Arts on Fire

On Thursday Night, April 21 WRFA welcomed Feverhawk to the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio for a special live broadcast performance. Feverhawk is a Jamestown, NY-based rock band that records and performs original "old school heavy rock." According to its Bandcamp page, Feverhawk is into 70s metal and werewolves. Current members include Matthew Baxter (guitar, voc), Jay Peterson (bass) and Daniel Witherspoon (drums). ABOUT AOF LIVE: Arts On Fire LIVE brings you the very best of Chautauqua County's local artists via a live, in-studio performance! The programs are not only broadcast live, but also replayed the following week during our regular Arts on Fire time slot - Fridays at 5 p.m. on WRFA! The show is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY. All 2022 Arts on Fire LIVE performances are made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grant.

WRFA's Anthony Merchant was joined in studio by Jamestown musician Mike Brunacini. The two chatted about Mike's upcoming album "Summer's End", the way Mike writes songs, knowing what your talents are, why it will be great to have the new album on vinyl and so much more. https://mikebrunacini.wixsite.com/mikebrunacini https://mikebrunacini.bandcamp.com/ https://www.youtube.com/mikebrunacini https://www.instagram.com/mikebrunacini/ https://www.facebook.com/mikebrunacini

WRFA's Anthony Merchant spoke with Syracuse musician Sydney Irving about her April 9th show in Jamestown, NY, early influences, performing live versus playing with a backing band, future goals for her music, the enjoyment of creating a song in the studio and much more https://sydneyirvingmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sydneyirvingmusic/ https://www.facebook.com/SydneyIrvingMusic/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCgrAURN9nfYimODlhRxxt-Q

WRFA's Anthony Merchant sits down with head of the music department at Jamestown Community College - Dr. Neil Flory. They discuss upcoming musical events going on at the college for the month of April 2022, recent renovations to the music department, what else to expect before the end of the semester and much more. https://www.sunyjcc.edu/events

WRFA's Anthony Merchant discusses the 2022 Banff Mountain Film Festival with Roger Tory Peter Institute's Programs and Events Manager David Niles. The two discuss the upcoming film festivals stop in Jamestown, NY, all the breathtaking moments viewers can expect, upcoming events at RTPI and much more. https://www.banffcentre.ca/banffmountainfestival/tour https://rtpi.org/

WRFA's Anthony Merchant talks to Chautauqua County native and filmmaker Travis Carlson to discuss his newest film Mother's Day and what it was like filming locally and doing a continuous one shot film. The two also discuss growing up in Chautauqua County, what sparked Travis's love for film, advice for aspiring filmmakers and much more. Mother's Day is now available on DVD, Blu-Ray, and streaming on video on demand https://www.panamericanfilms.com/mothers-day https://www.facebook.com/MothersDayFeature

WRFA's Anthony Merchant talks with author William McKeever, who recently wrote his first book "Secret Places of Western New York: 25 Scenic Hikes" with wife Jennifer Hillman Anthony and Bill discuss writing your first book, the influence of environmentalist Bruce Kershner and his writings, finding pieces of history in nature, the vast amount of trails and hikes in Western New York, teaching the next generation to respect the planet and much more. "Hike to grottos where the only sound is the trickle of water, crawl through hidden caves, commune with nature in ancient forests, stumble upon tucked away treasures like lonely graves, splash on secluded beaches and creeks, admire towering waterfalls, and if you dare, step under the cascade yourself. Find historical carvings on rocks and trees that many walk past but never see, and be awestruck when ice volcanoes erupt on the shores of Lake Erie. These outdoor adventures appeal to a range of abilities, with most hikes accessible for the whole family. Co-authors Jennifer Hillman and William McKeever have teamed up with Bruce Kershner’s literary estate to encourage the next generation of explorers to discover 25 compelling secret and not-so-secret scenic day hikes within Western New York. " Book Website - https://www.insiders-outside.com/?fbclid=IwAR0nzNF0iVxL4AtT9kTEL2Q7R06ZNQKz_aU_9n-ap6I4x6iYsNhinUOiz0I Facebook Page - https://www.facebook.com/Secret-Places-of-Western-New-York-1054464481424949

On Thursday, March 17, WRFA welcomed Sixpence to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance! Sixpence is a folk music duo providing an alchemic mix of harp, guitar and voices featuring Celtic, British, and American folk music and inspired original songs. William Russell on guitar and vocals, and Ellen Paquette on harp and vocals. ABOUT AOF LIVE: Arts On Fire LIVE brings you the very best of Chautauqua County's local artists via a live, in-studio performance! The program will not only be broadcast live, but also replayed the following week during our regular Arts on Fire time slot - Fridays at 5 p.m. on WRFA. The show is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY. This special presentation of Arts on Fire LIVE is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grant.

