Centennial Hall Fills June Calendar with Versatile Lineup
Emo, jazz, rock, and hip-hop showcased at local venue
Beginning Friday, Jun. 5
When the Sun Sets and Surrender the Ghost
Friday, Jun. 5 / 6 p.m. / $15
Midwest emo/pop-punk powerhouses Surrender The Ghost and When the Sun Sets will team up for back-to-back high-energy sets at Erie's Centennial Hall. Brought to you by local hitmakers Idlestar Productions, these two bands kick off a weekend mini-tour together in Erie dubbed the "Sunshine + Sad Songs Tour." Hot off the release of their debut album The Cards We're Dealt, the Chicago quartet When the Sun Sets blend modern pop production with traditional hooks. Seeking to bring attention to mental health awareness, the band relies on a positive energy both on and off stage. That same mindset frames the ethos of Columbus, Ohio five-piece Surrender the Ghost. With a string of new singles out this year following the releases of last year's Everything is Everything EP in 2025.
Saturday, Jun. 6 / 7:30 p.m./ $25
Hosted By Jay Rastik of Streets Tea Podcast, Pittsburgh rapper Hardo appear in Erie in support of his album 1600 Degrees Delux — the 23-track album released on Christmas Eve of 2025. He will be joined by Niagara Falls MC Jamal Gasol (from Gully Tv's Pillmatic Compilation), FTD Drama, Scrilla Santana, Erie artists RSG Milli, Ducky, Ferrari Switch Lanez, Big Gill, and DJ Hubb. Following the show, there will be an after party hosted by Club Prive'.
Friday, Jun. 12 / 6 p.m / $5 early bird, $15
The nomadic rocker Cordell Winter will make an appearance in Erie, bringing the live intensity stage presence he's known for. The date will be part of his initial tour leg, as he makes his way from Florida to New York and into the Great Lakes region in support of his latest album, Leave This World Alive. Hardened by the road and the ups and downs of life, Winter has built his reputation on a relentless drive to tell his story. From his days living in a van and sleeping in Nashville recording studios, to being mentored by Loretta Lynn, he's crafted a true-to-life story of survival and tenacity. Making back-to-back appearances at Sturgis Buffalo Chip, Winter has supported Billy Corgan & the Machines of God, Kid Rock, and Skid Row.
Thursday, Jun. 25 / 7:30 p.m
$20 suggested donation
For the finale of the Harmony & Blessings Concert Series, flautist Jamie Baum will be performing with her expansive group. Having toured and recorded under the "septet" moniker, NYC's Baum has expanded her personnel, ergo the "plus" sign in the name. In addition to Baum's work on flute, the group features musicians on trumpet, alto saxophone, and French horn in addition to piano, guitar, bass, percussion, and drums. The Sunnyside Records artists received a Guggenheim Fellowship in 2014, and released her seventh album What Times Are These in 2024. Baum has regularly been listed as one of the top flautists in the world by the Downbeat Magazine Readers and Critics Polls.
Matthew Crays & Co./Jared Cooney with Logan B & Dirty Leaf, Kactai
Saturday, Jun. 27 / 6 p.m. doors, 7 p.m. show / $10
The Centennial stage will be filled to the brim with local talent at the end of the month, as local songwriters Matthew Crays and Jared Cooney will both be celebrating releases. Matthew Crays & Co. will be putting out their four-song EP Live From the Barn, coinciding with a series of music videos from Lonelyman Productions and Everything at Once Productions. Recording and video production were paid for in part by a grant from Erie Arts & Culture and features Crays backed by Lizzy Jurich on drums, Logan Battin on keys, Abby Weech on piano, Alex "Lone Sav" Staley on bass, Dave Tamulonis on violin and guitar, and Cooney on lead guitar. That very same evening, Cooney will be celebrating the release of his new eight-song LP entitled Icebergs, digitally and on CD. Recorded by Matt Froehlich, the album features Cooney on guitar and vocals, with fellow Precinct Aflame members Froehlich on drums and Nick Buffalino on bass. The evening will also feature the numerous talents of Logan B & Dirty Leaf, as well as the virtuosic grooves of local power trio, Kactai, with both groups featuring members of Crays' band.
For tickets and more information, visit tickets.eriereader.com
