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Where The Sour Turns To Sweet

It’s nice to have finally learned to recognize and appreciate the moments when creativity finds me, instead of the other way around.

I mentioned last week how this new band I’ve found myself in has benefited me from an artistic standpoint, but I’ve also discovered some emotional and psychological solace within the interactions I have with my bandmates and the music we’re making.

There was never really any doubt on my part that music is where I find my peace and joy in this life, but it has never been made more apparent to me than in the past few weeks. There have been a few occasions where I’ve woken up feeling very drained or sad, trudging through the day to the best of my ability; and then I’ll go to band practice and, upon playing my first note, I’m back to being and feeling like my usual self. Or, at least, the version of myself that has made some modicum of sense from all the randomness in our universe.

And the other guys in the group have noticed it, too. Our drummer described it as “flipping a switch.” I like to think they feel the same way about what we’re building together. The ideas keep flowing even as those songs that were more or less deemed “finished products” keep morphing and improving with each practice.

Needless to say, I’m only slightly more than ecstatic over the idea of sharing the fruits of our labor with the masses. We’ve already got one confirmed show at the end of March and are working on some other leads that should have us at least occasionally out and about during the summer season.

And, yes, I believe we are on the cusp of having a band name but not all parties have consented just yet; so in the interest of not publishing anything I regret, I’ll hold off for at least one more week.

For now, I’m content to continue leaning on the people and activities that bring joy and healing to my soul. Life can oftentimes be simplified as nothing more than a series of moments, but I believe it’s up to us to exert as much influence over those moments and how we choose to feel within them.

Not a single person among us chose our own existence; somebody else made that decision for us. But we can choose to make that existence as important, special and meaningful as possible.

It’s what I would wish for every solitary soul out there. Come on, everyone, let’s make it count.

And now, here’s some of what you can expect to find in the area this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘BRRH’ To Feature Burke, Parker, Bogarts Tonight: Trinity Guitars’ “Back Room Radio Hour,” a WRFA 107.9 FM-affiliated program, will feature a series of performances in the live taping of its next installment tonight at 7. The performances will be given by Lori Burke and Fred Parker of Edinboro, Pa., and Jamestown’s own alt-country outfit: The Bogarts. Each accomplished solo artists and both members of Western Pennsylvania’s Tiger Maple String Band, Burke and Parker are flag-bearers of the Northeastern roots and old-time music scene. Both accomplished guitarists and vocalists, they will perform some of their songs from the most recent old-time Tiger Maple String Band album, “Comin’ Home.” The Bogarts are still in the midst of promoting their most recent album, “80 Proof Truth,” which was released last year. The album contains a selection of songs penned by the group’s leader Chris Passamonte, performing guitar and vocals, as well as Bogarts members Shawn McKane, performing on drums and Jamie Trusler, performing on guitar. Other members include Warren Sischo on pedal steel, keyboards and banjo; and Chris Rammacher on bass guitar.

The program will also spotlight the Jamestown Jackals, the first Premier Basketball League team managed by nonprofit organization #IntegrityFirst.Inc., now entering its second season.

There is no cost to attend a taping session of “Back Room Radio Hour,” but it is preferable that those interested in attending reserve their seats by contacting Trinity Guitars at 665-4490 or trinityguitarsbill@gmail.com. Reservations may also be made by visiting trinityguitars.com or via the event’s Facebook page. It is recommended that attendees arrive at 6:30 p.m. to ensure the program begins on time.

Trinity Guitars is located at 800 W. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, find the event on Facebook.

Northwest Arena To Host Second Annual ‘Grapes And Hops Festival’ Saturday: The second annual Jamestown Grapes and Hops Festival, presented by the Media 1 Group and Northwest Arena, will be from 1-5 p.m. Saturday. The event will feature beer samplings and wine tasting from local breweries and wineries. For an up-to-date list, visit northwestarena.com.

There are 600 tickets available. They are $25 presale, $35 the day of the event and $10 for designated drivers — with each participant receiving a commemorative Jamestown Grapes and Hops Festival drinking glass with logo.

For more information, visit northwestarena.com, call 484-2624 or stop by the arena box office at 319 W. Third St. in Jamestown.

‘Wits ‘N’ Giggles’ Returns To Northwest Arena Saturday: The Northwest Arena’s “Wits ‘n Giggles” stand-up comedy show will return Saturday to feature headliner Tim Joyce, along with Jon Houser and host Robb Will, at 7:30 p.m. Wits ‘n Giggles is held in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club located on the top floor of the Northwest Arena. Tickets for the event are $10 pre-sale, $12 on the day of show and $5 for students. The show is for those age 18 and over. To get tickets, call 484-2624, visit northwestarena.com or buy them at the arena box office.

For more information, visit northwestarena.com or find the event on Facebook.

HAPPENINGS

To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email gpaterniti@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 243 by Monday.

Tonight

The Karl Marks Show (it’s revolutionary!): 7 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Karaoke with DJ Xcite: 9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10 p.m., Forte, 114 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Friday

Bill Ward: 6 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

Rustic Ramblers: 7 p.m., Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Jamestown Jackals home game: 7 p.m., Jamestown Community College, 525 Falconer St. in Jamestown

Splitfoot: 9 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Steve Strickland Duo: 9 p.m., Yesterday’s, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Revelation with Pine Diary: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

The Released: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Saturday

“The Girl on the Train” screening: 8 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Dark Horse Run: 8:30 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

Jules-R-Us Karaoke featuring Tami T: 9 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Alex Kates: 9 p.m., Steener’s Pub, 3022 Route 430 in Greenhurst

Short Bus: 9 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

Uncle Ben’s Remedy: 9:30 p.m., MJ’s Tavern, 10933 Mace Road in East Randolph

Trip the Deuce: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Paoleko and Gone: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Sunday

Open Jam: 9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Monday

Open Jam: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Wednesday

“Moonlight” screening: 7 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Bluegrass Jam: 7 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

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