venangago-go: June 26, 2009 – Defending the Polka, DeBence Antique Music World and Free and Legal Downloads

Google’s City Tours includes an itinerary for Oil City.

Barrow Civic Theatre Odd Couple director Nick Mitchell wants to create the ultimate New York sportswriter's apartment for Oscar Madison. If you have any NY team apparel and memorabilia you can loan the production, call the Box Office at 814-437-3440.

The closing reception for the "Wear and Tear," exhibition at UnSmoke Systems in Braddock sounds amazing. If you go, please tell me how it was. And take photos.

Marvel comics is offering a theme song for their Runaways Comic

Photojojo’s Guide to Kodachrome

Carnegie Mellon University’s "Walking to the Sky" sculpture is being disassembled and re-engineered to make it more wind-resistant.

Defending the Polka

ArtsErie is kicking off CultureSpark, a year-long cultural planning process designed to identify the issues, strengths and challenges for cultural development throughout Erie County. CultureSpark will engage civic and cultural leaders and members of the community at large in dialog about the role, value and outcomes of cultural development.

The CultureSpark task force will host two open forums in July for artists and cultural organizers:

CultureSpark Artists’ Forum: Artists and creators of all kinds are invited to attend the CultureSpark Artists’ Forum on Wed., July 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Latino’s Restaurant (1313 Parade St., Erie). RSVP by calling ArtsErie at 452-3427 or emailing info@artserie.org by July 2nd.

CultureSpark Cultural Organizations Forum: Representatives of arts, culture and heritage organizations, cultural businesses (galleries, workshops, dance studios, etc.) and community-based organizations that provide cultural programming are invited to attend the CultureSpark Cultural Organizations Forum on Thurs., July 9, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at Downey Hall, Episcopal Cathedral of St. Paul (134 W. 7th St., Erie). RSVP by calling ArtsErie at 452-3427 or emailing info@artserie.org by July 6th.

The Erie Book Store (137 E 13th St, Erie PA) is hosting Jazz Poetry Night tonight from 6:30 – 8PM. Free admission. The stage is open, for the entire session.

3rd Annual Oil Country Bluegrass Festival ahs been set for Feb 19, 20, 21 2010 in the Arlington Hotel.

Registrations are now being accepted for a variety of adult and children’s classes at the Oil Valley Center for the Arts to be held during the month of July & early August. The complete schedule is available online at www.ocartscouncil.com More information is also available by calling (814) 677-3707.

Matt Pond PA is offering a great package: for a limited time you can purchase the Last Lights CD, a copy of mpPA's 2004 breakthrough album Emblems, If You Want Blood EP, and a mpPA poster for $14.75 [postage paid] for you and your best buds!

The Titusville OIL150 Chalk Walk Contest that will be held Friday, August 28 through Sunday, August 30, as part of oil week in Titusville, PA. The event will take place on Spring Street—from Perry Street to Exchange Place. Pre-registration will be accepted on a first come first serve bases until all drawing areas are full. You may register as an individual or as a 2 person team. There is no registration fee.

Registration forms are available by contacting Jody Gustafson at (814)671-5517, online at www.titusvilleoil150.org, at the Titusville Chamber of Commerce, and at the Titusville Oil150 Retail Store.

Meadville band Weekends is keeping a tour blog as they are out on the road this summer.

Girl talk has announced a huge Pittsburgh show with Wiz Khalifa , Grand Buffet , Modey Lemon , Don Caballero , Centipede E'est , Donora , DJ Kendall from Remedy. On my birthday.

The 48 Hour Film Project comes to Pittsburgh on the weekend of August 7th. Early Bird Registration is $135. Teams must register on or before Monday, July 13, to get this special rate. Afterwards, registration is $155.

Peter Greene profiles DeBence Antique Music World at Venango land.

Upcoming Shows of Local Interest:

Pat Troester plays Seneca’s Brother Bean from 7 – 9 m. All ages. No cover.

What am I missing? What’s on your must-see/do list for this weekend?

Don’t forget that upcoming events are always available for your perusal on the Venangago-go events calendar which you can synch to your computer, phone, or print out for your own amusement. Submit your events for the calendar by emailing them to me.

Follow me on Twitter to get the latest show updates and info that didn’t make it to the blog. And a daily haiku.

Free and Legal Downloads:

Regina Spektor Live at the Beacon Theatre on June 17, 2009