Nelly's raps may not be welcome in Branson, but the welcome mat may be laid out for the St. Louis artist at tonight's concert at Kiener Plaza downtown.

The concert is in support of the city's bid to host the Democratic party's 2012 presidential nominating convention, and representatives of the Democratic National Committee will attend.

Music legend Chuck Berry is already confirmed to perform tonight, but fresh buzz has folks thinking Nelly is performing as well.

A not-so-subtle Twitter feed from Mayor Francis Slay yesterday said "the unannounced guest for the Chuck Berry concert has never played in Branson."

This looks to directly reference this week's news that Branson city officials have said no-go for Nelly to perform an outdoor concert in Branson next month.

The Nelly concert in Branson would've been part of the reopening of the Grand Palace there. Concerns over parking, crowd control and noise were mentioned.

The timing is perfect for a Nelly appearance, all in the name of good old-fashioned promotion, which Nelly knows all about. His new single, "Tippin' in the Club," debuted on radio and online this week, and previews his September album "Nelly 5.0."

Last weekend, Nelly brought his 10th anniversary party tour to Home nightclub inside the Ameristar Casino.

Officials for Nelly have not confirmed the rapper is on the bill with Berry tonight.

Free tickets to the concert at 8:30 tonight are available at the website for St. Louis' Democratic National Convention host committee, stl2012.org. Priority is given to those who commit to be volunteers for the convention if it is held in St. Louis.