Arts on Fire

Performance Collective Madness Most Discreet (Emily Drew, Rusty Alan, Julie Reed, Matthew McWilliams) made their Arts on Fire return to act out a few scenes from their production of Moonlight Revels and to talk about their upcoming Third Thursday performances and more with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.instagram.com/madnessmostdiscreetco www.facebook.com/madnessmostdiscreet www.facebook.com/share/1B8BqjkZpp […]

Director Jennifer Davis along with actors Adam Hughes and Adam Owens stopped by WRFA to talk with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about their roles in the upcoming production of Visiting Mr. Green at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church May 17th-19th […]

Neil Flory of SUNY JCC returned to WRFA to talk the final three concerts for the Spring 2025 semester www.sunyjcc.edu […]

Rachael and Claire of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute talked with AOF host Anthony Merchant about the new exhibit Art That Matters to the Planet and events going on at RTPI for Spring and Summer 2025 rtpi.org […]

Neil Flory of SUNY JCC stopped by the studios to talk Jazz Fest 2025 and the annual faculty staff with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.sunyjcc.edu […]

Local musician Shamus O’Donnell stopped by the WRFA studios for an interview with AOF host Anthony Merchant along with an in-studio performance www.facebook.com/OLDFISHFACEBOOK open.spotify.com/artist/57s20MwWK…u1ShCT6stK9v1m4w […]

Cast members of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown’s production of Blithe Spirit stopped by WRFA to chat with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.lbltj.com […]

Director Emily Drew returns to AOF with the cast of her production of LEAR at the Scharmann Theatre at SUNY JCC March 27-29, April 3-5 www.sunyjcc.edu/event/lear […]

Local band The Walk (featuring members of The Hallow Society and Macklehat Merffy) stopped by the WRFA studios to perform some songs and talk music with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61550101004081 […]

Ben Medina (10,000 Maniacs Guitarist) and Dan Tritten stopped by WRFA to play some songs and talk with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about their group The Medina and Tritten Experience, how Ben joined 10,000 Maniacs, what the local music scene back home in Rockford, IL and much more facebook.com/p/The-Medina-Tri…-100092091237671 youtube.com/playlist?list=PLB…-zVeTpfhyLRsF6s6i maniacs.com instagram.com/10000maniacs […]

Local duo Visions of Jericho (Mandy Majtan & Jerod Eggleston) stopped by the WRFA studios for an in-studio performance and interview with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560121565465 […]

Frank Besse of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation and Leslie Calimeri of the Chautauqua Art Gallery returned to the WRFA studios to discuss Jamestown ArtScape 2025 with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.jamestownrenaissance.org/artscape/ www.chautauquaartgallery.com/ […]

Len Barry of the Reg Lenna joins AOF host Anthony Merchant this week to talk about events at the Reg for winter 2025 reglenna.com […]

Cast members of the Little Theatre production of 12 Angry Men spoke with AOF host Anthony Merchant about what people can expect from performances – Jan 31st – Feb 2nd & Feb 7th – 9th www.lbltj.com www.facebook.com/lblittletheatre […]

Local author Trenton Lutes returns to AOF to talk about his latest book Raevin’s Hope: Book Three of The Terra-Healers with host Anthony Merhcnat toastedwafflestudios.wixsite.com/trentonlutes www.facebook.com/toastedwafflestudios goodneighborbooks.com/book/9798344324395 […]

Former Arts on Fire host Jason Sample joined current Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant to talk all about his tenure at the radio station, twenty years of WRFA, the local arts and entertainment scene and much more […]

Gavin Paterniti and Sara Rafaloski stopped by the WRFA studios to talk about the local music scene and how the duo started playing together with AOF host Anthony Merchant as well as play a set of originals for an in-studio performance https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100091659260500&mibextid=wwXIfr&rdid=cpgHJsbINksUep4s&share_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fshare%2F17xZz4EJzp%2F%3Fmibextid%3DwwXIfr# […]

Mike Thornton, Ron Orbach and Stephen Stout stopped by the WRFA studios to talk about the upcoming It’s a Wonderful Life live radio play at the Robert H. Jackson Center with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.mtapresents.com www.facebook.com/DCAgency1 www.roberthjackson.org   […]

Cast members of the upcoming Little Theatre production of The Wizard of Oz spoke with AOF host Anthony Merchant about what people can expect from these performances – December 6th-8th & 13th-15th www.lbltj.com www.facebook.com/lblittletheatre […]

Mark Sasse of Jamestown Community College stopped by WRFA to talk with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about bringing his production Tales of Wonder to the United States for its first US run right here in Jamestown – December 4th-7th Tix – ci.ovationtix.com/36201/production/1203392 www.sunyjcc.edu/experience/arts/scharmann-theatre www.facebook.com/scharmanntheatre […]

Local author Tj Buck spoke with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about his latest novel Mud Lake www.amazon.com/stores/TJ-Buck/au…ortalEnabled=true x.com/tjbuck1963 […]

