Tickets go on sale Friday, April 8 for a WRFA Fundraiser concert featuring John & Mary.

The event will help to kick off the 10,000 Maniacs 40th Anniversary concert weekend with a special live performance in the Reg Lenna’s Media Arts Studio on Friday, May 20. An opening performance will feature Chautauqua County music legend Bumpy Peterson.

John & Mary is a United States-based folk rock duo featuring John Lombardo and Mary Ramsey – both members of 10,000 Maniacs. The duo was formed soon after Lombardo and Ramsey first met in Buffalo, NY in December 1989.

All ticket proceeds will benefit WRFA-LP, a noncommercial, low power community radio station licensed to Reg Lenna Center for the Arts. The event is sponsored by Shults Auto Group.

Hosted by WRFA General Manager and founding member of 10,000 Maniacs, Dennis Drew, the concert will feature familiar holiday and seasonal songs across music genres.

Maple Grove Voices, one of several acts performing at the Reg Lenna Center for the Arts as part of Home for the Holidays: Christmas at the Reg on Saturday, Dec. 17

Performing will be high school choirs The Maple Grove Voices and Westfield High School Westwinds, Celtic music from Sue Tillotson & Jim Cunningham, rhythm and blues from Steve Davis & Marla Harris, classic barbershop vocals from The Jamestown Harmony Express, bluegrass from Matt Gronquist, Bumpy Peterson & Ken Hardley, rock from The Porcelain Bus Drivers and a special performance from Broadway’s Ron Orbach (Chicago, The Producers.) The jolly old elf, himself – Santa Claus – will also make an appearance.

Christmas at The Reg is sponsored by Comfort Inn of Jamestown, Key Bank, DFT Communications and WRFA.

The holiday concert sees The Reg close out a calendar year that included over 50 movies, 7 Reg Presents live events and several community partnerships including BANFF Mountain Film Festival, Chautauqua Regional Youth Ballet’s Nutcracker, Lucille Ball Comedy Festival, Sprout Film Festival, Jamestown Concert Association and more.

Early in 2017, the organization will begin major renovations which include a complete lobby makeover, new offices and studios for WRFA 107.9 FM, the relocation of 3rd on 3rd Gallery to street level and new offices for staff.

Home for the Holidays: Christmas at The Reg tickets start at $5 for children and $10 for adults. Limited “Pay What You Can” seats will be available – first come, first served – the night of the performance at the box office.

The Reg box office is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Saturday. The box office phone number is 716.484.7070 and is located at 116 E. 3rd Street in Jamestown, NY. Tickets may also be purchased online at reglenna.com.

The fifth annual WRFA Great American Picnic is set to take place at Southern Tier Brewing Co. with a theme of Music from the American South. Hosted by Ken Hardley of Rolling Hills Radio, the event will feature three hours of live music running from noon to 3 p.m.

Performers include:

• John Merino (Noon-12:20)
• Bill Ward (12:25-12:45)
• Bumpy Peterson (12:50-1:10)
• The Short Bus (1:15-1:35)
• Elektra Kings (1:40-2:00)
• Bogarts (2:05-2:25)
• Cindy Love and Ken Hardley and the Moose Club (2:30-2:50)

The performances will also be recorded and broadcast on WRFA in the coming weeks.

There is no cost to attend. Instead, a portion of all proceeds collected by Southern Tier Brewing Co. between Noon and 3 p.m. will go directly toward WRFA.

The WRFA advisory board will also be on hand selling hot dogs, WRFA T-Shirts, and 50/50 tickets. Donations will also be accepted. All ages are welcome.

It’s the Great American Picnic: Songs from the American South – happening this Sunday, June 5 from noon to 3 p.m. at the Southern Tier Brewing Co.

The event will run from noon to 3 pm and feature music from Bill Ward, Bumpy Peterson, Cindy Love, Gary Peters & Jay Peterson, Matt Homan and Tom Swanson.

Proceeds from sales of beer and brats will benefit the organization.