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Baroom Blitz

It should come as no surprise to regular readers of this column that there is a rich underground scene of original music in the greater Jamestown area.

Unfortunately, these bands oftentimes have little opportunity in the way of exposure, as there is really only one establishment in the area to regularly feature original music. However, a unique presentation of several area original projects, many of them up-and-coming, will be staged at Mojo’s on Sunday in the form of a seven-way Battle of the Bands.

This is, to my knowledge, the first time something like this has occurred, and it’s something that a person like myself — as a performer and purveyor of the local music scene — is really thankful to be a part of. I’ll be performing with Cold Lazarus at some point during the battle, and we’re happy for the opportunity to not only participate in this divisive yet unifying event but also debut our music in a live setting for the very first time.

In addition to ourselves, the other bands to be competing include Level 3, Narwhal Bloodbath, Spooky Wescott, Gasoline Genes, The Noise Upstairs and Kaleidoscope Sky. Slow Motion Breakdown, with whom we will be sharing a show on May 5, will headline the event while the votes are being tallied.

Needless to say, the Battle will be an all-day affair, but everyone is encouraged to come and check it out at their discretion to see what new music is coming out of our area and, if interested, cast their ballots for their favorite act.

Everyone who purchases a ticket will be afforded a vote on their ticket stub. Presale tickets are available for $5 and can be purchased from members of participating bands and at Mojo’s, and tickets can also be purchased at the door for $7 on the day of the event.

I would appeal to anyone of remote interest in what’s happening in our community’s music world to come by the Battle at Mojo’s, even if it’s only just to show some support for what creative minds are crafting. I’m certainly looking forward to it.

For more information, find “Bob at Mojo’s!” on Facebook.

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

HIGHLIGHTS

Infinity Jazz Series To Feature Bill Ward Friday: Infinity Visual and Performing Arts will host Bill Ward at the Infinity Arts Cafe at 7 p.m. Friday as part of its regular Jazz at Infinity series with John Cross — who will perform alongside Ward. Ward and Cross have been together for three decades in many venues throughout the county and beyond. The duo will be playing a variety of songs from blues to Texas swing that will delight audiences of all ages. Thanks to support from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, Jazz at Infinity events are free, family-friendly and open to the public. Audience members of all ages are welcome.

Visitors should enter through the Infinity Arts Cafe entrance at 300 E. Third St. For more information, contact Infinity at 664-0991, info@infinityperformingarts.org or online at infinityperformingarts.org.

Little Theatre To Present ‘Rapunzel: Beginnings And Beyond’ This Weekend: The Lucille Ball Little Theatre will kick off its production of “Rapunzel: Beginnings and Beyond” with three performances this weekend. The plot of the production more closely follows that of the fairy tale “Rapunzel” as portrayed in the collected works of the Brothers Grimm, as opposed to the more commonly known versions of the tale as seen in various modern films such as “Shrek the Third” and “Tangled.” In this adaptation of the age-old story, Rapunzel is more than just a damsel in distress who’s long overdue for a haircut; she’s a daring and precocious little lass who is determined to solve her own problems. A garden of magical singing fruits and vegetables, a wisecracking rat, a sage cricket and a fidgety flying squirrel — who can’t fly — all help her along the way.

The production will be staged at the Little Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Friday; Saturday; Friday, March 31; and Saturday, April 1. There will be 2 p.m. matinee performances on Sunday and Sunday, April 2. Tickets are $20 for general admission, as usual, but children 5 and under will be admitted for $5 and students 12 and older for $10. There will also be a special family rate of $40 for four people on opening night only.

‘Wits And Giggles’ Returns To Northwest Arena Saturday: The ‘Wits and Giggles’ stand-up comedy series will return to Northwest Arena on Saturday, with performances beginning at 7:30 p.m. Highlighted in the performance will be feature act Rob Ward and headliner Mark Anthony.

Ward has become one of the most sought after stand-up comedians in Cleveland, Ohio. Recently, he was named Comedian of the Year at the Cleveland Comedy Awards, and was one of the winners at the world famous, “Showtime at the Apollo” in Harlem.

Anthony is a mainstay in colleges and comedy clubs, and has logged over 600,000 miles performing his unique, high-energy routines. He draws inspiration from his own life, and talks about a variety of topics such as weight-loss, growing up in a black neighborhood while listening to heavy metal, and about being both married and happy all at once. His unique style has landed him performances with the likes of George Carlin, Steve Harvey, Bob Saget, and more. He has performed on Comedy Central, B.E.T. and Fox Sports Network.

Returning as emcee is ‘Wits and Giggles’ host Robb Will, self-proclaimed 67th funniest man in Jamestown.

The show will be held in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club, located on the top floor of Northwest Arena. Tickets are $10 for general public — $12 on the day of the show — and $5 for students. It is an 18-and-over performance.

To purchase tickets, call the arena’s Landmark Chevrolet box office at 484-2624 or visit northwestarena.com.

Little Theatre To Hold ‘Nunsensations’ Auditions Next Week: The Lucille Ball Little Theatre will hold auditions for its upcoming production of “Nunsensations! The Nunsense Vegas Revue” at 7 p.m. on Monday and Tuesday. The play calls for seven roles, all of which are currently open. Interested parties should come prepared to sing a song of their choice; an accompanist will be provided. Scripts will also be provided for cold readings at the discretion of Helen Merrill, artistic director. Auditioners should also dress in a manner that will allow them to move comfortably during the choreography portion of the audition.

Those who have questions or may not be able to attend either of the audition times can contact Merrill at 665-5750 for more information.

Seneca Allegany Announces Additions To Summer Entertainment Lineup: The Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino announced additions to its summer entertainment lineup this week. The additions include: a Saturday, June 3, appearance by George Benson and Kenny G; a Friday, June 23, appearance by Boz Scaggs; and a Saturday, July 1, outdoor performance by Hank Williams Jr. All concerts will begin at 7 p.m. and tickets for each concert will go on sale Friday at noon. Tickets to the Boz Scaggs concert start at $25, and tickets to the other concerts start at $45.

The Seneca Allegany Resort and Casino is located at 777 Seneca Allegany Blvd. in Salamana. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 1-877-873-6322 or visit senecaalleganycasino.com/entertainment/events-center/.

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

Comedy Open Mic with Jamie Travale: 8 p.m., The Q, 104 W. Second St. in Jamestown

The Karl/Marks Show (it’s revolutionary!): 8 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

Brian Hanna and Scott Horton: 6 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

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

Jules-R-Us Karaoke: 7 p.m., Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

TPT: 7:30 p.m., Willow Bay Theater, 21 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Cody Willett and Tim Reed: 9 p.m., Yesterday’s, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

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

Two for Flinching: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

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

Saturday

“Sing” screening: 2 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Rhema Poetry open mic: 5:30 p.m., RydersCup Coffee, 28 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Bill Ward: 8 p.m., Murdocks, 100 E. Main St. in Sherman

Crossfire: 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

New Wave Nation: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

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

Blood Feud with Mala Sangre and Moon Rite: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Sunday

Battle of the Bands: 1-10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

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

Monday

Bryan Moore: 5 p.m., The Q, 104 W. Second St. in Jamestown

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

Wednesday

Brian Hanna: 5 p.m., The Q, 104 W. Second St. in Jamestown

“Lion” 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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