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Ron Klopfanstein’s Hot Seat: Media Monday Arts & Entertainment News for the week of Monday, June 17th – Sunday, June 23rd
This week is Juneteenth, and two celebrations are planned in Utica. For the Good, Inc., 95.5 FM “The Heat,” and the City of Utica is presenting a Juneteenth “Talent-thon” on Wednesday, June 19th, at 1 p.m. at Utica City Hall’s Hanna Park. The Mid Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation will host a Juneteenth Community Event Celebration at Proctor Park on Saturday, June 22nd, from 12 noon to 8 pm. Pride Month continues with events in Rome, and The Savage Dilemma opens on the Ilion Little Theatre stage! Scroll down for details and more events this week. Events listings are alphabetized by venue or presenting organization.
Also, on Wednesday, June 19th, I’ll be on the WKAL 1410 AM Morning Show at 8 a.m. Tune in to 1410 AM, 103.3 FM, stream it with the TuneIn app, or go to http://www.wkal1450.com.
For more local arts and entertainment news, scroll down, and don’t forget to meet me in the Hot Seat for my Media Monday show each week at 5 pm on 95.5 FM “The Heat.” My guests this week will be Dusty and Robert Beaudry. The Beaudrys have the quintessential COVID-era love story. They met on Twitch and fell in love on Discord. We’ll discuss how gaming and social media can create community and unite people.
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Cinema Capitol is continuing its Pride Month series this week. On Tuesday, June 18, at 7:00 p.m., they ask people to “dress up in their best 50s gear and sing along to the 1978 classic musical Grease.” Their MC will make sure to get everyone in the mood for a fun night out, and film fans are eagerly invited for a fun, cut-loose night of classic musical cinema and cathartic group singing!
On Sunday, June 23, the series concludes with the 1990s The Mummy, a pick made due to the ever-growing online discourse surrounding the film’s influence on millennials and its status as a source of “awakening” for queer folks. An hour before the film, at 7:00 pm, you’re invited to a SASHAY where we will discuss the film, its lasting influence, and whatever else comes up! Complimentary snacks (yummies) will be provided courtesy of Superficial and the Copper Easel, followed by a social screening where this cultural icon can be appreciated fully.
Cinema Capitol will also present But I’m a Cheerleader and Sight on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., Sunday at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., and the following Monday at 7 p.m.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/RomeCinemaCapitol.
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The Copper Easel and Rome Capitol Theater are hosting the Rome Pride Prom 2024 on Friday, June 21st, from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Rome Capitol Theatre. The event is open to everyone ages 15 and up. This year’s theme is Cowgals & Gayliens, but attendees are invited to wear whatever they feel happiest in! Organizers say It’s meant to be formal, but they’re breaking all the rules, so no pressure to purchase new clothes. There will be some light refreshments provided, but no full meal. They will also have fancy mocktails made by Sara from Rishi Tea! Plus, the space will be decorated in everything rainbow while participants dance the night away on the Capitol Theatre stage. This prom is open to everyone, regardless of sexuality or gender identity. Please only attend if you are welcoming and kind.
Also, they will have a FREE corsage and boutonniere-making class on Thursday, June 13th, from 4-6 pm at The Copper Easel, taught by Al.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/25648860064729155
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Dunham Public Library will host its Banned Book Club on Wednesday, June 19th, from 3 to 5 p.m. The club is for people ages 16 and older and focuses on banned and challenged books. Anne Frank’s The Diary of a Young Girl is this month’s selection. They encourage everyone to unlock their right to read! The library will also host its Partners in Crime Book Group on Thursday, June 20th, at 2 p.m. Please join them for a book club focused on reading and discussing books in the mystery or thriller genre. This month, they are discussing The Breakdown by B.A. Paris.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/DunhamPublicLibrary
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Keaton & Lloyd Bookshop will host its K&L Book Club on Wednesday, June 19th at 6 pm. This month’s book is The Sympathizer by Viet Thang Nguyen.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/keatonandlloyd
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Jervis Library is hosting an Unplug & Play Saturday event on Tuesday, June 18th, at 5 p.m. Unplug & Play is an opportunity for people aged 8 and up to take a break from technology and play board and card games. Bring your own games to play/share or play one of over 200 available at the library. Circulating games are located near the Information Desk and in the Children’s Room.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/jervispubliclibrary
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Ilion Little Theatre Club presents The Savage Dilemma on Friday, June 21st, at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, June 22nd, at 7:30 p.m., Sunday, June 23rd, at 2 p.m., and the following weekend. The Ilion Little Theatre is excited to present John Patrick’s sequel to The Curious Savage!
