educational Society, 3207 State United Way Knock LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach The Imagination Banquet Center, 2525 W. St. lifeworkserie.org. Expotarium 38th St. larcheerie.org. Tai Chi St. jeserie.org. Out Homeless Feb. 18 — 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 20, 22, 27 & Mar. 1, 6, Boxing Match Block Party 8, 13, 20, 22, 27, 29 & Apr. Fit for Life An Educator’s and 2 to 5 p.m. & Feb. 3, 5 — 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Feb. 21 — 5:30 p.m. Perspective of Italy 19 — noon to 3 p.m. Feb. 18 — 2 to 3 p.m. Fitness Class Bayfront Convention LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Feb. 21, 28 & Mar. 7, 14, 21, 28 Feb. 23 — 1 p.m. Bayfront Convention Children’s Storytime St. lifeworkserie.org. Center, 1 Sassafras Center, 1 Sassafras Pier Room in the Blasco & Apr. 4 — 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Pier erieevents.com. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach eriepromotions.com. Memorial Library, 160 E. LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach St. lifeworkserie.org. Front St. erielibrary.org. G is for Games St. lifeworkserie.org. Outside the Window: Presque Isle Snow Day Screening Party Groundhogs New Horizons Feb. 20 — 10 & 11 a.m. Feb. 18 — 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Erie Otters vs. Japan: A Cross- Feb. 22 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Music Project: Strings and Folk Presque Isle State Mississauga WQLN, 8425 Peach Cultural Psychology St. wqln.org. Tom Ridge Environmental Park, 301 Peninsula Feb. 18 — 7 p.m. Perspective Center, 301 Peninsula Feb. 23 & Mar. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 & Apr. 6 — 4 to 6 p.m. Dr. discoverpi.com. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Feb. 21 — 1 to 2 p.m. Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. French St. erieevents.com. Essential Oils Class LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Craft Day Feb. 20 — 5:30 to 7 p.m. St. lifeworkserie.org.

WQLN welcomes next generation minority Members of the community group, of genuine dialogue so that we can re- voices on NEXT, a public affairs program which has been meeting every other ally, really resolve things or understand hosted by Erie’s Marcus Atkinson on the fourth Sunday of every month, 4-5 p.m. on Friday since August, will participate in one another. So that’s something that WQLN Radio 91.3 FM. Listen to previous the public forum along with City of Erie we are seeking to accomplish.” episodes including “Police Brutality in the Police Chief Don Dacus, Erie County During the forum panelists will address Black Community: A Black & Blue Forum,” District Attorney Jack Danieri, Assistant questions and comments from the pub- which aired Sunday, Oct. 23, at wqln.org/ Departments/Radio/NEXT. U.S. Attorney Marshall Piccinini, and lic using the Chautauqua Method. Atkin- other law enforcement representatives son, host of NEXT on WQLN Radio and from the Erie Bureau of Police, Pennsyl- lence. vania State Police, and the FBI. WQLN Public Media will cover WQLN Public Media will cover the “We’re looking to have some honest the event on its Facebook Live event on its Facebook Live stream, dialogue,” said Marcus Atkinson, a pas- stream, which will invite public which will invite public participation and sionate participate in the group, pastor participation and comment. comment. of community engagement at Grace The forum follows a series of formal, Church and director of ServErie, an as- closed-door meetings between 20 con- sociation of Erie churches that is work- Erie Now on WQLN TV, will moderate the CONTRIBUTED PHOTO cerned citizens and law enforcement ing to improve and restore some of Erie’s discussion with Sonya Byes, producer of professionals that were prompted by a most neglected neighborhoods. Chatting with Sonya on Community Ac- MONDAY, FEB. 20 June 27 police encounter with Montrice “Nowadays, the new model of com- cess Television/Erie. – Lisa Gensheimer public forum on community-police Bolden. The arrest was captured on vid- munication is (to) throw a verbal bomb 6 – 8 p.m. // Pfeiffer-Burleigh on Facebook to get your point across,” Arelations aims to combine the best eo and sparked outrage in segments of Elementary School, 235 E. 11th St. in face-to-face communication with the the community. The U.S. Department of said Atkinson. “Online, people want to // Facebook Live stream Facebook. immediacy and access of social media Justice has opened a civil rights investi- do and say things that are inflammato- com/WQLNpublicmedia // Advance to address one of Erie’s most pressing gation into the possible use of excessive ry, because they garner a lot of ‘likes,’ questions to [email protected]. problems – building trust between peo- force in the Bolden case and is exam- they garner a lot of attention. And we ple of color and law enforcement, with ining patterns and practices within the have forgotten that social media is often the ultimate goal of reducing gun vio- Erie Bureau of Police. times not the best way to get to the root

