Arts on Fire

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 […]

Matt Maloof and Matt Downey kick off the first Arts on Fire LIVE by performing songs from Maloof’s latest album “How’m I Doin?” and many more www.mattmaloof.com 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 […] […]

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 […]

 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 […] […]

Uptown Fever vocalist Jamie Lee joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in studio to discuss the bands upcoming performance at the Struthers Library Theatre in Warren, PA, Jamie’s musical background, why we both think Motown is timeless and much more www.uptownfever.com www.facebook.com/uptownfever www.strutherslibrarytheatre.org […]

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/ […]

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/ […]

Jamestown comedian Paul Clemente of Karate Sleepover joined WRFA’s Anthony Merchant in the studios to discuss putting on Jamestown’s first reverse roast, the return of Karate Sleepover’s open mic night, the local comedy scene and much much more www.karatesleepover.com/ www.instagram.com/karatesleepover/ twitter.com/karatesleepover/ www.facebook.com/karatesleepover/ www.youtube.com/channel/UCe6uOsZ1oaKXaWjDdvNiSug […]

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 […]

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 […] […]

Holly Weston of the Lucille Ball Little Theatre of Jamestown talked with WRFA’s Anthony Merchant all about the Theatres triumphant return post Covid, the upcoming performance of the musical comedy Disenchanted, what to expect from Little Theatre for the rest of 2022 and more http://www.lucilleballlittletheatre.org […]

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 […] […]

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 was joined in studio by Len Barry of the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts to talk upcoming events at the Reg, the return of live performances, why the theater experience is unmatched, bracing for tons of summer events in Chautauqua County and much more reglenna.com/ […]

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 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 […]

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 […] […]

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. 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 […] […]

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. 2, WRFA welcomes Ken Hardley & Mandy Andrews for a special live broadcast performance. WATCH VIDEO LISTEN ON SOUNDCLOUD WRFARadio · AOF – 10 – 08 – 21 – […] […]

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 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. […] […]