Some people think that our Hawaiian president just isn’t American enough. On the other hand, Hawaii is where one of the most iconic of Americans spends most of his time. Willie Nelson has been a rebel from day one, and, in fact, traces his ancestry all the way back to a major in the American Revolution. He’s written songs such as “Crazy” and “On the Road Again” that are indelibly burned into the American cultural consciousness, starred in a score of movies and TV shows, and even, purportedly, puffed a little Mary Jane on the roof of Jimmy Carter’s White House.

Whatever’s truth or legend, Willie’s been no stranger to controversy over the years. He’s been on record multiple times speaking out for marijuana legalization, has been a co-litigant in a suit brought by (then presidential candidate) Dennis Kucinich against the Texas Democratic Party, voiced opinions that the World Trade Center towers were brought down by professional demolition, and had to live by the grace of friends for a time when he ended up nearly $17 million in debt to the I.R.S.

The man is also a bona fide country music legend, thanks to his songwriting career, his solo recording efforts and his extensive collaborating with everyone from contemporaries like Waylon Jennings and Kris Kristofferson to oddball pairings with Snoop Dogg and Sinead O’Connor. Much hoopla has been in effect since the recent chopping off of his trademark waist-length braids, but with or without those horsetail accessories, Willie’s vegetable oil-powered bus will roll into the Valley this summer promoting peace, love, music—and biodiesel.

Aug. 8, 7 p.m., $35-75, Mountain Park (Mt. Tom), Route 5, Holyoke, (413) 586-8686, www.iheg.com.