Rebecca Magnuson of She Sings along with local musician and WRFA on-air host John Cross joined AOF host Anthony Merchant to discuss Rebecca’s She Sings musical and upcoming documentary series www.shesings.com soundcloud.com/wrfaradio/sets/your-spending-swap-with-john www.instagram.com/shesingscafe […]

Local artist Angela Caley makes her AOF return to talk all about her recent artist residency at Saltonstall Foundation for the Arts in Ithaca with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant angelacaleyart.com www.instagram.com/angelacaleyart www.saltonstall.org […]

Rachael and Claire of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute chatted with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about the new exhibit Walking in Antarctica: The Art of Helen Glazer as well as upcoming fall and winter events at RTPI rtpi.org […]

Mike and Kirsten Brunacini joined AOF host Anthony Merchant for a discussion about writing their new children’s book More Than a Christmas Tree www.etsy.com/listing/1783922277…9190&ref=related-4   […]

Musician Eric Lindquist talked all about his new album Between the Earth and Sky and his upbringing in Chautauqua County with AOF host Anthony Merchant ericlindquist.bandcamp.com www.instagram.com/ericbass711 […]

Len Barry of the Reg Lenna joins AOF host Anthony Merchant this week to talk about events at the Reg this fall reglenna.com […]

Artist Kaycee Colburn and AOF host Anthony Merchant chat from Kaycee’s KayCo Studio all about her new Haunted Spaces exhibit, what its been like running KayCo so far, the 2024 Jamestown Creepy Crawl and much more kayco.art/ […]

Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant, in collaboration with CCS-TV’s Patrick Smeraldo and Connor Johnson, interviewed comedy legend Lewis Black at the National Comedy Center before Black’s Jamestown performance at the Reg Lenna as part of his final Goodbye Yeller Brick Road Tour Special thanks to Justin Gould for the video work! Full Video Interview: youtu.be/PVjCbODvhW4?si=Jhdzg5dO_Xgt1BTd […] […]

WRFA founder and 10,000 Maniacs co-founder Dennis Drew joined AOF host Anthony Merchant to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of 107.9 WRFA and for an in-depth look back through the history of the station and what it took to the WRFA up and running maniacs.com/ […]

Sukanya Burman and Daryl Simons of Sukanya Burman Dance made their AOF return to talk about the inaugural Jamestown Dance Festival and what has went into putting it all together www.sukanyaburman.com/ www.instagram.com/sukanyaburmandance/ […]

Buffalo duo Sally Schaefer and Tyler Bagwell stopped by the WRFA studios before their Mayville Bluegrass Festival appearance to talk with AOF host Anthony Merchant for an interview along with an in-studio performance sstb2.bandcamp.com sallyanndra.com www.instagram.com/tylerbagwell www.instagram.com/sallyanndra […]

Miki Girts joined AOF host Anthony Merchant to discuss the 2024 Whirly Bird Festival going on in downtown Jamestown August 30 & 31st whirlybirdfest.com […]

The cast and crew of the upcoming Lucille Ball Little Theatre production of Rock of Ages joined AOF host Anthony Merchant to discuss rehearsals and what to expect from these performances www.lbltj.com […]

Two returning AOF guests Leslie Calimeri and Joseph Grice join host Anthony Merchant for the first time together for an interview about the 2024 NSAA Art Trail Hub Crawl and the 2024 Jamestown ArtScape nsaachautauqua.org/art-trail www.josephgrice.art/ www.chautauquaartgallery.com/ […]

Artist Kaycee Colburn returns to the WRFA studios to chat with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about her current works, this years Psychic Faire, Nightscapes Horror Festival, whats next for KayCo and much more kayco.art/ www.nightscapestudios.com/ www.facebook.com/events/crystal-b…323176880866620/ […]

Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant made his return to Roger Tory Peterson Institute to see and discuss the new exhibit Art That Matters to the Planet: Clarity with RTPI’s Maria Ferguson and David Niles rtpi.org/ […]

GA-20 guitarist Matt Stubbs talked with AOF host Anthony Merchant all about what the band has been up to in 2024, the beginnings of GA-20, the bands performance at Struthers Library Theatre in Warren to kick off their Roots Rising series and much more ga20band.com/ ga-20.bandcamp.com/ www.instagram.com/ga20band www.strutherslibrarytheatre.org/ […]

Comedian, musician and writer Dave Hill joined AOF host Anthony Merchant to discuss his start in comedy and Dave’s upcoming Jamestown performance for this years Lucille Ball Comedy Fest www.davehillonline.com/ www.instagram.com/mrdavehill tickets.comedycenter.org/Info.aspx?EventID=38 […]