Natural Parenting Evening Fireside Talk: St. erielibrary.org. asburywoods.org. Love the Earth: Little LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Class Animal Attraction Leaves Program St. lifeworkserie.org. Feb. 23 — 6 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 23 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Cross Country Emma’s Mardi Feb. 27 — 10 a.m. to noon Presque Isle History The Family Shop, Rotary Pavilion in Ski Clinics Gras Gala LEAF Education Center, 2501 W. 12th St. Presque Isle State Feb. 25 — 10:30 a.m. Feb. 25 — 6 p.m. 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org. Series: Joe Root thefamilyshoperie.com. Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. to 12:30 p.m. Ambassador Center, Feb. 28 — 6 to 7 p.m. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Asbury Woods Nature 7794 Peach St. Adaptive Equipment Tom Ridge Environmental The Pillow Workshop Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. emmasfootprints.com. for your Daily Living Center, 301 Peninsula asburywoods.org. Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Feb. 23 — 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Tai Chi Feb. 27 — 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Feb. 24 & Mar. 3, 10, Erie BayHawks Asbury Woods Nature Seasonal Allergies: LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach The Paranormal Pastor Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. 17, 24, 31 & Apr. 7 — vs. Fort Wayne St. lifeworkserie.org. asburywoods.org. 9:30 to 10:15 a.m. Leave Them Behind Feb. 25 — 7 p.m. Feb. 28 — 6:30 to 7:30p.m. Regency At South Shore, Feb. 25 — noon to 2 p.m. Erie Insurance Arena, 809 Safenet Scrabble LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach 322 Washington Place St. lifeworkserie.org. Teen Literary Tom Ridge Environmental French St. erieevents.com Feb. 27 — 5 p.m. Art Workshop: lifeworkserie.org. Center, 301 Peninsula Paper Bag Art Dr. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Multi-Consultant Bayfront Convention The Struggle for Mom’s Night Out: Center, 1 Sassafras Feb. 23 — 6:30 to 8 p.m. LuLaRoe Pop-up Pier erieevents.com. Power: A Study Kelly Belly Wood Knights of Columbus of Erie’s Political Room 219 in the Blasco Sign Painting Party Feb. 26 — noon to 4 p.m. Memorial Library, 160 E. Sports Raffle Leadership 1851-2017 Feb. 24 — 6 to 8 p.m. Hoss’s, 3302 W. 26th St. Freezer Meals with Front St. erielibrary.org. Feb. 25 — 12:30 p.m. thefamilyshoperie.com. Simply Tasteful Feb. 28 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. The Family Shop, Bayfront Convention Jefferson Educational 2501 W. 12th St. Feb. 27 — 6 to 7:30 p.m. Ian Bagg Center, 1 Sassafras Black History Program Society, 3207 State thefamilyshoperie.com. Pier erieevents.com. The Family Shop, St. jeserie.org. Feb. 23 — 7 p.m. & Feb. Feb. 26 — 6 p.m. 2501 W. 12th St. 24, 25 — 6:45 & 9:30 p.m. thefamilyshoperie.com. Joe Root’s Winter Stroll in the Greater Calvary Full Seneca Allegany Jr’s Last Laugh Comedy Frostbite Open Gospel Baptist Church, Club, 1402 State St. Park: Long Pond Trail Casino Trip Feb. 25 — 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. 2624 German St. Faking the News: jrslastlaugh.net. Feb. 25 — 1 to 2:30 p.m. greatercalvaryfgbc.org. Lying in an Age of Mar. 1 — 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Beach 1 Runner Club East Pier parking area Illiterate Consumption LifeWorks Erie, 406 Peach Urban Universities: Pavilion at Presque Isle in Presque Isle State St. lifeworkserie.org. State Park, 301 Peninsula One Night in Feb. 27 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Partnerships and Park, 301 Peninsula Dr. Hollywood Leaderships in Dr. discoverpi.com. events.dcnr.pa.gov. Jefferson Educational Feb. 26 — 8 p.m. Society, 3207 State Native and Invasive Revitalization to midnight Plant Species Essential Oils Snowshoe Clinics St. jeserie.org. Feb. 23 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Sheraton Erie Bayfront with Jen Salem Feb. 25 — 10:30 Feb. 25 — 1:30 to 3 p.m. Jefferson Educational a.m. to noon Hotel, 55 W. Bay Chair Massage Mar. 1 — 7 to 8:30 p.m. Society, 3207 State Asbury Woods Nature Dr. facebook.com/ LEAF Education Center, St. jeserie.org. Edinboro Branch Center, 4105 Asbury Rd. FilmSocietyNWPA. Feb. 28 — 10:30 a.m. Library, 413 W. Plum to 3:30 p.m. 1501 W. 6th St. leaferie.org.

