March 26, 2009     |   Volume 1 Issue 4  

Click here if you are unable to view the magazine  or paste the below code in your browser

http://www.greatlakesfilm.org/ERI%20Jams%20Magazine/Volume%201/Issue%204/ERI%20Jams%201-4.htm

by Rob Taylor

What would happen if your girlfriend, wife or significant others ordered a set of glassware because she wanted to set up a business to help make extra money for the family. I guess that would be ok…wouldn’t it? Well, what would happen if she got the delivery and it turned out to be a shipment of porn? Then she got another with more porn and a third with MORE porn and finally…well I am not going to tell you. That is the plot of All An Act Theatre’s new play, No Sex Please. We’re British.

Dave Mitchell and Jennifer Blair play Peter and Frances Hunter, the newlywed couple who ends up with enough pornography to open a medium sized porn house. Both of them rocked in their roles. Their accents were spot on (to borrow a term from the brits) and they acted as if they were a true married couple. Now, bring in Peter’s boss and his sister, Leslie Bromhead and Elenor Hunter, played by Larry Lewis and Ruth Scandale, who know nothing about the porn and the Hunter’s want it that way, and you have most likely the best cast around.

Every cast member had the heart, the timing and the love of theatre to bring their roles to life. It was almost as if the entire cast became their characters. It was truly something to see how they worked together. I know that this will upset some people but the group at A3 are among the best in town with entertaining shows, great talent and directing that makes it all come together into almost perfection.

A3 is a master at one thing. They are very good at everything but they are a master at one thing and that is a slap-stick style of comedy and they have Erie’s best, at least in my opinion, actor in this genre working for them and that is Dave DiCola, who played Brian Runnicles. I have seen him in a few comedies and he appears to really enjoy getting the physical, verbal and mental abuse he has to have to make his characters work. Now, Dave Mitchell and Chad Santos are good at slapstick but Di Cola has them beat by a mile.

Other than a few accents that were slightly off, some British slang that was missing (the writer’s fault I guess) and a broken table leg that annoyed the hell out of me, No Sex Please, We’re British was an enjoyable show to watch…if you can stop laughing long enough to watch it.

According to a release that A3 sent out they had another record setting weekend for this show so my recommendation for you is get your butts down to Columbus Square and see the show that everyone in town is going to be talking about.

Is The Velvet Social Club Worth The Money, Trouble and Risks?

by T.R. Septaric

On the way back from Akron, Ohio a small group of us saw a beat-up gray two-story house on the south side of Rt. 20 just about a mile this side the Pa/OH state line. Now, I had seen it before but I never took much notice. Well, this time we did, mainly because it had a huge neon sign with pink letters on it that spelled out Velvet.

Once we made it back to Erie we talked about the place and couldn’t decide if it was a gay bar or a strip joint. After a couple of hours of research it turned out to be a strip joint that, a few months ago, got busted for selling liquor without a license. Going by the brightly glowing signs it was reopened so we decided to check it out.

Now, the first time we went by was at 10:00 p.m. on a Saturday night and no one was there so we decided to try a different night, a Thursday, and guess what…there was no one there. We decided to give it a go anyway. During the whole night (we were there from 9:00 p.m. until about 12:30 a.m.) there were only four or five customers. At the clubs in Erie 9:00 – Midnight is the prime time for strip joints…even on a Thursday night.

The full name of the place is The Velvet Social Club and, on the inside it looks like any other strip joint: mirrors, lights, a pole and naked women. What makes them interesting is the way they operate. First off there is no cover charge. You can come in and hang out for 10-15 minutes to see IF you want to become a member. If you do decide to become a member there is a $12 “entertainment fee” which gets you unlimited FREE (yes, I said free) beer and a fully clothed table dance, which we NEVER got.

Velvet is a “private” club. You get a free temporary membership card when you come in and, if you choose you can take your photo ID to the doorman and he will change your temporary membership into a permanent one. I don’t know if there are any extra benefits to a permanent membership but I got one anyway just to see. Guess what…I didn’t see any extra benefits at all except I have another card to carry.

