While Scott Shelters is taking a well-earned week long vacation, I get the amazing opportunity to be the Family Editor for a week.
It's been an interesting couple of days so far. Fortunately nothing has gone too wrong (knocks on wood). And, it's actually been a decent test of my abilities. I've taken the reins to make this time an opportunity to learn, grow and critique my own work. So, I hope you're all enjoying the section thus far.
But, I can't take credit for all the good work. I haven't been alone, I've had John Whittaker, Matt Spielman, Mike Rukavina and Mike Frank to help me out. And, even though Scott isn't here, he did a ton of work to train me and also set up the section in preparation.
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One thing I've learned as a result of this experience is that I'm definitely a creator and not a deleter. Some people are good at editing others' work and representing a publication in a manner that both the publisher and the editor can be proud of. It's a huge responsibility that each editor bears, and although I can do it, it's definitely not something I consider to be my calling.
I much prefer to make conversation with people that readers want to know about. Then, translate that interview into an article worth reading. To me, that's a ton of fun. And, sometimes I wonder whether or not I should pursue a career in radio for that reason. But, then I remember that the battle with Top 40 radio is not one that I'd like to get myself in.
I don't really believe that the only thing worthy of air time is what sells the most records. I think that thought process translates well into journalism though. My journalistic integrity constantly reminds me that what is considered newsworthy is what the people want to know about. And, if Top 40 musicians is what they want to read about, that's fine with me. Especially so because if I can keep my readers' attention long enough, then maybe when it matters, I'll be able to show them something they've never seen before.
Oh, and to bring this to a close on a very good note: I recently recieved my first business cards. Now, I can use them to represent The Post-Journal in even more ways. It's an awesome feeling being able to say, "Here's my card, call me."
HIGHLIGHTS
Papa Grows Funk On The Chautauqua Belle Is Sunday: Booty shaking party music best sums up the inimitable Papa Grows Funk, one of the most successful funk bands to emanate from New Orleans. Rooted in improvisation, the group of all-star musicians led by Hammond B3 keyboardist and lead vocalist, John Gros, has built its enthusiastic vibe on a long-standing musical tradition that dates back to the hot jazz of the legends, Fats Domino and Louis Armstrong. Like Dr. John and the Neville Brothers, Papa Grows Funk keeps that New Orleans lineage alive while always funkifying towards the future.
With no play lists and no rehearsals every Papa Grows Funk performance is its own masterpiece of funk. On any given night, the band might change songs or grooves. But one thing is certain: whether it is jam band college kids or seersucker wearing professionals, five folks or 100,000, the crowd is going to go wild.
Papa Grows Funk will play from 6 to 9 p.m Please arrive 30 minutes early for boarding, as the boat pushes off promptly at 6 p.m. (no exceptions). Adult admission is $39. Reservations are required, call 269-2355.
For more information visit papagrowsfunk.com.
Cross-Country Bike Ride Multimedia Presentation By Don Lang Is Friday: Retired music professor Don Lang will present an in-depth multimedia presentation on his 2011 cross-country bike ride that raised more than $7,000 for Roswell Cancer Institute. You'll hear all about the challenges he faced and how he overcame them, the hospitable (and not-so-hospitable) people he met along the ride, and some of the unique and humorous places he saw on his 54-day journey.
The event is at 7 p.m. at the 1891 Fredonia Opera House, 9 Church St. in Fredonia, and admission is by donation.
For more information visit fredopera.org.
"Legally Blonde" Final Auditions Are Coming: Final auditions will be held on Aug. 30 and 31 for Jamestown Community College's production of Legally Blonde: The Musical.
The final auditions begin at 7 p.m. in Scharmann Theatre. Performances will be held in November.
Anyone age 16 and up is welcome to audition. Those auditioning should memorize a song and bring sheet music for the accompanist. They should also wear loose-fitting clothing and be prepared to learn some dance moves.
The production calls for a cast of 40 people. According to director, Robert Schlick, males ages 16 to 60 as well as male and female dancers, singers, acrobats, and gymnasts are needed.
"Legally Blonde: The Musical" follows the efforts of a girl who wants to be a lawyer, depicting her journey from looking at the world in a childish way to becoming a mature, successful woman. It begins as a fairy tale of believing that life will work out if you look good and marry well, and ends as a fairy tale that has been achieved through hard work.
When "Legally Blonde: The Musical" played on Broadway, it earned Tony award nominations, a Drama Desk award and Outer Critics award nominations. The show, ranked in the top 10 most requested for tickets, features 18 songs, plenty of costumes, settings and high-powered dancing.
For more information call 338-1153.
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
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.
See HAPPENINGS, Page D2
From Page D1
Bill Ward: 6 p.m., Southern Tier Brewing Company, 2072 Stoneman Circle in Lakewood.
Friday
Brian Hanna: noon to 1 p.m., Downtown Jamestown Farmers Market.
The Spellcasters: noon to 3 p.m., Thunder in the Streets in Jamestown.
The Bogarts: 6 to 8 p.m., Jamestown Savings Bank Arena.
Doc and Bill: 6:30 p.m., Friday Summer Concert Series in Randolph.
Amanda Barton and Bill Ward: 7 p.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.
Infinity Big Band: 7 to 9 p.m., Infinity Arts Cafe, 115 E. Third St. in Jamestown.
Cindy Love Haight: 8 to 11 p.m., The Bellini Lounge, Chautauqua Suites, 215 W. Lake Road (Route 394) in Mayville.
Brian Hanna: 9 p.m. to midnight, Murdock's, 104 E. Main St. in Sherman.
Kris Meekins: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Webb's on the Deck in Mayville.
Saturday
Bill Ward: 6 p.m., The Lakeview, 13 Water St. in Mayville.
Old Dawg Bluegrass: 7 p.m., part of Busti Hamlet Development Group's "Concerts at the Gazebo." The event is free and open to the public.
777 Beach Party: 8 p.m. to midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron. Dance contests, give-A-ways, music and fun will be provided by DJ's Unlimited.
China Grove Doobie Brothers Tribute Band: 8 p.m., The Floating Stage, Lakeside Drive in Bemus Point.
The Bogarts: 9:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.
Brian Hanna/Scott Horton: 10 p.m. to 1 a.m., Webb's on the Deck in Mayville.
Sunday
ONE U2 Tribute Band: 2:30 p.m., The Floating Stage, Lakeside Drive in Bemus Point.
The Spellcasters: 6 to 8 p.m., Blues for Hospice at Fluvanna War Vets in Jamestown.
Kev Rowe: 6 to 9 p.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.