Arts on Fire

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with local musician and sound engineer Bob Volpe about the passing of his sister Karen and also to learn details about her celebration of live service on Jan. 18, 2020.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with local performer/poet Rycheigh Allan about his upcoming one-man-show "Gracious" at Studio Metro (Spire Theater, E. Third St., Jamestown). He also gives details about his upcoming curated art show he hopes to have on display by Valentine's Day. Both an actor and performance poet, Allan attempts to marry both acting and poetry into one show on Wednesday, Jan. 29. Come in from the cold and warm your hearts with a bit of emotional release. Still reeling off a tragic loss in his life, he is leaving it all on the stage here and now, once and for all with all new original poems performed THIS NIGHT ONLY, NEVER TO BE RELEASED OR REPRODUCED AGAIN! Before the show, an open mic section will take placeat 6:30 p.m. Eight spots are open for 9 minute sets each. Poets may sign up ahead of time to lock in their spot or at the time of the event if spots remain available. First come, first serve basis. The theme will center on loss, grief, love, heartbreak, relationships, etc. The one-man show will begin at 8 p.m. after a 15 minute intermission at the conclusion of the open mic. Concessions will be made available before the open mic, during intermission, and after the show. Admission is FREE but please consider purchasing concessions, merch or even making plain donations to the InSpire Development Center where Studio Metro resides.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with So Cal resident and Chautauqua County native Eric Lindquist about his album "A Place Called Home" - an ode to his family and his hometown.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with award winning singer/song writer/comedian Deidre Flint (Philadelphia, PA) to preview her upcoming appearance on Rolling Hills Radio with Ken Hardley - Monday, Dec. 30, 2019.

Originally airing Friday, Dec. 20, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with comedians Tom Cotter and Kerri Louise, who are appearing in Jamestown on Dec. 31 at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts - presented by the National Comedy Center!

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Paul Clemente from the Karate Sleepover comedy troupe to get details about the Full Moon Comedy 4 stand up comedy special planned for Saturday, Dec. 14 at Buffalo Bill's Place (nestled between Reg Lenna Center for the Arts and Full Moon Rising bakery on E. Third St., Jamestown). Featuring comedians Norlex Belma (New York City), Brandon Schell (Pittsburgh), Eric Basile (Buffalo), Clemente and hosted by Jeremy Little. Headlining this show is NYC's Norlex Belma. Norlex has opened for Gary Gulman, performed in the historic Carolines on Broadway and been featured on PBS. With an even keeled delivery belying blistering takes, Norlex Belma has become one of the hottest comics working in New York City. Show starts at 8:15 for only $10. Cupcakes and refreshments available for purchase.

JAMESTOWN - A pair of Pop Up Gallery Events are taking place in the Jamestown area on Saturday, Nov. 30 as part of Small Business Saturday. To learn more about the event WRFA's Jason Sample talked with Chautauqua Art Gallery Owner/Operator Leslie Calimeri and artist Bill Bale.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with rising comedy star Rosebud Baker about her comedy and upcoming appearance on Nov. 29, 2019 at the Lucy - Desi Center in Jamestown, NY, presented by the National Comedy Center.

Originally airing Friday, Nov. 22, 2019. WRFA's Jason Sample talks with acclaimed Canadian Folk Singer / Songwriter Garnet Rogers in advance of his Nov. 25 appearance on Rolling Hills Radio with Ken Hardley, taking place at Shawbucks in Downtown Jamestown, NY.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Julie Constantini (director), Steve Gustafson (producer), and cast member Brandon Milenowski, who are putting on West Side Story at The Robert Lee Scharmann Theatre from Nov. 7 through Nov. 17.

Author/Story Teller Paul Leone shares the works of Edgar Allen Poe as part of the Arts on Fire LIVE public performance series inside the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts' Media Arts Studio in Jamestown, NY on Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. Introduction by WRFA's Dennis Drew. Presented by WRFA Radio / Reg Lenna Center fro the Arts.

On Saturday, November 12, 1994, the 1891 Fredonia Opera House reopened its doors after more than nine years of restoration work with a grand re-opening variety show – Fredonia On Stage! Nearly 25 years to the day later – on Sunday, November 10, 2019 – the Opera House celebrates its 25th Anniversary with a special show, "Fredonia on Stage! – 25 Years Later." WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Opera House Executive Director Rick Davis to get all the details. Tickets for Fredonia On Stage! – 25 Years Later are $25. Tickets to FanTableous Fete II are $20. Both may be purchased in person at the Opera House Box Office or by phone at 716-679-1891, Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m. Tickets also may be purchased online anytime at www.fredopera.org.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Mike Apichella from Human Host, one of five acts performing Friday, Nov. 1 as part of the FCH exp1: Human Host (NYC), Dead Nettles, Jesse & The Spirit + show at Studio Metro.