Now, Velvet does offer nude private dances which range in price from $20 up to $160 but after watching, and experiencing, what they do on stage WHY PAY THE EXTRA. Since we do have moral readers I won’t go into details but there isn’t much more they could do backstage.

The girls ranged from very cute to a little, very little, chubby (which I liked) but, for the most part they were beautiful and I will tell you the girls are friendly and not in a sexual way. We actually sat and talked about their kids, their boyfriends and why they dance. Never once did they try to talk us into anything…not even paying for a private dance. As a matter of fact two of the girls who spent time talking to us made it a point to bring us a beer when we wanted one.

A source at the club told ERI Jams that, for the most part, the place is a good place but there are some things that they would like to clean up. The source said that illegal activities such as underage drinking, prostitution and drugs sales do take place there on a regular basis. “It wasn’t like this when they opened the place,” they said. “I wish someone would clean it up and take it back to what it used to be.”

The place is 24 miles out of town so it takes about a gallon of gas or more to get there. If you go by the décor and the quality of the girls it is exactly the same as every other club in Erie and there may be illegal crap going on out there. The question is – is it worth the money, the time and the risk of being involved in a raid to drive all the way out to Velvet for a good time? Personally I don’t think it is. In my opinion, if you DO want to see naked, or at least semi-naked girls….stick around Erie and save all the hassles.

Comedian Lewis Black To Perform At The Warner

On March 29th at 8:00 p.m. the Warner Theatre welcomes Comedy Central star Lewis Black in his "Let Them Eat Cake." Tour

Lewis is one of the most prolific and popular performers working today. He executes a brilliant trifecta as stand-up comedian, actor and author. Lewis' live performances provide a cathartic release of anger and disillusionment for his audience. Lewis yells so they don't have to. A passionate performer who is more pissed-off optimist than mean-spirited curmudgeon, he's perfected expressing what the rest of us cannot say in polite company. Lewis is the rare comic who can cause an audience to laugh themselves into incontinence while making compelling points about the absurdity of our world. It's no wonder he's been compared to Mort Sahl, Lenny Bruce, and Bill Hicks. Prepare yourself for a night of hilariously angry comedy with Lewis Black at the Warner Theatre.

Tickets: $49.50 & $42.50. Charge (814) 452-4857 or (800) 745-3000. Purchase at the Erie Civic Center box office, Ticketmaster outlets or www.ticketmaster.com.
 

ERI Jams Decides To Go Green

by Rob Taylor

According to www.ask.com Every day more than 40,000 square kilometers of forest is lost. In one year the amount of forest destroyed is equal to the size of the countries of Panama or Sierra Leone. One acre of trees produces enough oxygen for eighteen people so, when those trees are cut down, the amount of oxygen not being produced is equal to the amount of oxygen required by 10,964,000+ people per year.

There are a lot of things all of can do to help the environment by going green. This includes using more efficient light bulbs, turning off electronics when you aren’t using them and planting flowers, trees or even a small garden to help replenish the oxygen we use. Everyone can and should do something, no matter how small, to help.

Because we at ERI Jams do not want to add to this environmental problem, we are going green. After much thought and discussion, we realize that printing our magazine would be a waste of the planet’s valuable resources so we have decided that we would NOT go to a print edition as we originally planned. ERI Jams will continue to be distributed through emails and may be viewed on-line at www.greatlakesfilm.org.

We know that this is a small step but if and when you get a lot of people and companies take a small first step a lot can be done. And maybe together we can help save a planet.
 

