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entertainment

Video: Local Musician jams at Upton Monument in Batavia

By Howard B. Owens
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Two days ago, I happened across Dan Sprague jamming on a little death metal on his way to band practice. Sprague said he's a member of three bands, including the folk-rock band he was practicing with that day.

Video: Rochester jazz combo performs song by local songwriter

By Howard B. Owens

This is "So Beautifully" written by John Del Plato and recently recorded by Sage Melcher and The Laura Dubin Trio of Rochester. Carmen Del Plato said The Laura Dubin Trio is a regular performer regularly performs at the Rochester International Jazz Festival.

Photos: Old Hippies and What About Jane perform in Elba

By Howard B. Owens

The Old Hippies and What About Jane teamed up Saturday for an evening of memorable music as part of a summer concert series sponsored by the Elba Betterment Committee in the Elba Village Park.

Food venders included Dubby's Wood Fired Pizza (pictured below), Los Compadres, Lori's Delectable Edibles (desserts), and Bubble Tea.

The final concert of the season will be Wednesday featuring the Corfu Pembroke Community Band in an All-American-themed evening that will include the Betterment Committee hot dogs and hamburgs and serving Mom's apple pie. And, of course, there will be ice cream. Showtime is 7 p.m.

Photos by Kelly Dudley. 

Local actors wanted for Buffalo casting call: BHS grad's film begins production next month

By Billie Owens

Batavia High School Class of 2007 graduate James Lullo is living in L.A. these days, developing his entertainment and marketing career, via his company Beauty View Ranch.

He's producing a short film that begins production in late September and is seeking young local acting talent of any experience, specifically children.

The graduate of SUNY Brockport (Class of 2011) contacted The Batavian about a planned Buffalo casting call, date/time to be announced, for "Goldenrod." The plot was not revealed.

The production of the short film is a family affair in that his mother, Cecelia Lullo, is the Costume Designer, and his sister, Michal Lullo, currently a junior at Ithaca College, works as a Production Assistant. His cousin, Jonathon Lullo, has been "an invaluable consultant to the project," as he works in Hollywood at a development studio.

In addition, his brother, Joseph Lullo, also lives in Los Angeles and is on the crew as Transportation Supervisor. His father's insurance company, Marathon, is exploring the financing and insurance carrier sides of film production, and hopes to have a slate of products available this fall for locals as well as visiting productions.

Two other Brockport alums are also working on the film, Paul Overacker and Keenan Miller, and a fourth Brockport grad has graciously donated some film equipment, Kelvon Agee. Overacker has worked on the "Dr. Phil" show "foreeeeever," and Agee is a multi-Emmy winning cinematographer on the show "Deadliest Catch," among many others.

"There's a whole host of Batavians, WNYers, and local college graduates making big things happen in Hollywood," James Lullo says. "Another family with strong Batavia ties are the Beers. Tim Beers Jr. has been an invaluable asset to me here in Hollywood, and helped me gain some of my strongest experience to date."

Former BHS Basketball star Michael Chmielewicz has been spotted out there, too, working in the film industry!

So, if you're interested in acting in "Goldenrod," which is directed by Marjorie DeHey, here's more information about who they are looking for:

  • Currently not a Screen Actors Guild production, but SAG members are encouraged to submit;
  • Real family members and siblings are encouraged to submit;
  • Black female lead, age 9 to 13 (playing age 9);
  • Caucasian female lead, age 9 to 13 (playing age 9);
  • Caucasian female lead, age 30;
  • Caucasion male lead, age 30;
  • Black supporting actor, age 30, male or female;
  • Caucasian female supporting actor, age 13 to 17.

Send headshot, reel, résumé to:

GOLDENRODFILM@GMAIL.COM

Video: Dave's Ice Cream hosting summer concert series

By Howard B. Owens
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In the age of COVID, when many indoor activities are curtailed and we're supposed to keep our distance outside, Debra Webster decided she could use the park-like area behind her business, Dave's Ice Cream, on West Main Street, as a place to give people something to do.

This week, she kicked off a summer concert series featuring Austin Wahl, a guitar performance student at the Eastman School of Music in Rochester.

Webster plans free concerts from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Thursday nights during the summer.

Video: Le Roy musician releases new song about finding bright spots in our daily lives

By Howard B. Owens

With no live gigs to play, Le Roy's Justin Williams has been using his time at home to write some instrumental tracks. Today he released "July Morning."

The song was mixed by Joe Lambert, of Batavia.

Williams said the song is inspired by the need to have a bright spot in our daily lives in these times.

"I've written several instrumentals during these strange times," Williams said. "It just felt natural during these divisive times to let the music do the talking. The video was fun to make as well. More on the way. Just gonna keep releasing as singles for now. May put out as an EP at the end of the year."

Williams is a singer/songwriter/lead guitarist and he has released music with Butterscotch, Exit 47, and a pair of solo EPs, as well as playing on other artists' albums (BC Psychos, JJ Lang Band, among others). Additionally, he has written music for advertising (Ryan Heating and Plumbing, The YNGodess Shop, among others). Typically, he can be found performing with Justin Williams & Forward Progress, The Shaking Bones, as a solo acoustic performer, and occasionally with The BC Psychos.

Since we are currently not in ordinary times, you can find Justin and Laura Williams performing on Tuesday evenings at 7 on the Justin Williams and Forward Progress Facebook page.

