×

‘RHR’ Concludes Season With Chautauqua Institution Performance

WRFA-LP 107.9 FM’s “Rolling Hills Radio” held the live taping of its season finale — featuring guest artists Matt Nakoa and The Honey Dewdrops — Sunday at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater. P-J photo by Gavin Paterniti

CHAUTAUQUA — The sounds of modern music styled after traditional Americana and folk reverberated in perfect harmony within the confines of a new facility that embodies traditional American values.

On Sunday, WRFA-LP 107.9 FM’s monthly “Rolling Hills Radio” program held its season finale at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater for the fourth consecutive season; but it was the first time the program was featured the new iteration of the facility.

Matt Nakoa and The Honey Dewdrops, the program’s featured guest artists, played to a steady crowd more than 1,000 strong for approximately 90 minutes — performing a selection of original songs taken from their own respective discographies while also giving an ensemble performance of Bob Dylan’s “Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright” with program host Ken Hardley.

Hardley was complimentary of the entire afternoon — from the guest artist’s flawless performances to the splendor of the new amphitheater to the receptive audience that witnessed everything unfold.

“These two acts are so good and so, once again, the artists carried this show,” Hardley said. “One of the many things that’s different about these Chautauqua shows is that we have very little time to talk and rehearse anything beforehand. I literally meet them, give them instructions, blow through one rehearsal of the finale and we go on stage. I didn’t have a chance to get to know these people until I was interviewing them for the show.”

“Rolling Hills Radio” program held its season finale at the Chautauqua Institution Amphitheater for the fourth consecutive season. However, Sunday’s performance was the first at the new amphitheater. P-J photos by Gavin Paterniti

“But, of course, they’re professionals so they not only nailed their own performances but also told such fascinating stories,” he added.

Hardley also made note of the fact that his guest artists captivated and held the larger-than-average audience for the duration of the program, something that has not been typical of past “Rolling Hills Radio” programs taped at Chautauqua.

The finale was taped live during Sunday’s presentation and will be broadcast on WRFA-LP 107.9 FM at a later date. For more information, or to stream the program online when it becomes available, visit wrfalp.com.

Newsletter

Today's breaking news and more in your inbox

I'm interested in (please check all that apply)
Are you a paying subscriber to the newspaper? *
   

Starting at $4.62/week.

Subscribe Today