Music News
Jo Ann Jones brings the Christmas spirit to the Capitol Theater
Published
1 year agoon
By
Dave Parsons
By Dave Parsons
Some 45+ years ago, a young girl gambled on her dream of being a country singer and entered Starquest, a head-to-head talent search, decades ahead of American Idol, with the prize being a contract to sing on the Wheeling Jamboree. The Jamboree, second only to the Grand Ole Opry at the time for longevity, and hosted at the Capitol Music Hall in downtown Wheeling, WV, was broadcast on 50,000-watt clear channel radio WWVA 1170AM. That station reached into 17 or 18 northeastern states and some spots in Canada, so the prize was substantial for a young lady to have that big of an audience at home, several thousand in person and sharing the stage with the superstars of the day.
Plot twist….she came in 3rd. Second plot twist….the Jamboree gave the top three finishers each a contract. For a very young Jo Ann Jones, taking the stage of the Capitol that year, which was 1978 for those that haven’t done the math, was an exciting time. So were the next several decades. The openers on the Jamboree shuffled yearly, but one of the main stays has always been Jo Ann Jones.
Deep into her “daytime” career, her church, community and the music business, Jones recorded her second full CD, a Christmas release called The Gift. The next year, and for several to follow, Jones called on some of her Jamboree friends to gather at her church and do a Christmas concert showcasing her CD. The crowd grew each year, until earlier this year, the decision was made to go home…..to the Capitol Theater.
For anyone who went to the Jamboree over the years, and there were millions in its time, it was like stepping into a time capsule. Jones opened the show, and then introduced Dan Jones and Roger Hoard. Hoard, who may have been in the staff band backing Jones that first night in 1978, and Jones brought their unique blend of instruments and vocals to the stage.
Ron Retzer, long time staff band member on the Jamboree, tours the area with 2 other vocalists now, and all 3 of them commanded the audience’s attention, especially with their Christmas rendition of Alleluia. Mark Statler, another long time Jamboree member, known for his country and Christian songs, was outstanding on his version of Shepherd’s Prayer.
Throughout the evening Jones gave the spotlight to each band member at least once. Each member of the core band logged many Saturday nights in this venue, some going back 40 some years. Jones turned the spotlight to some younger artists, who she may have seen herself in, on the same stage, many years ago. Even Santa made an appearance as well as some local kids who were lucky enough for a few minutes on the stage.
The mood backstage was mutual respect, with the artists watching each other from the wings. On stage, it was a homecoming, for the venue, and for being with each other as the season comes round again. When they reached the last song, it truly appeared they would have played the show over again if asked. Overall, 25 songs in a show… presented by the absolute best the region has to offer…and lasting 2 and a half hours….that little girl from 1978….sure gave the audience…The Gift.
Set 1
1 Christmas Is Coming
2 Silver Bells
3 The First Noel
4 Oh What a Glorious Night
5 Alleluia
6 Come on Ring Those Bells
7 No Place Like Home for The Holidays
8 In the Neighborhood
9 Tennessee Christmas
10 Little Drummer Boy
11 Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas
12 Run, Run Rudolph
13 Rocking Around the Christmas Tree/Sleigh Ride
14 Up on the House Top
15 Family Tree
16 Light of the Stable
The Gift Setlist:
Set 2
1 Nothing but A Child
2 Mary Did You Know
3 Carol of the Bells
4 Away in a Manger
5 Talkin’ Bout Jesus
6 O Holy Night
7 Shepherd’s Prayer
8 Go Tell It on The Mountain
9 Silent Night
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Nine Inch Nails’ Trent Reznor states he isn’t sure if band will be touring anymore
Published
2 days agoon
March 3, 2026
Nine Inch Nails fans might want to check out the remaining dates of their current tour because as of last weeks show Trent Reznor made the announcement that he isn’t sure if the band will be continuing to tour anymore after this.
Reznor told the crowd the following:
“I think one of the first times we played here, I think maybe it was Cain’s Ballroom, like 80 years ago…. I think we were opening for Peter Murphy… and we were playing ‘Head Like A Hole,’ and I could see someone in the back screaming the fuckin’ lyrics back at me, and I thought, ‘This is all I ever wanted in life, is to connect with somebody like that dude in the back. Anyway, that’s what I think of when I roll into Tulsa.
