Veteran Musicians Share Talents With The Gift Christmas Concert
Photo by Eric Ayres Trending
WHEELING - Some of the Ohio Valley’s most revered musicians are collaborating once again to present a special concert at the Capitol Theatre to celebrate the Christmas season.
The Gift Christmas Concert will take the Capitol Theatre stage at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4.
A number of the key players behind the annual show gathered together at the theater on Thursday to announce this year’s big holiday event.
"We’re really excited about it," said Jo Ann Jones, country/gospel vocalist and veteran alumnus of Jamboree USA and Jamboree In The Hills. "It’s a family show, it’s inspirational, and it tells the Christmas story through music."
This year’s show is anchored by a core of talented area musicians who have performed in the Ohio Valley and beyond over the decades. The seasoned musicians include Roger Hoard and Jamie Peck, co-music directors for The Gift; Jo Ann Jones, Sandy Lusco Huffman and Chad Smith, who were on hand for this week’s announcement. They will be joined by fellow veteran musicians Mark Statler, Dan Jones, Dennis Craig, The Ron Retzer Trio, Jerry Wenger, Charlie McVay and Liam Peck.
While this is the third year The Gift has been presented at the Capitol, the show has entertained audiences in the community over the past decade. It all started out through a collaboration on Christmas songs in the studio.
"I had recorded a CD with Jamie and Roger called ‘The Gift’ back in 2015," Jo Ann Jones explained. "We all had so much fun recording that. Working through that project over a year, we all kind of had a deeper understanding of ourselves and the Christmas season."
They decided to follow up with a concert called The Gift. It was first held at a local church, but outgrew it. Then the concert moved to a family life center, which also became too small for the growing crowd. Kelly Tucker, executive director for the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority, who the group all knew through JITH, invited them to play at the historic theater.
"It’s a fantastic show, and we’re very proud to be a part of it here at the Capitol Theatre," Tucker said.
Jones added the team at the Capitol, the city of Wheeling and the Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau and its executive director, Frank O’Brien have been supportive of the event. The CVB has helped spread the word to bus tours, which are bringing groups in for this year’s show, Jones said.
"We have our core group of performers, but every year we try to incorporate some new people," Jones noted, explaining this year’s show will feature new elements and new guests, including the Justified Quartet and Tom Breiding.
"I’m very excited about the Justified Quartet," said Hoard, renowned guitarist, JITH veteran and former music director for Jamboree USA. "I think those guys are an amazing southern gospel quartet, with quite possibly the lowest bass singer in the history of bass singers. This guy is amazing.”
"We’re looking forward to a great evening of faith and fellowship. This is a family event, and I’m happy to be a part of it."
Emmy award-winning composer and musician Jamie Peck noted he has been working as a producer for Breiding since 1989.
"He’s a great singer/songwriter and a dear friend of mine," Jamie Peck said. "I think his addition to the mix is going to be awesome. It’s going to be a great show."
In addition to honoring the spirit of Christmas, this year’s show will also salute the nation in honor of America 250, and a portion of the ticket sales will help support the Military Freedom Tree.
Smith - percussionist and vocalist, JITH veteran and former drummer for Brad Paisley - said it’s always great to work with this group of talented artists who proudly share their Ohio Valley roots.
"It’s always a highlight of the year for us to get together and play the show," Smith said. "There’s a lot of faith in the show, which is what the season’s all about. We honor our military, we entertain the crowd and we praise the Lord. It’s the best way to start the Christmas season."
Singer-songwriter and longtime Jamboree USA veteran Huffman noted that her first time experiencing The Gift was in the audience.
"There were lots of people commenting that the show delivers the true meaning of Christmas," said Huffman, who will showcase her talents on the stage Capitol Theatre once again. "People who come to this concert will go away feeling the spirit in their heart."
The evening will be emceed by Dustin Kinsey, who described the show as a joyful musical journey.
"This is a wholesome show," Kinsey said. "It’s going to be a great time. It’s a great Christmas gift for people."
The group thanked the event sponsors and invited everyone to come check out the show on Dec. 4. Tickets are on sale at www.capitoltheatrewheeling.com.
"Families, children ... all age groups will enjoy it," Jo Ann Jones said. "We’re happy to be together again and to be bringing the true meaning of Christmas through music. We’re looking forward to a great night, and we’d love to see you here."