If We Were You

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WEDNESDAY 11.28
FILM Presents: Dear Zachary: A Letter to a Son about his Father

When a filmmaker learns that the wife of a murdered friend is expecting a son, he decides to make a documentary as a memorial. Catch this haunting film at the Erie Art Museum and stick around for a discussion afterwards.

When: 8 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street
Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum

THURSDAY 11.29
Erie Playhouse presents: The Sound of Music

The world's most treasured musical comes to the Erie Playhouse with a performance that is sure to blow you away. Maria, a high-spirited postulant, is sent to serve as governess to seven children of a widowed Naval captain. Their inspirational story has captured the hearts of all. The Sound of Music runs  today through December 16.

When: 7:30 p.m.
Where: Erie Playhouse, 13 W. 10th St.
Contact: 454.2852

FRIDAY 11.30
Schuster Theatre presents: "Henry IV, Parts I & II"

Join the Schuster Theatre as they kick off the holiday season with a performance from the ever-talented students from Gannon University. You will laugh, you will cry, and hey, you might even learn something. You won't want to miss this special event.

When: 8:00 p.m.
Where: Schuster Theatre, 620 Sassafras St.
Contact: 871.7494

The Composure, Tyrannic Fusion, and more

Normally, a pop-punk quartet would refer to a solitary band. When the crooked i brings in a pop-punk quartet, well, that means you've got four different bands on the lineup. With Pittsburgh power poppers The Composure headlining a night with local acts Tyrannic Fusion, The Masquerade, and Separating States, forget pop, this show is ready to explode.

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookeierie

SATURDAY 12.01
The Remember Your Roots Tour

The "Remember Your Roots" Tour is stopping by State Street with a stacked lineup of rockers, lead by post-hardcore quintet For All Those Sleeping. In addition to fellow national acts Close to Home and Buried in Verona, local bands Bail Easy and Kevlar are also in the lineup, making for one big show for rock fans looking for a good time.

When: 5 to 11 p.m.
Where: Basement Transmissions, 1501 State St.
Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com

The Romantic Era CD Release Show and Glow Party
Love pop music? Think glow sticks may be one of the greatest inventions of the modern world? Then you're in luck, because Cougars is hosting the release party for The Romantic Era's newest album "Even If Your Voice Shakes" (see our review on page ??) in addition to holding a glow party for you to enjoy.

When: 10 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: Cougars Nightclub, 1325 State St.
Contact: 790.4744

SUNDAY 12.02
Acoustic Suitcase

Local poet, songwriter, and jingle producer David Devine will be playing with other area musicians in support of his new album "Defrosted." In addition to the new tunes, Devine, whose work has aired on NPR's "A Prairie Home Companion" and "Car Talk," will sprinkle in folk-country covers, as well as pieces of poetry from his book "A Poetry Moment."

When: 4:30 to 6:30 p.m.
Where: Presque Isle Gallery , 35 Peninsula Drive
Toys for Tots Star Wars Clone Trooper event at ACTIONTOYMAN

This afternoon you can 1.) support a local business during the holidays 2.) do something to help those less fortunate in our community, and 3.) meet a real Clone Trooper. Now that's something you can feel good about. So bring the kids down to ACTIONTOYMAN, donate a packaged toy to Toys for Tots, and get your picture taken with Commander Bly. You can't go wrong.

When: 12 to 4 p.m.
Where: 1215 West 26th
Contact: 454.9900, actiontoyman.com

TUESDAY 12.04
Internationally acclaimed poet

Step 1: Read Ben Speggen's Q&A with Yuyutsu Sharma, a poet from Nepal, where you'll find out about his poetry, him being possessed by a serpent spirit, and his trekking through the Himalayas. Step 2: Clear your calendar and gather your friends to come hear this internationally-acclaimed poet in person at his second of two upcoming readings in Erie at absolutely no charge.

When: 7 to 8 p.m.
Where: Gannon's Knight Club, 162 W. Fourth St.
Contact: 871.7000
WEDNESDAY 12.05

FILM Presents: The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford

If you like westerns, Brad Pitt, or good movies in general, head to the Erie Art Museum to check out this critically-acclaimed drama. Meals are available, but you need to order ahead.

When: 8 p.m.
Where: Erie Art Museum, 411 State Street
Contact: facebook.com/FILMErieArtMuseum

THURSDAY 12.06
Brighten the Night

UPMC Hamot is asking for a $10 donation to illuminate a white or purple light bulb on the "Brighten the Night" tree located on the front lawn of UPMC Hamot. The lights are to honor the memory of a friend or a loved one, and all donations will go towards Great Lakes Hospice. The tree will be lit at 5:30 p.m.

When: 5:30 p.m.
Where: UPMC Hamot, 201 State St.
Contact: 877.7020

FRIDAY 12.07
Downtown d'Lights 2012

Erie comes alive for the holidays with the annual lighting of Perry Square. Join the Mayor, Santa, and all of Erie as they flip the switch and light up downtown Erie. There will be food, holiday entertainment, giveaways, and much more!

When: 5:00 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Downtown Erie
Contact: Erie Downtown Partnership, 455.3743

Preach Freedom Band

Feeling trapped on a Friday night? If you're in the need for a musical adventure to kick off the weekend, the Preach Freedom Band can help. Led by Preach Freedom himself, the lead singer for One World Tribe and percussionist for Rusted Root, the group mixes West African rhythms in with reggae, rock, and hip hop to make music designed for the people.

When: 9 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Where: the crooked i, 1013 State St.
Contact: facebook.com/thecrookedierie

SATURDAY 12.08
Holiday Movies at the TREC - E.T. The Extra Terrestrial

This classic movie will make you feel like a kid again, and there is nothing wrong with that. Make sure to catch "E.T." at the Tom Ridge Environmental Center, presented by the Friends of the Tom Ridge Environmental Center. Dinner buffet is also available.

When: Showtimes at 6:30 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. and dinner buffet at 5:45 p.m. and 8:15 p.m.
Where: Tom Ridge Environmental Center, Big Green Screen Theatre
Contact: 833.7424

SUNDAY 12.09
Arlandria, Lightning Killed My Parents, and more

Just because it's a Sunday doesn't mean that you have to stay at home and listen to Christmas songs all day. Defy the onslaught of Holiday tunes and come out to Basement Transmissions where several younger local acts like alt-rockers Arlandria and the alt-punk 17 Occasions will show how much talent the local scene has.

When: 5:30 to 10 p.m.
Where: Basement Transmission, 1501 State St.
Contact: basement-transmissions.webs.com

TUESDAY 12.11
Follow the Star Christmas Show

This Tuesday take time to tap into that holiday spirit with Tennessee Backporch and Sam Hyman. "Follow the Star" brings the Christmas Spirit to Northwestern Pa. to remind us of the real meaning of the season. The show features moving original pieces as well as creative arrangements of familiar holiday songs, so get down to Tennessee (in Erie) to get in the spirit!

When: 7:30 to 8 p.m.
Where: Saint Jude Church, 2801 W. Sixth St.
Contact: TennesseeBackPorch.com