February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 29 CALENDAR Good Things Come in Small Packages. Working ducks elevated to art in ‘Erie Decoys: Folk Art Sculpture’

By: Mary Birdsong telltale keel underneath, and connec- compositions on the sides, with carved Largely crafted at the turn of the 20th he simple, clean lines of the mostly tions for lines and anchors, reveal their areas sporting white paint in a stylized century, these regionally made antique duck decoys are on display at the Erie Art century-old duck decoys, now on utilitarian purpose. pattern giving the decoy an agreeable T Museum’s Little Things Gallery. display in the Little Things Gallery at Buchner is the most famous of the charisma. the Erie Art Museum, give them an air group and is considered the father of Many of the other Erie carvers fol- of modern art. Their makers, all carv- the Erie School. His decoys are known lowed Buchner’s lead and now Erie Many visitors may overlook the Little ers from what is now known as the by their delightful folk art carving he School decoys can be identified by their Things Gallery at the museum. But in Erie School of decoy carving working used, along with paint, to identify a par- carved backs, a detail exclusive to this this tiny corner, great things happen. In between the late nineteenth and early ticular species. The stylized carvings, on decoy-making location, with each carv- this case, it reveals a storied tradition of twentieth centuries, would be quite sur- the backs particularly, depict feathers er having his own interpretation in pat- ordinary people making the things they prised to find most of them here, how- and wing features. tern and design. needed to earn a living or enjoy their Buchner’s Bufflehead Duck Decoy is Erie School decoys share another fea- sport. They didn’t know they were creat- especially charming. Compact of body, ture as well. Their ducks sport uncom- ing art. But we do now. Buchner is the most this little duck sports its signatory white monly wide bodies, designed to keep Tuesday – Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 famous of the group and is them afloat in the notoriously choppy wedge on the back of its head, although p.m.; Sunday, 1 to 5 p.m. // Erie Art considered the father of the Buchner made it wedge-shaped rather waters of Lake Erie. These “pancake” Museum, 10 E. 5th St. // Admission Erie School. His decoys are than rounded as seen in other decoys bodies, as they’re called, grow wider to- prices vary; free every Wednesday known by their delightful in the show by an unknown carver. He ward the rear and end in a squared-off and second Sunday // 459.5477 also took some liberties with the color tail. folk art carving he used, along with paint, to identify a particular species. ever. When first crafted, these decoys were designed with one thing in mind: to attract wild duck within range of a hunter’s aim. The Hahn Brothers, Robert Ebisch, K. Henrichs, Jack Sweet, Ken Chandley, and most notably Frank Buchner all carved working decoys for use on the water, not the shelf in your study. The

30 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 15, 2017 February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 31 MUSIC REVIEWS

The Menzingers Allison Crutchfield Surfer Blood Elbow After the Party Tourist in This Town Snowdonia Little Fictions Epitaph Merge Records Joyful Noise Polydor Records

