WEB-EXCLUSIVE: Ricky Nelson’s sons keep his music alive; coming to the college April 22

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By Adam Lignell

Despite their father’s passing, two sons continue to keep creating their style of music and concerts for fans. Ricky Nelson’s sons, Matt and Gunnar Nelson, will play with the Stone Canyon Band in the Ricky Nelson Remembered concert April 22.

Songwriter Matt Nelson talked about why his group has been continuing this tour.

“People are calling their friends when we’re rolling into town saying, ‘You have to see this,’” he said. “It makes me feel good that what I intend to make somebody feel in the audience is actually getting achieved.”

Relating to their audience, Matt Nelson said his family life changes as much as anyone else’s.

“Most of it has been either displayed on television or reported in newspapers or the Internet,” Matt Nelson said. “Gunnar and I have embraced that.”

With past fans now bringing their own families to enjoy their music, communication is key to an age-varied fan base.

“We play music and have sensibility when we’re communicating with our audience that transcends generations,” Matt Nelson said. “The Nelson story is really the American story, and we’re still writing it.”

Even if the Nelsons are currently focused on their tour, that hasn’t prevented them from preparing future albums and projects.

“We’ve put together an all-star lineup of guys that had country hits,” Nelson said. “Let’s just say that this time next year we plan on having something pretty special.”

Performing Arts General Manager Emily Behrmann said the show’s performance isn’t randomly created by band members with no relation to the Nelsons.

“It’s their family’s tribute to [Ricky Nelson] as a person and musician,” Behrmann said. “It’s a way to give [fans] a bridge between the generations.”

Matt and Gunnar Nelson may be directly continuing their father’s dream, but the Stone Canyon Band is playing a role as well.

“Stone Canyon Band was Ricky Nelson’s band,” Behrmann said. “It’s cool that they’ve played Ricky Nelson’s music and Matthew and Gunnar are able to be a part of that.”

Nelson’s music may have been created over a few generations, but Behrmann said that won’t stop newcomers from arriving.

“It’s been so pervasive in our culture that it has made an impression on me,” Behrmann said. “It’s going to be something that they’re familiar with, feel comfortable with and that they enjoy.”

Regardless of wherever the Nelsons have traveled, artist promoter Melissa Kucirek said that fans have only positive things to say.

“I think the biggest feedback that I’ve noticed is how sincere and classy the show is, and how much they really carry on the Nelson entertainment family tradition.”

No matter what happens when they’re on tour, Kucirek said the Nelsons are able to overcome any problems headed their way.

“It’s like nothing ever happened, they’re completely on and engaged in the show,” Kucirek said. “They always give 150 percent of their time and energy to the audience.”

The Nelsons may have started this tour in order for people to help remember their dad’s work, but it seems there’s more of a message.

“It’s more than a concert, it’s an experience,” Kucirek said. “It’s phenomenal to think these two guys are part of a family that’s been entertaining for more than 100 years in America.”

The concert is at 7 p.m. on April 22 in Yardley Hall. Students can obtain $5 tickets this week and general admission tickets are $30, $40 and $80.

Contact Adam Lignell, staff reporter, at alignell@jccc.edu.

For more information from the Performing Arts Series or to purchase tickets to the concert online, click here.

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