Depressed and world-weary after extensive travels, the reputedly wealthy Mrs. Ethel Savage returns to the sheltered precincts of a private country club-like “sanatorium” called The Cloisters, seeking refuge among her former fellow patients. The Cloisters is on the verge of closing due to lack of funds, and as Mrs. Savage’s fortune is now in the control of her greedy stepchildren, she is powerless to help. Until that is, a young, grungy couple storm in bent on robbery – and Mrs. Savage persuades them to “kidnap” her, with her share of the ransom going to the sanitarium. From then on, the plot twists and turns delightfully, as one hilarious event follows another, leading in the end to a heartwarming lesson in the essential goodness that lurks somewhere even in the worst (and sanest) of us. Tickets are $20.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/ilionlittletheatre
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For the Good, Inc., 95.5 FM “The Heat,” and the City of Utica is presenting a Juneteenth “Talent-thon” on Wednesday, June 19th at 1 pm at Utica City Hall’s Hanna Park. The event benefits Utica’s underfunded Black-led community organizations and youth programs, including Mohawk Valley Doulas, the Anthony Spratt Chess program, and the Dwight Tullis baseball program. This first Juneteenth “Talent-thon” will showcase local talent and provide information on Black-run programs in Utica. The public is invited to bring lawn chairs to enjoy the show.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/forthegoodgardens
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Indivisible Mohawk Valley will host a March & Rally for Reproductive Freedom on Sunday, June 23rd, at 2 pm on Oneida Square in Utica. Join them for a march and rally for reproductive freedom on the anniversary of the Dobbs decision that overturned Roe and endangered people’s ability to get an abortion. They’re starting at the Oneida Square roundabout in Utica and then marching to Nurses Park next to Planned Parenthood on Genesee Street. Bring a sign, and bring a friend. Speakers include Democratic congressional candidate Sarah Klee Hood, a guest on the Hot Seat: Media Monday on June 3rd. They also invite people to vote on the final day of early voting for the Democratic congressional primary and/or talk to voters about their power to protect reproductive freedom at the polls and to “Remember Roevember!”
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/events/1527744718155478?ref=newsfeed
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JWatch Productions is hosting a Utica Open Mic Series on Friday, June 21st, at 7 pm at Cafe Domenico. They are calling all writers, performers, musicians, and artists to take this opportunity to share their talent. $5 donation for admission, with proceeds going to the series and the Other Side Gallery.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/jwp2023
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Mid Utica Neighborhood Preservation Corporation will host a Juneteenth Community Event Celebration at Proctor Park on Saturday, June 22nd, from 12 noon to 8 pm. There will be live entertainment, cultural foods, and fun and games. Participants should bring a lawn chair.
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The Mohawk Valley Blues Society presents Jason Ricci & The Bad Kind on Wednesday, June 19th, at the Nothin’ Fancy Country Rock Saloon at 7 pm. They will be joined onstage by special guests, The Nate Gross Band! Watch these award-winning musicians take over the Stage for an unforgettable night of powerful, electric blues!