Buffalo musicians Sally Schaefer & Tyler Bagwell talked with AOF host Anthony Merchant about their new album Irish Songs & Tunes as well as their upcoming Chautauqua performances including this years Mayville Bluegrass Festival sallyanndra.com www.instagram.com/sallyanndra www.instagram.com/tylerbagwell sstb2.bandcamp.com/ Mayville Bluegrass Festival tix – https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mayville-bluegrass-festival-2024-tickets-872101768867?fbclid=IwAR1zlZUz9HSQpnEZ6SfDiN-us9O0czcXZMEs7blI1Rwruf90EDkUkLyJJD8_aem_AcU3b0iFTIKYvCANSh2DCSwrc_0m-djBFiHvLXutULJKuEY-xKqowuJlGPI3nLiradk80AMgMEDeHPqs1spojM1J […]

Jamestown area artists Joseph Grice and Joseph Rice joined AOF host Anthony Merchant to discuss their duo art exhibit Imposter Syndrome at Pearl City Clay House, their art origins, getting mistaken for one another, painting with a crowd and much more www.josephgrice.art/ www.joericeart.com/ pearlcityclayhouse.org/ […]

Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant was interviewed by writer and fiber artist Miles Hilton for a story for paper The Villager to discuss topics such as hosting Arts on Fire, the Power Chord Hour Podcast, starting out in radio, Merchant’s role at WRFA and much more www.youtube.com/@powerchordhour www.instagram.com/the_feral_needle/ www.theferalneedle.com/ thevillagerny.com/ […]

Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant was interviewed by writer and fiber artist Miles Hilton for a story for paper The Villager to discuss topics such as hosting Arts on Fire, the Power Chord Hour Podcast, starting out in radio, Merchant’s role at WRFA and much more www.youtube.com/@powerchordhour www.instagram.com/the_feral_needle/ www.theferalneedle.com/ thevillagerny.com/ […]

Local artist and musician Joseph Grice once again joined AOF host Anthony Merchant for a discussion all about Joe’s latest works and exhibits www.josephgrice.art/ rtpi.org/events/painting-bird…ght-by-joseph-grice/ www.instagram.com/Joseph_Grice_Art/ […]

Rock band The Hallow Society (Sean Lander, Scott Slade, Frank Phillips, Philip Starkweather) returned to the WRFA studios to talk with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant and play a few songs x.com/HallowSociety www.facebook.com/TheHALLOWSociety   […]

Chautauqua County musician KDYN returns to Arts on Fire to discuss new music with host Anthony Merchant and perform in-studio www.instagram.com/thatkdyn_guy/ www.tiktok.com/@thatkdyn_guy […]

Arts on Fire LIVE continues for the final performance of 2023 with an amazing performance from The Assembly along with interviews with AOF host Anthony Merchant 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 is produced and broadcast by […] […]

Chautauqua artist Thomas Annear talked all about the opening of his latest exhibit at the Darwin Barker Memorial Library in Fredonia, NY with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant www.thomasannear.com/ www.barkerlibrary.org/ […]

Musician, broadcaster and music educator John Cross joined AOF host Anthony Merchant to discuss conducting the November 4th performance from the Jamestown Area Community Orchestra on.soundcloud.com/aEHZK […]

Todd Tranum of the band Agents of Outrage stopped by the WRFA studios to talk the bands new album Hard Rain with AOF host Anthony Merchant […]

Sukanya Burman and Daryl Simons joined Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant to talk about the upcoming production The Bayadere and what has been going on at Sukanya Burman Dance www.sukanyaburman.com […]

AOF host Anthony Merchant talked new STCLVR music with Gorg Mor stclvr.bandcamp.com/ linktr.ee/STCLVR […]

Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant chatted with Maria Ferguson of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute all about 3 new exhibits at RTPI as well as their Art After 5 series rtpi.org/ […]

Arts on Fire LIVE continues for October 2023 with an electric performance from St. Vith along with interviews with AOF host Anthony Merchant 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 is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, […] […]

Actor, director, author and teacher Ron Destro spoke with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant all about his brand new book “The Starre, The Moone, The Sunne” and much more rondestro.com/ […]

Sean Lander and Scott Slade of The Hallow Society stopped by the WRFA studios to play some songs and talk rock n roll with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.facebook.com/TheHALLOWSociety/ […]

Westfield author and artist Trenton Lutes made his AOF return to talk all about the new book Beyond The Wasted Lands: Book Two of The Terra-Healers with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant toastedwafflestudios.wixsite.com/trentonlutes www.facebook.com/toastedwafflestudios/ […]

Arts on Fire LIVE continues for September 2023 with a sold out performance from Uncle Ben’s Remedy along with interviews with AOF host Anthony Merchant 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 is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP […] […]

Songwriting legend Don McLean spoke with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant about Dons early days of touring, what he had forgotten about the writing and recording of American Pie, figuring out what you’re going to play live when you have 50+ years worth of material, honing your craft and the importance of starting early, […] […]

Angelo Valentino of The Spire Theater and the In Crowd joined AOF’s Anthony Merchant to discuss the history of the band and theater, the inaugural Back Stage Jam, the Studio Metro Underground, what goes into running a theater and much more inspirejamestown.com/ www.incrowdband.com/ www.facebook.com/incrowdlive/ www.facebook.com/spiretheater […]

