The Clarksburg Amphitheater, nestled in the heart of Clarksburg, West Virginia, closed out its 2025 season this past Saturday, October 4, with a soul-stirring evening of original music. The season finale featured headliner Stephen Wilson Jr., whose gritty, poetic songwriting and electrifying stage presence have earned him national acclaim.
Opening the night was Nashville-based singer-songwriter Stephanie Lambring, whose introspective lyrics and haunting melodies set a contemplative tone as the autumn sun dipped behind the hills. She could have a career in stand-up comedy if music doesn’t work out for her, but we are pretty sure it will.
Wilson took the stage for an exciting set that had him come out like a boxer who was ready to go twelve rounds. Stephen’s music is a vocal mix of Willie Nelson and Chris Cornell set over a dirty open C tuning that leaves room for country and grunge music to collide. He can tell a story that captivates you much like Nelson or Springsteen and then belt out these huge notes, where he surprisingly barely opens his mouth to do it. His inspirations are obvious, he admits them openly, while his presentation is unique and captivating.
Wilson introduced his songs with stories that took you to the places he grew up and the people and settings that inspired his songs. At one point he said music is magical and it was evident on this evening that it was very true. And we are fortunate to have so many spaces that help bring that magic to life.
The Clarksburg Amphitheater is one of several cultural hubs in Harrison county, offering a mix of tribute acts, family-friendly events, and increasingly, original touring artists. The venue showcasing authentic voices and fresh songwriting is no accident. We spoke with Clarksburg’s Superintendent of City Parks, Doug Comer, who shared insight into the city’s vision for the amphitheater and its role in the broader cultural landscape.
“There’s nothing more exciting than welcoming talents like Stephen Wilson Jr. and Stephanie Lambring to a small-market venue like the Amp. Both artists are clearly on the rise, and it’s only a matter of time before we see them performing on much bigger stages.
Finding artists like Wilson and Lambring is never easy. We often take chances on performers who may have a smaller following but are just one song away from breaking out to a wider audience—and historically, that’s paid off with acts like Morgan Wallen, Jake Owen, and Florida Georgia Line. With the help of our booking partner, Variety Attractions, this year has truly been one of the best for the Amp.
There are many amphitheaters comparable in size that bring in both original and tribute bands. While most of our free Music in the Park shows feature tribute or local talent, our bread and butter have always been the ticketed events. The Amp is a wonderful venue with the capability to host many of the same top-tier artists you would see at places like Burgettstown, PPG Arena, or the Charleston Coliseum. What really sets us apart is our commitment to keeping tickets affordable, concession prices low, and parking free.”
That commitment was evident throughout the 2025 season, which included performances from emerging artists, regional songwriters, and nationally touring acts who might not otherwise pass through North Central West Virginia. Saturday’s show was a fitting capstone—Stephen Wilson Jr.’s raw, cinematic set felt tailor-made for the open-air venue, while Lambring’s opening songs offered quiet moments of reflection that lingered long after the final chord.
As the lights dimmed and the crowd dispersed, there was a sense that something meaningful had just happened. The Clarksburg Amphitheater isn’t just a stage—it’s becoming a platform for artistic growth, community connection, and the kind of musical storytelling that Appalachia has always cherished.
