Folks
connected with the Wheeling Jamboree don't fret about playing second fiddle to Nashville's Grand Ole Opry.
Being
compared to "The Show that Made Country Music Famous" is certainly no insult.
Besides, the staff at America's "second most famous country music show"
is busy making preparations for the Jamboree's 80th anniversary this
spring.
Jamboree roots can be traced to April 1, 1933. A Saturday night staple
during the Depression, WWVA's microphones brought a barrage of country music
celebrities to a national listening audience from the stage at Wheeling's
Capitol (Music Hall) Theatre.
"It's a piece of history that has literally
touched millions of lives," said David Heath, a Wheeling native who serves on
the show's nonprofit board of directors in addition to having the
responsibilities of executive producer. He referred to estimates of 10 million
Jamboree visitors over the years.
"Even if we only attract a fraction of that,
I think it's important for future generations to realize its historical
significance."
The Jamboree has evolved and persevered over
the decades.
Not having a permanent home of its own, the
Jamboree has been staged in various auditoriums, although it was located at the
Capitol from the early 1930s to 2007.
The move was made this fall amidst the greyhound racing and slot machines at
Wheeling Island Hotel-Casino-Racetrack's
Showroom.
It
has survived a temporary name change and switching radio stations. The weekly
show is now available via video on demand and a streaming Internet feed.
Heath said he is encouraged by the initial
response at the new location.
"We're excited by the fact that there are
people who know the history and the cultural significance of the Jamboree to West
Virginia and to the region," he said, noting that
it's once again being noticed by those with the tour bus circuit. "Obviously,
we have a built-in audience with the casino."
The Jamboree will continue to book new and
regional acts mixed with veteran performers of the entertainment industry.
Heath, who is related to Country Music Hall
of Famer Roy Clark, explained that he has been connected to the Jamboree since
his childhood. His parents leased rental property to performers who were in
town. His seamstress mother would often mend their glamorous stage garments.
"Some of the longtime members of the Jamboree were kind of
like an extended family," said Heath, whose trumpet-playing career once
included a stint with a Tampa-area Latin band. "There would be somebody like
Big Slim or Doc Williams at our kitchen table drinking coffee when I was
growing up.
"I have a passion for it," he continued. "I believe it's
important to the region, the state and to music. In whatever way we can, we
want to contribute to the Wheeling
community in terms of tourism and entertainment. That's our desire."
Details are
available online at www.WheelingJamboree.org. Tickets may be purchased from ShowClix.com or by phone
at 888-718-4253.
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