West Virginia Department of Commerce Mountains of Talent

West Virginia Music Hall of Fame
It’s an educational exhibit that students are eager to peruse: a 40-inch, interactive map of West Virginia’s 55 counties. Touch the screen to select a county, and a list of three to five musicians from that area pops up. Then select a musician to bring up a biography, photo and sound clip of that person’s work. 

Renovation revitalizes Wheeling landmark
The restoration of the Capitol Music Hall in Wheeling is an example of how music holds a community together. Built in 1928 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the theater is the birthplace of WWVA Radio’s Jamboree USA, which showcased legendary acts such as Hank Williams and Johnny Cash. It serves as home to the Wheeling Symphony and is the stage where Marshall County native and country music star Brad Paisley grew up.

Troubadour Lounge captures spirit of the Opry
Then there is the hybrid – a new venue that hosts old music. The Troubadour Lounge and Park in Morgan County is one such “new old” place. Its owner, Jim McCoy, is the recipient of the West Virginia Music Hall of Fame’s first Spirit Award.