Actor, restaurateur and Jamestown, NY native Mitchell Anderson spoke with AOF’s Anthony Merchant all about bringing his one man show You Better Call Your Mother to Jamestown on September 15 and 16 Tickets – m.bpt.me/event/6065050 […]

Artist Joseph Grice joined AOF’s Anthony Merchant to discuss his current exhibit at Roger Tory Peterson Institute and what he is working on for the rest of 2023 www.josephgrice.art/ linktr.ee/josephgriceart/ rtpi.org/exhibitions/joseph-grice-taking-flight/ […]

Chautauqua County artist Thomas Annear joined Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant in the Allegheny National Forest to chat about the Labor Day Art Trail Hub Crawl, painting sunsets during the Canadian wildfires, the beauty of the Chautauqua region, upcoming classes and exhibits from Thomas and more www.thomasannear.com/ nsaachautauqua.org/art-trail.html www.instagram.com/thomasannearart/ […]

Leslie Calimeri and Frank Besse return to the WRFA studios for a follow up conversation on Jamestown ArtScape with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.jamestownrenaissance.org/artscape/ www.chautauquaartgallery.com/ […]

Arts on Fire LIVE continues for August 2023 with a double bill performance from Miranda Wilcox and Olivia Frances along with Q+A’s with host Anthony Merchant 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 is produced and broadcast by […] […]

Michael Glabicki of Rusted Root and Uprooted joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to talk about his upcoming Jamestown performance at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, how his songwriting process has changed over the years, Rusted Root’s platinum selling record When I Woke turning 30 in 2024, what the Pittsburgh music scene was like in the early […] […]

Television icon and Young and the Restless star Melody Thomas Scott spoke with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant about her upcoming visit to Jamestown for her fundraiser for the Lucille Ball Little Theatre, her connections to the area, developing the character Nikki Newman over the decades on Young and the Restless, the lasting legacy […] […]

Sukanya Burman returns to Arts on Fire along with Company Manager Daryl Simons to discuss her recent works and the world of dance in Western New York with AOF host Anthony Merchant www.sukanyaburman.com/ www.youtube.com/c/sukanyaburman www.facebook.com/sukanyaOFFICIAL […]

Students of the Infinity Visual and Performing Arts joined us as the July 2023 performers of Arts on Fire LIVE 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 is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, […] […]

Holly Weston of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown spoke with WRFAs Anthony Merchant about Monty Python’s Spamalot making it’s return to the Little Theatre stage www.lbltj.com/ www.instagram.com/lblittletheatre/ www.facebook.com/lblittletheatre   […]

Miki Girts returned to the WRFA studios to discuss the 2023 Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival with Arts on Fire host Anthony Merchant whirlybirdfest.com/ www.instagram.com/whirlybirdfest/ www.facebook.com/whirlybirdfest […]

National Comedy Center Executive Director Journey Gunderson spoke with WRFAs Anthony Merchant about the 2023 Lucille Ball Comedy Fest, Joan Rivers career archive making its home at the Comedy Center and much more comedycenter.org/ linktr.ee/NationalComedyCenter […]

Mike Brunacini returns to Arts on Fire to discuss new music and his new project Aftergloom with host Anthony Merchant www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikebr…ike%20brunacini mikebrunacini.bandcamp.com/ www.facebook.com/mikebrunacini www.instagram.com/mikebrunacini/ linktr.ee/MikeBrunacini […]

Becca Darling and Mike Baum of Charleston band Olive Dares the Darkness talked with WRFAs Anthony Merchant about the bands roots in Chautauqua, working on new music and the bands upcoming tour including a stop in Jamestown July 15th darethedarkness.com/ www.instagram.com/olivedaresthedarkness/ www.facebook.com/olivedaresthedarkness/ twitter.com/olivedaresthed1 […]

Julie Rockcastle of the Great Blue Heron Music Festival joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to talk 30 years of Blue Heron and what to expect at this years festival MORE INFO: greatblueheron.com […]

 RTPI Curator Maria Ferguson joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to discuss the two new exhibit openings at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, Art that Matters to the Planet 2023: Interconnectivity and Joseph Grice: Taking Flight rtpi.org www.instagram.com/rtpinstitute www.facebook.com/rtpinstitute twitter.com/rtpinstitute […]

Miki Girts of the Whirlybird Music and Arts Festival joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant in the studio to discuss the next installment of Earlybird events leading up to the 2023 Whirlybird festival whirlybirdfest.com www.instagram.com/whirlybirdfest www.facebook.com/whirlybirdfest […]

Arts on Fire LIVE continues in June 2023 with a performance from Charity Nuse and Friends! 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 is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna […] […]

