I Am, He Said: Matt Vee, family, and friends celebrate the music of Neil Diamond

On Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m., the Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts in Brainerd will come alive with the timeless sounds of one of the greatest musical icons of our time. Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center is proud to present “I Am, He Said: Matt Vee, Family, and Friends Celebrate the Music of Neil Diamond.”

“We are saying what HE said,” laughs Matt Vee, referencing the legendary Neil Diamond. Alongside cousins Jeff and Tommy Vee, the sons of rock ‘n’ roll icon Bobby Vee, Matt brings a high-energy tribute to the stage with The Killer Vees. Featuring Diamond’s greatest hits like “Cracklin’ Rosie,” “America,” and “Sweet Caroline,” this show promises to deliver a night of unforgettable music.

The Killer Vees are no strangers to the music scene. Jeff and Tommy Vee have spent nearly 40 years performing alongside a who’s who of rock royalty, including legends like Paul McCartney, Chuck Berry, and Jerry Lee Lewis. Joining them on stage will be Matt Vee’s wife, Julie Velline, on vocals; Tommy’s son, Bennett Vee, on lead guitar; and an all-star lineup of musicians, including George Maurer on keyboards, Dennis Kennedy on percussion, and Richard Manik on saxophone, flute and vocals. Together, they bring Diamond’s music to life, celebrating his decades-spanning career.

“This is not a tribute show,” emphasizes Tommy Vee. “This is a celebration of an amazing musical icon, one we all love and respect. We’ve been fans since grade school, and now we get to celebrate his music in a way that’s authentic and exciting. It’s all about the vocals, and Matt nails it. It’s a rockin’ show!”

Neil Diamond, a songwriting legend who began his career in the mid-1960s at Tin Pan Alley, penned songs recorded by artists as diverse as Elvis Presley, Deep Purple, and The Monkees (“I’m A Believer”). With over 100 million records sold worldwide, his music has touched generations and continues to inspire.

The show will feature local talent from The Legacy Chorale of Greater Minnesota. Over twenty members of the Legacy Chorale will join the Vees onstage for select songs. “The Legacy Chorale members embody the ample artistic talent in our community,” said Joey Yow, Director of the CLC Performing Arts Center. “I’m thrilled that Artistic Director Mike Smith and Managing Director Kennedy Niska, along with the talented chorale members, can join us for this special event.” This collaboration marks a unique moment, blending the powerful voices of local singers with the Killer Vees’ energetic tribute to Neil Diamond’s iconic music.

Event Details:

• What: “I Am, He Said: Matt Vee, Family, and Friends Celebrate the Music of Neil Diamond”
• When: Friday, November 15 at 7 p.m.
• Where: Gichi-ziibi Center for the Arts, Brainerd, MN
• Tickets: www.clcperformingarts.com or 218-855-8199

For more information, visit www.clcperformingarts.com or contact the Central Lakes College Performing Arts Center.