Dennis Drew talks with members of Serendipity in advance of their Tuesday, Nov. 5 performance at St. Luke's Episcopal Church in Jamestown, NY. The group will present "The Power, Beauty, and Therapeutic Value of Women's Songs." Plus Jill Matteson's "Love, Light, and Color Paintings" will be on view in the sanctuary. Sponsored by St. Lukes and 422Now.com.

Originally airing Friday, Oct. 25, 2019. WRFA's Jason Sample talks with touring blues musician Andy Cohen, who will be making a stop in Jamestown on Oct. 28 to appear on Rolling Hills Radio with Ken Hardley.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Brooklyn-based comedian Yannis Pappas in advance of his Oct. 18 appearance at the Tropicana Room of the Lucy-Desi Center and presented by the National Comedy Center. Yannis was the former host of the AOL original series 2 Point Lead, a sports comedy show, and the co-anchor of Fusion Live, a primetime, one-hour news program focused on current events, pop culture and satire that aired on Fusion network. Yannis's Comedy Central Half Hour special aired in June 2014, and his comedy album Let Me Be Yannis was named Sirius XM 2016 “Comedy Album of the Year.” He is also known for his popular internet characters “Maurica” and “Mr. Panos.” You can catch him on his webseries Bay Ridge Boys and the podcast History Hyenas with fellow comedian Chris Distefano.

Airing Friday, Oct. 11, 2019. WRFA's Jason Sample talks with nationally touring Comedian Paula Poundstone in advance of our Oct. 19 appearance at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

Originally recorded live in front of a studio audience on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 inside the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts' Media Arts Studio.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Noah Goodling from the Fenton History Center about the 14th annual Saints and Sinners Walking Tours at Lakeview Cemetery in Jamestown, NY. The tours are historically informative and are an excellent way to get in spirit for All Hallows Eve. On Oct. 5 explore the cemetery after dark, or come Oct. 12 and walk during daylight hours while your guide uncovers some of the over 43,000 personal stories that are hidden within Lake View Cemetery of Jamestown, New York. These tours change year by year, no two tours will ever be the same. Evening Walking tours on Oct. 5 begin at 6 PM and leave every 30 minutes with the last tour departing at 8 PM. Daylight walking tours on Oct. 12 will begin a 3 PM and leave every 30 minutes with the last tour departing at 5 PM. Returning guests would agree that our costumed actors are what make this experience the total package. Tickets are now on sale. Tickets often sell quickly for this event, so please call the Fenton History Center at (716) 664-6256 to reserve tickets. Pre-Sale tickets to this event are $10 for Non-Members, $2 for Youth, and $5 for Fenton History Center Members. Tickets at Gate: $12

Originally airing Friday, Sept. 27, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Nashville Recording Artist Darrell Scott, who will appear in Jamestown on Monday, Sept. 30 to kick off the 10th season of Rolling Hills Radio with Ken Hardley. In 2005, Scott's Theatre Of The Unheard won in The 4th Annual Independent Music Awards for Album of the Year. He won the 2007 Song of the Year award from the Americana Music Association for his song "Hank William's Ghost." In January 2011, his album A Crooked Road won the award for the Country Album category from The 10th Annual Independent Music Awards. In 2010, Scott was announced as part of the Band of Joy, alongside Robert Plant, credited as performing vocals, mandolin, guitar, accordion, pedal, lap steel and banjo. He's collaborated with Steve Earle, Sam Bush, Emmylou Harris, John Cowan, Verlon Thompson, Guy Clark, Tim O'Brien, Kate Rusby, Jimmie Dale Gilmore, Mary Gauthier, Dan Tyminski, and many others. Artists who've recorded versions of his songs Travis Tritt, Montgomery Gentry, Brad Paisley, the Dixie Chicks, Faith Hill, and Guy Clark.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Matthew Swanson, writer, director and producer of the film Empire, showing at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2019.

Local musician and Rolling Hills Radio host Ken Hardley previews season 10 of RHR with WRFA's Jason Sample. The season kicks off on Monday night, Sept. 30 with a special appearance by award winning Americana music legend Darrell Scott.

