NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT EXPLORER: Huntington’s Holiday Music Scene is Hoppin’

Tyson Compton, Nightlife & Entertainment Explorer

The music scene in Huntington is always hopping. The V Club presents both national and local artists and the Big Sandy Superstore Arena had several big name sell-out shows this last year. But the holiday season really brings a nice variety of themed performances.

Friday, December 13

Join Alchemy Theatre for a fun-filled evening of Christmas classics and showtunes at the Make Art Studio in Barboursville. This event is a “pay-what-you-like” donation fundraiser and promises to get you in the holiday spirit.

Saturday, December 14

One of the most highly anticipated events of the Holiday Season is the Huntington Symphony Orchestra’s “Coming Home for Christmas.” Kenova native Michael W. Smith will be the featured performer and he never disappoints when he returns home. But wait. There’s more. As an added bonus, this event will also feature Marc Martel. Martel has created a sensation in his performance of Queen front man Freddie Mercury’s hits. In fact, Martel appeared in Huntington just two months ago and absolutely brought down the house. We can’t wait to see these two together!

Saturday, December 14

The Glenn Miller Orchestra Christmas Show will perform at the Milton Performing Arts Center. Those horns and strings are sure to rev up your holiday motor! This orchestra is one of the most popular and sought after big bands in the world today. With its unique jazz sound, the Glenn Miller Orchestra is considered to be one of the greatest bands of all time. Formed in 1956, the group has been touring consistently since, playing an average of 300 live dates a year all around the world.

Thursday, December 19

MyHuntington presents The Good Time Christmas Show with a load of talent on hand. This won’t be just any “Christmas Show”. The premise will be that there is a Holiday Party and everyone in Huntington is invited. The set (built by Ackenpucky, who have designed some of HTown’s hottest restaurants) will resemble a living room type environment and Michael Valentine will be the host, sharing comedic bits between acts. The play will be like a staged variety show. With every knock at the door, there will be a new guest (Ona, Cledus T. Judd, Thundertones, Dividends, the list goes on…) that will sing a Christmas song then join the party.

December 16, 19, and 20

If you like your holiday tunes in the more classic style, then Renaissance is for you. This group of 20 performs holiday classics and have been doing so since 1985 to great reviews. All concerts are free admission.

Saturday, December 21

If the Ona performance at Good Time Christmas makes you want to hear more, and it will, then head on over to the V Club to catch their full show. Ona is an indie-rock band comprised of longtime friends Brad Goodall (keys), Bradley Jenkins (vocals/guitar), Zach Johnston (bass), Max Nolte (drums), and Zack Owens (guitar). The band formed in late 2013 and is based in Huntington. Ona’s debut record ‘American Fiction’ reached critical success appearing on NPR best of lists, SIRIUS Radio airplay, and a spot on nationally syndicated radio program Mountain Stage.

So take in one, or more, of these cool events to whet your holiday music appetite. You can grab a meal beforehand at one of H Town’s many cool eateries and relax with a drink afterward at a local watering spot. For a list of options, as well as other things to see and do, check out Visit Huntington West Virginia and enjoy this part of Almost Heaven.

This post was last updated on March 2, 2022