Work you love should be considered a craft, and not a job.
I've spent my life with my eyes and mind confined to the pages of books, my ears filled with tunes and my mouth and nose occupied by sweet aromas, all for one reason: to understand the meaning of "exceptional."
I've generally done this because extraordinary is what I strive to be. But, also because I feel like life is meant to be celebrated. Every moment is an opportunity to create a lifelong memory. And, if I don't make the best of my time here, I will never reach what I consider to be paradise.
Those beliefs have led me down the path less traveled in hope of becoming outstanding along the way. Naturally that has also led me to take great pride in the work that I do. And, that's why work you love should be considered a craft - because love makes you an artist.
Artists are, and very well should be, their own worst critics. I believe this strictly because I admire many artists, and their work has inspired me. Therefore, if I want to be an artist, I need to inspire. And, I won't settle for anything less than inspiring other artists. So, I guess you could call me an artist's artist.
In a recent reporters meeting here at The Post Journal, I got some well-needed constructive criticism about my art. Which I think is amazing, because advice is something that should be taken with care, especially when given from the wise to the wise. To quote Benjamin Franklin, "Wise men don't need advice. Fools won't take it." The wise already know that the advice they are given is an issue, and take it regardless, whereas a fool won't take the suggestion at all. I took the advice, and I think that my work is already the better for it. Because, I owe it to myself and to my readers to provide the very best of Dusten the writer.
HIGHLIGHTS
WCA And Creche Benefit Concert With Boogie Wonder Band Is Saturday: Dust off the old bell bottoms and platform shoes and get ready to dance. Disco music will be alive and well on Chautauqua Lake this summer in the form of the Boogie Wonder Band.
Creche and WCA Hospital will host a 1970s style disco party in Bemus Point on Saturday at 8 p.m. The party will feature Boogie Wonder Band, BoogieWonderBand.com, on the DFT Communications Floating Stage in Bemus Bay. This 10-piece retro/disco show band will take guests back to the era of sideburns and afros.
This unique concert event will raise funds for Creche, a local nonprofit organization that has been helping children in our area for more than 100 years, and for the pediatric patients served by WCA Hospital through the sale of limited, reserved seating tickets.
Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. for VIP and preferred seating guests, followed by dinner and hors d'oeuvres at 7 p.m. and the concert at 8 p.m.
To purchase tickets call 664-8423, stop by the WCA Office of Development, or visit wcahospital.org, crecheforkids.org, or bemusbaypops.com.
10,000 Maniacs To Play Night Lights At The Heron: The alternative rock band 10,000 Maniacs will play Night Lights at The Heron in Sherman on Saturday, Aug. 18, at 9 p.m. The band will be filming the performance as well as other material for upcoming projects.
Night Lights at The Heron is a performance venue situated in a forest setting. The main attraction for Night Lights is a 1-mile trail illuminated with colorful and interactive lighting, creating a one-of-a-kind experience for visitors. Admission for the show will be $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 to 7, and kids 6 and under will get in for free. Camping is available for $10 extra per person.
The band is recording its first album in 13 years and 11 years after the death of guitarist Robert Buck. The new record is scheduled to be released in January on the band's own label, Ruby Wristwatch Records. The band members have been recording the album in their hometown of Jamestown, where the band started in 1981. To hear a free download of the new song, "When We Walked on Clouds," go to facebook.com/10kmaniacs.
"We are nearly done recording the new album, so we will be spending a few days filming material that will eventually turn into videos and publicity footage," said Steve Gustafson, bassist for 10,000 Maniacs. "Night Lights is a pretty cool place to serve as a backdrop for our performance and additional footage we'll shoot that day."
The Heron is located at 2361 Wait Corners Road, Sherman. More information about this show can be found at heronnightlights.com.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Tuesday.
Tonight
Cindy Love Haight: 6 to 8 p.m., The Brick Walk Cafe at Chautauqua Institution.
Brian Hanna: 6 to 9 p.m., Pine Junction, 9757 Bailey Hill Road in Sherman.
Blue Grass Jam: 7 to 10 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Area bluegrass musicians are welcome to sit in and play.
Dave Tarasi: 7 to 11 p.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.
Friday
Jack the Dog: 6 to 8 p.m., Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.
Bill Ward and Mike Bratt: 6 p.m., The Lakeview, 13 Water St. in Mayville.
Brian Hanna/Scott Horton: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Webb's on the Deck in Mayville.
Saturday
Country Roads: 7 p.m., part of Busti Hamlet Development Group's "Concerts at the Gazebo." The event is free and open to the public.
Happy Days: 8 p.m. to midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
The Saloonatics: 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Peek 'n Peak, 1405 Olde Road in Findley Lake.
Kris Meekins: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Webb's on the Deck in Mayville.
Sunday
Amanda Barton and Bill Ward: 6 p.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.
Wednesday
Doc and Bill: Infinity Summer Institute, 115 E. Third St. in Jamestown.
Bill Ward: 6 p.m., The Brick Walk Cafe at Chautauqua Institution.