Every year since I moved to Chautauqua County, during the first week of July, I have made my way to the Great Blue Heron grounds in Sherman. For those who are unaware, once a year a community of more than 8,000 people forms within the rolling hills of Amish country for a celebration unlike any other in the county. For me, the experience is a must-do for the beginning of summer. What better way to get warmed up than with some nature, music and art? So, to find out more, take a gander at today's feature article on the Great Blue Heron Festival.
As if this column didn't already have enough about animals (Heron), then I'll throw in some more about dogs. These dogs aren't just any dogs though; these dogs are "Legally Blonde" dogs. Why are these dogs "Legally Blonde" you may ask? Well, here's why: On Tuesday night, Bob Schlick, JCC's theatre director, and the JCC Uncommoners held auditions for the two dogs needed for the fall production of "Legally Blonde: The Musical." Several dogs and their owners made it out to the Scharmann Theatre to try out. However, a decision was not made on which dogs would play Elle Woods' dog "Bruiser," (Chihuahua) or Paulette's dog "Rufus," (English Bulldog or a Pug). So, if you think your dog has what it takes to become "Legally Blonde," then get in touch with Bob Schlick before one of the other dogs that tried out gets the part. To see the competition, check out a photo I snapped during the auditions inside on page C2.
And, now for the area events:
Article Photos
HIGHLIGHTS
An Evening of Classical Violin: Featuring Cody Hiller and pianist Ron McEntire, an evening of classical violin will take place at 7 p.m., Friday at Christ First United Methodist Church in Jamestown. The program features the "Devil's Trill Sonata" in G minor by Giuseppe Tartini, "Legend" by Henri Wieniawski and Henri Vieuxtemp's "Violin Concerto No. 5" in A minor.
Hiller is a violin performance major at Baldwin-Wallace University. He began studying violin at age 5. He studied with Janet Sung at SUNY Fredonia for five years, and he spent his senior year studying with James Kontrabecki.
Ron McEntire is the current organist at the Christ First United Methodist Church of Jamestown. McEntire has many years of performance experience and a degree from Houghton, where he studied piano.
The program is open to the public. Donations will be accepted. For more information, contact Cody Hiller at 397-0932.
Summer Camps at Infinity: Infinity has a fun-filled summer planned. Eight different camps will be offered throughout the summer. Camp offerings include: Summer Music and Arts Institute Session I and II (ages 8-12), Summer Suzuki camp (age ranges vary- call for info), Art Intensive camp (ages 13-18), Music Intensive camp Sessions I and II (ages 13-18), Theater and Literary Arts camp (ages 13-18) and Experience S.T.E.A.M. camp (ages 13-18).
Call or visit the website for more information and registration forms at infinityperformingarts.org or 664-0991.
Jaggery with Orca Team: Boston's experimental/indie chamber rock band Jaggery returns to Jamestown for two shows on Tuesday, starting at 8 p.m. You can find the viola, Celtic harp, drums, piano, upright bass, and opera-house-stray ensemble at Labyrinth Press Co., 12 E. Fourth St. for a free, all ages warm-up to their 10 p.m., 21 plus show at Mojo's. The band's upright bassist, Tony Leva, is a former Jamestown resident.
Seattle's Orca Team, composed of a trio that features vocals, bass, guitar and a muted drum set creates the music of a punk band in which everyone decided to turn down and keep their tones clean.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Tuesday.
Today
Doc and Bill: 6:30 p.m., Lawson Boating Heritage Center, Bemus Point. Launch event, "Bemus Point Heart and Soul" oral history project.
Blue Grass Jam: 7-10 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. All area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit it and play.
Friday Night
Cindy Haight and Matt Homan: 6-9 p.m., The Patio at The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown.
Jack Adams and Rick Magee Acoustics: 9 p.m. at Murdock's, 100 E. Main St. in Sherman.
Sean Patrick McGraw: 6-8 p.m. Jamestown Savings Bank Arena. Free every Friday. For more information, call the arena box office at 484-2624 or go to jamestownarena.com.
Saturday Night
Dance for Dollars Party with DJ's Unlimited: 8 p.m.-midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
Coyote Band: Woodside Campground at 8248 Griswold Road in Cassadaga. Performance includes a tye-dye theme.
2nd Annual Luau: 9 p.m. at Murdock's, 100 E. Main St. in Sherman.
Sunday Night
Dan Vogan: 3-6 p.m. The Cooler, 114 W. Main St. in Sherman. Outdoor stage.