By Dave Parsons
On a crisp winter evening, Ricky Skaggs brought the warmth and spirit of the holidays to the Capitol Theater in Wheeling, West Virginia on December 13, 2024. Noting the history of the stage in bluegrass and country music history after the second song, Skaggs performance was an enchanting blend of bluegrass mastery, heartfelt storytelling, and festive cheer. Skaggs, a living legend in the world of bluegrass and country music, delivered a show that not only celebrated the season but also held true to the deep roots of his musical journey.
Ricky Skaggs’ career goes back decades, with roots in the mountains of Kentucky. A child prodigy that picked up the mandolin at the age of five, he performed on stage with Bill Monroe by the time he was six. Over the years, Skaggs has earned 15 Grammy Awards and numerous other accolades, cementing his place as one of the most influential figures in bluegrass and country music. This Christmas concert, part of a series of seasonal performances, meshed all fronts from the Christmas songs to Skaggs deep appreciation for tradition.
The stage was decorated with 2 Christmas trees adorned with twinkling lights, garlands, and made perfect bookends to Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder. It made for a very intimate setting was perfectly suited for Skaggs’ brand of music, which thrives on connection. The evening began with the traditional Christmas Time’s A Comin’ and Deck the Halls. The audience was into the show from the first note, and were treated to a master class in musicianship.
Between songs, Skaggs shared stories about his childhood Christmases in Kentucky, painting a vivid picture of family gatherings, snow-covered landscapes, and the music that brought everyone together. As the night progressed, Skaggs turned to the spiritual side of Christmas, performing a series of sacred songs that resonated deeply with the audience, including Mary, Did You Know? and Go Thee Down.
For the encore, Skaggs took the stage alone for Brightest and Best, before he was joined again by Kentucky Thunder, delivering a flawless performance of the bluegrass classic Rawhide. The audience’s response was electric, with a much-deserved standing ovation for a show well played. With its masterful blend of music, storytelling, and holiday cheer, the concert was a night to treasure—a true celebration of Christmas and the enduring magic of bluegrass.
Ricky Skaggs Christmas Show Setlist:
1.) Christmas Time’s A-Coming
2.) Deck The Halls
3.) New Star Shining
4.) Let It Snow
5.) Ancient Christmas Tones
6.) White Christmas
7.) Mary Did You Know?
8.) Go Thee Down
9.) Silver Bells
10.) Santa Claus Is Comin’ To Town
11.) Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer
12.) Reunion Song
13.) Vine Grove
14.) Shepherd’s Voice
15.) Snowy Cliff Top
Encore
16.) Brightest and Best
17.) Rawhide
