Galaxy Series includes Rob Corddry, Nelsons

Gunnar and Matthew Nelson, the twins who comprised the hit band Nelson, will open the series with a concert Sept. 15, and Rob Corddry, who became a celebrity as a correspondent on Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart,” will be the first performance of the spring semester, Jan. 24.

Corddry, who has become a household name among comedy fans, departed “The Daily Show” in 2007, but has appeared on the program numerous times since then. His other projects include a starring role in the movie “Hot Tub Time Machine.” Most recently, he plays the part of Dr. Blake Downs on the award-winning “Childrens Hospital,” a satirical television and web series based on the medical drama genre.

The Nelsons will perform “Ricky Nelson Remembered,” a tribute to their father who had a string of hits in the 1960s and 1970s before his life tragically ended in a 1985 airplane crash. The elder Nelson’s string of 19 top 10 hits include “Hello, Mary Lou,” “Travelin’ Man” and “Garden Party.” The Nelson twins also gained acclaim on the rock charts, including their 1990 No. 1 hit, “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love and Affection.”

Shellie Johns, CSC’s coordinator of conferencing who leads the Galaxy Series committee, said this year’s events will reach even beyond the likings of those who enjoy the Nelsons and Corddry.

“We have a lot of incredible talent coming to CSC for the Galaxy Series in the coming months, and hope that people from throughout the region will join our students and employees in enjoying some great entertainment,” Johns said.

Galaxy Series organizers expect audience members to “laugh their antlers off” during a musical comedy appropriately scheduled for Nov. 8, four days before the Nebraska firearm deer season opens. “Deer Camp” tells the tales of four men who have enjoyed years of gathering for deer hunting, but “between the beer and the bull” haven’t even fired a shot. The annual camp’s existence becomes threatened by the hunters’ unhappy wives, and the campers are given the ultimatum to either bag a deer or end their get-togethers.

Music connoisseurs also will be entertained by a pair of concerts in the series. The Turtle Island Quartet will perform Oct. 18 and the United States Navy Band Sea Chanters will close the series March 20.

The Turtle Island Quartet, which was formed in 1985, prides itself on the creation of bold new chamber music for strings. The quartet, which won Grammys in 2006 and 2008 for Best Classical Crossover Album, has ventured through forays into folk, bluegrass, swing, be-bop, funk, rhythm and blues, new age, rock, hip-hop, as well as music of Latin America and India.

The Navy Band Sea Chanters serve as the United States Navy’s official chorus. The ensemble performs a variety of music ranging from traditional choral music, including sea chanteys and patriotic fare, to opera, Broadway and contemporary music.

All of this year’s Galaxy Series events will be in the Memorial Hall Auditorium. Advance tickets may be reserved by contacting the CSC box office at 308-432-6207 or boxoffice@wxzjnt.com. If available, tickets may be purchased at the door prior to the event.

--Justin Haag, CSC Information Services

Galaxy Series Schedule

Ricky Nelson Remembered, Sept .15, 7 p.m.

Turtle Island Quartet, Oct. 18, 7 p.m.

Deer Camp, Nov. 8, 7 p.m.

Rob Corddry, Jan. 24, 7 p.m.

United States Navy Band Sea Chanters, March 20, 7:30 p.m.