If We Were You

wed 6.11

FILM at the Erie Art Museum & Kickoff Party

It's a perfect kickoff for their Summer 2014 Program; A Story of Children and Film is a poetic portrait of the adventures of childhood – as seen through 53 great films from 25 countries and includes classic movies like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial and The Red Balloon, also dozens of masterpieces that are almost unknown. It combines the child's eye view of Mark Cousins' acclaimed film The First Movie, with the revelations and bold movie history of his 15 hour documentary The Story of Film: An Odyssey. It was also an official Selection in the Cannes Film Festival, Karlovy Vary International Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival

6 p.m. // 20 E. Fifth St. // brownpapertickets.com

thurs 6.12

Downtown Block Party at Sullivan's Pub

It's something we all wait for every year — that sure sign that summer is officially underway. It's Erie's Downtown Block Party and we're glad to see it. Swing by Sullivan's Pub on this (hopefully) lovely Thursday to listen to some classic tunes from the '80s and '90s from local bands Money Shot and The I90s, rain or shine. Remember to arrive early if you want to procure a street table. Proceeds benefit The A.N.N.A. Shelter.

6 p.m. // 301 French St. // eriedowntown.com 

fri  6.13

Scarlet Ledbetter

Keith Wilson, Tanner Edwards, and Dominick DeCecco have all made some great music in separate bands, so it makes sense that when they team up for Scarlet Ledbetter, the results are pretty great. The string band trio will team up again at the Sunset Grill at the Edinboro Lake Resort to show off their own twist on Americana. If you can't catch Scarlet Ledbetter lakeside then you can catch them at the King's Rook Club on Saturday. 

7 p.m. // 12690 Edinboro Road, Edinboro // 434.3307

sat 6.14

Three Mile Isle

Running is as much a part of being human as eating and breathing. The only difference is — as Brian Graham points out in his "Runner's Paradise" article last issue — running is no longer a condition of survival. Now people run for pleasure, competition, and exercise. For those of you who run for any of these reasons, the Three Mile Isle is your cup of tea. Ranging three miles through Presque Isle with obstacles, the registration fee is $75 with perks, like a complimentary beer provided by Miller Lite. 

10 a.m. // Presque Isle // discoverpi.com/events    

Cruise Town Erie Car Show on State Street

For those of you out there that harbor an extreme passion for automobiles—or even only a passing fascination—there is nowhere else you ought to be than along State Street for the Cruise Town Erie Car Show. Here you will find an array of vehicles from antiques and classics to muscle and sports cars belonging to collectors in Erie and beyond. The show spans from 4th to 12th streets as well as Perry Square and is a free event.

2 to 10 p.m. // State St. // 868.8622

3rd Annual Jog 'n Hog

It's a test of physical strength ... of mental endurance ... of gastronomical fortitude. It's cross-running-meets-binge-eating: The Stanganelli's Pepperoni Ball Jog 'n Hog. And, now in its third year, it's becoming one of Erie's most fun — and freakiest — traditions. So, if you think you can handle a four-mile, meat-and-dough-filled jog along Presque Isle this weekend, get yourself signed up ahead of time. Or, just head out to see the all-American spectacle that is Jog 'n Hog ... just one of the things that keep summertime in Erie weird, and wonderful.

8:30 a.m.  // Presque Isle Beach 1 // jognhog.com

sun 6.15

HOTBOX Open Mic Night

Hey, you. Yeah, you – with the musical talent. Sherlock's is hosting HOTBOX, a night where aspiring musicians of all kinds can take their guitars, their rhymes, and their flash drives to put on a show. Special guests are always a possibility, so join some local greats and enter your name in the conversation.

8 p.m. // 508 State St. // 453.7760

WWE Live

A long-and-hard-fighting battle between two trios of strongmen — the dark-and-mysterious Shield and the backwoods-creepy Wyatt Family — has been raging on in the world of WWE Wrestling. That's the kind of war pro-wrestling fans can really sink their claws into, and tonight, the Gem City is its chosen battlefield, as WWE Live comes to Erie Insurance Arena.

5 p.m. // 809 French St. // Tickets/info: wwe.com

mon 6.16

Great American Book Sale

Who doesn't love finding a good book to get lost in while lounging in a hammock, swinging in the summer breeze, or while soaking up rays at the beach? And if you can find a good book at a good price, even better.  At the Great American Book Sale you can find gently used, donated books along with VHS tapes and CDs. Funds raised support the Erie County Library. The sale takes place at Villa Maria Center Gym. 

10 a.m. to 8 p.m. // 2551 W. Eighth St. // erielibrary.org

tues 6.17

Pride Night at Erie Seawolves

NWPA Pride is having a Pride Night at the Erie SeaWolves in Jerry Uht Park. Stop out for a family and friends night at the ballpark! A portion of the ticket costs will go directly to NWPA Pride and help the group with future events. Tickets will be $8 and you must get a voucher from NWPA Pride prior to purchasing your ticket. 

7 p.m. // 110 E. 10th St. // president@nwpapride.org

wed 6.18

Sirsy

While some bands have enough members to roster a beer-league softball team, Sirsy is an example in musical efficiency. The two-person alt-rock act turns up the volume for their smartly-written songs, which will pair quite well with the beautiful setting at Presque Isle's Beach One when Sirsy plays as part of the UPMC Sunset Music Series.