Asbury Woods To Host Maple Festival

Maple Festival – Celebrate Spring

March 28th & 29th 1:00 am – 4:00 pm

Experience the maple production tour from Native American times to the present. Celebrate the Season of Spring with activities about birds, frogs and salamanders.
Members: $5.00 Adults $3.00 Children 3- 12
Non-Members: $6.00 Adults $4.00 Children 3 - 12

Pancakes with real maple syrup- Eriez Manufacturing Company
Guided tour of maple syrup production- Dahlkemper Landscape Architects
Watch maple sap being boiled in the Sugar Shack
Sample and purchase maple products
Kids crafts in Discovery Room – PNC Bank
Kids crafts in Craft Workshop - Urban Engineers
Live Music – Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall and Sennett, P.C.
Live Animal Shows – Buzz n’ B’s Aquarium and Pet Shop

Get Your Art On

MOVIE INSPIRES ORCHESTRAS' FOOD DRIVE


Inspired by the upcoming film The Soloist, more than 240 orchestras in 50 states, including the Erie Philharmonic, will participate in a large-scale effort to collect and donate food to local food banks during the month of March. The food collected in Erie through this effort will be donated to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest Pennsylvania.

The Erie Philharmonic will participate in Orchestras Feeding America, the first national food drive by America’s symphony orchestras. The Erie Phil will offer discounted tickets to the March 28 Pops concert to patrons who donate a non-perishable food item.

The Soloist, starring Jamie Foxx and Robert Downey, Jr., will be released to theaters nationwide on April 24. The film is based on the true story of the relationship between Los Angeles Times columnist Steve Lopez and Nathaniel Anthony Ayers, a gifted Juilliard-trained string player whose mental illness landed him among the homeless on the streets of Los Angeles.

“The story of The Soloist reminds us that classical music has the power to sustain spirits and change lives, even under the most difficult circumstances," Executive Director Eric Borenstein said. "This effort gives America’s orchestras a way to use that power to make an even greater difference in our communities -- to feed both body and soul.”

Food donations can be dropped off at the Erie Phil box office at 609 Walnut Street and Nautilus Fitness Center, 2312 West 15th Street, prior to the Saturday, March 28 Pops concert, Swing City, featuring vocal jazz group Monday Off. A 20% discount on the price of admission (Section B & C) will be given to those who donate. Donations will also be accepted at the Warner Theatre the night of the concert. 



DIRECTOR PROVIDES ASSISTANCE

Erie Philharmonic Executive Director Eric Borenstein received his first assignment as a mentor in the Kennedy Center’s Arts in Crisis program. The program, sponsored by the nation’s center for the performing arts, is designed to provide planning assistance to struggling arts organizations throughout the United States.

Arts in Crisis: A Kennedy Center Initiative is a response to the economic situation facing some arts organizations throughout the United States. The current economic climate has reduced earned and contributed income, decimated endowments, and has left some organizations struggling for survival. The program, open to non-profit 501(c)(3) performing arts organizations, provides free and confidential counsel in fundraising, building more effective Boards of Trustees, budgeting, and marketing.

"My first assignment as a mentor will be assisting another symphony in the northeastern portion of the country,” Borenstein said. “I look forward to sharing the experience and knowledge I’ve gained over the years, especially while here in Erie, with other organizations that are not as successful at this point in time.”

Borenstein, who was appointed executive director of the Erie Phil in 2002, is one of many senior arts managers across the United States to volunteer to serve as mentors to other arts organizations. During his tenure with the Phil he has been influential in restructuring the board culminating with the organization's receipt of the 2006 Charles H. Bracken Award for Excellence in Non-profit Governance from the Erie Community Foundation. He previously served as the Cape Cod Symphony’s Executive Director and held several positions with the Buffalo Philharmonic. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Arts Management.



MARSHALL PLAYS DON GIOVANNI'S SERVANT

The Erie Phil's Eric Marshall, who by day is the Marketing Associate/Box Office Manager, will star in Mercyhurst College's performance of Don Giovanni. The opera will take place at the Mary D'Angelo Performing Arts Center on April 3 at 8 PM and April 5 at 2 PM. Eric, who received a BM in Voice Performance from Mercyhurst, plays the role of Don Giovanni's servant, Leporello.


KARAOKE CRAZE

The judges had a tough decision at last month's Billy Joel Karaoke Contest sponsored by the Erie Phil at the Sandbar. The top three contestants (right) were Matt Franc, Ryan Noonan and Monica Lewis. Ryan performed at the Piano Man Pops concert on February 14 with guest artists Jeans 'n Classics and the Philharmonic. Thanks to all who participated and to our judges: Eric Marshall, Rebecca Styn, and Chris Genovese. And thanks to the folks at the Sandbar; it was a lot of fun!