or their fifth asual fans erpetually rid- Falbum, the Cof Waxa- Ping the mo- nglish quartet Menzingers have hatchee will find mentum of 2010’s EElbow have crossed into something famil- Astro Coast, Surf- had a terrifically middle-age – for iar about Allison er Blood never re- solid career. Their touring punk Crutchfield. Her ally lived up to that latest effort, Lit- musicians, that resume speaks album’s promise. tle Fictions, is no is. Within the first minute, the band for itself, however. Check out one pho- After two forgettable full-lengths, the exception. Cinematic and emotionally asks, “Where are we gonna go now that to, and it’s easy to see that Allison and band returns with their fourth studio al- evocative, the band creates a sweeping our twenties are over?” It’s a recurring Waxahatchee’s Katie Crutchfield are bum, Snowdonia. It’s been a tumultuous atmosphere with every track. Singer Guy sentiment whispered within the genre, identical twin sisters. The two began ride for them over the past few years. In Garvey’s full, long notes are despondently although usually not asked so explic- their careers by founding the fantas- 2012, singer John Paul Pitts pled no con- peaceful, floating above the tender instru- itly. Nostalgia and introspection have tic and relatively underrated band test to charges of domestic battery, tar- mentation. The band begins with simple long been tools used by the Scranton P.S. Eliot in 2007. After dissolving the nishing the band for many. A few years rhythmic motifs, often repeated through- quartet, combined with melodic punk group in 2011, Allison went on to front later, founding guitarist Thomas Fekete out entire tracks, giving many tracks a singalongs. Perhaps the single best ex- Swearin’ with Kyle Gilbride, releasing was diagnosed with a deadly form of can- slight degree of danceability. Shimmer- ample of “orgcore” (a tongue-in-cheek two extraordinary albums. With such cer, and passed away in 2016. Through ing delay and reverb coats Mark Potter’s genre named in honor of punknews.org), an impressive discography behind her, all of this, the band is soldiering on. Will guitar parts, while the keyboards of his the Menzingers have kept their batting does Tourist in This Town disappoint? Snowdonia be their saving grace? Pos- brother Craig are deep, warm, and cavern- average high, with After the Party find- Not at all. Front to back, it’s a gorgeous sibly, but it’s not likely. It’s a fine record. ous. It’s very “Brit indie,” perfect for fans ing itself dead center in terms of rela- record, full of variety and gushing hon- Their sound has moved from the trendy of Badly Drawn Boy, Radiohead, or Ameri- tive quality. Considering that 2012’s On esty. There are tinges of country har- beach-tinged echoes of the late oughts, cans like The National. It’s subtle, dreamy, the Impossible Past was the single best monies in the opening acapella intro. to a more powerpop sound reminiscent and delivered with an understated gravi- punk album in the last 10 years, that’s not The fullness of the band kicks in and of bands like Ozma, Matthew Sweet, or tas that goes a long way. Check out tracks a bad thing. Perhaps the boys should get remains, an endearing midtempo indie Superdrag. It’s an album consistent in like “Trust the Sun,” or the titular “Little back into Vladimir Nabokov (a major in- pop cruise. Tender moments like “Char- tone and tempo. There are a few odd Fictions” for examples. After their criti- spiration on the 2012 opus) however, as lie” and “Sightseeing” are balanced standouts, like the harmonic minor riffs cally acclaimed 2008 hit The Seldom Seen the lyrics become rather repetitive. It’s perfectly with the energetic hooks of “Six Flags in F or G,” and the strange, Kid the band has done its best to live up a fair enough improvement from 2014’s of “Expatriate” and “The Marriage.” albeit lovable television theme song to the high bar they’ve set for themselves. Rented World though, and a great piece The album is delicate, but potent. A that is “Taking Care of Eddy.” Overall, the To a new listener, Little Fictions is wel- of evidence proving that they’re one sleeper hit that warrants a revisit- album works, perhaps not reaching their coming, a somber meditation that suc- of the best punk bands working today. ing of the artist’s entire body of work. early peak, but gaining steady footing. ceeds in setting a dark, personal mood. – Nick Warren – Nick Warren – Nick Warren – Nick Warren

Tommy in Toon — by Tommy Link

32 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 15, 2017 BOOK REVIEWS Book Reviews Station Eleven: Surviving the end of the world: Shakespeare, music, and love

By: John Repp From then on, this intricately plot- Clark Thompson, Arthur’s best friend; tation Eleven had me at sen- ted, post-apocalyptic nightmare rang- Miranda Carroll, his second wife; Je- tence one: “The king stood in a es back and forth across the 60 years evan Chaudhary, a paparazzo, turned Spool of blue light, unmoored.” straddling “Year Zero,” its five protag- entertainment journalist, turned EMT; The sound and rhythm alone made me onists linked first by chance and ulti- and Kirsten Raymonde, a child actress a believer: Those four “oo” syllables, at the start of the novel and its con- the soothing “l” sounds, the confident science by the end. cadence, the way “unmoored” darkens Over the next 20 pages, the Although some chapters take place the tone, lullaby suddenly portent – Georgia Flu explodes “like in Manhattan, Toronto, or British Co- and what a portent! a neutron bomb over the lumbia, the bulk of the action unfolds On a typical winter night in Toronto, as Kirsten and the Traveling Symphony a small company stages King Lear. surface of the earth,” killing make a circuit between Traverse City, It’s Act 4, “the mad scene,” everything within a couple of days Michigan and the Ohio border, playing solid and certain gone for good. The 99.9 percent of the world’s classical music, staging Shakespeare, famous actor playing Lear stumbles population. scrounging for food and shelter, and, over a line, then another, then collaps- in the novel’s final third, confronting es from a heart attack. Over the next horrors I don’t have the space or incli- 20 pages, the Georgia Flu explodes nation to divulge because I want you “like a neutron bomb over the surface mately by love: The actor, Arthur Lean- to experience this soulful, melancholy, of the earth,” killing within a couple of der, who gathers and discards friends finally uplifting novel yourself. days 99.9 percent of the world’s pop- and lovers with a casual cruelty he Station Eleven, by Emily St. John often mistakes for good intentions; ulation. Mandel; Vintage, 2015, 352 pp., $16.00