On Tuesday Night, Feb. 22, WRFA welcomedThe Probables to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance! The Probables are a rhythm-driven, folkcana/roots rock band from Jamestown, New York. The band formed in March of 2016 and hit the ground running by releasing their EP in July of the same year. The Probables follow-up release, “Cumberland Line,” brought to fruition in June of 2018, expanded their music scope. With influences of Americana, Folk, Contemporary, Bluegrass and Rock, The Probables result was a fusion of a unique blend. ​ The Probables are Steve Johnson (Lead Singer/Acoustic Guitar), Matt Gronquist (Accordion/Fiddle/Vocals), Adam McKillip (Mandolin/Vocals), Ryan Ecklund (Bass) and Nick Campbell (Drums). ABOUT AOF LIVE: Arts On Fire LIVE brings you the very best of Chautauqua County's local artists via a live, in-studio performance! The show was produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY. All 2021 Arts on Fire LIVE performances were made possible in part by support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County Projects Pool Grants Program and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grant.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Local photographer Cathy Panebianco, who is publishing her first book entitled "Holding Time." "Holding Time" is a love story about family. By using her dad’s Kodak slides taken in the 1950s and 60s and physically holding them in her home and around Jamestown, Cathy literally melded her past with her present. This might be her family’s story, but it’s really every family’s story. The book became available for presale in January and will continue to be for sale until Feb. 16 at https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/holdingtime/holding-time. The presale is an opportunity to purchase the book in advance of publication and purchase special, presale-only rewards, including the opportunity to have your family and your pet photographed by Cathy. In addition to winning awards and participating in local and regional photography exhibits, Cathy has also been a long-time supporter of the Chautauqua County Humane Society as past president and as a volunteer by photographing the adoptable dogs to help them find their forever families. Cathy will donate 50% of her proceeds from Holding Time to the Chautauqua County Humane Society and Infinity Visual & Performing Arts.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with actor LeLand Gantt about his one-man show, "Rhapsody in Black", which will be presented at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Friday, Feb. 4, 2022. The show focuses on the issue racism in America, as told through the personal experiences of Gantt, an African-American actor and artist. Originally airing Friday, Jan. 29, 2022 on Arts on Fire.

Dr. Neil Flory, director of the Jamestown Community College Music Department, discusses the two free winter concerts in December that are open to the public. The choir and concert band will showcase a variety of music styles during a combined performance at 7 p.m. Dec. 7 in the Jamestown Campus student union. The event will also feature special guests The Pearl City Jazz Ensemble directed by Ralph Rasmusson. Julie Costantini directs the JCC choir, while the concert band performs under the direction of Chris Wakefield. The student union will also host Winter Jam!, featuring JCC’s rock ensembles under the direction of Bill Eckstrom at 7 p.m. on Dec. 9. The concert will also feature special guest band The Way Back. Admission is free to both concerts, which will also be streamed live on the SUNY JCC YouTube page.

WRFA's Jason Sample Discusses 'Holidays at the Lodge' with David Niles from the Roger Tory Peterson Institute. Holidays at the Lodge focuses on artists of the North Shore Artist Alliance selling their holiday-inspired work at RTPI. Buy a unique, local piece of art for yourself or a loved one for Christmas. Samples of RTPI's bird-friendly, locally-roasted coffee will also be available, and visitors can also pay a modest admission fee to view the current exhibit, featuring nature photography by award-winning photographer Thomas D. Mangelsen.

on Saturday night, Nov. 13, WRFA will welcome Cold Lazarus to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance! Cold Lazarus melds funk, psychedelic rock, reggae and soul with indie-style vocals and introspective lyrics. Featuring guitarist/keyboardist Adam Gould, guitarist/keyboardist Jeremy Bunce, bassist Gavin Paterniti, and drummer Nick Campbell. ABOUT AOF LIVE: Arts On Fire LIVE brings you the very best of Chautauqua County's local artists via a live, in-studio performance! For five Saturdays in the Fall 2021, we'll bring you a new live session featuring well-established acts, spanning styles and genres! The program will not only be broadcast live, but also replayed the following week during our regular Arts on Fire time slot - Fridays at 5 p.m. on WRFA. The show is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY. All Arts on Fire LIVE performances for 2021 are made possible in part by support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County Projects Pool Grants Program and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grant.