Gorg Mor (STCLVR) stopped by WRFA to talk to Anthony Merchant about an upcoming show at Jamestown Skate Products, writing new music, performing in Brooklyn and Ithaca, releasing music on vinyl and much more stclvr.bandcamp.com linktr.ee/STCLVR STCLVRstreet cleverArts & Entertainmentarts on fire1079 wrfaNoisewnychqjtnychautauquajamestown new yorkwestern new yorkradio showradio stationanthony merchantjamestown skate productstiny the dreamauxcabchvck […]

Local musician KDYN joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to discuss his songwriting, musical influences, what you bring to music from playing sports and much more KDYN also performs a 3 song in-studio performance! kdyn07.bandcamp.com www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100085259146472 […]

Len Barry of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to discuss upcoming summer events at the Reg Lenna as well as the 2023 WRFA Great American Picnic and much more reglenna.com […]

Writer and musician Neil Flory joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to discuss his new collection of poems called Mudtrombones Knotted in the Spill, the roles that music and poetry have played in Neil’s life, working with Arteidolia Press, if all of Neil’s creativity stems from the same place and much more https://www.arteidolia.com/mudtrombones-knotted-in-the-spill-by-neil-flory/ […]

Plein Air artist Thomas Annear joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to discuss the 2023 North Shore Arts Alliance Hub Crawl, the incredible hikes found around Chautauqua County, the local art scene in Chautauqua and much more www.thomasannear.com www.instagram.com/thomasannearart www.facebook.com/ThomasAnnearArt nsaachautauqua.org www.facebook.com/northshorearts […]

 Local artist Joseph Grice stopped by the WRFA studios to talk with Anthony Merchant about an upcoming open house at his art studio, preparing work for a new exhibit at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, what the organization (or chaos) of an artists workspace says about them, the amount of time Joe tends to […] […]

One of New Jersey’s finest Mikey Erg talked with WRFAs Anthony Merchant about his upcoming show in Fredonia with Mikey Erg Band and Doc Hopper, the coolness of Scott Reynolds of ALL being from Chautauqua County, working with Steve Albini last year, having Robert Pollard do your album art and much more linktr.ee/Mikeyerg instagram.com/mikeyerg twitter.com/Mikeyerg […] […]

Arts on Fire LIVE continues in April 2023 with a performance from Derek Davis! 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 is produced and broadcast by WRFA-LP 107.9 FM, Kranky Plate Productions, and the Reg Lenna Center for […] […]

Author TJ Buck joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss his new book “Are You Ready to Die?”, common misconceptions about writing a novel, how his writing process changes (and stays the same) over the years, books and music that TJ recommends and much more […]

Len Barry of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant to discuss April and May events happening at the Reg Lenna reglenna.com     […]

JCCs Neil Flory joined WRFAs Anthony Merchant in studio to discuss upcoming spring events at SUNY Jamestown Community College including a residency from artist A.I the Anomaly and the 2023 Jazz Fest featuring Buffalo Music Hall of Fame inductee Wendell Rivera. www.sunyjcc.edu […]

Maria Ferguson of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute spoke with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant at RTPI to discuss two new exhibits opening at the musuem rtpi.org […]

 Reverend Luke Fodor of St. Lukes Episcopal Church along with Irish musician, poet and storyteller Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin talk with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant all about the upcoming Welcoming the Wisdom of St. Patrick event going on at St. Lukes on March 15th stlukesjamestown.org www.owenandmoley.com […]

 Director Emily Drew along with actors Morgan, Colin, Kayden and Ethan join WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss their upcoming production of Romeo and Juliet at Jamestown Community College as well as to perform selections from the production www.sunyjcc.edu/event/romeo-juliet-2 ci.ovationtix.com/36201/production/1151016 […]

Leslie Calimeri of the Chautauqua Art Gallery and Frank Besse of the Jamestown Renaissance Corporation joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss the new public art program ArtScape coming to downtown Jamestown in Spring 2023 www.jamestownrenaissance.org/artscape www.chautauquaartgallery.com www.jamestownrenaissance.org   […]

Comedian Paul Morrissey talks with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant about his upcoming album taping at the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, NY, the unlikely dreams of being a comedian while growing up in Upstate New York, getting bumped by Regis Philbin on David Letterman, how a broadcasting background helped Paul in his transition to comedy and […] […]

Ben Westlund and Shawn Huestis of Uncle Ben’s Remedy joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss the bands new album “Let It Not Be Lost” and their March 4th record release show in Versailles, NY unclebensremedy.com unclebensremedy.bandcamp.com www.instagram.com/unclebensremedy www.facebook.com/unclebensremedy twitter.com/YeOleRemedy   […]

Arts on Fire LIVE continues in February 2023 with a performance from rock band The Elektra Kings! theelektrakings.yolasite.com/ dannyimig.com/ www.facebook.com/TheElektraKings open.spotify.com/artist/5hqn5Qu7PQhyOpTcx22dT1 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 was not only broadcast live, but also replayed during our […] […]

