Not a weekend in Erie goes by that doesn't feature at least one killer show and some times you get a few.
That'll be the case Dec. 15-16 so you might want to plot out your game plan, now.
Beer Mug features the long-awaited return of Black Rose Diary -- their first show since April -- over at the Beer Mug on Dec. 15. But that's not all. Pegasus Unicorn, Telefonics, the Trashed, and Knifefight the World all play, too, making this a whopper of a Basement Transmissions Christmas party. Showcase catches up with Black Rose on Dec. 14.

Also, legendary Cleveland reggae master Carlos Jones brings his Plus Band to Docksider on Dec. 15. He was a member of roots-reggae group I-Tal before joining First Light. Since 1994, he's led the PLUS band, which uses a variety of percussion instruments -- plus electronics and keyboards -- to create infectious modern reggae.

Then, also at Docksider, Borderless Puzzle rolls back on Dec. 16. THey're from Pittsburgh but consider Erie their true home; that's how much fans here like them.

Scotty's features the debut of Slaves to Venus on Dec. 16 -- an all-star Erie band with guitarist Frank Singer, bassist Kenny Cornelius, drummer Ricky Hopkins,and vocalists Ron "Preach" Williams and Michelle Martin. They play R&B, funk, and eclectic jazz. Look for more on them in the Dec. 14 Showcase.

Next weekend, smokin' country band Jared Ashley and the Dirty South Band return to the area Dec. 15-16, only this time they'll be downtown at Nicky's Pub, not way out in the county. They rock it up pretty good; fans of Kenny Chesney, say, will love Ashley and his high-energy shows. Of course, the women love him, too. That would include his mom, who lives in the area. Ashley made the final five on "Nashville Star" earlier this year.

Sherlock's on Dec. 16 will welcome back Mushroomhead for their first visit since April 1. They never fail to pack the place, and should again with Waiting for Never also on the bill along with Ventana, Black Flood Diesel, and Sighl

Finally, Forward Hall has a killer show with the return of Chicago emo band the Audition -- another Erie favorite -- and new Roadrunner Records' band Madina Lake on Dec. 15. The latter features identical-twin brothers won the twins episode of "Fear Factor" a couple years ago, though the experience was so grueling they wound up hospitalized. Look for their story in Showcase next week.