Nelson Twins Honor their Father with Multi-Media Performance

The , aka POW!, will present Ricky Nelson Remembered, featuring Nelson’s identical twin sons, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson.

The duo has been playing to sold-out theaters across the United States, and now it’s Poway’s chance to listen—and be transformed back to the ’60s—on Saturday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m.

“Ricky Nelson Remembered” is a multi-media musical journey of the life and music of teen idol Ricky Nelson, featuring hit songs such as “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man,” “Fools Rush In,” “I Gotta Feeling” and “Garden Party.”

Sold-out audiences have been raving about this heartfelt, energy-packed show, which appeals to multiple generations and celebrates Americana at its best.

This year marks the 25th anniversary of Ricky Nelson’s passing in a tragic New Year’s Eve plane crash. The show includes never-before-seen video footage of the Nelson family and interviews from celebrities influenced by Ricky Nelson.

Not only was Ricky Nelson a Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Famer, but Matthew and Gunnar are also the grandsons of ’50s TV icons Ozzie and Harriet Nelson.

“It was great being Ricky Nelson’s son. Still is!” said Matthew Nelson. “My pop was a really sweet person—a good man.

“I thought it was normal. When I was little, I thought everybody’s dad was a rock star, had famous grandparents on both sides, and all grownups got asked for autographs! I guess the reason I thought it was a common thing was that they were all so down to earth and real. I never saw any ‘star trips’ happening. That always impressed me and I hope I carry on that tradition.”

With their rock band Nelson, Matthew and Gunnar have five Top 40 Billboard hits, four No. 1 MTV videos and have sold more than 6.5 million albums worldwide. When they hit No. 1 for their self-penned mega hit “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love & Affection,” it put the Nelson family in the “Guinness Book of World Records” as the only family in entertainment history with three generations of No. 1 hitmakers.

“With this show, we always play with purpose and make it a special event because this show, this man, this music—this is our legacy,” said Matthew Gunnar. “The songs are the soundtrack of our lives. It’s being a part of something bigger than we are. You will see that every moment when you come to our show.”

Tickets are $40 for adults and $10 for kids (under 18 years of age with the purchase of an adult ticket). For more details, visit powayarts.org or call 858-748-0505.

“The Nelsons are a California family. Every time we play in California it feels like a homecoming,” Matthew said. “We actually grew up in Laguna Beach and remember coming to the San Diego Wild Animal Park to watch our dad play. Gunnar and I (with our band Nelson) played a few sold-out amphitheater shows in San Diego in 1991—we have a lot of fond memories of the area. We will have family in the audience when we come to Poway.”

From music to dance, Poway’s got rhythm. The Academy of World Dance n Arts has a variety of classes with openings available for their co-ed break dance class on Saturdays from noon to 1 p.m. and their youth belly dance class on Sundays from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.

“Our students, families and community come from wonderfully diverse backgrounds,” said Laura DiDonato, studio director. “WDA is proud to offer access to a variety of world dance programs all in one place. 

“We strive to foster a spirit of cultural exploration and acceptance through the avenue of authentic world dance, music, costuming and traditions,” she said. “Whether you’re interested in fun, fitness, performances or competitions, every student enjoys gaining confidence, creativity and a love of authentic cultural dances.”

For more information or to register, call 858-679-8277.

Coming up this Saturday at 7:30 p.m. is a special concert by Josh White, Jr. at the in Encinitas. Presented by a donation by a San Diego Folk Heritage member, the performance is offered at a reduced price of only $10 (typically his concert tickets are around $50). For tickets and more information, call 858-566-4040.