Len Barry of the Reg Lenna Center For The Arts joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in-studio to discuss upcoming February events at the Reg as well as how the theater plans to take part in this years Doors Open Jamestown reglenna.com www.instagram.com/reglennajamestown www.facebook.com/RegLenna twitter.com/RegLenna   […]

Holly Weston of Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown talked with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant all about the theatre’s first production of the year “The Play That Goes Wrong”, being a part of this years Doors Open Jamestown, upcoming productions for the 2023 season and much more www.lucilleballlittletheatre.org www.instagram.com/lblittletheatre www.facebook.com/lblittletheatre […]

Fredonia, NY based artist Thomas Annear joins WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss his artwork, the yearly Chautauqua-Lake Erie Art Trail, the landscapes of Western New York, painting in National Parks, the importance of sunrises/sunsets for artists and much more www.thomasannear.com www.instagram.com/thomasannearart www.facebook.com/ThomasAnnearArt […]

Local musician and music educator John Cross joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant for a discussion on John’s incredible career in music, what he did in 2022 and what he has planned for 2023   […]

Author and SUNY Fredonia Professor Christina Jarvis joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in studio to discuss her new book on Kurt Vonnegut’s Planetary Citizenship called “Lucky Mud and Other Foma”, teaching a class on Vonnegut, how creativity strikes Christina, rediscovering books from your youth and how the messages change and much more https://www.sevenstories.com/books/4452-lucky-mud-and-other-foma https://www.fredonia.edu/academics/colleges-schools/college-liberal-arts-sciences/english/faculty/Christina-Jarvis […]

George Mor joins WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to talk about his industrial/noise project STCLVR as well as going on tour, if there’s a local industrial scene is like in Jamestown, why every band should be releasing music on Bandcamp, plans for 2023 and much more linktr.ee/stclvr?fbclid=IwAR0Y…IzUh7i6bkCIr52CXHCgg […]

Monika Alch and Elizabeth Bush join WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss this years annual performances of The Nutcracker at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts www.cryb.net reglenna.com/upcoming […]

Neil Flory, head of the Music Department at Jamestown Community College, spoke with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant about the years end/end of semester performances at JCC for December 2022. www.sunyjcc.edu/events […]

Len Barry of the Reg Lenna joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in the studios to discuss December events at the Reg along with what they have planned for early 2023 reglenna.com […]

David Niles of the Roger Tory Peterson Institute joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in the studios to discuss RTPI’s Holidays at the Lodge, Art After Five, the 2023 Banff Film Festival and much more rtpi.org […]

 Holly Weston of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre joins WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss the theatres upcoming performances of Elf the Musical and more www.lucilleballlittletheatre.org […]

On Thursday Night, November 17, WRFA welcomed Pearl City Jazz to the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio for a special live broadcast performance! WATCH Pearl City Jazz is a 17 member Jazz Orchestra, featuring community members from throughout the Chautauqua Region, led by local music legend Ralph “Razz” Rasmussen! LISTEN WRFARadio · Arts On Fire […] […]

WRFA’s Anthony Merchant joined Maria Ferguson at the Roget Tory Peterson Institute in Jamestown, NY to discuss 3 new exhibits at RTPI including works by Charley and Edie Harper, Fredonia artist Margaret Braun and various local artists who did art inspired by local nature rtpi.org […]

WRFA’s Anthony Merchant speaks with Canadian journalist and author Anne Bokma about her upcoming memoir writing workshop at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Jamestown, what sparked Anne’s love for writing, the art of the memoir, challenges people face that keep them from writing and much more www.annebokma.com www.instagram.com/annebokma twitter.com/anne_bokma www.facebook.com/anne.bokma.1 www.uujamestown.org www.facebook.com/jamestownuu […]

Local author Trenton Lutes joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in the studio to discuss his debut book “In-Spire: Book One of the Terra-Healers”, his upcoming meet the author event, bonsai trees, painting and much more toastedwafflestudios.wixsite.com/trentonlutes www.facebook.com/toastedwafflestudios www.amazon.com/Spire-Book-One-Te…ook/dp/B0B94BTNV1 […]

On Thursday October 27 WRFA welcomed The Hallow Society to the Reg Lenna’s Media Arts Studio for a special live broadcast performance as part of the ongoing Arts on Fire LIVE series! WATCH The Hallow Society is a 4-piece band from the Jamestown, NY area playing original rock music. Members include: Sean Lander Frank Phillips […] […]

Author TJ Buck joins Anthony Merchant in the WRFA studios to talk about TJ’s latest book Here Be Lions, writing influences, if it gets easier to write a novel the more times you’ve done it, how music influences TJ’s writing and much more www.amazon.com/Here-Be-Lions-TJ-Buck/dp/B09X49ZZG2 […]

Will Russell and Ellen Paquette of the band Sixpence join WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in studio to discuss the bands debut album Songs of Sixpence, their musical beginnings and how they began working together, Ellen’s artwork endeavors outside of the band and much more https://www.facebook.com/SongsofSixpence21 https://www.facebook.com/ellenpaquetteartandmusic http://www.ellenpaquette.com/ […]

