Tentative Schedule for the Northland's 2015 Duluth Dylan Festival

Dylan once sang, "Time passes slowly here in the mountains...." But to be honest, it sure feels like time is flying fast right now. It won't be long till spring is upon us with that special month of May here in Duluth, a city which seems awhirl these days with artists and musicians.

May begins with the vibrant Homegrown Music Festival that last years featured more than 160 local Twin Ports bands. Throughout the year second week of the month features our visual arts scene and this coming May will no doubt be no different. Near month's end, the events of Duluth Dylan Festival unfold, this year its culmination falling on Bob's birthday, May 24.

As things have been taking shape, it may be a good time to get the word out so that you who are coming from afar can make vacation plans. In years past we've had friends and fans from Europe and Asia and Australia make the trek to participate.

Even though Zimmy's has closed and the Hibbing Dylan Days leadership team has disbanded, Hibbing is still an important part of the week's events. Young Robert Zimmerman came of age there.

As a fly on the wall I've enjoyed watching and listening to the preparations for this year's activities. Here's a draft schedule so you can begin to plan your time.

Sunday, May 17
Dylan Pub Trivia @ Carmody Irish Pub 9pm, Free

Monday, May 18
Dylan Memorabilia Room opens @ Tycoons Alehouse, Free
Media event

Tuesday, May 19
Poetry Reading @ The Red Mug Coffee Shop 7 - 9pm, Free

Wednesday, May 20
Dylan Grog Time with Cowboy Angel Blue @ Tycoons Alehouse 5 - 7pm, Free

Bob Dylan Open Mic @ Beaner’s Central Coffee & Concert House
Basement Tapes Band featuring Teague Alexy, Marc Gartman, Sarah Krueger @ Tycoons Alehouse 9pm, Free

Thursday, May 21

Ridin' the rails -- Blood on the Tracks Express

Dylan Grog Time @ Tycoons Alehouse 5 - 7pm, Free

Blood On the Tracks Express (350 people max)
Train ride from Duluth to Two Harbors and back, 7 bands, food & full bar.
Sponsored by Fitger’s Brewhouse, Radisson Duluth, Brown & Forman

Friday, May 22
Dylan Grog Time with Todd Eckart @ Tycoons Alehouse 5 - 7pm, Free
Singer-Songwriter Contest @ Red Herring Lounge 7 - 9pm, Free
Concert @ Tycoons Alehouse

Saturday, May 23
Dylan Bus Tour - Duluth to Hibbing and back, lunch included at Sammy’s Pizza $40 (Estimated 60 seats)

Armory Dylan Concert @ Sacred Heart Music Center
Artist TBA

Sunday, May 24
Bob Dylan Birthday Brunch @ Tycoons Alehouse, 10am - 2pm, Free
Music by Cowboy Angel Blue

* * * *
As activities become more firm you can follow along at the Duluth Dylan Festival Facebook page. A website is also taking form.

In other news, I started a new Pinterest board last night title All Dylan All the Time, featuring some of my art, memorabilia and pictures I will begin gathering from around the net. Check it out.

Meantime, Dylan music goes on all around you. Enjoy it.