They are Looking for YOU!!

Meet new and interesting people and feel good about helping one of Erie's leading arts organizations! The Erie Philharmonic has many volunteer opportunities including guest artist transportation, clerical support and ushering. If you would like to volunteer for the Phil, please call 455-1375. 

Product Design Competition Announces Semi-Finalists

Entrant’s product ideas to be exhibited at Erie Art Museum

Organizers of InnovationErie: Design Competition released today the names of the semi-finalists whose product ideas will be exhibited at the Erie Art Museum Annex Gallery, 423 State Street from May 8 through June 27, 2009.

The semi-finalists’ list will be narrowed down by the competition’s independent panel of judges to four finalists, who will be given time for a 10-minute presentation and 10-minute question and answer session with the panel.

One grand prize of $10,000 cash to be used for equipment and services to begin an art-based business at the StARTup Incubator, along with more than $7,000 in in-kind InnovationErie partner services, including services from the Penn State Erie, The Behrend College's Plastics Technology Center. The $10,000 cash prize is the result of a grant awarded to Edinboro University of Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. As an extra bonus, the grand prizewinner will have their design submitted to the US Patent and Trademark Office to apply for an official design patent! The submission of the application for the design patent is courtesy of Erie law firm MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton. One Best in Show Award (selected by the public during the exhibition) and three first place prizes will offered in-kind InnovationErie partner services.

Competition partners include the Northwest Pennsylvania Industrial Resource Center, Ben Franklin Technology Partners, STARTUP Incubator, Edinboro University, Northwestern and Erie Keystone Innovation Zones, MacDonald Illig Jones & Britton, Knox, McLaughlin, Gornall & Sennett, eBizITPA, Erie Times- News, GoErie.com, Erie Art Museum, Penn State Erie - the Behrend College and the Plastics Technology Center at Penn State Behrend.

Competition semi-finalists include:

Ryan Bookhamer, Sling-Footwear Carrier The Sling Footwear Carrier is designed to be durable, lightweight, UV protected, waterproof, and quick drying. The product has been developed to carry, aerate, and protect shoes in an organized fashion. Sling is designed to be easily held in one hand or clipped to a bag.

Ryan Bookhamer, Slise, A new series of knives designed to revolutionize the knife market. The Slice Knife Products are designed to displace the Maximum Force to the entire cutting edge, resulting in an easier, more efficient and superior cutting experience.

Alexandra Davis, The Deco Tree The Deco Tree is a contemporary accessory stand that encourages young girls to put away their own accessories while having fun decorating it. It has a triple purpose – first, girls pretend-play; second, they clean up their own clutter; and third, the Deco Tree itself, is a trendy accessory to their rooms.

Kathy Kelly, Book Bag The Book Bag is a purse made out of recycled book covers.

Dan L’Huillier, The Shark The Shark will perform the same function as a traditional starter’s pistol but will be clearly distinguishable from a firearm. Kathleen Ann Moore, Ori-Koppu A fully self-contained coffee cup that is disposable, biodegradable with insulating elements and a lid built into one piece.

Deepak Pahuja, MD, Disposable Stethoscope This is a disposable one-time use cover for stethoscope chest piece with a rollable neck. It provides protection between the hands of the user and the stethoscope when examining patients. 

Michael Richardson, Universal Rhythm Guitar Pick A round (vs. triangular) guitar pick with an embossed design on both sides for grip.

Glen Sanders, Wildside Sport Helmet A children’s helmet designed to promote fun, safety, and creativity. The best way to describe this is bike helmet meets Mr. Potato Head. Throw in a fanny pack to carry and hold all of the character pieces and you have the “Wildside Sport Helmet”.

Violet Steinbacher, VI Glarz VI Glarz are a type of visor that fits on sunglasses or regular glasses, and cuts out the glare. They are made of soft foam, lie flat and are lightweight.

