In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we talk to Jackson Igo about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) program with the West Virginia Office of Energy. 

Learn how this program is offering grants to local governments and nonprofits across the state to improve energy efficiency and reduce energy use. We discuss eligibility requirements, funding opportunities, and the types of projects that qualify for this exciting initiative. This is your chance to hear how West Virginia is investing in sustainable solutions for businesses and communities.

For more information visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website: https://energywv.org/

On this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with Landau Eugene Murphy Jr., the sensational season six winner of NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Known for his smooth jazz style, Landau discusses his upcoming holiday concert Home for the Holidays. The event is Friday, Dec. 14, at 7:30 p.m. at the Hudkins Conference Center in Pipestem Resort State Park. 

Join us for an inside look at what makes Landau’s holiday show a must-see event this season. 

You can find out more about Landau Eugene Murphy, Jr., his holiday tour, and purchase tickets on his website, here: https://www.landaumurphyjr.com/

For additional information including tickets, buffet, and lodging details, contact Pipestem Resort at (304) 466-1800 or visit their website here: https://wvstateparks.com/event/landau-eugene-murphy-concert/

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get all the details on one of the best live concerts the region offers - the Mountain State Music Showcase. The event is set for Saturday, Nov. 30, at 7 p.m. at the Capitol Theater at 123 Summers Street. 

Justin Puett talks about the amazing lineup of live, local talent and why supporting the local music scene is so important. 

This year you’ll get to listen to original works by Woodbine, Nathan Bess, Annie Neeley, Makenna Hope, and Dalchord. Doors open at 6:30 and it’s open to the public (donations are kindly accepted). 

For more information start here: https://www.folkloremusicexchange.com/

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast we highlight the Wheeling Symphony Orchestra’s annual Symphony on Ice Thursday, Dec. 5 at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling. 

Led by Music Director John Gennaro Devlin, the orchestra will perform alongside professional figure skaters, local skating clubs, and choirs from middle and high schools in the Ohio Valley. Devlin, now in his fifth season with the WSO, is known for championing American music and innovative concert design. 

Local singer Mandy McGovern will also perform as a soloist. Recognized as the largest U.S. Figure Skating-sanctioned event in the country, Symphony on Ice is a major community celebration.

For more information and tickets you can visit their website: https://wheelingsymphony.com/

On this week’s episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk about the 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival Saturday, Nov. 8, at the Huntington campus of Marshall University. Mike Friel, Director of Communications at Marshall Advanced Manufacturing Center, shares the interesting history, as well as, highlights of the event and why it’s so important. 

Now in its 11th year, you’ll learn how the organization (and the event) recognizes and celebrates innovation in manufacturing and will include activities, demonstrations, and exhibits from creators, students, inventors, and entrepreneurs.

The 2024 West Virginia Makes Festival is free and open to everyone. You can find more information here: https://www.mfg.marshall.edu/2024-west-virginia-makes-festival/

Follow them on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/marshallumfg/

On this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we speak with West Virginia Office of Energy Director Nicholas Preservati about the 2024 Governor's Energy Summit. Preservati gives insight on how this event brings together leaders from the energy sector to discuss the state's energy future.  

The summit is October 29-30 at the Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center and Preservati explains how this event explores ways to leverage West Virginia's resources for economic growth.

To find out more you can visit the West Virginia Office of Energy’s website here: https://energywv.org/

In this episode of the What Makes You Wonderful podcast, we get the inside scoop on one of West Virginia’s newest festivals! The Mtn Craft Film Festival is now in its second year and Jeffrey Boggess explains the importance of promoting Appalachian films as well as everything you can get into at this year’s event. 

The festival runs from October 3-6 at the Robinson Grand in Clarksburg. You can find more information about it here: https://www.mtncraftfilmfestival.com/

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we talk with Hawley Carlson, Executive Director, and Dana Bryant, Outreach Officer, for Volunteer West Virginia. They share information about how their organization helps connect people with volunteer opportunities across the state. 

Hawley and Dana also explain the different programs and resources available to volunteers and nonprofits. We also find out why they love being involved. If you're interested in making a difference in West Virginia, listen to this episode to find out how you can get involved.

You can find more information here: https://volunteer.wv.gov/Pages/default.aspx 

In the newest episode of What Makes You Wonderful we get to talk to Mya Ross about the first-ever Risers Fest in Charleston October 10-13. This is not just one concert experience… Instead it is a city-wide venue of performances showcasing local talent along with bands that are already touring. 

Find out what you can get into that weekend and why an event like this is so important, not just to the community, but also to get the name of local artists out there. 

You can find more information here on their Facebook Page as well the Risers Fest website.

In this episode of What Makes You Wonderful, we chat with West Virginia State Parks Executive Chef Matthew Welsch about this year’s Farm-to-Table dinners. These culinary masterpieces highlight the best local ingredients and expertise. The dinners are held at different parks and offer a variety of dinners, views, and experiences. Each dinner is created with fresh, locally sourced produce, meats, and dairy, allowing you to savor the true taste of West Virginia.

For more information and to purchase tickets CLICK HERE.