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Due to a recent personal health matter, pianist Bob Thompson will be unable to appear as scheduled at this week’s two sold-out Joy to the World performances in Charleston, WV. The show will continue, with members of Bob’s band accompanying special guest vocalist Landau Eugene Murphy Jr.
“I am so sorry that I won’t be there to celebrate with you this year,” Thompson said in a statement. “Thank you to all of you that have supported the show over these last 25 years. Holidays are about family and you have been a part of our family every year. My health just couldn’t wait and I’m so thankful to Landau and all the band for stepping up and making sure the show goes on. I was looking forward to seeing so many of you and welcoming in the holiday season together, but I know you all will have a great time. I will definitely be there in spirit.”
“As much as I was looking forward to performing with Bob, his health has to come first. Bob has been a real musical mentor to me, and is one of the nicest guys on the planet,” said Murphy. “I know he’s gonna be back behind the piano where he belongs soon. In the meantime, I’m honored to carry on the “Joy To The World” tradition and look forward to spreading some holiday musical cheer!”
Performances featuring guest vocalist, America’s Got Talent winner Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., will go on as scheduled, Thursday December 14 and Friday December 15, at the Culture Center Theater on the State Capitol Grounds.
Advance tickets for both shows have sold out. If tickets become available they will be placed on sale at the Culture Center, $40, starting at 6 p.m. Theater doors open at 7:30 p.m. and showtime is 8 p.m. All scheduled Landau Eugene Murphy Jr. Holiday concerts will continue as scheduled, but Bob Thompson is unable to appear.
Thursday evening’s performance is being recorded for radio and television simulcast on West Virginia Public Broadcasting on Thursday June 21 at 8p.m.
If you’d like send a get-well card to Bob Thompson, please send them to Bob Thompson, C/O West Virginia Public Broadcasting, 600 Capitol St. Charleston, WV 25301.
Joy to the World has been a holiday tradition at West Virginia Public Broadcasting since it began in 1992. Recorded in Charleston, WV and heard on public radio stations across the country, the show features modern jazz arrangements of seasonal favorites old and new. Some previous guest vocalists include Meredith Dean Augustin, Lena Seikaly, Mollie O’Brien, Heather Masse and Catherine Russell.
