Merle at Mystic Lake

Star Tribune photo by Rene Jones Schneider

Their voices may be craggier than ever. They don't have the stamina they used to. Indeed, quite honestly, they are a few years past their prime. But a double bill of Merle Haggard and Kris Kristofferson, two of the greatest singing songwriters in the history of country music, is not be missed. They will team up on Feb. 27 at Mystic Lake Casino. Tickets, priced at $49 and $69, will go on sale Dec. 4. Both legends impressed in their recent Twin Cities performances. Kristofferson, now 74, may have forgotten a few too many lyrics at the Pantages in April 2009 but he was a powerful presence and a superb storyteller. The 73-year-old Haggard's Mystic Lake performance in July 2008 was short but enrichingly soulful. And he issued a strong album this year, "I Am What I Am.' Kristofferson triumphed as well with 2009's "Closer to the Bone," produced by Don Was.

Kris Kristofferson

Associated Press