Php dates and recordsets

Here i am again with another little quandry. I have two recordsets on the page with events in repeat regions, I am trying to filter them by date the past shows to show ones date past and upcoming to show where date > greater than, I set the recorsets in dreamwaever and variables to the date and test all seem s well. I go to wiew page I get this error:
Fatal error: Can't use function return value in write context in C:\wamp\www\Crossroads\FeaturedExhibits.php on line 37
So I did a bit of research and supposable to do with the syntax on the isset function, I mod it around a bit and that error goes away but I get major warning in haed of my page and only one of my recorsets show up. I have data for both the past and future shows.
I'm sure I just struggling with this date() stuff and php cause I'ts new to me and I cannot for the life of me get it correct.
I am including to page If you would'nt mind taking a look?

Tracy