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063480703532
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Munson presents Elisa Harkins’ Performance and Q&A on Friday, June 21st, at 5:30 p.m. Elisa Harkins is a Native American (Cherokee/Muscogee) artist and composer. Her dynamic performances honor and reimagine Native language and song traditions. The event is free and open to the public, and there will be an opportunity to ask the artist questions.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/MunsonUtica
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Oneida County Pride Association will host a Pride Dinner at City Cafe on Thursday, June 20th, from 4 pm to 8 pm. Join them for a laid-back dinner with Pride decorations. Some Pride desserts will be available for purchase. You can come and go at any point; we’ll be there for you. If the weather is nice, there will also be outdoor seating. Food purchase is required.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/OneidaCountyPride
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The Other Side presents aRT as part of their “Jazz at The Other Side” series on Friday, June 21st at 7:30 pm. This trio features Pheeroan akLaff on drums, Scott Robinson on saxophone and winds, and Julian Thayer on bass. Tickets are $25, and student tickets are priced at $10. Reserve your spot today by calling 315-735-4825 or email kodomenico@verizon.net.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/OtherSideGallery
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Paris Hill Barn & Cafe presents The Fabulous Mojos as part of its “Live Music Thursdays” series on Thursday, June 20th, at 5:30 p.m. The performers are Rebecca Miner, Nelson Rudniak, Tim Baldwin, John Handzel, and Bob Allen. They play funky Blues, swinging soul, Elvis, Beatles country, old-time rock & roll, and more! There will be a Pot luck dinner from 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm (to reduce waste, please remember to bring your own dinnerware) with Live Music from 6:30 pm – 7:30 pm.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054371027027
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Wednesday is New Comics Day at Ravenswood Comics. Each week, they have several exciting new releases available.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/RavenswoodComics
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The Tramontane presents Tramiversary 12.5 Showcase #17 on Saturday, June 22nd from 6 pm- 11 pm. Doors open at 5 pm.
For more information, go to https://www.facebook.com/TRAMONTANECAFE
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Uptown Center for Creative Arts presents Buddy Guido on Saturday, June 22nd, at 7:30 pm. Buddy is a six-time finalist and two-time 1st Place Winner at Merlefest (in the country category with “This Livin’ May Be Killin’ Me” and “Trap Door (In the Ceiling)” in the gospel category). He clinched 2nd place in the country category at the esteemed Great American Songwriting Contest, has been recognized as a four-time finalist by the International Acoustic Music Association, and soared to the Top 3 in the USA Songwriting Contest. Having debuted four of his captivating bluegrass hits at the International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) convention, he’s solidified his place as a musical trailblazer on a global scale. Don’t miss your chance to experience the magic of Buddy Guido live! Grab your tickets now and join us for an unforgettable evening of his music! Admission is $10, and doors open at 7:30 pm.
Uptown Center for Creative Arts also hosts an improv event every Thursday at 7 p.m. They invite people to attend “an open-to-all, pay-what-you-can, drop-in improv class followed by a community improv jam where everyone is invited to play, with plenty of opportunity for some stage reps!” They also have Comedy Open Mic nights every Wednesday; sign-ups begin at 7 pm, and the show starts at 8 pm.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/utcany
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The Utica Public Library is hosting an Author Talk and Book Signing with John L. Swann, the author of Death, I Said: A Charlie Chan Mystery. Join the writer and former broadcaster as he explores one of fiction’s most memorable detectives. From mystery fiction’s origins to the present day, Swann will trace the development of fictional detectives and how an author’s creation of a heroic Asian crime-solver became a multimedia sensation—one that still appeals to readers and film fans today.
The first in a new series of Charlie Chan novels to be released by Nicholas K. Burns Publishing of Utica, Death, I Said honors and builds on the original character: a modest detective sage steeped in ancient Asian wisdom, a man seeking to reconcile his Chinese heritage with life as an American police detective. The second book in the series will be published in 2024. Copies of Death, I Said will be available for sale. The author and publisher have graciously offered to donate a portion of the sales back to the library.
