Candi’s Catch Up: The Nelons In Concert

            The Blue Ridge Mountains were recently filled with the melodious sounds of one of Southern Gospel’s most talented families! The Nelons were guests of Crossroads Baptist Church in Fishersville, Virginia. After an introduction from Melody Vaughn of Joy FM’s Morning Joy Ride, The Nelons took the stage with Jason, Kelly, Amber and Autumn.

Getting the crowd engaged right from the start, The Nelons opened with a Gaither classic, “I Don’t Want to Get Adjusted” and then went right into “We Shall Wear A Crown”. The classics continued with “And I Know, Yes I Know”.

   The Nelon’s most requested song was performed next, bringing everyone into a spirit of worship. Kelly Nelon has sung, “O For a Thousand Tongues To Sing” for many years, yet it always moves the heart.

Kelly Nelon is the daughter of the quintessential Gospel icon, the late Rex Nelon. Rex brought Southern Gospel into the hearts of thousands. As Kelly shared her heart regarding the legacy that Rex brought, his granddaughter, Autumn, stepped to the microphone to sing a song dedicated to his memory, “Grandpa, Tell Me ‘Bout the Good Ole Days.” Autumn has become quite an accomplished mandolin player which she played while Jason Clark backed her on an acoustic guitar. The music world needs to take notice; this young lady is the real deal. Her vocal range is wide and strong. It is refreshing to watch her as she is standing on the threshold of breaking wide open.

Fresh out of the studio is the Nelons’ latest project, “Hymns, The A Capella Sessions”. The Nelons’ tight family harmony was best demonstrated in Jason’s arrangement of “The Hallelujah Chorus”. With precise vocal artistry, they raised the roof to this precious song for the ages.

  The award winning music video featuring Jason, “Excuse Me, Are you Jesus?” was performed while telling the story of a man hurrying through an airport when he disrupts an apple cart vendor operated by a visually impaired woman. The anxious passenger misses his gate call in order to restore the cart. There is great imagery in the video of how God restores our dismantled lives.

The next set began with “He’s More Than Wonderful” which featured the Nelons’ special four-part harmony. Joining the Nelons on stage was Crossroads’ Pastor who joined in with, “We’re Going Home To Jesus”. The entire house was standing and clapping to this crowd favorite.

The group also sang, “Keep On the Firing Line,” performed to Jason’s arrangement using only vocals and including a chorus of “Onward Christian Soldier”.   With a twist on vocals and the powerful voices of each Nelon, this song featured multiple key changes, which they performed with amazing accuracy.

Several years ago, Jason penned an arrangement especially for a very young Autumn. Even as a senior in high school, Autumn delivered “I Choose To Live” with complete confidence. This young Nelon is rising with a style unique to her own talents.

The program varied in a way that kept the audience entertained. Jason, Autumn and Amber began bringing the evening to a focus on salvation with “Blessed Assurance”. Kelly took over with “Settled At the Cross”. Amber, with perhaps the purest vocals in music today, then took center stage with “I Stand Amazed In the Presence”. Jason contributed on the acoustic guitar as Amber joined in with her mandolin. The group concluded their concert with an emphasis on prayer.

After loading the bus following the concert, the Nelons shared a meal at a nearby restaurant. Somehow Jason got word that the woman taking payment for the meal was disappointed that she was unable to attend the concert due to her work schedule. Always ready to minister, the Nelons sang a song of encouragement for her benefit and to the thrill of the entire crowd gathered around.

Always prepared to share their faith anytime, and anywhere, the Nelons touched many on this night in Virginia! Check out their itinerary and enjoy a live concert by visiting http://kellynelon.com/ .