At 9:23 p.m. today, I will receive my official admission into the 30-something club.

It’s pretty wild to think that everything I’ve ever known, thought and experienced has occurred in less than three decades; but on the other hand, just less than three decades has equated to an entire lifetime for this writer-musician.

Semantics aside, my 30th birthday comes in the midst of an eventful week that consists of some new, (hopefully) happy experiences as well as some loss and sadness.

For the purposes of ending on a happier note, I suppose I’ll start with the latter, unfortunate news. On Tuesday I learned that one of my acquaintances from Erie had died only a couple months after her 27th birthday.

I first met Jess a couple of years ago when The Elektra Kings were invited to play a show at what would soon become our home base in the Erie music scene. She was tending bar and was impressed by us, and so we were asked to come back on a handful of occasions upon her request.

The most recent of these visits, in what I now realize would be the last time I’d see her, was her 27th birthday party in February. It was a wild and crazy night, but there were a few moments of clarity among the chaos in which I was able to speak with her coherently and openly.

When it came time for me to head out for the night, I remember wondering if it would be worth getting through the crowd around her to say “goodbye,” figuring our paths would undoubtedly cross again in the near future. I now have a far deeper appreciation for the fact that I did make my way through that crowd to wish her a happy birthday and thank her for having us, and for giving her a hug as I departed. It was a seemingly small moment in time that I know will now be etched somewhere in the corners of my mind for the rest of my days.

And so, for one last time: “Goodbye, Jess.”

Moving on to some upcoming events.

Tonight I plan to attend the 63rd episode of “Rolling Hills Radio” at the Robert H. Jackson Center, marking my first physical appearance at the monthly radio program despite previewing every episode for the past three years. I’m looking forward to seeing Tom Chapin perform, and seeing several familiar faces in a different setting.

On Friday, I have an appointment to receive my first tattoo. It will be a memorial crest for my first music mentor Jeremy Kinnear, who died in 2001 on his 21st birthday, and about whom I have previously written in this column. The tattoo will be modeled after that which is now worn by the members of his former band, Atica.

Finally, on Saturday, I plan to see Buffalo’s premier groove rock band Aqueous perform at the Kings Rook Club in Erie. I saw the band perform early last month up in Buffalo for the first time, and look forward to once again seeing them showcase their amazing talents as performers and songwriters, while hopefully drawing some continued inspiration for my own project.

I expect this to be a fun-filled weekend highlighted by great music and great friends. When next we meet, I presume to give a condensed account of my doings, hopefully a bit wiser from being another year older.

And now, here’s some of what you can expect to find in the area this week.

HIGHLIGHTS

‘Rolling Hills Radio’ To Feature Tom Chapin In Concert Tonight: WRFA-LP 107.9 FM’s “Rolling Hills Radio” will feature an interview and live performance by singer-songwriter Tom Chapin, nationally renowned for his child-centric and environmentally conscious music, beginning at 6:30 p.m. today at the Robert H. Jackson Center’s Carl Cappa Theater.

In a career that spans five decades, 24 albums and three GRAMMY awards, Chapin has covered an incredible amount of creative ground. In addition to his work as a recording artist and concert performer, Chapin has acted on Broadway and worked extensively in films, television and radio. As a music-maker, he has maintained two long and productive parallel careers, both as a highly respected contemporary folk artist and as a pioneer in the field of children’s music. In both roles, Chapin has established a reputation for insightful, heartfelt songcraft and effortlessly charismatic live performances. Although Chapin has previously performed in and around the Jamestown area on several occasions, his upcoming appearance on “Rolling Hills Radio” will be his first visit to Jamestown in that capacity.

Tickets are available at $20 each, and can be purchased in advance by calling 484-7070 or visiting reglenna.com. The Robert H. Jackson Center is located at 305 E. Fourth St. in Jamestown. Doors to the live show will open at 5:30 p.m., when a pre-show reception known as “Rolling Happy Hour” will commence. The program’s live taping will begin at 6:30 p.m., and a meet-and-greet will immediately follow.

Infinity Jazz Series To Feature Barbara Jean Friday: Infinity Visual and Performing Arts will host Barbara Jean and Friends at the Infinity Arts Cafe at 7 p.m. Friday as part of its “Jazz at Infinity” concert series. Barbara Jean will sing a variety of songs from the Great American Songbook, and will be accompanied by Dalt Berringer, Lloyd Howard, Dan Hull and Tim Clarke. Thanks to support from the Chautauqua Region Community Foundation, “Jazz at Infinity” events are free, family friendly and open to the public. Audience members of all ages are welcome.

The Infinity Arts Cafe is located at 300 E. Third St. in Jamestown. For more information, call 664-0991 or visit infinityperformingarts.org.

Original Jamestown Play ‘Least Resistance’ Opens This Weekend: St. Luke’s Episcopal Church and The Winged Ox Players will feature more than 20 local cast members in “Least Resistance,” an original Jamestown play incorporating firsthand accounts of actual community members’ struggles in relation to Chautauqua County’s drug epidemic into a cohesive narrative, with performances over the coming two weekends.

