Jacksonville, Fl — Jacksonville’s week of valor comes to a stirring close this weekend with the Jacksonville Symphony and “America in Concert” 250 Years of Music and Majesty.

Sunday’s performance features the Jacksonville University RiverTones, Sandalwood High School, Sandalwood High Air Force Junior ROTC Color Guard, and vocalist Chris Blem.

Na’Zir McFadden will conduct the Jacksonville Symphony through historic anthems and newer hits, such as Zac Brown’s “Chicken Fried”.

Join the Jacksonville Symphony for this historic milestone—a night of unity, remembrance and unwavering American spirit, honoring 250 years of freedom, courage, music and majesty.

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Steven B. Libman, President and CEO of the Jacksonville Symphony, joins JMN with details of the holiday themed programs they’re performing soon -- starting with this weekend’s “Holiday Brass” performance Saturday, and “America In Concert: 250 Years of Music” Sunday afternoon. More holiday themed programming, including the always-popular “Holiday Pops” series, the “Movie & Music” shows of The Nightmare Before Christmas, and more are on deck as the Symphony leans in to the holiday season.

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Courtney Lewis (Music Director) and Tony Nickle (Vice President & Artistic Administrator) join JMN, discussing the holiday season musical lineup. Events include Handel’s “Messiah,” Tchaikovsky’s “The First Coast Nutcracker,” featuring Tchaikovsky’s famous score, and more. And Courtney and Benjamin Fridkis exchange holiday musical selection insights.

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You laugh with him weeknights at 6pm, and we laugh with him Wednesday mornings on JMN. Jimmy Failla joins in with his thoughts on the holiday season (and the CORRECT time to start celebrating it!), government re-opening, the Deep State vs. the Deep Dish, and his glory days playing trumpet in the school band. Maybe we can get him to jam with the Symphony Orchestra?

Ryan Schmelz has the latest on the government shutdown, and the possibility that it could be resolved by a House vote later today. Achieving a House quorum may be an issue, though, as many Representatives face shutdown-related air travel challenges. And even if the vote passes, it’s only good for funding through January, but at least people missing paychecks lately will get paid.

Rich Jones

Rich Jones is the Host of Jacksonville’s Morning News. Rich joined WOKV in October 2006. Rich is involved in many community organizations and causes. Rich and his wife, Noelle, have three children: Avery, Harper and Austen.