By Darlene Brace
Nestled in the heart of downtown Jamestown, the Reg Lenna Center for The Arts, located at 116 East Third Street, stands as a cultural arts cornerstone. For decades, this historic venue has captivated audiences with an eclectic array of performances, from lively concerts to thought-provoking films and a variety of lively children’s programs. As it embraces the spirit of diversity, the center curates a rich lineup of events that reflect the interests of the Jamestown community and the surrounding regions, ensuring there’s always something new and exciting to experience.
Most people in the Jamestown area are aware of the Reg Lenna’s excellent arts programming, but not everyone knows that it also houses the WRFA-LP 107.9 FM radio station. This radio station is a non-commercial, community-oriented service that provides a wide variety of programs including music, arts, cultural, and educational programming, as well as coverage of public affairs, news, sports, and community issues.
WRFA-LP 107.9 FM was established in September 2004 by Dennis Drew, a founding member of the band 10,000 Maniacs, in collaboration with the Arts Council of Chautauqua County. Dennis served as the station’s leader until his retirement in 2021. Following his retirement, Jason Sample took over as general manager for a few years. The current general manager is Anthony Merchant.
Merchant, along with a very small yet dedicated team, broadcasts a wide range of music and diverse programming. Gavin Paterniti serves as the program director, while Julia Ciesla-Hanley is the public affairs director and is responsible for the news and politics programs. Anthony Merchant also hosts the Local Rush Hour show, along with some other programs.
September 2004 by Dennis Drew (left),
a founding member of the band 10,000
Maniacs, in collaboration with the Arts
Council of Chautauqua County. Pic-
tured, right: Dennis Drew and GM of
WRFA-LP, Anthony Merchant.
The radio station offers a diverse programming, which includes music, local news, public affairs, sports coverage, and more. Some other programs include “I Remember,” “Chautauqua Lectures,” “The Swedish Hour,” “3rd St. Garage,” “Arts on Fire,” and ‘WRFA Rock and Roll Rundown, to name a few. A complete list of shows and their schedule can be found on the radio station’s website.
WRFA is a listener-supported radio station, which means that it’s funded by a diverse range of businesses and organizations in the region, as well as donations from community members. To further raise funds, WRFA organizes various fundraising events. Their next fundraiser is scheduled for March 28th, when the Reg Lenna will host an 80s Dance Party in the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio from 6-10pm. This all-ages event will feature a variety of 80s music, with several DJs playing throughout the night. Adult beverages will be available for purchase. Attendees are encouraged to dress in their best 80s outfits, as there will be a prize for the Best Dressed. The winner will receive two tickets to WRFA’s Great American Picnic, taking place in August.
On May 23rd, WRFA will have another fundraiser called the Vintage Art Fair, which will take place from 11am-4pm. The Vintage Art Fair will be held in the Reg Lenna Media Arts Studio and the Pre-Function Space. This event will feature a variety of vendors selling vintage favorites, including vinyl records, vintage clothing, comic books, cassettes, and other media. Local artists and authors will also showcase and sell their work. Attendees can also enjoy a 50/50 raffle and other raffles throughout the event.
WRFA 107.9 FM radio station is a gem in the Jamestown community that has been serving listeners for over twenty years. It provides a wealth of information on news, sports, public affairs and arts-related activities, along with a variety of local programs. The fundraisers on March 28th and May 23rd offer great opportunities for the community to get involved and support this radio station, which positively impacts the lives of its listeners in the community.
Please consider joining them at these fundraisers to help support this wonderful resource. To purchase tickets for the 80s Dance Party, apply to be a vendor for the Vintage Art Fair, or to find more information about other programs offered by Reg Lenna, visit reglenna.com. For detailed information about WRFA 107.9 FM and for a complete list of programs and schedules, you can visit www.wrfalp.com.