As we kick off 2026, I’m pumped to welcome Michael Ojeda (keys and alto sax) and Zach Messer (bass) to the lineup. Michael is the son of the great Marty Ojeda, longtime Logan County band director. On the flip side, Zach started out as one of my trombone players in the Tug Valley Band about ten years ago. We reconnected a few years back, and he’s been living in one of the apartments in the C.E. Roberts Building I manage as part of my work with the West Virginia Mine Wars Museum. He locked in quickly during rehearsal, and it was immediately clear he was a great fit. Terry Soltesz returns on drums to round out the lineup.

Shoutout to Alex Offenberger and my best friend Jordan Melott for jumping into a weekend of music with me. We pulled a band together for a couple days and it clicked fast. We’ll jam again. Be sure to check out their band, Sybils Silence.

Marietta, thanks for rolling with the weather and making it worth the trip. See you soon!