By CANDACE MIERS

clm049@latech.edu

 

Whiskey will be flowing like a river, with a song to match Oct. 27.

Legendary country music star Willie Nelson will return to Rabb’s Steak House to awaiting fans, performing songs like “Whiskey River.”

Rabb’s is located at 2647 S. Service Road W. in Ruston.

“Willie’s last performance at Rabb’s was such a fun and entertaining show,” Lindsay Watts, a Rabb’s waitress, said.

“He really knows how to put on a great show, and I can’t wait to see what he has in store for Ruston this time.”

Since 2002, Nelson has performed at Rabb’s three times,  Monty Russell, Willie Nelson’s local promoter, said.

 He also said Nelson’s show has brought in fans from all across Louisiana and grabbing people even as far away as California, Florida, Georgia and Tennessee.

“The fans for [Willie Nelson] are always so great,” Russell said.

“The last time he was here, there was a line formed by noon when the concert didn’t start until late at night.”

To keep the eager enthusiasts lining up, Russell said he is advertising the upcoming concert all across Louisiana, Texas, Mississippi and Arkansas. He said Nelson’s national Web site is also publicizing the performance.

“[At the] last show, there were over 700 out-of-state fans pouring into Ruston,” Russell said.

The influx of admirers had a large impact on Rabb’s and the Ruston community, Watts said.

“Big names like Willie bring lots of people, which means lots of tips for me,” Watts said.

“And that money goes beyond me, it definitely brings revenue to the community because travelers have to have hotels to sleep in, taxi cabs to cart them around and they all have to eat something.”

Russell said he agrees the local economy is positively affected by Nelson’s visits to the area.

He also said, besides the financial system benefit, people should take advantage of such a seasoned performer coming to the area.

“Willie has played at the Winter Olympics, hosts his own Fourth of July picnic and concert every year in Texas and then [comes] to a small place like Ruston,” Russell said. “We should all be honored.”

His annual Fourth of July Picnic has run for 32 years in various cities across Texas, according to http://www.willie

nelson.com.

Information from the Web site also stated that at the picnic Nelson has played with other performers such as Bob Dylan, David Allen Coe and Cross Canadian Ragweed.

Katy Mack Kuntz, a junior early elementary education major, said she and her family are excited Nelson is coming to town.

“My dad is a huge fan, and I like his braids,” she said.

Larry Rabb, owner of Rabb’s, has put in his money, time, effort and reputation on bringing big names like Nelson to his business and should be thanked for his incredible hospitality and investments, Russell said.

He also said it is because of him that fans from all over have the opportunity to see the stars.

He said, “[Willie Nelson] won’t be around forever so people should take advantage while he is still touring with such excitement.