LANDAU EUGENE MURPHY JR.

He’s performed around the world, but playing to audiences in his home state of West Virginia is the hardest, “America’s Got Talent” winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. said.

Murphy will perform at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Lincoln Theater in New Martinsville where he’ll bring his band, the Landau Little Big Band, for the 15th annual Home for the Holidays tour. Also performing with Murphy will be Princeton, W.Va. native Delnora.

Performing in front of audiences other than those from home is easier, Murphy said.

“It’s hard to perform in front of your friends,” Murphy, the Frank Sinatra-esque crooner, said. “My hardest performance is when I’m at home.”

After the tour ends, it’s back on the road to other venues, he said. That’s why the Home for the Holidays tour is special, Murphy said.

“It’s my way of staying grounded,” Murphy said.

General admission tickets to the Lincoln Theater show are $20, plus a 50-cent service fee. Tickets can be purchased at landaumurphyjr.com.

Murphy will perform duets with Delnora, Christmas classics, selections from his “Great American Songbook” and original works. “My Way,” Sinatra’s popular song among audiences, also is on the itinerary, he said.

Murphy said he enjoys all genres of music.

“I don’t have a favorite,” he said. “All music as an art is beautiful.”

Thursday is the first appearance by Murphy at the Lincoln Theater. Besides New Martinsville, the tour on Friday will be at Mt. View High School at Welch, on Saturday in Point Pleasant High School, on Dec. 19 at the Metropolitan Theatre in Morgantown, on Dec. 20 at the Market on Main in Madison, on Dec. 21 at the Historic Fayette Theater in Fayetteville, on Dec. 22 at the Alban Arts Center in St. Albans and on Dec. 23 at the Granada Theater in Bluefield.

Delnora, now based in the Nashville area, has performed on stages and in studios with performers including Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Brad Paisley, Marty Stuart and Keb’ Mo.

The 2025 Home for the Holidays” 2025 Tour is presented by ArtsLink and West Virginia Adult Education and its Never Too Late to Graduate campaign. Murphy is a graduate and spokesman for Adult Education.

Also, concertgoers at all performances are encouraged to bring a new toy to support Murphy’s annual “Kids Joy Toy Drive.”