40 Under 40 Experience an Immersive Fusion of Local Talents

Jessica Hunter

Last year's inaugural 40 Under 40 Experience transformed the Lovell Place loft into a swanky cocktail lounge. This year's sequel will be bigger and better, as the entire first floor of the Avalon Hotel and Conference Center will host a medley of Erie's best food, drink, art, and music in one place.

Friday, Oct. 4

Last year, The Erie Reader teamed up with the Young Erie Professionals to create a special "cocktail chic" event to celebrate and highlight the past and present honorees of Erie's 40 Under 40. The goal was to bring together the art, music, food, and drink that make Erie special, and this year, we're doing it again in an even bigger way. 

In the years prior, the Erie Reader had hosted a 40 Under 40 get-together for that year's class, as well as past classes. It was a relatively low-key affair taking place at either the Brewerie at Union Station's Trackside bar or Lavery Brewing Company. As the 40s began to add up, outgrowing those particular locations seemed inevitable and it was time to pivot. With the help of the Young Erie Professionals and the Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership, we were able to put together a truly immersive experience. 

This year, presented by Marquette Savings Bank, The 40 Under 40 Experience will take over the first floor of the Avalon Hotel & Conference Center in the heart of downtown Erie, re-imagining the space like people have never seen it before. 

Not unlike the Avalon itself — which houses Bolero, The Hideaway, Lola's, and The Cheyenne Cattle Company Chophouse — this celebration will host its own distinct party zones, with plenty going on for the entire night. Guests will be greeted in the "Luxe Lobby" by the music of Zack Orr, awards show-quality photo ops, lighting from Grisé Audio Visual, a performance from Carlaquarius at Lake Erie Belly Dance, and special displays from Glow Laser and Beauty Center and the Elusive Fox Boutique. Around the corner will be the "Ink Room" with live tattooing from Jess Scutella and Leslie Fiolek Hess (of the recently opened Andromeda Studios) and screenprinting courtesy of Pointe Foure Vintage Boutique. The Hideaway outdoor restaurant, the latest addition to the Avalon, will serve as a beer garden with music from onewayness (Adam Holquist), and an electronic set from Orr. Sample libations from locals establishments like Erie Beer, Black Monk Brewery, Voodoo Brewing Co., Erie Distillery, Luminary Distillery, Five & 20 Spirits & Brewing, and Lavery Brewing Company and witness live art from Ceasar Westbrook.

Across the way, pop into the "Silent Room," featuring a silent disco from WNY-In Your Ear Events and Erie Encore Entertainment, as well many items and baskets up for grabs at the silent auction. In the Niagara Ballroom, there will be music from Jess Royer, Matt Boland, and Brooke Surgener, in addition to a wealth of local food. Sample culinary creations from Red Letter Hospitality (Skunk and Goat, Molly Brannigans, The Cork), the Sheraton Bayfront Grille, The Shoreline Bar & Grille (Courtyard by Marriott), Bolero, Lavery Brewing Company, the SorcErie Food Truck, and more. While the main party wraps up around 10 p.m., guests are invited to a special after-party at Lola's with DJ Jonny Evans and special guests Rebecca Mae and The Charles Brown Experience. 

The best of Erie will be at every turn, with so many ways to experience the unique offerings of Erie's 40 Under 40 community. — Nick Warren

7 p.m. // The Avalon Hotel & Conference Center, 16 W. 10th St. // $40 pre-sale, $75 per couple, $50 at the door (special pricing for past honorees) // 40u40.eriepa.com/