Anthony Merchant talks with local artist and business owner Leslie Calimeri about the Chautauqua Art Gallery and its new location along with what the future holds for the gallery. www.chautauquaartgallery.com/ www.instagram.com/chautauqua_art_gallery/ www.facebook.com/chautauquaartgallery […]

WRFARadio · Arts on Fire – The Magic of Michael Grandinetti – September 9, 2022 WRFA’s Anthony Merchant talks with Magician Michael Grandinetti, who will be coming to the main stage of Reg Lenna Center for the Arts in Jamestown on Saturday, Sept. 17. […]

WRFA’s Anthony Merchant talks with local artist Molly Strong about her mural project on the Spring Street parking garage in Jamestown. They also talk influences, creative process and other outlets of creativity Molly has. www.mollystrongart.com/ www.instagram.com/mollystrongart/ […]

Dancer, choreographer and owner of the Sukanya Burman Dance Company in Jamestown, NY, Sukanya Burman joins WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in studio to discuss her journey from India to New York City to Western New York/Northwest Pennsylvania, what she is doing to help other dancers get work, running the Sukanya Burman Dance Company and more www.sukanyaburman.com/ […] […]

Julie Rockcastle of The Heron returns to Arts on Fire to speak with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant all about the fourth and final Beyond the Blue for 2022, what you can find at The Heron in the fall, a recap of the first year of the Beyond the Blue music series, the dates for the 2023 […] […]

JAMESTOWN – On Friday, August 19, WRFA presents students from Infinity Visual & Performing Arts in the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio for a special broadcast of a prerecorded live performance (originally recorded Thursday, August 9). WATCH VIDEO The performance was broadcast on WRFA 107.9 FM and also simultaneously premiere on our Youtube Channel. LISTEN […] […]

Comedian, writer and podcast host Pat Hazell talks with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant about his one night only Johnny Carson variety and tribute show in Jamestown, NY, the new Carson exhibit at the National Comedy Center, what it was like to perform on Johnny Carson, why he ruled over all other late night hosts and much […] […]

Jamestown painter and punk rock musician Joseph Grice joins WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in studio to discuss Joe’s musical and artistic journeys, his upcoming art classes and residency at the Roger Tory Peterson Institute, whether or not Joe can see himself playing in a band again, his solo music under the name “Joey Cobra”, future plans […] […]

Miki Girts of the Whirlybird Music & Arts Festival joins Anthony Merchant in the WRFA studios to discuss the 2022 Whirlybird Fest, the origins of the festival and Miki’s love for music, artists to expect on this years lineup, future goals for Whirlybird and much more whirlybirdfest.com www.instagram.com/whirlybirdfest www.facebook.com/whirlybirdfest […]

RTPI’s Maria Ferguson and George Harper speak with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant about the institutes new art exhibition called Art that Matters to the Planet, the on going Art After 5 series, how the Roger Tory Peterson Institute plans to celebrate Roger Tory Peterson’s 114th birthday this summer and much more rtpi.org https://www.instagram.com/rtpinstitute twitter.com/rtpinstitute https://www.facebook.com/rtpinstitute […]

On Tuesday Night, July 19, WRFA welcomed the Hot at Bats to the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio for a special live broadcast performance! VIDEO Hot at Bats is a Jamestown, NY-based 4-piece Rock Band comprised of Mark Cooper, Bobby Cooper, Matt Baxter, and Chuck Nutt. They formed in 2021 and perform original material combining […] […]

Julie Rockcastle, owner of The Heron Farm & Event Center (Home to the Blue Heron Music Festival) stopped by WRFA to talk with Anthony Merchant about this years new Beyond the Blue Summer Music Series, how this year Great Blue Heron Festival went, the year long work it takes for a weekend of music, upcoming […] […]

Mandy Andrews of the Chadakoin Chamber Ensemble talks with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant all about the groups upcoming premier concert on July 10th at the Allen Park Bandshell, playing Cello, what got Mandy into music and more www.facebook.com/CCEJamestown/ […]

The Reg Lenna’s Len Barry sits down with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to recap the 2022 WRFA Great American Picnic and what themes he’d like to see for future picnics. Len also fills us in on summer events going on at the Reg and their upcoming summer block party reglenna.com www.wrfalp.com […]

Legendary bassist George Porter Jr. talks with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant all about his bass playing, going back out on the road with George Porter Jr. & the Runnin Pardners, what George looks for in a good drummer, the NOLA music scene during the early days of The Meters, what equipment George has played over the […] […]

Tina Toole of the Pennsylvania section of the 4,800 mile, eight state long North Country Trail talks with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant about the amazing parts of the NCT that run through PA’s Allegheny National Forest and NY’s Allegany State Park. They also get into this years NCT100, NCTPA50 and FLT60, finding your love for nature, […] […]

