Monday marked my first day at The Post-Journal and it sped by without a hitch. During the day I even received my first phone call regarding an upcoming show. It feels great to know that I work for a publication that the community seeks to utilize as a means of promotion. I never would have guessed that my travels might lead me to Jamestown. However, as it turns out The Post-Journal saw some value in my talents as a writer. Thus, here I now sit among the great men and women who keep this well-respected newspaper going strong. And, I have to admit that it is quite a privilege to be able to answer my phone with the opener "Post-Journal, Dusten speaking."
I mentioned travels earlier in this column, and I'll let you know why. I am not a native of Chautauqua County, nor had it ever really been on my radar until I graduated from the Russell J. Jandoli School of Journalism and Mass Communication at St. Bonaventure University in 2007. But, even after I graduated I had no intention of settling in New York. My hope was to return to Southern California (where I was raised) and start a career in the entertainment industry. After working in the field for three years I realized it wasn't for me. But, I guess that's sometimes how life goes. It's not about figuring out what you want, it's about figuring out what you don't want; only then will the path become clear.
In an attempt to reconnect with the vast group of contacts I had acquired in college I decided to make a move back to the East Coast. I currently live in the beautiful town of Fredonia where I have made many new friends, and I am able to call it a home away from home. While living in Fredonia I spent a lot of time enjoying local venues, hiking the scenic trails of the county, dining at the local eateries and partaking in the amazing wine produced by the many vineyards that add to the wonderful landscape of Chautauqua County. Alas, I may have to find a home away from Fredonia in Jamestown now that I have this fantastic opportunity with The Post-Journal. However, I am confident that Jamestown has just as much to offer. And, I hope that I have a lot to offer the readers of The Post-Journal. So,what better time than now to start showing readers what I can do? Check out the story in today's issue on The 21st annual Grey Brothers Party that will also serve as a fundraiser for local Jennifer Anderson who is in need of the community's support. Plus, keep an eye out every Thursday as I'll be continuing to write this column each week.
Article Photos
Dusten Rader
HIGHLIGHTS
Chautauqua Institution Hosts Sound Check Experience Video Contest: Chautauqua Institution is calling all talented performers to submit a YouTube video of themselves singing or playing a musical piece of their choice for a chance to win tickets to Under the Streetlamp Sound Check Experience and show. Winners will see how a sound check is done as well as meet Under the Streetlamp, ask questions and have their pictures taken with the group. Contestants need to record their musical piece and upload it onto YouTube, then email the YouTube link to webmaster@ciweb.org. The video will be uploaded onto Chautauqua Institution's YouTube Channel and then officially entered in the contest. All submissions are due by June 21. The piece should be no longer than three minutes and performed only by individuals. Performers from the 20 videos with the most likes on YouTube will win two tickets to the Under the Streetlamp Sound Check Experience and show on June 23. at Chautauqua Institution. In addition, performers from the top five videos chosen by Chautauqua Institution will win two tickets to the Under the Streetlamp Sound Check Experience and show as well as two additional tickets to another show of their choice this season. The contest is free to enter and talented performers of all ages are encouraged to submit a video. For more information please call 357-6434 or visit the contest page at facebook.com/chq1874/events.
Under the Streetlamp is comprised of recent leading cast members of the musical "The Jersey Boys." These four vocalists bring their unique blend of tight harmonies and slick dance moves to your favorite Doo-Wop, Motown, and old time rock 'n' roll hits from The Drifters, The Beach Boys, The Beatles, The Four Seasons and more.
Music And Mission Weekend At Randolph Church: On Saturday, the annual mission yard sale will be held from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. with Linda Inkley chairing the event. Many almost new and hardly used items will be available and anyone who would like to donate items is asked to call Mrs. Inkley at 358-6042. The women of the church will also provide baked goods. Proceeds from the sale will support many local and worldwide missions including Genesis House, Randolph Community Cupboard, Center for Family Unity, Friends of the Night, Equip India and others.
On Sunday, "Celebrate Christ" will be presented by the adult choir. This annual event is a celebration of music to complete the choir year and features former, current and new members coming together for this presentation. Michele Sandberg of Frewsburg is choir director and accompanist. This year, the children's choir will also be a part of the presentation with Madison Plaskett, Lindsey Plaskett, Anna Carlson, Gerritt Carlson, Claire Lewis, Reagan Lewis, Hope Linehart, Corinne Inkley and Emily Matson as assistant. Adult choir members include Susan Ashdown, Karen Anderson, Rene Pence, Erika Connor, Ruth McLaughlin, Sue Johnson, Kay Wade, Stacy Halla, Leslie Latham, Nancy Pihlblad, Ann Luce, Donna Chubon, Marta Johnson, Tom Wade, Barry Shields, Bob Sandberg, Dan McLaughlin, Tim Mclaughlin, MacIntosh Barker, Sean Connor, Erik Connor and Kim Buhler.
Soloist Dan McLaughlin will sing "The Blessing," a trio with Kay Wade, Erika Connor and Leslie Latham will sing "More Love To Thee." Erika Connor will play a piano solo "Doxology" for the Offertory.
The public is invited to this presentation during morning worship which begins at 10:30 a.m. The Women's Association will serve refreshments following the presentation.
For more information call Donna Chubon at 358-2521.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, call Dusten Rader at 487-1111, ext. 253 or email drader@post-journal.com by Tuesday.
Tonight
Brian Hanna: 6-9, Pine Junction, 9757 Bailey Hill Road in Sherman.
Cindy Haight and Matt Homan: 6-9, Southern Tier Brewing Company, Lakewood. Admittance to the show will be free. It will be held outside, weather permitting.
Blue Grass Jam: 7-10, Celoron Legion, 1 mile west of Jamestown on Fairmount Avenue. The legion will host a flag burning ceremony starting at 7 p.m., and anyone can bring their old American flags to be properly disposed of.
"A Night on the Town": 8 p.m., The Spire of Jamestown, 317 E. Third Street.
Friday Night
Cindy Haight and Matt Homan: 8-11, Bellini Lounge, Chautauqua Suites, 215 W. Lake Road (Route 394) in Mayville. Admission will be free.
Fiction 20 Down with The B-Side Dubs and Wanyama: 10 p.m., Mojo's, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown.
Hip-Hop Showcase: 8 p.m., The Spire of Jamestown, 317 E. Third Street.
Steve Swanson "Unplugged in the Jazz Bar": 8-11, 61 Lakeside Drive, Bemus Point, Friday and Saturday nights throughout the season.
Jon Halmi: 8-midnight, Murdock's, 100 E. Main St Sherman.
Saturday Night
Sammy Slicker Band: 8-midnight, Celoron Legion, 1 mile west of Jamestown on Fairmount Avenue.
Preach Freedom and Marla Harris: 8 p.m., The Spire of Jamestown, 317 E. Third Street.
Sunday
Sean Patrick McGraw: 3-6 p.m., The Cooler, 114 W. Main Street, Sherman.