POCAHONTAS COUNTY W.Va. (WVDN) – The Pocahontas County Opera House is thrilled to announce a significant event in its 25th-anniversary season: “Opry Night: Story Sessions Live” on February 15, 2025, at 7 p.m. This eagerly anticipated evening will feature some of the region’s most cherished old-time and bluegrass musicians and storytellers, offering a captivating blend of personal stories and dynamic performances.
The “Opera House Story Sessions” originated during the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, transforming from a series of video performances into a notable “Best of Story Sessions” album and an acclaimed podcast. These stories have resonated with audiences through Allegheny Mountain Radio and have been documented in The Pocahontas Times. Now, these narratives and melodies will be celebrated live, providing an immersive experience for attendees.
Tickets are available for a $10 donation, with free admission for those aged 17 and under, ensuring accessibility for families and encouraging youth engagement with the arts. Tickets can be secured online at pocahontasoperahouse.org, at the 4th Avenue Gallery in Marlinton, or at the venue on the event night, subject to availability.
An exciting lineup of musicians and storytellers will grace the stage, featuring both new and returning performers. Hazel Riley, a rising singer and musician from the County, has been studying with Robbin Kessinger and Ginny Hawker. Kirk Judd, a lifelong West Virginian, member of the Appalachian Literary League, founding member, and former president of West Virginia Writers, Inc., and a founding member and creative writing instructor for Allegheny Echoes, Inc., will also be performing.
Returning performers include Mike Bing, a Mandolin player and founder of Allegheny Echoes, who is also a member of the Bing Brothers. Richard Hefner, a founding member of the Black Mountain Bluegrass Boys known for his traditional bluegrass banjo playing and tenor vocals, has also recorded a live album at the Opera House. Husband and wife duo, Mike and Mary Sue originally met during a music session at “Breaking Up Christmas” in Lexington, VA. Their journey led to their debut performance as “Juanita Fireball and the Continental Drifters” at the Pocahontas County Opera House in 2008.
The Opera House Performance Series receives significant support from grants provided by the West Virginia Division of Culture and History and the West Virginia Commission on the Arts. Additional support from the Pocahontas County Dramas, Fairs, and Festivals, as well as the Pocahontas County Convention and Visitors Bureau, plays a crucial role in sustaining this vibrant cultural institution. As the Opera House celebrates this milestone season, the 250-seat theater stands as an enduring symbol of community dedication to both local talent and international artistry. This event promises to be a memorable highlight, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage through stories and music.
For more information and to purchase tickets for “Opry Night: Story Sessions Live,” please visit pocahontasoperahouse.org.
