Page 32 of Hittin' the Right Note
The van puttered around Wheeling, and as it did Katrina pointed out all of the things she thought made the city really special, particularly when it came to labor organizing and music. There was the Heritage Port, of course, with its beautiful view of the Ohio River, which caused Mikey’s heart to constrict in his chest as he thought about what it had been like to sit with Luke on the banks of that same river a decade ago, the two of them in their own little world. There was the statue to Augustus Pollack which, Katrina reminded them, had been erected by the employees of the noted Wheeling cigar-maker because of his support of organized labor.
“Wheeling has always been a key place for labor organizing,” she said proudly, and the rest of the tour group nodded along. Mikey couldn’t help but admire Katrina for her ability to hold a whole van full of people totally rapt, even with a literal celebrity right in their midst.
“And,” she went on, “it’s also a city famous for its music history.”
Here she paused and looked meaningfully at both Luke and Mikey. “I mean, just look at who we have on the tour with us.”
Luke groaned.
“I hate when she does that,” he whispered.
Mikey barked a little laugh.
“I can see why. I was rather enjoying being an ordinary person for a bit.”
Too late he realized how such a comment must sound to Luke, who’d had his career go up in flames such a short time ago.
There I go putting my foot in my mouth again.
Luke, however, just frowned and turned to look out the window.
Mikey tried not to worry too much, but he hated the way Luke’s whole posture was even stiffer, more closed off.
Ugh. What is wrong with me?
Katrina went on.
“In fact, Luke and Mikey aren’t the only famous music stars to have come out of the Ohio Valley. I’m sure a lot of you know country star Brad Paisley was born right down the river in Glen Dale.” There were several nods and exclamations, even though Mikey found it hard to believe anyone couldnotknow that.
“However, he was just the most recent in a long line of successful music acts from the area. In fact, we’re just in time to see the place where a lot of it began.”
Mikey finally paid attention to where they were.
“This,” Katrina was saying to the rapt tourists, “is the Capitol Theatre. Now, I’m sure most of you have at least heard of this building, but it really has quite a unique history. It was built all the way back in 1928, and it went on to play a very big role in the history of country music in particular. Right here was where WWVA, which ran for several decades, was founded. It was a really important radio station, and a lot of acts and musicians got their start right there, including Brad Paisley himself.”
It was, Mikey had to admit, an absolutely gorgeous building. It was almost palatial in its white elegance, and it brought to mind the glories of Wheeling’s past. As he gazed at its white facade and marquee, Mikey found himself wondering what it might’ve been like to see the building in the city’s heyday, when it was a true center for arts and culture. Even now, when Wheeling had seen its fair share of better days, the Capitol still had an undeniable grandeur about it.
“Things haven’t always been rosy for the Capitol,” Katrina was going on. “In fact, this magnificent building was once closed for a time, until it was renovated and made ready for the public again just a few years ago.” There was no mistaking the triumphant smile on her face. “Now it’s once again the jewel in Wheeling’s crown. In addition to hosting various shows and tours from around the country, it remains the home of Wheeling’s own Symphony. Pretty neat, huh?”
The tourists nodded their heads, and even Mikey had to admit it was a fascinating place.
“You’d never guess Wheeling had a place like this, would you?” Luke asked, breaking into his thoughts.
Mikey wasn’t sure whether it was a trap or not. So, he decided to say the safest thing.
“Oh, I don’t know. I’ve learned the Ohio Valley has more than its fair share of hidden treasures.”
He might’ve been imagining it, but he could swear he saw a little smile trying to creep up Luke’s face.
Okay, so maybe all hope isn’t lost,he thought.
“Who wants to actually go inside?” Katrina asked.
Pretty much everyone on the bus raised their hand, and after the van pulled off they all piled out and gathered around Katrina.
“We have about half an hour to tour the building,” she said. “So let’s go.”
The obvious love Katrina had for her hometown and its rich history was infectious, and Mikey found himself as eager to explore the building as any of the folks who’d paid to be here.
