Blinn Performing Arts Series opens Thursday, Oct. 8, with ‘Ricky Nelson Remembered’

Matthew and Gunnar Nelson celebrate their father’s legendary career through music, stories, and archival footage

October 2, 2026

The Blinn College District will open its 2026-27 Performing Arts Series with a musical celebration of Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ricky Nelson when twin brothers Matthew and Gunnar Nelson bring “Ricky Nelson Remembered” to the Dr. W.W. O’Donnell Performing Arts Center on Thursday, Oct. 8.

The performance begins at 7 p.m. at the O’Donnell Center, located at 600 Blinn Blvd. on the Blinn College-Brenham Campus. A pre-show reception will begin at 5:30 p.m.

“Ricky Nelson Remembered” is an interactive, multimedia rock ’n’ roll concert experience that combines live music, personal stories, family memories, and archival footage to celebrate one of the most influential artists of early rock ’n’ roll.

Ricky Nelson rose to national fame alongside his family on the television series “The Adventures of Ozzie & Harriet” before becoming one of America’s first teen idols and a pioneering rock ’n’ roll performer. Over the course of his career, he sold more than 140 million recordings and recorded a string of enduring hits.

His musical legacy lives on through Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, multi-platinum recording artists and the brothers behind the band Nelson. As seventh-generation entertainers, they offer audiences a uniquely personal perspective on their father’s life, music, and place in American popular culture.

The show features Ricky Nelson classics, including “Poor Little Fool,” “Hello Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man,” “I’m Walking,” and “Garden Party,” along with Matthew and Gunnar’s own chart-topping hits “Love and Affection” and “After the Rain.”

Through live performance and storytelling, the brothers share the memories behind the music while celebrating songs that have connected with audiences for generations.

Individual tickets are $40 and are available at www.blinn.edu/boxoffice or by calling 979-830-4024.

Patrons also can purchase tickets to the 5:30 p.m. pre-show reception for $15. Season reception packages, which include admission to the receptions before all four Performing Arts Series performances, are available for $40.

Season tickets for all four performances are $140. Following “Ricky Nelson Remembered,” the 2026-27 Performing Arts Series continues with “The Sharpe Family Singers” on Nov. 19, “Uptown: A Celebration of Motown and Soul” on Feb. 4, and “The Dolly Show” on April 1.

For tickets and additional information about the Performing Arts Series, visit www.blinn.edu/boxoffice or call 979-830-4024.

About the Blinn College District

With innovative programs and award-winning co-enrollment partnerships, Blinn’s academic transfer rate ranks No. 1 among Texas community colleges. For more information, visit www.blinn.edu.