I have a shortlist of legendary musicians whom I must see perform live before they or I shake loose this mortal coil. I lost on Ray Charles and Johnny Cash, but hit the jackpot on Wilson Pickett. Mose Allison, Merle Haggard and George Jones are already safe checkmarks.

Van Morrison has long been at the top of that list. The closest I ever came was when he appeared at the Beale Street Blues Festival ten years ago. I was in Memphis the day before his performance and was traveling with others who wouldn't change their plans.

Van plays in the US seldom these days, and generally sticks to the coasts. I haven't ever known him to play Dallas (at least in the past decade).

So imagine my surprise to see a short stateside jag coming up in March: San Francisco, LA, Grand Prarie, Nashville and Boston.

And legendary venues: Nob Hill Masonic Audiorium, The Wiltern, The Ryman, The Boston Opera House...

...and Nokia Live.

I'm not quite sure how this came to pass, but my guess is that because his new album, his first on the alt-countryish Lost Highway label is, indeed, full of country standards, he decided to drop by Cowtown.

Van is famous for putting on either mind-blowing or lackluster shows, with little in-between. From what I've heard, the dividing line is generally whether or not he's bored, so with this detour in material, we may be in luck. I'm thrilled with that variation, because I love these sorts of departures -- that's why Almost Blue and Kojak Variety are two of my favorite Elvis Costello discs (among many), and I'm in the minority of Van fans who loved The Skiffle Sessions. Besides, one of his trademarks is touring with a world-class backing band, so almost any material will be good.

No matter, I went into hock for two tickets in the center front of the upper deck. If you want to join me, go talk to the scalpers-- it's already a virtual sellout.

Now, if only we could only get Lou Reed to play a show the next time he's in town for one of Laurie Anderson's performance art premieres.