Community Already Busy Preparing For Cornfield Concert

Art Tanderup of Neligh

Although having a concert on his land has been in the works for months, Monday's big announcement hasn't sunk in for Art  Tanderup.

"I keep doing this," he said grinning ear to ear as he pinched his arm. "Is this real?"

Tanderup and Bold Nebraska's Jane Kleeb were in Neligh on Wednesday meeting with officials from the Neligh Chamber of Commerce, City of Neligh and Antelope County.

Although six weeks away, the concert is already making an impact for local officials who are assisting with the logistics of having up to 10,000 people in town. The Neligh Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development office are spearheading local business participation during the event.

"This presents a huge economic opportunity for the City of Neligh and the area. We are currently working with several local businesses to fully capitalize on this event and have a local presence," Ptacek said.

Tickets went on sale Wednesday morning for the concert, which is a fundraiser for Bold Nebraska, the Indigenous Environmental Network and the Cowboy & Indian Alliance. Also performing will be Willie's son, Lukas Nelson; Native American hip-hop artist Frank Waln; and the “Stopping the Pipeline Rocks All-Stars.

"We got our six tickets today, and I think it's amazing," said Traci Werkmeister of Neligh. "It's unbelievable they'll be just a few miles away from town. It's pretty astounding they're going to be right here."

Kleeb said Monday following the announcement that Neligh residents would be guaranteed a ticket should they want to purchase one. Tickets are $50 each. 

She said a maximum of 10,000 tickets will be sold, but they are planning on 3,000-5,000 attending. Most of the parking will be on site, Tanderup said. 

Not many of the out-of-towners will be staying in Neligh, though. All of the motel rooms are full and few camping spots remain, Ptacek said.

Tanderup said members of the Ponca Tribe will be on hand at the concert and will make a presentation to Nelson and Young at the concert.

Tanderup's land is not only on the pipeline route, but it is also along the Trail of Tears. Neligh is well known as the burial place for White Buffalo Girl, the daughter of Black Elk and Moon Hawk of the Ponca Tribe. In 1877 at 18 months old, White Buffalo Girl died on the trail near Neligh and residents have taken care of her at Laurel Hill Cemetery ever since.

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