WRFA welcomes Mike Brunacini to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance on Saturday night, November 6, 2021. Mike Brunacini is an American songwriter hell-bent on crafting wistful melodic pop with retro sensibilities. His melancholic lyrics disarm with their quiet introspection while his lush, cinematic string and horn arrangements transport the listener to sepia toned landscapes. Working out of his home studio in Jamestown, Brunacini has released two full length albums and several singles. He plays most of the instruments on his records by himself, only calling in session musicians when required. Drawing his influences from George Gershwin, Randy Newman, Billy Joel and Ben Folds, Mike Brunacini is an exciting, multi-faceted musical talent. ABOUT AOF LIVE: Arts On Fire LIVE brings you the very best of Chautauqua County's local artists via a live, in-studio performance! For five Saturdays in the Fall 2021, we'll bring you a new live session featuring well-established acts, spanning styles and genres! The program will not only be broadcast live, but also replayed the following week during our regular Arts on Fire time slot - Fridays at 5 p.m. on WRFA. The show is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY. All Arts on Fire LIVE performances for 2021 are made possible in part by support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County Projects Pool Grants Program and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grant.

A special focusing on Michigan-based singer/songwriter John Latini, a long-time friend and frequent guest of Ken Hardley on his Rolling Hills Radio and Woodsongs Coffeehouse Radio Hour programs, featured on WRFA.

On Saturday night, Oct. 16, WRFA welcomed Cindy Haight & Sara Rafaloski to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance. Cindy Haight, aka Cindy Love, has performed regionally since the late1990s, solo and in bands including her own band, Djava and as lead singer of The Derbines. In 2009, Cindy Love released her first, all-original CD titled “Songs of Love and Haight.” In live performance, Cindy blends a mix of her beautiful original songs with classic country, blues and rock covers that really showcase her talent. Cindy has performed at the Great Blue Heron Music Festival for several years, with bands, solo and as part of the singer/songwriter circle. Joining Cindy on Oct. 16 will be Sara Rafaloski, a local music educator and member of Deep Fried and Dipped in Honey. ABOUT AOF LIVE: Arts On Fire LIVE brings you the very best of Chautauqua County's local artists via a live, in-studio performance! For five Saturdays in the Fall 2021, we'll bring you a new live session featuring well-established acts, spanning styles and genres! The program will not only be broadcast live, but also replayed the following week during our regular Arts on Fire time slot - Fridays at 5 p.m. on WRFA. The show is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY. All Arts on Fire LIVE performances for 2021 are made possible in part by support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County Projects Pool Grants Program and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting's American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grant.

The performance was broadcast live at 8 p.m. on 107.9 FM and also video streamed live on the WRFA Youtube Channel and Facebook page. Ken Hardley and Mandy Andrews are a unique musical duo, to say the least. As a singer- songwriter, Hardley’s presence as an entertainer, storyteller, and musician will draw you in as few performers can. Long-time WRFA listeners know Ken for being the host and driving force of the popular Rolling Hills Radio and Woodsongs Coffeehouse Radio Hour programs that were broadcast on WRFA. As a classically trained cellist, Andrews brings an unusual, spellbinding atmosphere to Hardley’s music. She provides compelling counter- melodies, delicate textures, as well as beauty that skates and weaves. There’s no description that fully captures the ambiance this pair creates. You have to experience it to understand it. ABOUT AOF LIVE: Arts On Fire LIVE brings you the very best of Chautauqua County’s local artists via a live, in-studio performance! For five Saturdays in the Fall 2021, we’ll bring you a new live session featuring well-established acts, spanning styles and genres! There is no in-studio audience. Instead, listeners and viewers are encouraged to tune in to the performance live as it happens, or podcast/stream the show afterward. The program will not only be broadcast live, but also replayed the following week during our regular Arts on Fire time slot – Fridays at 5 p.m. on WRFA! The show is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY. All Arts on Fire LIVE performances for 2021 are made possible in part by support from the United Arts Appeal of Chautauqua County Projects Pool Grants Program and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting’s American Rescue Plan Act Stabilization Grant.

