www.stillisstillmoving.com

by:  Braley Dodson

Singer, songwriter and actor Willie Nelson is coming back to the Corn Palace.

It’s believed to be the second-ever Mitchell show for the 80-year-old performer. The concert, set for 7 p.m. Thursday, has sold about 1,850 of 2,500 available tickets. Tickets start at $47.50 and are available at the Corn Palace box office.

Nelson’s previous concert at the Corn Palace, which sold out, occurred during the Corn Palace Festival in 2003.

Nelson has released close to 300 albums. He is an original organizer of Farm Aid, a nonprofit organization committed to assisting family farms. The bandana-wearing star is considered a country music rebel and has performed with artists such as country star Toby Keith and rapper Snoop Dogg. Nelson’s biggest hits include “Crazy,” “On the Road Again” and “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain.”

Schilling said Nelson’s first show at the Corn Palace produced a sellout and a learning experience.

“It made us look at things differently,” Schilling said.

Afterward, modifications were made for future shows. Some of the lasting impacts of the 2003 concert are the use of large screens during festival performances, changes in the handicap seating area and a change in the seating plan that eliminated seats on the floor, added seats in other areas and led to a net loss of about 20 seats.

“Those weren’t good seats, anyway,” Schilling said.

The concert is expected to last more than two hours, while other headliners usually perform for 75-90 minutes. Nelson’s daughter, with the Paula Nelson Band, will open the show.

The concert is part of an effort to bring more acts to the Corn Palace. Schilling said there was a desire for Nelson to perform that, coupled with him touring in the area, birthed the concert. Earlier this week, he played in Iowa, and he is scheduled to perform in Minnesota on Friday and Saturday.

Schilling sees the concert as a chance for those who missed Nelson the first time he performed at the Corn Palace to see him.

“Willie is just one of those legends,” Schilling said. “Look for a great show.”

Thanks to Buddy Prewitt, for sharing this great photo that Kevin Smith took.

Kevin Smith, Albert Besteiro

www.epiphone.com

The best thing to happen to country music since Hank Williams was — and is — no doubt Willie Nelson.  And now Epiphone is along for the ride, too.  

Check out the cool photo of Nelson bassist Kevin Smith and pal Albert Besteiro from Del Castillo with their Epiphone Jack Casady basses!  The best bass ever?  That’s what the pro’s say. From Hot Tuna to Paul McCartney to the Stone Roses, the Epiphone Jack Casady is the axe for the serious bassist.

But if you’re not sure if the rock and roll life is for you, read Willie’s new memoir, Roll Me Up and Smoke Me When I Die, for sage advice on jams, jokes, and (music) joints.