When it rains, it pours, but at Skullbone Music Park, the show goes on “rain or shine.”

Last night, Willie Nelson and the Great Divide Tour was certainly no exception, bringing in roughly 1,400 fans. Will David Coleman, a junior Political Science major from Union City, described the concert as “a private barn party with Willie Nelson.”

Trent Summar got the party started with music from his lastest album, Trent Summar and The New Row Mob, which is rooted in the country-rock tradition.

Fans, ranging from teenagers to senior citizens, went crazy when Nelson hit the stage. UTM students and alumni were among fans, boogeying down to such songs as Georgia on My Mind, I’ll Fly Away, On the Road Again, You Were Always on My Mind, Move it on Over, Blue Skies and songs from his new album, The Great Divide.

“If I die tomorrow, I will die happy and at peace because I have now heard some true country music,” said Laney Rogers, a senior Education major from Union City.

Nelson, a black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a martial art that thrives on balance, also balances his career with a little vocal variety. He sings country, pop, blues, movie soundtracks, jazz, gospel, Amercian songbook standards, rock and roll, western swing and talks of releasing a reggae album in the future.

At age 68, Nelson shows no signs of stopping any time soon.

When asked about retiring, he has said, “All I do is play music and golf. Which one am I supposed to give up?”

Skullbone Music Park offers UTM students a place to go and get away.

“After having this much fun, I plan to attend every Skullbone concert,” said Whitney Harris, a senior Education major from Union City.

Skullbone Music Park is located about 30 minutes from the UTM campus. When it comes to great entertainment, there is “no need to go to the city anymore.” The concerts are truly right at the university’s back door.

For a schedule of upcoming concerts, visit the Skullbone Music Park Web site at www.skullbonepark.com.