Karl Steiner, Adjustable Cord Lock The concept is to provide a functional, user-friendly means to readily adjust the tension of cords. Many times a bungee cord is the wrong length and is dangerously overstretched or a rope stretches during use and must be retightened.

Triana Design, Desk Lamp A functional desk lamp designed with a focus on contemporary aesthetics. Fusing both nautical and architectural inspirations, this product represents Erie and its strive for innovation. Simple design and wood construction allow for manufacturing viability.

Thomas Unger, Non-Metallic Cable Racks This reinforced polymer cable rack system is designed to replace existing metal racks and for new installation in underground power distribution. The rack system allows for mechanical support of power cables and eliminates a potential electrical shock and fire hazard posed by antiquated metal rack systems.

R. Jason Wieczorek, The Charmer The Charmer is an alternative to the common grocery store shopping basket. In addition to functional improvements, it incorporates a refreshing aesthetic appeal.

Erika Zehner, Sunflower Shower A decorative showerhead in the shape of a sunflower for added style in bath.

About InnovationErie

A collaborative effort among professionals in the science, art, manufacturing, engineering and design (SAM & ED) industries, InnovationErie: Design Competition is a product design competition allowing people in northwest Pennsylvania to showcase their product ideas, with the possibility of taking them to the next level: the marketplace. The competition seeks ideas for products that can be manufactured in the Erie region.

Viva Espana

Saturday, April 25, 2009, 8PM
Daniel Meyer, Conductor

Tickets

Turina: La Oracion del Torero (The Bullfighter’s Prayer)

Strauss, Richard: Don Quixote
Zuill Bailey, cello
Mary Persin, viola

Bizet: Music from Carmen

Spain has provided music of glowing radiance, sunny melodies, and a touch of passion and good humor. The season finale's music, though related to Spain, was conceived by a Spaniard, a German, and a Frenchman, The program begins with the drama of a dusty stadium filled with fear, expectation, and the thrill of the moment in Joaquin Turina's Bullfighter's Prayer. Then we introduce young star cellist Zuill Bailey as the legendary Don Quixote and the violist Mary Parsin as the trusty sidekick Sancho Panza in Richard Strauss' musical tale based on the famed Cervantes novel. The color and drama of Spain comes alive again when we perform a suite of music from Bizet's great opera, Carmen, to complete our season of great music.

This Scott Enterprises Symphonic concert is presented by Highmark, WP$E WQLN and Jet Radio 1400. Guest artists presented in part thanks to Erie Sheraton Bayfront Hotel

Philharmonic subscribers renew before March 31st and Save!!

For More Information Click Image

Check our MySpace site for the updated calendar, music, photos and more! 

UPCOMING SHOWS:

Apr 11 -- Deer Head Inn (Meadville)
Apr 17 -- Sugar Lake Hotel (Cochranton)
Jun 19 -- Sugar Lake Hotel (Cochranton) 

Funny Pics Of The Week

Who says UFO's ain't real?	Maybe PennDot should take a lesson...see no potholes!

Recipe Of The Week - Penne Primavera

INGREDIENTS (Nutrition)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 clove garlic, crushed
2 cups broccoli florets
1 medium carrot, julienned
2 cups vegetable broth
1 (8 ounce) package penne pasta
1/2 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Add to Recipe Box
Add to Shopping List
Customize Recipe
Add a Personal Note

DIRECTIONS
Heat the olive oil and garlic in a large skillet over medium heat. When garlic is tender, remove from skillet and set aside. Place the broccoli and carrot in the skillet, and cook 2 minutes, just until heated through.
In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil. Stir in the penne pasta and heated crushed garlic clove. Cook for 5 minutes, or until pasta is almost al dente. Remove and discard garlic clove.
Transfer the partially cooked pasta and broth to the skillet. Mix in the peas. Cover skillet, and continue cooking 10 minutes over medium heat, or until pasta is al dente and vegetables are tender. Toss with the Parmesan cheese to serve.

©  Great Lakes Film Association

All Rights Reserved