Recently my husband and I, along with our friends, Bob and Linda, went to a wonderfully entertaining show at Tupelo Music Hall, Londonderry, NH, USA to see Nelson Remembered based on the life and music of Ricky Nelson. For those of you who do not know Ricky Nelson, he was the adorable, talented, young star who first started his career on his parent’s show, Ozzie and Harriet Show. Ricky comes from a successful musical family, three generations now including his twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson.

These talented twins are successful in their own right writing, producing and singing songs since the late eighties. Everywhere they traveled to entertain they were asked to perform some of their famous father’s songs. This is how the show, Nelson Remembered, came to be.

The show was high energy, lots of clapping, singing along and plenty of nostalgia for those of us who were around at the time of this incredible entertainer.

After the show Matthew and Gunnar Nelson met and greeted all who waited, and graciously signed all CDs purchased. Of course I bought one and have enjoyed hearing it again. I was thrilled to get a photo with these incredible entertainers. I look forward to the next show they put on in the future. Can’t get enough of the music!

Some of Ricky’s most famous songs are Hello Mary Lou, Poor Little Fool, Travelin’ Man, Garden Party, Fools Rush In, Lonesome Town and many more. What made this show so special were the films the twins showed of their father’s life on and off the show, and little tidbits of comical information about his career. These multi-talented young men had perfect timing and a great sense of humor when delivering all the fun antidotes about their father. They were like a finely tuned comedy act as they bounced quips off of one another.

What many people do not know is that Ricky was in competition at the time in the 70’s with Elvis Presley as their popularity rose and their music climbed the billboard charts. They recorded some of the same songs within a week or so of each other. Ricky Nelson was the only singer in history back then to give Elvis a run for his money at the top of the charts. They were good friends and Ricky mourned Elvis’ death in 1977. Ricky Nelson died in a tragic plane crash in 1987. The world lost a powerful performer.

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson relayed how they grew up with celebrities coming and going throughout their house. They didn’t think anything of it at the time to call a wiry-haired man uncle, (Bob Dylan), and Mama Cass Elliott was their babysitter. They were friends with Elvis and his wife and still visit Priscilla Presley to this day.

This is the second time we have gone to see this show. It was that good!! This time we brought our friends so that they could enjoy it too. The venue, Tupelo Music Hall, is an intimate setting with 275 seats, some tables, and food provided along with a wine and beer cellar where patrons can purchase a bottle or two to bring into the hall. At the end of this year Tupelo will be leaving this site and building a larger facility in neighboring Derry, NH with over 500 seats. We will definitely be there!

I hope you get to see Nelson Remembered in your hometown. The Nelsons put on an amazing show, and they sell out fast!

Thank you for stopping by! I hope you enjoyed reading about this unforgettable show.

Blessings & hugs to all!

Janice