I don’t know if we’re gonna be touring anymore after this, but I’m proud of the show that we’re doing right now. And I’m fuckin’ grateful that you’ve chosen to spend your evening with us tonight. Thank you very much.”
Tour Dates:
03/03 Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
03/06 Glendale, AZ @ Desert Diamond Arena
03/07 Las Vegas, NV @ MGM Grand Garden Arena
03/09 San Diego, CA @ Pechanga Arena
03/10 Anaheim, CA @ Honda Center
03/13 Salt Lake City, UT @ Delta Center
03/15 San Francisco, CA @ Chase Center
03/16 Sacramento, CA @ Golden 1 Center
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Avenged Sevenfolds Zachary Baker announces alt country solo album
Published
4 days agoon
February 28, 2026
Guitarist and founding member of Avenged Sevenfold Zachary Baker has announced his first solo album ‘Dark Horse’, an alt country album. Out April 3rd, Baker has released the albums second single with ‘Lighthouse’.
PRE-SAVE DARK HORSE
A limited edition Dark Horse vinyl is available for pre-order in gold, pink or black. An exclusive, limited edition handwritten and signed lyric sheet for “Lighthouse” is also available for purchase on his webstore. For all news and up to date information, visit zacharybaker.net.
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Gerard Way (My Chemical Romance) guest spots on new Frozen Soul track
Published
6 days agoon
February 26, 2026
In 2026s most unexpected team up Gerard Way of My Chemical Romance has a guest spot on Frozen Souls new track which releases tomorrow ‘No Place For Warmth’. With the track already appearing on social media and some streaming services we get to once again experience the heavy side of Ways vocal abilities.
Gerard Way is featured on death metal band Frozen Soul’s new song No Place of Warmth! ❤️🔥 pic.twitter.com/7d4OSzBONk
— MCR Updates (@gwayupdates) February 26, 2026
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Social Distortion announce new album ‘Born To Kill’, release title track
Published
7 days agoon
February 26, 2026
Punk legends Social Distortion are back with the news of a new album titled ‘Born To Kill’. Dropping May 8th on Epitaph the band has marked the news with the albums first single ‘Born To Kill’ along with a music video to accompany it. This marks the bands first album since Ness’ recovery from a bout with cancer.

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Scene Queen is back with her latest single ‘Manicure’. No stranger to creating a conversation in the scene she once again proves why she stays a dominate name.
Along with the song, Scene Queen is premiering a new music video for “Manicure” that fights back against the patriarchy with vengeance Scene Queen-style.
SCENE QUEEN SHARES OF THE NEW TRACK:
“The song Manicure is one of many songs from a new era where I really went back to my roots. I got into the studio with as few people as possible and thought “if I could make Bimbocore again, knowing what I know now musically and personally, what would be different?” As much as I love the humour and pop sensibilities of Bimbocore, and plan on keeping those going, I realised I’d make the heavier parts even more jarring and rage filled. Thus, my angry song for long nailed divas was born. The idea came from a conversation I had in a bar in Nashville months ago with Joey where the song Goodbye Earl by The Chicks came on and he challenged me to write it from my metal perspective. So story wise, it follows a similar idea, if you could save your friend from a terrible man, wouldn’t you? It’s also very self aware in the sense of saying, yes I am beating up a man AGAIN in a song but it’s because they keep doing awful things.”
– Scene Queen
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Better Lovers announce they’ve parted ways with vocalist Greg Puciato
Published
1 week agoon
February 24, 2026
In shocking news Better Lovers have announced they’ve parted ways with vocalist Greg Puciato. The band made an announcement online that they’ve parted ways with Greg to move in a different direction. Greg also made a post stating the split was amicable and he has nothing but love for the guys.
Gregs statement reads :
NO BAD BLOOD
EVERYONE’S COOL
DON’T SPECULATE
LOVE THESE PEOPLE AND LOVE THE BAND
ROOTING FOR THEM ALL COLLECTIVELY AND INDIVIDUALLY
THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING THE LAST FEW YEARS SPECIAL
LONG LIVE THE FROG
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