Erie Reader

4/5 stars When aspects of modern culture become preoccupied with human-built liminal spaces, a retreat deep into a wooded sanctuary is refreshing. The natural world can seem primal, alien, and otherworldly if not frequented often. Like some Lynchian cosmic portal, it is everything We Out Here offers with Old Growth. To paraphrase Art Bell, these tracks were recorded at an undisclosed location in Allegheny State Forest. The pieces resonate with an Eno-like ambience and a J. Dilla sensibility.

For years, hip-hop artist TayJer (Jeremy Ayala-Oquendo) has been putting in the work – writing songs, performing live, collaborating with other artists, and representing Erie's music scene. If it feels like he's been everywhere lately, that's because he has. From school campuses across the region to local business collaborations, live performances, and your social media feeds, TayJer has expanded beyond just releasing his music.

Metal, Ska, Emo, and More at Centennial Hall This Month by Nick Warren8/7/2026, 11:00 AM Save Ferris, Autumn Lies Buried, Chironex, and Sam Gilman highlight upcoming calendar

The Erie Daily Times headline announced the "torch death" of a "former Erieite." The day before, Nov. 2, 1965, a 31-year-old Quaker and pacifist named Norman Robert Morrison set himself on fire in front of the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. as he stood beneath the office windows of Secretary of Defense Robert S. McNamara. The United Press International reported that he self-immolated in the evening during the bustle of rush hour foot traffic. It appeared to be in protest of the escalating Vietnam War.

Negative Worlds: July 2026 by Nick Warren7/21/2026, 11:00 AM Before two score then four and forty more

Spotted Sandpipers, or Spotties as they are affectionately called by birders, are the most widespread and abundant shorebird in North America. They winter in southern states and much of South America but fly north to a breeding range that spans across the entire continent, east to west, and from sites along the southern edge of the Arctic, south to states like North Carolina and Arizona. Luckily for us that includes our region.

3.75/5 stars With over a decade of artistry under his belt, Matthew Crays is a staple of Erie's arts scene. He's earned it, both personally and professionally. Crays' skillful storytelling (often revolving around recovery) feels universally relatable, while his interchangeable mix of folk, blues, and funk appeals to anyone with an appreciation for versatile singer-songwriter types.

Do you remember when you were a kid, and you ran everywhere you needed to go and didn't bat an eye at another kid asking if you wanted to play? Remember pretending, making up songs, and when doing creative things was just a regular part of your existence? Well, I remember, and I miss it. This month, in addition to seeing Toy Story 5, which reinforces the value of play (recommend!) I tried an Improv class at the Erie Art Museum. Now I'm feeling more playful than I have in a long time.

4.25 stars out of 5 It's not often that you find a musician so technically accomplished who also happens to be a fantastic songwriter and lyricist. There tends to be a trade-off in one direction or the other. Not so with Jared Cooney. The talented lead guitarist behind Mayflower Hill, Six Year Stretch, and Matthew Crays' band has released his third full-length album, and it's nothing short of astounding.

FRIDAY, AUG. 21 Sweet summertime! June and July were just practice, but August is to be savored. If you can already faintly hear school bells and see Halloween items hitting the shelves, settle on down in your lawn chair to savor one last concert from the Music of Origin Series – the final event of the season will be Aug. 21 on the beautiful grounds of Goodell Gardens and Homestead.