Versatile sons of Singer, Actor Ricky Nelson to demonstrate their musical chops at Bluegrass in the Spring Festival

* Calico Ghost Town announces Bluegrass in the Spring line-up

* “Ricky Nelson Remembered” a Mother’s Day Treat
         

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson were born to sing.  Grandsons of popular 1930’s bandleader, Ozzie Nelson – more famously remembered for starring in the TV show The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet; twin sons of singer, actor and former teen idol, Ricky Nelson, Matthew and Gunnar made their own mark on the music scene in the 1990’s.

           
Most remember the Nelsons with their flowing blonde shoulder-length hair and pin-up good looks rocking out to their hit songs “After the Rain” and their number one hit song, “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection” and five other Top 40 Billboard hits.  At the time, they were featured on covers of every magazine from Rolling Stone to People.  But that was then.

           
As Seattle’s grunge rock scene rose in the mid-90’s, with bands such as Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains and Stone Temple Pilots taking over the airwaves, the Nelsons chose not to compromise their drug-free position to suit the trend.  They continued to record music under their own Stone Canyon Records label and became popular in overseas markets, especially in Japan.

           
Matthew and Gunnar look to their roots to gather the insights on how to sustain longevity in the entertainment world.  They find inspiration from their father who went from being Ozzie Nelson’s son on the popular TV series, to teenage rock idol in the 1950’s and ‘60s with $60 million career sales and three number one records.  Ricky Nelson transcended pop, folk and country music and even starred in the western film Rio Bravo.

           
The brothers’ career path has parallels to their legendary father who found fame as a teen idol before helping to develop the country-rock movement.  “We had tremendous success at a very young age like he did,” said Gunnar.  "We’re coming to the same musical renaissance the he had at our age.  Unlike our father, though, we started out as songwriters first and foremost…something we learned from him when we were babies.  I’m thankful for that lesson.  Seasons change, but what never will is my unshakable faith in the belief that you can’t stop the power of a hit song.”

           
After nearly two decades of performing their own songs, the Nelsons began performing their father’s musical hits in a musical tour, RICKY NELSON REMEMBERED.  One reason for doing this was that the boys had established themselves with their own music, toured the world and felt it was time to try their hand at playing their father’s music.  Another reason was that Capitol Records approached the Nelsons to record a definitive box set of Ricky Nelson songs.  Under the protective wing of Capitol, the Nelsons went on tour to promote the box set and play some of their father’s songs.  The response was so good, the Nelsons decided to put together a high integrity show and thereby Ricky Nelson Remembered was born.

           
The Nelsons will be performing an abridged version of the show during two performances on Mothers Day, May 9th, at the Bluegrass in the Spring Festival at Calico Ghost Town.  The two-day festival is held May 8-9 and will feature, in addition to the Nelsons, an array of Bluegrass bands, an Art of the West Show and family entertainment.

Ricky Nelson was born May 8, 1940 and the performances will have a special meaning to the Nelson brothers.  Ricky Nelson died at the age of 46 in a plane crash in Dekalb, TX on his way to a radio station New Year's Eve sock hop concert.

           
As far as the Nelsons career goes, Matthew says, “We’re just starting, as far as a musician’s life is concerned.  We feel completely blessed to come from where we come from…and to have accomplished so much so young and on our own terms…but with what we’ve currently got up our sleeves for TV, for the stage, and for the airwaves, I promise you this:  you ain’t seen nothin’ yet!”

 

           
Anyone who attends the May 9th Bluegrass in the Spring Festival at Calico Ghost Town will get a glimpse of the superb talents of the Nelsons.  Calico Ghost Town is located on I-15 at the Ghost Town Road exit, ten miles northeast of Barstow.  For additional information visit www.calicotown.com