Get ready to celebrate the holiday season with a little swing as jazz pianist Bob Thompson brings his Joy to the World concert to the West Virginia University Creative Arts Center on Saturday, Dec. 14 with special guest Heather Masse.

Showtime is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

For the first time in its 20-year history, West Virginia Public Broadcasting is taking Bob Thompson’s annual holiday jazz show to Morgantown. Thompson is an accomplished long-time member of the Mountain Stage band with a career spanning decades and miles, and his Joy to the World performance has been on a holiday tradition in Charleston for years. Now, audiences in Morgantown can enjoy the sounds of the season as Bob and his band, the Bob Thompson Unit, brings jazz interpretations of holiday favorites like “We Wish You A Merry Christmas” and “Silent Night” to life. The band includes Ryan Kennedy (guitar), John Ingram (bass), Timothy Courts (drums) and Doug Payne (saxophone).

From his early days in the West Virginia State University jazz band to dozens of critically acclaimed albums and performances, Thompson has established a strong presence in the jazz world thanks to his dedication and love for the craft. The heart-warming Joy to the World has been recorded in the Charleston Cultural Center for the last 20 years.

The Morgantown concert will feature special guest Heather Masse of The Wailin’ Jennys, a regular on A Prairie Home Companion and Mountain Stage. Her band, The Wailin’ Jennys, saw their 2006 album “Firecracker” hit No. 2 on the Billboard Bluegrass charts and are a low-key favorite on the folk scene. Masse’s sound ranges from a melancholy twang to upbeat foot tapping that is sure to add new depths to this special holiday event.

The Charleston Gazette says the show ushers in the season “with a stocking stuffed full of wonder and delight.” Don’t miss this unique musical holiday experience.

Tickets range in price from $28 to $38 depending on seat location and availability. WVU student tickets are $15 with a valid WVU ID at the campus box offices (one discounted ticket per ID). Tickets are on sale now at the Mountainlair and Creative Arts Center box offices, online at ticketmaster.com, or by calling 304-293-SHOW and 800-745-3000.

The University Arts Series is presented by WVU Arts & Entertainment. For additional event information, call 304-293-SHOW, or visit http://events.wvu.edu . Like us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/wvuevents and follow us on Twitter at @wvuevents for the most up-to-date show information.

-WVU-

dr/11/25/13

CONTACT: David Ryan, Arts & Entertainment
304-293-8222, David.Ryan@mail.wvu.edu

Follow @WVUToday on Twitter.