I have to say, I love being a journalist. Every day I encounter something new, and honestly most of the time my work doesn't even feel like a job. I get to speak to all sorts of colorful people, most of whom want to talk to me, and know that I'm going to provide a masterful piece that does their work justice.
Much of that has to do with the publication a journalist is employed by - if the publication has a good reputation, so usually do the reporters who work for it. And, that's something each reporter has to keep in mind - am I positively reflecting the goals that my publication is striving to achieve?
But, no matter what I'm reporting on, I always ask the hard questions. Sometimes that may seem forward or abrasive to interviewees, however, those are the questions that need to be asked. If a reporter only focuses on promoting, and not on giving the reader an accurate representation of the event or person, then they might as well be in public relations. And, just as public relations has a meaningful place and purpose, so does journalism. The difference is that if an interviewee has something to hide, a good journalist will dig it up, and a good public relations representative will try to bury it.
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Dusten Rader
HIGHLIGHTS
Queen City Sight and Sound at Night Lights at the Heron: Andrea Brough and Ben Perrello are proud to present the third annual Queen City Sight and Sound - an arts and music festival exhibiting creative works of artists from Buffalo.
Come enjoy music, art, performance and Night Lights at the Heron. This one-night only outdoor event is a place to join friends in coming together through art, music and nature.
All artwork is for sale. Listen to live music as you walk through a beautifully lighted landscape at night. View live painting and tarot card readings. Or enjoy snacks and beverages at the Cafe in the Woods while dancing the night away.
Musical performances will be provided by: The Thrillblains, Bourbon and Coffee, Andrew Biggie, Ben Perrello, Charlene Smerdon and Allen Greystone.
Visual and performing artists include: Andrea Brough photography exhibit, Melissa Tills tarot card readings, Lana Espersen live painting and exhibit, Justin Kabobski mixed media exhibit, Amanda Widzinski photographic projection and Ben Perrello photography exhibit.
Tickets are $10 for admission or $20 with camping. Bring your tents and stay the night.
For more information visit heronnightlights.com.
Waterfest is Friday Through Sunday: The festival will take place at the Oxbo Campground at 8072 Taylor Road in Westfield. The entertainment starts on Friday with Smackdab at 6 p.m., One World Tribe at 8 p.m., Waterband at 10 p.m., Danny Longhair at 1 a.m. followed by open jam at 2:30 a.m. Festivities continue on Saturday with Drums Reveille for breakfast at 10 a.m., The LEC at 11 a.m., The WaterGames and Fun4Kids at 12:30 p.m., The Woovs at 2 p.m., Stagecoach Robbery at 4 p.m., Jones for Revival at 6 p.m., Willy Mac Music at 8 p.m., Waterband at 10 p.m., and Mo Shambo at 1 a.m. followed by open jam at 2:30 a.m.
Off-site parking is $10 per vehicle for the weekend. Returning guests should keep the parking pass in order not to pay upon return. The pass also includes shuttle service to the campsite, and a ride to parking on Sunday. On-site parking is $20 per vehicle. Admission is $60 per person, but 14 and under get in free with a paying parent or guardian. Pre-paid $60 ticket includes three days and two nights, camping and a limited edition signed Waterband CD.
Tickets are available at theoxbocampground.weebly.com/buy-tickets-now.html.
Grand Opening of The Roadhouse Bar and Grill is Saturday: The event will be the celebration of not only the first show and event of the Roadhouse at 1250 E. Second St. being open, but the start of Relik Productions in Jamestown.
The live entertainment includes five metal and one punk band: Mychildren Mybride from Alabama, Affiance from Cleveland, Red Light Departure from Jamestown, The Bella Donna from Buffalo, Led By The Blind from Allegany and Lila Ignite from Binghamton.
Mychildren Mybride are currently on tour in Canada for the Dead and Divine farewell tour. The band was also on the Scream it Like You Mean It tour with bigger names such as Demon Hunter, Emery, Close Your Eyes and more.
Affiance - facebook.com/AffianceMusic - is fresh off several tours which crossed over all of America, and are currently in the studio working on a new CD. The band calls Jamestown a "home away from home," and they look to make a triumphant return with new songs and old.
Red Light Departure has gone through some member changes but have finally settled down as a four piece, and have found a line-up that solidifies their already progressing sound. The band is also working on writing a new CD, and playing out as much as possible.
The Bella Donna has played with a magnitude of national bands in Buffalo, and have been slaving away in the studio to bring new music.
Led By The Blind just played a date on the nationally known All Star Tour.
Lila Ignite will be playing their first date in Jamestown.
Admission is $10. Doors open at 5 p.m.
HAPPENINGS
To include an upcoming event in this column, email drader@post-journal.com or call 487-1111 ext. 253 by Tuesday.
Tonight
Kris Meekins: 5 to 7 p.m., The Brick Walk Cafe at Chautauqua Institution.
Brian Hanna: 6 to 9 p.m., Pine Junction, 9757 Bailey Hill Road in Sherman.
Amanda Barton and Bill Ward: 6:30 p.m., Lakeside Park gazebo in Mayville.
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.
Friday
DJ Platinum: 9 p.m., Murdock's, 100 E. Main St. in Sherman.
Saturday
The Archangels: 6:15 p.m., 110 Sanford Drive in Jamestown. The praise band of Camp Street United Methodist Church.
Brian Hanna and Scott Horton: 6 to 9 p.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.
Kenny Lang and Country Time: 7 p.m., part of Busti Hamlet Development Group's "Concerts at the Gazebo." The event is free and open to the public.
Willow Creek: 8 p.m. to midnight, Celoron Legion, 26 Jackson Ave. in Celoron.
Derek Davis and the Tasty Groove: 9 p.m. to 1 a.m., Murdock's, 100 E. Main St. in Sherman.
Sunday
Benefit for Matt Maloof: Noon to 8 p.m., Pine Junction, 9757 Bailey Hill Road in Sherman. Featuring Sean Patrick McGraw, Jim Cuneo, Sweet Ass Cream Corn, The Bogarts and Face Down In High Water.
Amanda Barton and Bill Ward: 5:30 p.m., Hadley House Restaurant in Stow.