Branson Vs. Nelly

Paul Dunn, GM of Grand Palace and chief of KrisEmi-Odge Productions, requested a special event permit to present the Aug. 21 concert in the parking lot outside the Grand Palace, as the venue continues undergoing renovations.

“It’s important to Branson to get a spark. In the economic situation the world is in right now, people will pay for great entertainment,” Dunn told a local television station July 4. “We are going to modernize our entertainment here. Branson has the best shows, but we are going to bring entertainers that are hot now, everywhere, even worldwide.”

However, when Dunn presented his case to local aldermen during a meeting, city planning director Jim Lawson raised several concerns regarding parking, crowd control and noise, according to the Springfield News-Leader.

“It’s the wrong place for this event,” alderman Mike Booth added.

Branson spokesman Jerry Adams said in a statement following the meeting that the architect overseeing the Grand Palace renovations removed himself from the project and the city posted a stop work order on the venue.

The news could throw a wrench into things for Dunn, who reportedly considered moving the concert inside.

But it appears the promoter may pursue at least one more avenue to see the show to fruition – by going to court.

Attorney Anissa Bluebaum is representing the promoter and told the local Ozarks First website they submitted all required documentation and plan to appeal to the circuit court to get approval for the outdoor Nelly performance.

“There was absolutely no lawful reason why the permit was denied,” she said.

Click here to read the complete Springfield News-Leader article and here for the Ozarks First website.