The play was penned by British-born Jamestown resident and playwright Richard Olson-Walter. The play is being presented by the Winged Ox Players group, and a number of roles are being filled by regulars of the group. However, several community members from different walks of life will perform in “Least Resistance.” The cast includes: Kristina Benson, Matt Smith, Melody Lebowitz, Emily Hanson, Marge Fiore, Sean Jones, Clyde Card, Adam Hughes, Luanne Wanamaker, Gavin Card, Willow Fodor, Paige Cummings, John Pickett, Russell Lee, Anne Eklund, Vince DeJoy, LeeAnn Lazarony, Jake Dieffenbach, Josh Dieffenbach, Cathy Smith, Renee Posey and Rycheigh Allan.

Performances will be held at the Willow Bay Theater, 21 E. Third St. in Jamestown, at 7:30 p.m. on: Friday; Saturday; Friday, May 5; and Saturday, May 6. The Labyrinth Press Company, 12 E. Fourth St., will also remain open until 11 p.m. on performance nights for after-show food and drinks. Olson-Walter and Cobb will hold a question-and-answer session at Labyrinth following the Friday, May 5, performance.

There is no cost to attend a performance of “Least Resistance,” but freewill offerings and donations will be accepted in support of Jamestown’s Union Gospel Mission, which closed in October 2015 but is reopening with the help of a partnership between the United Christian Advocacy Network and the Mental Health Association.

For more information, call St. Luke’s at 483-6405 or visit leastresistance.org.

Steve Winwood To Perform At Seneca Allegany Saturday: Multi-GRAMMY Award winner Steve Winwood is ready to bring his musical talents to the Seneca Allegany Events Center in a 7:30 p.m. Saturday performance. From his work with groups like Traffic, Blind Faith and The Spencer Davis Group, to his solo smash hits like “Higher Love” and “Roll With It,” Winwood is a music legend. While performing more than 40 years worth of music, he will also be joined by his daughter, Lilly Winwood.

Tickets start at $55 and can be purchased by calling 1-877-873-6322 or visiting senecaalleganycasino.com/entertainment/events-center/.

‘Wits ‘N Giggles’ Returns To Northwest Arena Saturday: The “Wits ‘n Giggles” stand-up comedy series will return to the Northwest Arena on Saturday to feature Mike Conley, Melissa Douty and host Robb Will in performances beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Douty, the feature act, is an internationally touring professional feature comedian. Based out of Salem, Va., she brings her unique, authentic comedy to every show, and leaves the audience wanting more. She is quickly making a name for herself across the country, having performed in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Nevada and more. Conley, the headlining act, has been performing for almost 30 years.

See HIGHLIGHTS, Page A7

From Page A6

He is highly regarded as providing great night of entertainment, and has hosted many benefit shows, private retirement roasts, anniversary parties, and more. His material covers day-to-day occurrences that we all experience, but often don’t share with each other. Throughout his career, Conley has appeared with the likes of Gilbert Gottfried and Chelsea Handler.

“Wits ‘n Giggles” is held in the Jamestown Mattress Arena Club, located on the top floor of the Northwest Arena. Tickets for the event are $10 presale, $12 day of show and $5 for students. It is an 18-and-over show. Tickets can be purchased by calling 484-2624, visiting northwestarena.com, or at the Northwest Arena’s Landmark Chevrolet box office.

HAPPENINGS

To include an upcoming show or event in this column, email gpaterniti@post-journal.com or call 487-1111, ext. 243 by Monday.

Tonight

The Karl-Marks Show (it’s revolutionary!): 7 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Comedy Open Mic: 7:30 p.m., The Q, 104 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with DJ Xcite: 9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10 p.m., Forte, 114 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Friday

Ken Larsen: 6 p.m., The Wine Cellar, 309 N. Main St. in Jamestown

Jules-R-Us Karaoke: 7 p.m., Lakewood Legion, 174 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

Brian Chase: 9 p.m., Yesterday’s, 103 Chautauqua Ave. in Lakewood

DJ Amber: 9 p.m., Murdocks, 100 E. Main St. in Sherman

Karaoke with Felony Entertainment: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Smokehouse: 9 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Bloom with DJ 8on3and Bass Invaders: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Wasted Whiskey: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Saturday

“The Eagle Huntress” screening: 2 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Touch of Gold: 8:30 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown

Smokehouse: 9:30 p.m., Frewsburg Legion, 9 Meadow Lane in Frewsburg

Jules-R-Us Karaoke featuring Tami T: 9 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Trip the Deuce: 10 p.m., Shawbucks, 212 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Space Junk: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Danger Bird: 10 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Sunday

Ten Minutes and Counting: 2 p.m., Frewsburg Legion, 9 Meadow Lane in Frewsburg

Open Jam: 9 p.m., Bullfrog Hotel, 1414 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Monday

Bryan Moore: 5 p.m., The Q, 104 W. Second St. in Jamestown

Open Jam: 10 p.m., Mojo’s Music Bar, 104 E. Second St. in Jamestown

Tuesday

Ryan Buzzetto: 7 p.m., Good Time Saloon, 590 Fairmount Ave. in Jamestown

Wednesday

“T2 Trainspotting” screening: 7 p.m., Reg Lenna Center for the Arts, 116 E. Third St. in Jamestown

Bluegrass Jam: 7 p.m., Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Jamestown.