To-do List: Black Flag and Erie's Wild Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival

Black Flag

Late into the first night of April, many an Erieite could be found with their eyes affixed on one of many gleaming rectangles that would, once the clock hit midnight, display just what iconic band would be playing at the crooked i Tuesday, June 11 after the folks at the crooked i had earlier announced that they would be hosting an iconic band for the biggest show in the venue's history. Once everyone's computer calendars switched over to read April 2, it was announced that hardcore punk legends Black Flag would be coming to Erie instead of visiting Cleveland, Pittsburgh, or Buffalo, making quite a few locals pleased and some out-of town club owners a wee bit jealous.

Again Erieites eagerly wait, this time for the actual night when Black Flag and Good For You come to State Street, a show that should wow more than just punk fans.

"Black Flag is probably one of the most important bands because they were one of the first punk rock bands that jumped across the fan base of just punk-rock kids," Marty Schwab says on how the band managed to incorporate more than just hardcore influences into their music."They're one of those bands that through their music have become iconic in that even if you're a Phish fan, you know who Black Flag is."

Marty, the proprietor of the crooked i, first became a fan of the Hermosa Beach, Calif. band back in the '80s as the group started catching the ears of listeners out east through constant touringand an adherence to a do-it-yourself attitude that helped inspire countless bands to come.

"They are truly punk rock in that sense," Schwab says of the independent ethic."They've changed music, they changed the way bands looked at how they could get out there. They're the beginning of DIY."

After stepping aside for a while, the members of Black Flag decided to come back and show the new kids how it's done, reforming early this year when founding member and guitarist Greg Ginn reunited with "Jealous Again"-era vocalist Ron Reyes to once again play the widely influential punk sound that spawned a legion of fans along the west coast before spreading out across the nation. In addition to playing with Black Flag, Ginn will be performing with opener Good For You along with skateboarding star Mike Vallely.

Even after Black Flag and Good For You finish rocking your brains out, the night won't be over, as the crooked i will be holding a punk-rocked themed Vinyl Night until its doors close early the next morn.

Let's be clear here: this is a big show, and Marty's got high hopes for both June 11 and for concerts to come.

"I'm really, truly excited for this show," he says."This is the kind of show that for somebody in my position, this is kind of like the pinnacle for me. Hopefully Erie responds to it"

With numerous people from out of town ready to make the trip to The Gem City for Black Flag, make sure to snag your tickets for the show at blackflagerie.eventbrite.com and support your town. Doors open at 8 p.m. show starts at 9 p.m., and minds should be blown shortly after.

Erie's Wild Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival

There's a magical time each year when Perry Square transforms into a saliva-inducing playground for the carnivorous characters of this fine town. A period of a few days where the Perry air is filled with the intoxicating scent of smoked meat and saucy treats.

It's time for Erie's Wild Rib Cook-Off and Music Festival.

The four-day affair kicks off Wednesday, May 29 in Perry Square, an event marked down in the calendars of many a flesh hound.

"It's the kick-off to summer," says Performance & Event Management CEO and Rib Fest Producer Kathi Danielson." People have been waiting all year. As soon as it's over, I hear tell that they can't wait until it's back again, so it's much anticipated."

Once again, the park will be packed with sauce-covered smiling faces chowing down on award-winning slabs of perfection and other delectable grub, all while enjoying performances by The Vendettas, Black Widow, The Flow Band, and other meat-supporting rockers.

While past events, like the "Best Ribs" judging and awards presentation, return, even more items dot the Rib Fest's schedule. Wednesday calls for a Pin-up Contest from 4 to 8 p.m., while the Open Class Cruise-In goes from 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday calls for a Ladies Night VIP Party that is exclusive to only those who reserve a spot in advance. A Rib Kidz Fun Zone will be out all four days for the younger meatheads. QR Codes can be found around Rib Fest so that you can share photos of your friends rolling around in the human hamster ball or sauced-up from a barbecue binge during this year's Rib Fest.

"I think this is going to be the best one yet – I'm so excited about it," Danielson says. "I can't wait for it to get here."

With all the music, activities, and hundreds of pounds of smoked and grilled goodness, make Rib Fest the meat-and-greet to start off your summer.

Official Meat Correspondent for the Erie Reader Alex Bieler can be reached at aBieler@Erie.Reader.com, you can follow him on Twitter @Catch20Q, and you can find him barbecue-sauce stained and downtown for four days straight starting Wednesday, May 29.