For more information, go to: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibrary.UticaPublicLibrary
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Here is a schedule of my upcoming Hot Seat: Media Monday shows, which are broadcast every Monday at 5 pm on 95. 5 FM “The Heat,” streamed live with the TuneIn app and at 955TheHeat.com, and posted on my YouTube channel and on the UticaPhoenix.net/MediaMonday page later in the week.
June 24, 2024, Hot Seat: Media Monday will feature Senator John Mannion, who is running against Sarah Klee Hood in the Democratic Primary to unseat Rep. Brandon Williams in New York’s 22nd United States Congressional District. We will also be joined by former candidate and current Mannion supporter Clemmie Harris.
July 1, 2024 Hot Seat Media Monday will feature photographer, journalist, and social media manager Zach Lewis. He is the author of a new book, Clinton and Kirkland Past and Present. We will also be joined by longtime Clinton resident Kim Bacon Meyer and her husband, Ken Meyer.
July 8, 2024, Hot Seat: Media Monday will feature global investigative journalist Brendan Maslauskas Dunn. Dunn recently covered the human rights and political situation in Israel and the occupied West Bank, Palestine. His current work focuses specifically on the Dheisheh Refugee Camp in Bethlehem.
July 15, 2004, Hot Seat: Media Monday will feature writer Erika Lowenkopf, author of Missing the Boat: A Memoir. We’ll discuss her process, how writing can give people insight and promote healing, and her new book.
Links
Cinema Capitol: https://www.facebook.com/RomeCinemaCapitol
Dunham Public Library: https://www.facebook.com/DunhamPublicLibrary
Keaton & Lloyd: https://www.facebook.com/keatonandlloyd
Kirkland Art Center: https://www.facebook.com/KACenter
Jervis Public Library: https://www.facebook.com/jervispubliclibrary
JWatch Productions: https://www.facebook.com/jwp2023
Hamilton College: https://www.hamilton.edu/campuslife/arts-at-hamilton/events
Ilion Little Theater Club: https://www.facebook.com/ilionlittletheatre
Mohawk Valley Blues Society: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063480703532
Mohawk Valley Community College: https://www.facebook.com/MVCCCampusEvents
Oneida County Pride Association: https://www.facebook.com/OneidaCountyPride
Other Side: https://www.facebook.com/OtherSideGallery
Paris Hill Barn & Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100054371027027
Players of Utica: https://www.facebook.com/PlayersOfUtica
Ravenswood Comics: https://www.facebook.com/RavenswoodComics
Rome Community Theater: https://www.facebook.com/romecommunitytheater
SNUG Utica: https://www.facebook.com/snugutica
Tramontane Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/TRAMONTANECAFE
Treehouse Reading and Arts Center: https://www.facebook.com/treehousereadingandarts
Unity Hall: https://www.facebook.com/historicunityhall
Uptown Theatre for the Creative Arts: https://www.facebook.com/utcany
Utica Dance: https://www.facebook.com/uticadance
Utica Public Library: https://www.facebook.com/TheLibrary.UticaPublicLibrary
Utica University Theatre: https://www.facebook.com/UticaUniversityTheatre
Uticon: https://www.facebook.com/uticon
WCNY: https://www.facebook.com/WCNYPBS
WKAL: https://www.facebook.com/WKAL1450
WRVO: https://www.facebook.com/WRVOPublicRadio
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Ron Klopfanstein is an award winning multimedia investigative journalist, news and features editor, and creative content producer for the Utica Phoenix digital platform and 95.5 FM “The Heat” broadcast and streaming. He also hosts the Hot Seat: Media Monday every Monday at 5 pm, broadcast on 95.5 FM and streaming at 955TheHeat.com. Like him at Facebook.com/ReadRonKlopfanstein, Follow him at Threads.net/@RonKlopfanstein, Instagram.com/RonKlopfanstein, Twitter.com/RonKlopfanstein, Tiktok.com/@ronklopfanstein, and subscribe to his channel at YouTube.com/@RonKlopfanstein. Read all his work at Muckrack.com/ron-klopfanstein.