7:15 p.m. // Beach One at Presque Isle // discoverpi.com/events/upmc-sunset-music-series/

thurs 6.19

Downtown Block Party at U Pick Tap House

Craft beer, live music, and downtown Erie, Pa. — all of this makes for a Thursday evening you should spend outdoors and on the streets of The Gem City. The M-80s are headlining and this evening benefits the American Red Cross, so join the rest of Erie and don't miss out of the party-of-the-week.

6 to 10:30 p.m. // 333 State St. // 455.3743 

fri 6.20

Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle

Oasis is set to turn into a blues-rock ballroom when Ron Yarosz and the Vehicle comes to the West Lake Road establishment. Yarosz brings his Hammond B3 organ and trusty harmonica to the stage for a rocking night as the rest of the Vehicle drives the jam along. All you need need to do is come along for the ride.

6 p.m. // 3122 West Lake Road // 833.1212

The Vigil, Basket Eddy, and Justin Moyar

As you are ready to get away from the hectic work week, a trio of bands are gearing up to unplug and entertain this Friday night at the Erie Ale House. Local acts The Vigil, Basket Eddy, and Justin Moyar are all set to play for Erie Ale House Acoustics, providing plenty of top tunes as you settle in for the night.

8 p.m. // 1033 State St. // 454.4500

"What's Her Name?"

Ukraine-native and Erie-resident Artist Lena Logvina will debut new works at Urraro Gallery, ranging from metal sculptures eight-feet tall to dazzling, handcrafted jewelry. What's more, there'll be Russian classical guitar from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. and the Frank Singer Duo from 7:30 to 9:30. Wine from Penn Shore winery will be available for purchase and the hors d'oeuvres will be complimentary and plentiful, so don't miss this meeting of artist, music, food, and wine on a Friday night.

5:30 p.m. // 135 W. 14th St. // 455.6240

sat 6.21

Zack Orr

Zack Orr is a talented guy. So talented, that it'd be a shame if he were limited to just one set. Luckily, he'll be performing solo electric and DJ sets at the King's Rook Club this Saturday, a great opportunity for you to get even more Orr.

9 p.m. // 1921 Peach St. // facebook.com/kingsrookclub

Romolo Chocolates Summer Music Series

Gather in the piazza of this confectionary delight to experience this delectable  kickoff of the summer. The first showcase will feature actress and R&B singer Gloria Reuben alongside her five piece band including Jay & Marty Ashby, Tom Wendt, Tony DePaolis and Shay Pierre. The event is free and open to the public. 

6 p.m. // 1525 W. Eighth St. //452.1933

Bay Swim VII at Presque Isle

Up to 300 swimmers are expected to make a splash at Presque Isle Bay today, when they jump in for Bay Swim VII, a one-mile swim from Presque Isle State Park's Beach 1 to the Erie Yacht Club, in which they'll be vying for bragging rights and benefiting local nonprofits in one stroke. Pre-registration is required for those who want to jump in, and spectators are welcome.

9 a.m. // Presque Isle State Park, Beach 1 // discoverpi.com

sun 6.22

Erie Cemetery Tours

Find out everything you've ever wanted to know about the lives (and afterlives) of some former, and now-long-deceased, residents of Erie's famous West 6th Street neighborhood during today's Erie Cemetery Tours. Today's two tours are part of a series being presented by local genealogist Caroline Reichel, who's rich in knowledge about Erie County's colorful history. It costs $10 for adults, and $8 for kids 12 and under.

11 a.m.; 2 p.m. // 2116 Chestnut St. // 864.4423

Biggest Loser Run/Walk Half Marathon/5k

Returning to Erie once again due to the success of last year's inaugural race! So successful in fact, that the race sold out and due to the overwhelming response, the event is being moved to the campus of Penn State Behrend so that more runners and walkers may participate. Both a 5k and half marathon will be offered in a non-intimidating environment, with longer course time limits to allow runners and walkers to complete the race at their own pace.

7 a.m. // 4701 College Drive // ChristinaM@biggestloserrunwalk.com

The Fantastic Foray of the Frolf Frolic at Frontier

It's simple: Take the game of golf and add a Frisbee, and there you have it — Frolf. This round of Frolf benefits the Lake Erie Arboretum at Frontier, so it's $20 per person or $45 for a tree-o (eh-oh!), which includes beer and wings afterwards. So yeah, just so we're clear here, that's: Frisbee, golf, beer, wings, and a good cause — doesn't get much better than that.

1 p.m. // Eighth Street and Seminole Drive // http://www.leaferie.org/events/ 

mon 6.23

War of Ages at Basement Transmissions

Basement Transmissions is on the rise, their popularity growing so much it warranted a change of venue. And onward go the shows, as BT welcomes War of Ages to the stage. The local band was a favorite back in the days of Forward Hall on Peach Street and the Hangout in Edinboro, so don't miss what's sure to be a kick-ass show on their home turf before they embark on an international tour. As always, shows are open to all ages.      

7 p.m. // 145 W. 11th St. // basementtransmissions.com

tues 6.24

Between the States: Photographs of the Civil War at Mercyhurst

In commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the Cummings Art Gallery at Mercyhurst presents photographs of the War Between the States, from historical war sites to the haunting events that resulted by photographers such as George Barnard, Matthew Brady and Alexander Gardner. Come take a walk through history of the war that "divided a country and created a nation."  

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. // 501 E. 38th St. // miac.mercyhurst.edu