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.
The Gift Setlist:
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
