All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

Big Band Bash at the Blennerhassett Museum debuts New Year’s Eve

Blennerhassett State Park
Blennerhassett State Park

PARKERSBURG, W.Va. — The Blennerhassett Museum in Parkersburg is the place to be on New Year’s Eve.

“The museum’s first ‘Big Band Bash’ debuts with a remarkable evening of music, dance and food, featuring the Doug Hess Big Band under the direction of Felice Jorgeson,” said Activities Coordinator Pam Salisbury. “It’s dance music from the 1940s, from swing to rumba, with a rhythm section, trumpets, trombones, saxophones, drums and guitar.”

The Doug Hess Big Band has been providing music for dances for nearly 50 years. The Doug Hess Big Band currently consists of longtime Parkersburg area musicians including Doug Hess’s son Whitney Hess, Kent and Felice Jorgensen, Les Paul, Buddy Lee, Richard Board, Eric Staats, Tim Marks and David Fluharty and others.

Current and former local band directors are well represented, and a few Ohio University students play with the band from time to time.

The Blennerhassett Museum is on the corner of Juliana and 2nd streets in Parkersburg. Doors open at 8:30 p.m. with music and dance from 9 p.m. until midnight. The event is fee based and includes hor d’oeuvres, finger foods and beverages.

Reservations are required and can be made by calling 304-420-4800.

Big Band Bash is sponsored by the Blennerhassett Historical Foundation as a fundraiser for Blennerhassett Island and museum activities and support.

For island events, park activities and Blennerhassett Museum of Regional History hours, visit www.blennerhassettislandstatepark.com.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Summer basketball

Summer league basketball wraps up week two

Week two of the Upshur County Summer Basketball League concluded with standout scoring performances and multiple games, including two forfeits by Country Roads Physical Therapy.

City council to review water board’s recommendation for new water treatment plant

The Buckhannon Water Board has recommended moving forward with a new water treatment plant and related infrastructure upgrades, sending a proposal to the city council for approval.

Gail Lovel Zickefoose

Gail L. Zickefoose, a dedicated educator, community leader, and beloved family man, passed away peacefully at age 83 after a long illness, leaving a legacy of service, kindness, and devotion to others.

Buckhannon City Council Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council released the agenda for its upcoming July 15, 2025, meeting.

Upshur County Relay for Life aims to raise $35,000 for cancer research on July 19

The Upshur County Relay for Life will host its annual event July 19 at Jawbone Park, aiming to raise $35,000 for cancer research while celebrating survivors and bringing the community together through activities and remembrance ceremonies.

WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital team members engage in statewide healthcare leadership program

Two WVU Medicine St. Joseph’s Hospital employees were honored by the West Virginia Hospital Association Leadership Academy, with Paula Cutright graduating and Matthew Scott selected for future participation in the statewide healthcare leadership program.

Post 7 drops outings to Doddridge and Morgantown

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered consecutive road defeats, falling 10-2 to Doddridge County and 11-0 to Morgantown Post 2, dropping their season record to 2-15.

Summer basketball league begins week two

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League entered its second week with standout performances from top scorers including Cory Harper, Dalton Hamrick, Cordell Nicola, and Vinny Snuffer leading their teams across multiple games.

Buckhannon City Council Special Meeting Agenda: July 15, 2025

The Buckhannon City Council has released the agenda for its special meeting scheduled for July 15, 2025.