By Catherine Ellerton

Moapa Valley Progress

Several generations of music making appeared together on the stage at the Ron Dalley Theater last week at the Nelson Family Heritage concert. Photo by Catherine Ellerton.

The Nelson Family Heritage concert held on January 23 at the Ron Dalley Theatre proved to be one of those evenings of music that you come away from smiling and discussing. The members of this family not only take up an instrument each, but most of them have mastered several: guitars, violins, pianos, recorders, mandolin, and voice. And let us not forget the harmonica. One small – very small – cowboy with a white hat and a stompin’ foot proved that this instrument could be very entertaining.

The evening started with dance music of the 1920s and 1930s danced to by Gary & Kay Batchelor and Bevan & Kathy Dalley.

Gaye Nelson, Judy Tanner, Susan Whipple and Connie Whitney proved that the majesty and grandeur of a march (this evening the Military March by Franz Schubert) could be delivered not by heavy hands, but by light hands in perfect synchronization with each other.

The family members proved their talent extended to the vocal as well as they presented a lovely selection “A Lad and A Lass” arranged by Mulholland. Jill Greig, Gaye Nelson, Susan Whipple, Connie and Bruce Whitney offered the vocals and Kristi Dalley accompanied on the violin while Sherrie Whitney held up her end on the piano.

When I talk about the following instrument I always envision ‘James Bond’ and say “plucked not struck.” The harpsichord has found it’s way into the Valley and displays its purity and versatility in Byrde’s “Pavana, The Earle of Salisbury” as played by Gaye Nelson and with its inclusion in the Allegro portion of the Quartet in D Minor by Telemann as played by Kristi Dalley and Jill Greig on Violin, Gaye Nelson on the Alto Recorder and Connie Whitney on the Harpsichord.

Next on the menu was the “Praeludium and Allegro” by Fritz Kreisler. I have to say my first thought was “Good grief! They are either brave, talented or crazy!” Jill Greig on the violin and Gaye Nelson accompanying proved that they were brave and talented. They nailed it!

Jill then continued on the guitar and vocally with a pair lovely and contemplative selections she wrote – “Fairytale” and “Faith.”

To prove that this group can swing into Blue Grass at the drop of a “Hee Haw,” Jack and Dustin Nelson joined the ladies. To end this delightful concert the whole family took to the stage and encouraged the audience to join them in singing “Country Roads” as arranged by Jill Gallina.

This evening of music cannot be ended however without recognizing that through the partnership of Dr. larry Moses (principal of MV High School at that time) and Gaye Nelson (a teacher in same) that the auditorium received its first grand piano and the MV Performing Arts Council had its beginning.

It only seems appropriate that a special thank you should be extended to Connie Whitney for her love of, and dedication to, music and her willingness to share it with her family and her Valley.