Originally airing Friday, Sept. 20, 2019 Angelo Giuffre from the Spire Theater in downtown Jamestown talks about the 2019 Inspire Living Arts Music Festival, happening Friday and Saturday, Sept. 27 and 28 at the Spire. For more information visit www.InspireJamestown.com.

Originally airing Friday, Sept. 6, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample preview the 2019 Beer & Wine Festival happening in downtown Jamestown in E. Third St. in front of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts - featuring a variety of craft beer brands and local and regional wines, as well as live music from both the Town Pants and Wild Adriatic. Including interviews with both Dave Keogh from the Town Pants and Travis Grey from Wild Adriatic (plus music from both as well!). For more info, visit: http://reglenna.com/events/third-st-beer-wine-fest

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Shane Hawkins, executive director of Infinity Visual and Performing Arts, about Local Music Showcase 2019, happening in Downtown Jamestown on Saturday, Sept. 7 from 6pm to 2am. More info: https://infinityperformingarts.org/about-infinity/local-music-showcase/

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Jeanne Kelly, founder and director of the Maryland-based Encore Creativity for Older Adults program. The program will be participating in a series of free performances at Chautauqua Institution the week of Aug. 26, 2019. For more information on Encore Creativity, visit https://www.encorecreativity.org/

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with musician/drummer Bob Volpe, who shares details about the local music scene in the late 70s and 80s, and also about his various music projects - Rhodium, Sweet Ass Cream Corn, and the Ridiculous Six.

Originally airing Friday, Aug. 9, 2019 The Drama Ladies - Megan MacKenzie Lawrence and Leah Gerstel - stop by to give us details about their FREE kids comedy show "Oh, Behave with the Mannerhausens" Saturday morning at 11am at the Reg Lenna Center For The Arts as part of the 2019 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival. Also a special appearance by sisters Eddy and Kit Mannerhausen!

Originally airing Monday, Aug. 5, 2019. WRFA's Jason Sample talks with comedian Lewis Black to get more details about his appearance at the 2019 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival along with his thoughts on the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY.

Originally airing Friday, Aug. 2, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center shares details about the 2019 Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, happening in Jamestown from Wednesday, Aug. 7 through Sunday, Aug. 11.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Rabbi Bob Alper on Wednesday, July 31 to preview the Laugh in Peace comedy show, happening Thursday, Aug. 1 at Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown, NY and presented by the National Comedy Center.

Originally airing Friday, July 26, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Andy Palermo and Barry Myer about the locally produced Cooking with the T Rex Chef cooking show, available at https://www.facebook.com/thetrexchef/.

Originally airing Friday, July 19, 2019. WRFA's Jason Sample talk with the Farmer and Adele in advance of their Aug. 4 performance at the Chautauqua Institution as part of Rolling Hills Radio with Ken Hardley. The program will be free and open to the public.

Jason Sample interviews David Tidquist to learn more about the musical acts for the 2019 Great Blue Heron Music Festival - happening July 5-7, 2019. More info at: https://greatblueheron.com/

Originally airing Friday, June 28, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Ken Hardley about two upcoming Rolling Hills Radio shows at the Blue Heron and Chautauqua Institution. Plus they discuss Ken's forthcoming album and his hosting gig at the Heron's Tiger Maple Stage. He also plays two songs.

WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Mike Girts about the 2019 Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival, happening July 18, 19 and 20 in Downtown Jamestown. Jamestown's very own Music and Arts Festival has expanded to three days of Music, Art and Comedy featuring a melting pot of international and regional musical talent, comedy, and visual art complimented by local food, drink and vendors. Whirlybird will take place over three day across several venues in downtown Jamestown, inside & out: Jamestown Brewing Co, Shawbucks, Jamestown Wine Cellar, Chadakoin Club, The Beer Snob, Winter Garden Plaza, Labyrinth Press. More info: https://www.whirlybirdmusicfestival.com/

Originally airing Friday, JUne 21, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Chautauqua County native and organizer of Jamestown Best Day Ever, happening Saturday, June 29 from 9am to 9pm in downtown Jamestown.

Originally airing Friday, June 21, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample interviews musician Rebecca McIlvain, who also performs a few of her original songs - Magnificent Queen, Lost Bird, and Green.

Originally airing Friday, June 14, 2019 Jason Sample from WRFA talks with Jeremy and paul from Studio Metro.

