On this West Virginia Morning, decorative pumpkins and Jack O’Lanterns can find a second life on your table and in the garden. We explore ways to reuse fall decorations. Also, we have the latest edition of our occasional series, Almost Heavens.
This season’s premiere broadcast of Joy to the World featuring vocalist Heather Masse can be heard on West Virginia Public Broadcasting Tuesday, December 23 at 9pm, Wednesday December 24 at 9pm, and Thursday, December 25 at 3pm. The 21st annual holiday jazz show was recorded last December when the production went on the road for the first time, recording shows in Charleston, Elkins and Morgantown, WV . The show includes classic seasonal tunes like “The Christmas Waltz,” “Jingle Bell Rock” and an original song by Masse called “Mittens.” There’s also some modern arrangements of favorites “Silver Bells,” “Let It Snow,” and Joni Mitchell’s “River.”
Throughout the day December 25 our listeners will be treated to classic episodes of Joy to the World airing from 12am-6am, 9am-4pm and 6pm-midnight. Special guest vocalists you’ll hear include Catherine Russell, Tom Lellis, Kim Nalley, Dwight Lennox and Toni Lynn Washington & the Appalachian Children’s Chorus.
For those of you who were able to attend this season’s show with Mollie O’Brien, it will air at Christmas time next year. In the meantime, you can enjoy these videos from the television production.
Happy Holidays from all of us here at West Virginia Public Broadcasting.
We have a conversation with Marshall University's Turning Point USA chapter president. We also learn about a recently released horror film shot near Huntington, and the population decline in central Appalachia that may be getting worse.
Guitarist Sharon Isbin is back at it again with her latest album, Romantico, featuring her performing with the Orchestra of St. Luke’s led by Enrique Lopez-Yañez in music written by composer Karen LaFrak.
Bob Thompson’s annual holiday jazz celebration is back! Joining Thompson on stage is his long-time bandmates Timothy Courts on drums, Ryan Kennedy on guitar, John Inghram on bass, plus special guest vocalist Catherine Russell with James Moore on trumpet. Buy your tickets today!