Elba Betterment Committee - Music and More

By Pauline Miano

The Elba Betterment, through a grant from GO ART!, and in conjunction with BEST ( Building Elba School Together) invites you to "Rock out" with Bobby and the Pedestrians. Rock painting, pizza from Andy's Pizza, ice cream from Zuber Farms and lots of family fun with our own Bobby Skrzypek. 
Please bring your own chair and be prepared for social distancing and masks in common areas only  

Event Date and Time
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DSP Jazz Trio returns to T.F. Brown's on Thursday, July 16, reservations recommended

By Billie Owens

From DSP Jazz Trio:

DSP Jazz Trio is returning to T.F. Brown's Restaurant on Thursday, July 16.

They will perform from 5-8 p.m. outside on the patio. No standing room. Reservations are highly recommended.

Call T.F. Brown's at (585) 343-1547.

Come as a group if possible. Ask when calling about table size.

Mask required at all times unless seated at your table.

Hope to see you there!

If all works out OK, we hope to get back on our regular third-Thursday-of-each-month schedule.

Six Flags Darien Lake hiring for 1,000 jobs as it prepares to reopen

By Billie Owens

Press release:

Darien Center -- In anticipation of safely reopening at the appropriately deemed time, and following the direction outlined by civic leaders, State Officials, health professionals, epidemiologists, and industry experts around the world, Six Flags Darien Lake, the Thrill Capital of New York, is currently seeking qualified individuals to fill more than 1,000 positions in various departments as it prepares to reopen for the 2020 season.

An official reopening date for Six Flags Darien Lake is to be determined.

Six Flags Darien Lake has established cleanliness, health, and safety standards that meet federal, state, and local guidelines.

“We have taken necessary precautions to ensure everyone who comes to work this season can feel safe while providing the thrills and joy families have come to love here at the park,” said Park President Chris Thorpe. “We have made many changes to our operation to reduce touch points, ensure social distancing and reduce risk of contamination or transmission.”  

Team Member Care & Health Screenings

  • Each employee will receive a health screening before entering the park, including temperature checks and individuals will be asked if they are healthy and will be required to acknowledge the company’s health policies;
  • Frontline team members will go through extensive COVID-19 training;
  • All employees will be issued Team Member Action Packs which will include: a safety face mask, safety glasses, and disposable gloves;
  • Regular cleaning and wiping down of team members workspaces.

The above procedures will be constantly evaluated to ensure compliance with state recommendations.

The park will be conducting virtual interviews with qualified candidates. You must be at least 14 years old to apply.

Candidates can apply online at sixflagsjobs.com to schedule an interview.

Available positions include:

  • Admissions & Guest Relations
  • Food Services
  • Ride Operators
  • Human Resources
  • Park Services
  • Games
  • Retail
  • Marketing & Sales
  • Accommodations/Lodging
  • Lifeguards
  • Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT)
  • Maintenance
  • Security
  • Warehouse
  • Cash Control

One of the largest employers in Western New York, Six Flags Darien Lake offers competitive pay, free admission with your employee ID, free tickets for friends and family and more

About Six Flags Darien Lake

Six Flags Darien Lake’s wide variety of entertainment and top-notch thrill rides has made it the Coaster Capital of New York since 1964. Located 45 minutes from Niagara Falls between Buffalo and Rochester, today the park boasts more than 50 rides, including seven world-class roller coasters, dozens of family rides, the region’s largest water park and a 20,000-seat amphitheater operated by Live Nation.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 58 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling waterparks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.

2019 BHS graduate recognized by music educators

By Howard B. Owens

The Genesee Wyoming Music Educators Association is honoring past scholarship winner Elise Hoerbelt, a trumpet player and a 2019 graduate of Batavia High School.

Here instructors through the years have included Dawn Mark, Jane Haggett, and Derek Reiss.

Her secondary instruments are voice, french horn, and violin.

She is attending Ithaca College and majoring in Music Education.

What are your favorite college/ high school music experiences?

My favorite music experience in my career so far has been my first concert at Ithaca College. It was amazing getting to play with so many talented musicians and it was the first concert of my college career. 

What ensembles/performance opportunities do you aspire to be a part of?
Since I aspire to be a music educator, I would like to be the conductor of a band of students someday. 

What is your favorite performance venue you have performed at? 
My favorite performance venue was at Kodak Hall in the Eastman School of Music when I performed with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra in the Holiday Pops Chorus. 

What are your main musical influences and/or role models?
My teachers and friends have been my main influences in my musical career.

What is your ultimate music goal or music dream?

My goal is to become a music educator and teach students about the power of music.

LIVE: Interview with Jason Smith, Batavia Concert Band

By Howard B. Owens
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Interview with Jason Smith, Batavia Concert Band.

LIVE: The Batavian Sessions Special Edition with Dylan DeSmit

By Howard B. Owens
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Dylan DeSmit performs for you at 8 p.m. (or thereabouts).

Poetry Month: Howard Owens reads 'Third Avenue in Sunlight' by Anthony Hecht

By Howard B. Owens
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Howard Owens reads "Third Avenue in Sunlight" by Anthony Hecht.

Hecht was a Literature professor at the University of Rochester. Below is a short video of Hect talking about poetry.

This concludes our poetry month readings. I hope you enjoyed them.

BID cancels 2020 Jackson Square Concert Series and Beertavia due to COVID-19

By Billie Owens

Press release:

The Batavia Business Improvement District Board of Directors regretfully announces cancellation of Jackson Square Concert Series and Beertavia.

Due to the uncertainty of COVID-19, the need for social distancing, and our concern for the health of the community, vendors, volunteers, and attendees we have decided to cancel these two events for 2020. 

We are hopeful to see everyone back in Summer of 2021 and look forward to the times we can come out and enjoy the music and festivities again as a community. 

For more information on B.I.D. and Downtown events please visit our website

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