Originally airing Friday, June 14, 2019. WRFA's Jason Sample talks with local guitar makerJim Holler and musician Bill Ward Chautauqua Rails to Trails partnering with Leave no Trace to present an Awareness Work shop June 22 in Mayville. The workshop runs from 9:30 a.m. until noon at Lakeside Park and the Webb Trail. The workshop will be fun, informative and will include a short hike on the Rails to Trails trail. It will be a combination of short instructional talks, interactive activities and games. Participants will learn about the Seven Principles of Leave No Trace and the minimum impact skills and ethics associated with each Principle. Jim Holler will facilitate he workshop. He is an active hiker, camper and paddler. The workshops free for members, and $5 at the door for non-members.

Originally airing Friday, June 7, 2019. The JCC Uncommoners will present The Last Five Years at the Robert Scharmann Theatre on the JCC Jamestown Campus, starting Friday, June 14. To preview this new musical we talked with director Todd Wagner.

Originally airing Friday, May 31, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Infinity's Shane Hawkins, who provides details into the 2019 Spring Showcase - which features dozens of students from Infinity putting on a live performance for the community, and happening Saturday, June 8, 2019 at Jamestown High School.

Originally airing Friday, May 31, 2019 Well-known writer, publisher, and storyteller Paul Leone stops by the studio to discuss his upcoming recitation of romantic poetry from the 19th century. Paul's performance is titled "Ode on a Grecian Urn: The English Romantics." He will be joined by flutist Kim Bunce. The event is in partnership with the Fenton History Center and the Lake View Cemetery Association's June 9 walking tour of the natural landscape of Lake View Cemetery. The schedule of events: 2:00-3:00 PM - Walking tour of Lake View Cemetery 3:00-4:00 PM- Poetry Recitation. Please bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on. You may leave these at the performance spot prior to the walking tour. You may also bring your own refreshments. Cost: $15.00/adults, Children are free. This walking tour will ONLY take place in nice weather, and the rain date is Tuesday, June 11 from 6:00-8:00 PM. Enjoy an outing in one of the most beautiful spots in Chautauqua County. Make your reservation today! Please call the Fenton at 716-664-6256 to make your reservation online.

Originally airing Friday, May 31, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Len Barry about the 2019-20 Reg Lenna Program Season, featuring upcoming shows from Paula Poundstone, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Jason Bishop, Candid Camera and more! More details at https://RegLenna.com/

Originally airing Friday, May 31, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Gavin Paterniti from Cold Lazarus about the band's new album Color and Lights.

Originally airing Friday, May 10, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Connecticut-based musician and US Navy Veteran Bill Thibeault to learn the story behind his song and album "Recognition" as well as his cross-country tour, including a stop in Mayville on May 16, 2019.

Originally airing Friday, May 13, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample interviews local musician Cindy Haight, who's also joined by fellow musicians and Cindy Haight & The Loves bandmates Amanda Barton and Sara Rafaloski.

Originally airing Friday, May 3, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample discusses The Good Humor Men with comedian Pat Hazell prior to their show on Saturday, May 4 at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts.

Originally airing Friday, April 26, 2019 WRFA's Jason Sample talks with Matthew Baxter and Jay Peterson, members of Feverhawk, about the band, the music, and some of the projects and shows it has lined up in the coming weeks.

Jamestown Community College Music Director Neil Flory stops by the WRFA studio to discuss Jazz Fest 2019 at JCC, scheduled for April 12 and featuring the Buffalo Jazz Collective Sextet will perform. Admission to the 7 p.m. performance in Scharmann Theatre is $4, general public, $3, area students and senior citizens, and $2, JCC Faculty Student Association members. Tickets can be purchased through JCC’s box office, 338.1187, or online at www.campusstore.sunyjcc.edu. The sextet will perform works by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, featuring original orchestrations of songs such as “Take the A Train,” “In a Sentimental Mood,” and “Isfahan.” Top area jazz musicians comprise the sextet, including Bobby Militello, alto sax, Mark Filsinger, trumpet, John Hasselback, trombone, George Caldwell, piano, Sabu Adeyola, bass, and John Bacon, drums. They have performed at significant venues throughout western New York. JCC has celebrated Jazz Fest for nearly 20 years during April, which is considered Jazz Appreciation Month. The performance is sponsored by JCC’s arts, humanities, and health sciences division, music department, and college program committee.