The O-town Scene - Oneonta, NY
Issue link: https://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/28554
Nelson delivers nostalgia It was a blast from the past for many in the audience Sunday night at the Oneonta Theatre when Matthew and Gunnar Nelson took the stage for “Ricky Nelson Remem- bered.” The twin sons brought back to life Tammy Doyle Matthew and Gunnar Nelson performed their dad’s hits in the “Ricky Nelson Remembered” show at the Oneonta Theatre on March 27. Group makes classical accessible America’s Dream Chamber Artists are showing that chamber music is not just for aristocrats nodding to a string quartet in an elegant salon, but for all. The group performed at the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta on March 25 in a show sponsored by the Oneonta Concert Association. America’s Dream is not stuffy. First, there’s the look _ no tuxedos or black gowns, but jeans, a trendy shirt and casual black for the men; colorful dresses accented by funky jewelry for the women. Contributed America’s Dream Chamber Artists performed at the First United Methodist Church in Oneonta on March 25. The musicians established a personal relationship with the audience, introducing themselves by saying their hometowns and history with the group and what they like about the pieces they will perform. “Listen for the part where I try to sound like a whistle,” said flutist Eveline Kuhn. They are superb young artists who have appeared in major concert halls throughout the world. In Oneonta, they played a chamber music favorite, Schubert’s “Trout” Quintet for Piano and Strings, and two pieces seldom heard: Beethoven’s Trio in D Major for violin, viola and cello and Heitor Villa-Lobos’ Assobio a Játo (The Jet Whistle) for flute and cello. They performed with precision, expression, clarity, balance and beauty, watching each other intently, mesmerizing the audience and showcasing especially the artistry of Timothy Fain (violin), Eveline Kuhn (flute) and Heather Conner (piano). Needless to say, the audience was on its feet and cheering. America’s Dream Chamber Artists are not the only young musicians making classical music of all kinds accessible to everyone. The OCA will bring another group, the Imani Winds, to the area for a performance April 15 at the First United Methodist Church. _ Thomas Beattie the sounds and stories of their father, dubbed the original teen idol, who died in a plane crash Dec. 31, 1985. They did some amazing two-part harmonies of their dad’s biggest hits, including “Hello Mary Lou,” “Garden Party,” “Poor Little Fool” and “Lone- some Town.” Their voices did not waver or break, which is sometimes the case with live performance. I may not know a lot about playing guitar, but Gunnar wailed on his throughout the night. Sprinkled throughout the show were clips and interviews on a large projection screen filling most the back of the stage. These included musicians such as Paul McCartney and John Fogerty paying homage to Nelson’s legacy and influ- ence and clips of Ricky from “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet,” which haven’t been aired since their original broadcasts. While some musicians play gigs for the paycheck or the fame and fawning fans, the brothers Nelson said they’ve been doing the tribute to their dad because he was their best friend who died too young. It was easy to see and hear this through their passionate perfor- mance. They had some amazing stories to tell of growing up in a celebrity fam- ily, which they told with humor and charm that would make their dad proud. While growing up in Los An- geles in the 1960s and 1970s, they had “Uncle George,” Beatle George Harrison, for a neighbor, Bob Dylan knocking on the door to jam and write with their father and Mama Cass Elliot of the Mammas and the Papas for a baby sitter. I’ve loved Nelson since my early years, and I was not disappointed Sunday. They did play one of their own big hits, “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection,” and, yes, I had an urge to squeal like a small child. But control prevailed. Although no lon- ger sporting long, bleached blond hair and tight leather pants, the guys sounded as good, if not better, than I remember them on their CDs. _ Adrienne Wise Come Alive Radio shows raw talent The problem many bands face starting out in the music business is how to stand out from the rest. Come Alive Radio does it with with raw talent, which was on display at the General Clinton Pub on March 26. Come Alive Radio consists of Matt Wahl on guitar, vocals and harmonica; Steve Sobers on bass and vocals; and Albert O’Brien on drums. This trio played to an inti- mate, but enthusiastic crowd Saturday, and Contributed Steve Sobers and Matt Wahl of Come Alive Radio. The group performed at the General Clinton Pub on March 26. demonstrated what deep-seated talent is all about. They mixed in a spirited version of Neil Young’s “Rockin’ in the Free World” with their original songs, which showcased the seamless harmony between Wahl and Sobers, who traded off of solos while backed by O’Brien’s driving beat. The three created a wall of sound that is hard not to be taken away by, especially with “Coming Down,” “Heartfelt Sleeves” and “In A Way,” which are available to listen to on the band’s reverbnation site. This was not a performance that relied on lights, smoke and mirrors to convey its message _ just the talent of three capable musicians. The group will play at the CD release party of Really Old Airplanes at the Oneonta Theatre on Saturday. _ Jim McElroy March 31, 2011 O-Town Scene 15