With a newly expanded and invigorated board, McCoy’s Grand is taking steps to
become even grander.
“It’s an exciting time at McCoy’s Grand as we’ve expanded our board, our commitment
to Moorefield and our programming as well to bring the arts to Hardy County. There are
lots of great things in the works for the future at McCoy’s Grand,” said John Brennskag,
McCoy’s Board of Directors President.
First up is next month’s one-day only concert, A Sinatra Christmas, featuring Sergeant
Major (retired) Bob McDonald on vocals and West Virginia native Tony Nalker on
keyboard.
Tickets are on sale now for the Dec. 22 show and can be purchased online at
www.mccoysgrand.org. The show is at 3 p.m. and is expected to sell out.
Hockey fans are likely to know McDonald as the Washington Capitals national anthem
singer, something he’s being doing for 32 years and going. He was a member of the
U.S. Army Chorus for over 26 years, retiring in 2020. That led him to performing
regularly at the White House and for hundreds of visiting dignitaries over the years.
McDonald has also performed at the Super Bowl and the World Series.
His keyboardist, Tony Nalker, performs widely in Washington, D.C., currently serving as
jazz pianist with the Smithsonian Jazz Masterworks Orchestra and the National
Symphony Orchestra Pops. As a military musician, Nalker played for the highest levels
of the U.S. government and military and performed on USO tours to Iraq and
Afghanistan. He has also performed on State Department sponsored musical diplomacy
tours to Russia, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
McDonald says the family-friendly show is sure to get audience members into the
holiday spirit.
“This is an old-fashioned type of crooner show, featuring many of the American classics
Sinatra made famous, as well as some holiday tunes to get us all in the Christmas
spirit,” he said.
“There is a reason this genre of music is known as the Great American Songbook. Like
Sinatra himself, the songs are timeless and quintessentially American. Singing them is
more about storytelling than anything else and I really love that aspect of performing
them,” McDonald added.
Brennskag, the board president, said the theater has recommitted to at least one or two
productions a month, whether theater, concert, or cabaret. This contrasts with recent,
post-pandemic years in which the space would sit empty for months on end.
In addition to kicking the season off with its holiday show, McCoy’s has also taken steps
to build a stronger operational infrastructure, strengthen its financial footing, and
enhance community involvement.
A new website was launched in September, along with a monthly electronic newsletter
highlighting the many ongoing and upcoming events. The board recently initiated a
significant capital campaign to raise $250,000 for a new lighting and sound system
designed to both improve the audience experience, but also to attract additional
performers and expand the types of professional performances that can be held in its
space.
In conjunction with the capital campaign, the theater also started an annual fund to
provide general operational support and educational outreach programs.
Brennskag added that there’s a new volunteer program as well. Community members
wishing to get involved have the opportunity to do everything from sell concessions,
work the box office, usher, or work backstage or even on a show. Anyone interested can
sign up on the web site, he said.
Last month the theater announced The Spongebob Musical as next summer’s big show,
and The Snow Queen as next summer’s annual Missoula Children’s Theatre
Workshop.
Visit www.mccoysgrand.org to get more information on any of the upcoming
performances or to get involved.
