Arts on Fire

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.

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.