The Town Pants' Dave Keogh talks with Jason Sample from WRFA about the upcoming show at Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. Plus Len Barry from the Reg offers details on the 2021-22 Reg Programming Season. And music from the Town Pants and the Probables.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Julie Rockcastle and Lori Savaree about the 2021 Heron Summer Series - launching Memorial Day weekend and continuing into the Fall of 2021. Featuring an estimated 70 artists over 20 weekends.

Neil Flory, coordinator of music at Jamestown Community College, talks with WRFA's Jason Sample about the 2021 Spring Concert Season.

Adam Owens from The Robert Lee Scharmann Theatre at SUNY JCC is in the studio to talk about an upcoming virtual production he's working on focusing on Edgar Allen Poe. The Audition deadline is April 27.

Miki Girts from Whirlybird Music Festival talks with WRFA's Jason Sample about the upcoming Whirlybird production at Jamestown's Lost Recording Studio on Friday, April 30 and featuring the band Grub (Buffalo, NY).

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Steve Johnson and Nick Campbell from The Probables to get an update on the band, its forthcoming album, and details on several upcoming shows. Plus, we hear the new single "The Changlings." Image from the Probables Facebook Page.

Bill Ward stops by to talk with Jason Sample about how he's been keeping busy during the pandemic, and also plays a couple of tunes to lift our spirits.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Wendy McCain, executive director of Struthers Library Theatre in Warren, PA, to get more details about how the theatre has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as some of the things its done to overcome the pandemic-related challenges.

WRFA's Jason Sample invites Sixpence into the studio to talk about their music and also perform some songs. Featuring Will Russell on guitar and Ellen Paquette on harp.

WRFA General Manager Dennis Drew has been the leader of WRFA since it first took the airwaves on Sept. 13, 2004. Throughout the years, he's worked tirelessly to make WRFA a reliable source for Arts, Education, Entertainment and local Public Affairs. The station would be no where near what it is today with Dennis's leadership. Earlier this month, he announced he'd be retiring from WRFA on March 17. WRFA's Jason Sample recently talked with Dennis about the history of the radio station, his role in shaping it, and also what his future plans hold. We also played some songs that Dennis has performed over the years while being a musical guest on some of WRFA's live music programs. Please join the rest of WRFA at Reg Lenna Center For The Arts in saying "Thank You Dennis and Congratulations!"

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Westfield-based visual artist and Portage Hill Gallery owner/operator Audrey Kay Dowling about her art, what inspires her, and where you can learn more about here work and also where to view / purchase it. More Info: http://www.portagehillgallery.com/audrey

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Bemus Point-based artist Lyn Harris about her art, what inspires her, and where you can learn more about her work and also where to view / purchase it.

The Lucille Ball Little Theater of Jamestown's Adam Owens is directing a streaming version of the play 'She Kills Monsters... Virtual Realm'. The production will be streamed online at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 4. Owens directed the stage version of the play at Jamestown Community College in the spring of 2019. 'She Kills Monsters' is the story of a young woman who looks into her recently deceased sister's fascination with the game 'Dungeons and Dragons'. Alivia Roehrig and Alex Connor will return to their roles as the sisters, along with most of the rest of the original JCC cast. There will only be one on-line performance of 'She Kills Monsters... Virtual Edition', next Tuesday at 7 PM. Tickets are just $10 through the Little Theater website or Facebook page. The show will be free for Little Theater season ticket holders.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Jamestown-based visual artist and retired professor Bill Disbro about his art, what inspires him, and where you can learn more about his work and also where to view / purchase it. Bill Disbro - Official Website: https://www.disbroart.com/

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Jamestown-based visual artist Joseph Grice about his art, what inspires him, and where you can learn more about his work and also where to view / purchase it. Joseph Grice - Official Website: https://www.josephgrice.art/

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Jamestown-based visual artist and Chautauqua Art Gallery Owner/Operator/Curator Leslie Calimeri about her art, what inspires her, and where you can learn more about her work and also where to view / purchase it. Leslie Calimeri - Official Website: www.ChautauquaArtGallery.com/Leslie-Calimeri

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Fredonia-based sculptor/potter Marcia Merrins about her art, what inspires her, and where you can learn more about her work and also where to view / purchase it. Marcia Merrins - Official Website: www.KnitiGritiWorks.com/

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Fredonia-based visual artist Carolyn Grady about her art, what inspires her, and where you can learn more about her work and also where to view / purchase it. Carolyn Grady - Official Website: www.Art.CarolynGrady.com/ Carolyn Grady - Facebook Page: www.Facebook.com/Artswirl/