The Bird-while: Poetry of the Great Lakes basin and beyond

By: John Repp proliferating forms. In a poet of Keith and death’s back-and-forth happen as eith Taylor takes his book’s ti- Taylor’s sensibility, such commitment we read. tle from Ralph Waldo Emerson, leads to the deceptive simplicity of I could have chosen any other poem Kfor whom a “bird-while … is the a poem such as “Later,” which de- in The Bird-while to illustrate these and space [where] most of the wild birds scribes how “jack pine seedlings push other pleasures: The verve with which will allow you to make your observa- up through the peat” a year after the Taylor uses a strict syllable-count to tions … when they alight near you in Sleeper Lake Fire ravaged 8,500 acres shape his lines, the unobtrusive po- the woods.” Even the handful of po- of northern Michigan forest, how the etic music, the sorrow with which he ems here that make no mention of the seedlings celebrates the vanished glories of the natural world enact the quick, acute perception of Emerson in an 1838 … grow an inch high around the edge journal entry called “a natural chro- of a swamp covered in new rushes, I’ve loved Keith Taylor’s nometer” and “one of the metres” of emerald green against the charred poems for almost 40 years. I poetry. An avid birder of long standing, trees, invite you to find out why. an annual resident of the University dead except for their cones forced of Michigan’s Biological Station, and open a boots-on-the-ground environmen- by heat, scattering seeds in the passenger pigeon, the moments of tal advocate, Taylor ranks with poets wind. goofiness and wonder. such as Gary Snyder, Jane Hirschfield, I’ve loved Keith Taylor’s poems for al- and Jim Harrison in his supple use of Notice how the poem emphasiz- most 40 years. I invite you to find out this “metre.” es the “emerald green” the fire has why. Making a good poem does take a lot made possible, how the “charred The Bird-while, by Keith Taylor, trees” deepen the green by contrast, more than keeping a life list or distin- Wayne State UP, 2017, 78pp., $16.99 guishing bear scat from wolf. It takes how “dead” lands with a thud of final- and the Erie Times-News. His latest shrugging off all traces of sincerity, ity that immediately gives way to the John Repp’s book reviews have book is Fat Jersey Blues, published in deep reading in the poetic tradition, “except” of the pine cones death has appeared in the Cleveland Plain Dealer, the St. Petersburg (FL) Times, 2014 by the University of Akron Press. and steady practice of the art in all its forced open to re-seed the forest. Life Contact him at [email protected].