On this months Arts on Fire Live we had an amazing performance from the Fredonia Guitar Quartet. FGQ is an ensemble from Fredonia University and are directed by Dr. James Piorkowski. Beyond performing the quartet also talked with WFRA’s Anthony Merchant in between songs to discuss the group and how they all individually discovered their […] […]

Jamestown artist and creator Bill Thomas joins WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in studio to discuss the return of Third Thursday to downtown Jamestown after taking a hiatus in 2019. The two discuss the work that goes into putting on the show, local music and local scenes, the importance of support from your community, continuing to add […] […]

Katie Henry talked with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant about recording her sophomore record earlier this year, seeing the world through touring, performing in Jamestown at the end of May, why 2022 is her year of firsts and much much more katiehenrymusic.com/ www.instagram.com/katiehenrymusic/ www.facebook.com/katiehenrymusic twitter.com/katiehenrymusic www.wrfalp.com/ […]

NOTE: Hyprov at the Reg Lenna has been postponed as of Wednesday, June 1, 2022. A make up date will be announced at a future time. Improv legend Colin Mochrie (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) and Master Hypnotist Asad Mecci join WRFA’s Anthony Merchant to discuss their Hyprov show that they’ll be bringing to the […] […]

On Friday May 6, WRFA-LP presented another installment of its Arts on Fire LIVE series with a special performance by Dennis Drew.  Dennis’s performance was recorded live inside the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio on April 7, 2022. WATCH VIDEO Dennis Drew is a native of Jamestown, NY (by way of Buffalo) and is a […] […]

WRFA’s Anthony Merchant went to the Roger Tory Peterson Institute to see and discuss the new Art of the Field Guide exhibit with RTPI’s Maria Ferguson and David Niles. The group talked about the artwork on display, what goes into putting together an exhibit, all the summer events coming to RTPI and more The Art […] […]

WRFA’s Anthony Merchant joined Jamestown Community College musical director Neil Flory in the music department of JCC to discuss the renovations to the department, new facilities, ensemble performances for the end of semester, what to look for at JCC this May and much more https://www.sunyjcc.edu/events https://www.sunyjcc.edu/faculty-staff-directory/neil-flory […]

On Thursday Night, April 21 WRFA welcomed Feverhawk to the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio for a special live broadcast performance. WATCH 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 […] […]

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. mikebrunacini.wixsite.com/mikebrunacini mikebrunacini.bandcamp.com/ youtube.com/mikebrunacini instagram.com/mikebrunacini/ facebook.com/mikebrunacini […]

WRFA’s Anthony Merchant discussed the music of South 62 with the bands vocalist Jeff Lewis. The two talked about the bands origin, how promoting your music has drastically changed throughout the years, creating amazing opportunities for yourself, playing with some of country musics biggest names, new music from South 62 and much more www.tiktok.com/@south62band www.facebook.com/South62Band […] […]

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 sydneyirvingmusic.com/ www.instagram.com/sydneyirvingmusic/ www.facebook.com/SydneyIrvingMusic/ 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 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 […] […]

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 […]

On Thursday, March 17, WRFA welcomed Sixpence to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance as part of our Arts on Fire LIVE series! 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 […] […]

On Tuesday Night, Feb. 22, WRFA welcomed The Probables to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance as part of our Arts on Fire LIVE series! WATCH VIDEO 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 […] […]

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 […] […]

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 […] […]

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 […] […]

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, […] […]

WRFA presents a series of live musical performances on select Saturday Nights this fall with the return of Arts on Fire LIVE. On Saturday night, Nov. 13, WRFA welcomed Cold Lazarus to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance! WATCH VIDEO Cold Lazarus melds funk, psychedelic rock, reggae and soul with […] […]

WRFA presents a series of live musical performances on select Saturday Nights this fall with the return of Arts on Fire LIVE. On Saturday night, Nov. 5 WRFA welcomes Mike Brunacini to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance! WATCH VIDEO Mike Brunacini is an American songwriter hell-bent on crafting wistful […] […]

WRFA presents a series of live musical performances on select Saturday Nights this fall with the return of Arts on Fire LIVE. On Saturday night, Oct. 16, WRFA welcomed Cindy Haight & Sara Rafaloski to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance. WATCH VIDEO LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD WRFARadio · Arts on […] […]

JAMESTOWN – WRFA will present a series of live musical performances on select Saturday Nights this fall with the return of Arts on Fire LIVE. On Saturday night, Oct. 2, WRFA will welcome Ken & Mandy to the Reg Lenna Multimedia Studios for a special live broadcast performance. Ken Hardley and Mandy Andrews are a […] […]

WRFARadio · Arts on Fire – Stephanie Rodgers Discusses Infinity Local Music Showcase and Art Market   Infinity Visual and Performing Arts will host their Annual Local Music Showcase and Art Market tomorrow from 12pm to 8pm at Basil and Bones in Frewsburg. Infinity is combining their two largest fundraising events into an outdoor, single-location […] […]

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.   […]

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). […]

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. […] […]