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with local resident and author Deborah Madar about her latest book "Dark Riddle" - a mystery that focuses on a mother's search for understanding as to why and how her son participated in a school shooting incident that culminated with him taking his own life. Hard copies of the book are available at Off the Beaten Path bookstore in Lakewood. Digital versions of the book are also available at Amazon - https://www.Amazon.com/gp/product/B0876FP5ZG/.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with local musician Ken Hardley about new music, some upcoming projects, and life after Rolling Hills Radio. Also music from Ken Hardley, including his newest song "That Light March" - ft. guest appearances by Mary Ramsey and Brian Bowers.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with local guitarist Bob Lindbeck and spins some of his music.

Ralph "Razz" Rasmussen plays with an ensemble of other talented musicians during a live performance at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts Multimedia studios. Recorded in front of a live studio audience on Thursday, March 5, 2020.

The Lucille Ball Little Theatre will be presenting Clue On Stage starting March 13, 2020 and continuing for five additional shows through March 22, 2020. To learn more about the show, WRFA's Jason Sample talks with director Richard Walter and cast member Kipp Reynolds (Wadsworth), Heidi Frame (Miss Scarlett), and John Pickett (Col. Mustard).

Another Soup & A Song fundraiser will be happening on Thursday, Feb. 27 at the St. Susan Center in Jamestown to help raise money for the area's only soup kitchen. Entertainment for the evening will be students from Infinity Visual and Performing Arts. To preview the event, WRFA's Jason Sample recently talked with St. Susan executive director Bonnie Scott-Sleight and event organizer Jim Holler.

Nationally touring comedian Rojo Perez will be in Jamestown on Friday, Feb. 28 for two shows at the Tropicanna Room as part of the National Comedy Center's monthly showcase of comedy. WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Rojo to preview his upcoming appearance

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Mary, CJ and Sabrina about the upcoming sold out performance of The Vagina Monologues at the Reg Lenna in Jamestown on Feb. 28 and Feb. 29.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with National Comedy Center executive Director Journey Gunderson about the 2020 headliners for the Lucille Ball Comedy Festival - Jeff Foxworthy and SNL alumni David Spade, Rob Schneider and Kevin Nealon. Gunderson also gives details about the NCC being nominated as Best New Museum in America by USA Today.

Originally airing Friday, Jan. 31, 2020. WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Bob Schlick, who is directing the Great Gatsby at the Lucille Ball Little Theatre in Jamestown, NY.

WRFA's Jason Sample interviews artist Anne Cutri, who will be in Jamestown on Tuesday, Feb. 4 for the ongoing Wellness series at St. Luke's Episcopal Church. Anne will present Tree of Life: Visualization and Creative Expression Class. Trees of Life, illustrated in ancient artifacts, mythologies, and religious doctrine, spanned centuries and cultures. The use of these symbolic trees ranged from Egypt to Japan. They illuminated Islamic, Hebraic, and Christian religious texts. Carl Jung suggests that the tree of life is part of the collective unconscious; trees can be seen as a symbol for the self, developing the psyche, and bringing wholeness. Anne is an artist, curator, and teacher with over 30 years of experience in making art and facilitating student’s creative expression. LIMITED REGISTRATION ($15 fee). You MUST call Kim at St. Luke’s 716-483-6405 or email [email protected] to confirm your spot. OPTIONAL EARLY PROGRAM: Everyone is welcome to attend a guided meditation/prayer session in the chapel at 6 pm. This activity focuses on everyday tools for wellness and is open to religious and non-religious participants.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Bonnie Scott-Sleight, Jim Holler and Justin Joyner to give you all the details about Soup and A Song: a Fundraiser for St Susan Center on Jan. 30, 2019.

Director Todd Wagner and Scharmann Theatre Manager/Actor Adam Owens discuss the upcoming performance of La Cage Au Folles - showing Jan. 30 through Feb. 9, 2020. Ticket information at https://campusstore.sunyjcc.edu/boxoffice

WRFA's Jason Sample interviews New York City-based musician, actor and artist Phoebe Legere, whose entertainment and arts careers now spans five different decades, going back to the 1980s. Legere will be appearing on the Jan. 27, 2020 installment of Rolling Hills Radio with Ken Hardley - taking place at Shawbucks in downtown Jamestown, NY. Ticket info available at www.RollingHillsRadio.org.