Tentative Duluth Dylan Fest Schedule Announced. Mark Your Calendars.

I once saw an article that featured a bucket list of places rock fans should try to visit before they depart for greener pastures. I can't recall all from that list, though if you Google such things you'll find a number of websites with lists of various lengths. The Buddy Holly Museum in Lubbock was probably on the list. The Rock 'N Roll Hall of Fame was on that list. Jimi Hendrix and Les Paul sites were noted as well as Sun Records, no doubt. Graceland, probably a given.

What I also recall is the absence of Bob Dylan's Northland homes or, significantly, the Historic Duluth Armory where young Bobby Zimmerman and his friend Louis Kemp went to see Buddy Holly and the Winter Dance Party 60 years ago.

For folks on the Coasts, Minnesota is flyover country. But for people who know their Dylanology, Minnesota, especially here in the Northland, is the cultural soil that nourished his songs, politics and prophetic voice. According to David Pichaske, author of Song of the North Country, Dylan's Minnesota roots "offer an important framework" for considering Dylan's work.

For what it's worth, Duluth itself is a beautiful part of the world. Outside Magazine cited it as the Best Town In America for its natural beauty and year-round accessibility to all varieties of outdoor activities. I mention this only to say that if you have Bob Dylan's boyhood homes on your bucket list, you ought not just park out front and snap a few photos. Take you time. Stay a while.

I know that there are Dylan celebrations in a variety of places around the world. Duluth has released its tentative schedule for Duluth Dylan Fest 2019. Hibbing is also making plans for Bob's birthday as well. You are most welcome should you desire to join us.

TENTATIVE DULUTH DYLAN FEST SCHEDULE
Dates are established, details subject to change.

May 18-26, 2019

Childhood home in Duluth,  second floor.

Saturday, May 18
Opening for the William Pagel Archive at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.  Hours yet to be determined. Exhibit to run through August 1.

Sunday, May 19
Duluth Dylan Fest Kick-off Party at the Cedar Lounge with Cowboy Angel Blue from 5-8 p.m. 

Dylan-themed Pub Trivia at Carmody Irish Pub at 9 p.m.

Monday, May 20
North Country Inspirations Art Show Opening Reception at the Zeitgeist Atrium with live music by Tom O'Keefe & Friends from 5-7:00 p.m.

Dylan Fest Acoustic Jam Session with host Leslie Black at Carmody's Irish Pub
7:00-9:30 p.m.

Tuesday, May 21
Armory Arts and Music Center’s Music Resource Center Youth Open Mic at Amazing Grace from 4-6 p.m.
Live Dylan music by Greg Tiburzi at Sir Ben’s from 6-8 p.m.

Wednesday, May 22
"Visiting Bob: Poems Inspired by the Life and Work of Bob Dylan" Poetry Event
Zeitgeist Teatro Zuccone Theatre from 6:30-8:00 p.m.

Rich Mattson and the North Stars All Dylan at the Cedar Lounge at 8:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 23
Something special is in the works... to be announced Monday April 1. No fooling.

Friday, May 24
Bob Dylan Front Porch Birthday Party at 3 p.m. at the Dylan childhood home with live music and cake.

Dylan Fest Singer Songwriter Contest at Sacred Heart Music Center at 6:30-9:30 p.m.

Basement Tapes Band, Bent Paddle Taproom, 9-11 p.m.

Saturday, May 25
John Bushey Memorial Lecture by David Gaines, author of In Dylan Town, at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. 1:0-3:00 p.m. with book signing by the author.

Bob Dylan Revue Concert at Sacred Heart at 7:00-10:00 p.m. Tickets $10

Sunday, May 26
Farewell Brunch at the Zeitgeist Café with music by Jim Hall from 11AM to 1 p.m.

One of three Bob Dylan Manhole Covers. 

Related Links
Song of the North Country
Bob Dylan Way Home Page
Visit Duluth Home Page
BobLinks.com
How Bob Dylan Influenced The Beatles, The Rolling Stones and The Who