February 15, 2017 ErieReader.com | Erie Reader | 33 active experience that you’re We have different doubts now, sharing with someone. but we’ve always been fairly EB: Wei-Shin, you are a phy- confident. Erie sician with a degree in cellular WSL: There’s a concept out molecular biology. Do you miss there that entrepreneurs are the solitude of doing research, risk-takers – and we’re not. You now that you’re thrust into this don’t want a doctor who’s a Faces very frenetic business world? risk-taker. We always take cal- WSL: I’ve always wanted to culated risks, so if we ever had help people, and that’s why I any doubts we always hedged went into medicine in the first our bets and kind of knew Erie place. The cellular molecular that things couldn’t go terribly biology was actually to help south. This business started in me study the Ebola virus, be- 2007, so for the first five years Wei-Shin Lai cause that’s what one of my we weren’t taking any risks be- and Jason goals was: to become a CDC cause we still had our day jobs epidemic intelligence officer, to and this was more of a hobby. Wolfe: go to Africa and stamp out one But after we grossed a million of the scourges of the world. dollars, it wasn’t a risk to switch Founders of But I found that seeing patients over. AcousticSheep was more rewarding. Connect- JW: We don’t take on battles ing with people one-on-one unless we’re pretty confident Ed Bernik was a little more fun. But when we can win. Always go in with the business started and really a winning force. That’s the way photographer took off, I realized that it was I look at it. actually more impactful to fo- EB: Is there a market for your cus on the business, because product in healthcare? “We want to create a then I’m helping hundreds of WSL: Absolutely. In fact, a lot world of happier, healthier, people sleep better every day, of our customers write in and well-rested people.” rather than just seeing individ- say that they have a particular Ed Bernik: Your website is so ual patients and prescribing po- condition and this has helped fun, and not what I was expect- tentially addictive drugs to help them with it – and not just ining for a tech company. Tell me them sleep. somniacs who’ve been able to about your corporate philoso- JW: I would definitely de- come off of sleeping pills. It’s phy. scribe sleeplessness as yet also people who were under- very excited. It’s a lot like video to see what they were up to and Jason Wolfe: We are the soft- another scourge of the world. going chemotherapy, saying games. You’re setting a mood. compare some notes. er side of tech, is how I look at Maybe not on par with Ebola, that every time they went in You’re communicating a situ- WSL: The second was Ernst it. but it probably affects more for the treatments it was really ation. We do some things with and Young Entrepreneur of the Wei-Shin Lai: Even though we people. stressful, and this helps with guided imagery tracks, setting a Year for West Virginia and west- are in the consumer electron- EB: How did becoming entre- chemo-anxiety. So recently we soundtrack to ease people into ern Pennsylvania. It’s a regional ics audio sector, our emphasis preneurs change your lives? donated a few hundred head- the state they want to get to. award, but then we go to on to is just helping people sleep WSL: One of the things I’ve phones to the Regional Cancer EB: What gets you really excit- nationals as well, and that was better. That’s the goal, and our always known about myself Center to give out as Christmas ed about going into work? in Palm Springs in November. mission statement is that we is that I wanted to be more in presents to patients undergo- JW: The tweaking: Making The caliber of the other partic- want to create a world of happi- control of whatever profession ing chemo. the business processes just a ipants was just really amazing. er, healthier, well-rested people. I went into. Being an entrepre- Also for people in the military little bit better by optimizing EB: Since you started the EB: Do your employees use neur feeds into that. Being a who have sleep issues associat- what you can. Once you see the company, do you get more your SleepPhones®? doctor, too, helped me as an ed with perhaps living in a bar- things work better, it’s great. sleep now than you did in your WSL: Quite a few do. Even if entrepreneur, because it taught rack, hearing noises through- WSL: It’s seeing the employ- previous jobs? they don’t have trouble sleep- me how to listen to people bet- out the night while they’re ees at work, and seeing how JW: When our heads near the ing, they often have a relative, a ter and to always focus on the deployed – or even back home, we’ve set things in motion to pillow, we’re asleep, though that friend, or even children who use ultimate goal. That primary goal some of the stresses that they help some of these people be may happen less often now. the product to help them sleep. translated into always doing have to deal with, including productive and contribute to WSL: Our newest product, EB: Jason, how does your what’s best for the customers. PTSD or Traumatic Brain Injury. something that’s really great. available on our website, is the background in video game de- JW: Rather than a change, I JW: My favorite stories are EB: You’ve won a ton of SleepPhones® Effortless, with sign help you in developing the see it more as a logical exten- when people are helped from awards. Is one most meaningful induction charging. So it’s ba- product? sion: We are always learning the terrible health condition of to you? sically a bluetooth headphone, JW: It helps me see how and asking questions. I think having a spouse who snores. WSL: We’ve had two really ma- and instead of having to plug the parts of a business go to- that’s something that you do We are very proud that we’ve jor awards. One was the Small anything in, you just put in on gether and are administered, naturally in the field of medi- saved some marriages. Business Administration Entre- a surface and it will charge creating a bit of a narrative. cine and definitely in the field EB: Audio plays such a large preneur of the Year for Pennsyl- through the fabric. It also helps with the content of video games. part in our lives. Do you see vania, and for that we were able JW: Makes bedtime effort- and design of the product. De- EB: At what point did you branching out into other areas to compete nationally in Wash- less. signing a soundtrack to help know that AcousticSheep was besides healthcare? ington, D.C. Wei-Shin Lai and Jason people sleep and designing going to be successful? JW: We have a lot of ideas JW: It was an amazing array of Wolfe: AcousticSheep.com soundtracks for games have a JW: We’ve always known. At that we’ll bring to fruition as we different businesses and peo- Ed Bernik: lot in common. It’s that inter- the beginning we had doubts. have the resources to do so. I’m ple we got to learn a bit about, bernikphotography.com

34 | Erie Reader | ErieReader.com February 15, 2017