The Fifth Annual 40 Under 40 Experience

Karolina Zielinski

The silent disco is one of the more anticipated elements of the 40 Under 40 Experience each year. With three different locally-curated stations to choose from, you can dance your heart out oblivious to the sounds of the outside world.

FRIDAY, OCT. 13

It's not just a party, it's an experience. Now in its fifth year, the 40 Under 40 Experience is an event unlike any other in Erie. Created to celebrate and honor those who have been featured each year as Erie's 40 Under 40, this year's celebration is no different in that regard. Highlighting 40 young people in 2023 making a difference in Erie, the party also welcomes alumni from the previous 11 years of the distinction, while also welcoming anyone 21 or older to join in the celebration.

The Erie Reader's Editor-In-Chief Adam Welsh reflects on the experience, "We're so excited to bring the 40 Under 40 Experience back to downtown Erie for the fifth time. This celebration of all our amazing 40 Under 40 honorees from throughout the years has become one of the most anticipated parties of the year, and this year is no different. It's going to be a blast."

This year's party will take place at the Concourse at Union Station, the expansive event venue adjacent to the Brewerie, which has all of the elements of an old train station (high ceilings, arched entryways, original light fixtures, and historic elements throughout) but with all the amenities of a great event venue. Expect epic food, including the Concourse's signature charcutERIE table (no no, not just a mere board), and various hors d'oeuvres (including vegetarian options) and desserts.

The cost of the ticket includes an open bar with brewed and fermented libations provided by Allegheny Beverage Company (owner John DiMario honored in the 2023 40 Under 40 class). There will also be a coffee station from Doug Baker of North Edge Craft Coffee (Class of 2022), who will be supplying samples of his 40 Under 40 related coffee roasts — including "Ghost Roast," which was made in collaboration with Tyler Smilo (Class of 2023) and his band Smilo and the Ghost, as well as his "Don't Give Up the Drip" and "Reader's Roast" made in collaboration with Werner Books and Coffee owners Kyle Churman and Lauren Shoemaker (both featured in the Class of 2023).

The experience also includes live, local music from Elle Taylor (Class of 2023) with Dave Tamulonis (Class of 2022) and Nick Warren, as well as a live performance from Eric Brewer and Friends including Brewer (Class of 2013) and Ralph Reitinger III (Class of 2023) with a guest appearance from Charles Brown (Class of 2013) alongside friends Steve Barone and Charlie Meyer.

In between performances, DJ Tony from Erie Encore Entertainment will keep the crowd moving before the silent disco happens, which is arguably the defining experience of the experience. With three stations curated by Adam Holquist (aka onewayness — Class of 2014), there's a song for everyone but no onlooker will be the wiser as to the song that's making the moves happen on the silent dance floor. It's a sight to behold.

There will also be a live art demonstration happening throughout the night, executed by local artist Ceasar Westbrook (Class of 2020) as well as live tattooing from local artist Matt Mele of Code of Honor Tatoo.

Join us at the Reader as we celebrate all the good work young people do in our community to help make it a better, more beautiful, and fairer place to live. If there is a cause worth celebrating for a night, we believe it is this. Special thanks to our sponsors Allegheny Beverage Co., Parker Philips, Give a Crepe La CrepErie, Erie Federal Credit Union, the Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul, and the Hagen History Center. 

7 to 10 p.m. // The Concourse at Union Station, 121 W. 14th St. // $40 // 21+ // For tickets and info: tickets.eriereader.com