With the perfectly-blended harmonies only siblings can deliver, Derik Nelson and Family will bring their jazz and folk-infused interpretations of original and cover songs to the Bankhead Theater on Friday evening, August 4, 2017.  Derik, who had a recurring role as the lead guitarist on the television show “Glee,” Riana and Dalten combine their signature sound with impressive video displays in a visual and musical journey that appeals to all ages. Their fresh three-part-harmony arrangements are as well suited to jazz standards from the 40s and 50s and pop/rock hits of the 60s and 70s, as they are to the chart-topping hits of today.

Tickets for the family-friendly show are just $30 each with $16 tickets for students and active military personnel. In the week prior to the concert, Derik Nelson and Family are offering a music intensive at the Bankhead for students from middle school through high school and beyond, that will cover singing, songwriting, and performance skills.

Presenting both a full-scale concert for audiences of all ages and a workshop for students aligns with the Nelson’s personal priorities as musicians and entertainers.  Raised in the Pacific Northwest, the three siblings attended public schools and, as Riana says, are passionate about giving back so others can have the same opportunities they had to experience choir, band and theater classes. They have raised money for school music programs throughout the West Coast.

The Nelsons grew up singing together. Derik, the oldest, began performing at the age of seven and over the next decade appeared in over 60 productions. At the age of 14, he had already learned to play saxophone, guitar and piano and was composing his own songs. Derik was awarded the Brian Wilson Music Scholarship for songwriting and, by the time he graduated from the University of Southern California in 2010, had engineered and produced five full-length original albums of music. While earning his degree, he also worked closely with USC’s music faculty and was instrumental in shaping the curriculum for their Popular Music program, the first of its kind in the country. In addition to his role on “Glee,” Derik has written songs and sung for such television shows as “Raising Hope,” “How I Met Your Mother,” and “The Voice.”

Riana graduated from University of Michigan in musical theater, where she co-directed the co-ed a cappella group “Amazin’ Blue.” She has appeared on screen in “Cinnamon Girl” and “Glee,” and has been a lead vocalist for Princess Cruises. Dalten has appeared in theater productions since the age of four. In addition to performing, he has extensive background in video concept, design, filming and editing. His skills help the trio deliver an immersive concert experience with pristine sound, a state-of-the-art light show and integrated video displays.

The week-long music intensive with Derik Nelson and Family runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., July 31 to August 4, 2017. Students with a strong interest, talent and passion for music will have the opportunity to take their skills to the next level. The week will include a mix of demonstra­tion, small group work, and one-on-one coaching in songwriting and vocal techniques, stage performance, harmonizing, collaboration, composition and more. Students will write a song and perform it in a showcase for family and friends on the final day. Playing a musical instrument is not required, say the Nelsons, just “a willingness to collaborate, write lyrics, think outside the box, and improve and challenge themselves during the week.” The music program, underwritten in part by the Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center’s Education Fund, costs $300 per student. A limited number of scholarships are available. For registration contact Education Program Manager Kiran Guleria at 925-583-2312.

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The Livermore Valley Performing Arts Center offers wide-ranging programs that provide access to the arts for the Tri-Valley community and beyond. The Bankhead Theater, which houses the Livermore Visitor’s Center and Gallery, together with the Bothwell Arts Center, are home to nine resident performing arts companies and over 40 studio artists and cultural arts instructors. The Bankhead Theater ticket office at 2400 First Street in Livermore is open Tuesday through Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. On performance days the ticket office is open from two hours before to 30 minutes after the scheduled start of each show.  Tickets are also available by calling (925) 373-6800, or online at www.lvpac.org

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Event: Derik Nelson and Family in Concert
Date/Time: Friday, August 4, 2017 at 8:00 p.m.
Venue: Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street, Livermore
Cost: All seats $30 regular, $16 for students and active military
Tickets: Visit lvpac.org or call the box office at 925-383-6800

Workshop: Derik Nelson and Family
Date/Time: Monday, July 31 to Friday, August 4, 2017, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Venue: Bankhead Theater, 2400 First Street Livermore
Cost: $300 for grades 6-12
Register: Online at lvpac.org/education
Information: Call Kiran Guleria at 925-583-2312