This coming Friday and Saturday, Gregg Inhofer and Billy Peterson will be joining Glenn Swanson for a very special weekend of Cookin' at the O. Though Peterson has been a staple at the Oldenburg House for years now, this is the first time Inhofer has joined him in an event that will serve as prologue for the upcoming week of Dylan Fest.An American singer-songwriter, pianist, and vocalist, Gregg Inhofer's music combines a wide variety of influences, including rock, R'n'B, and jazz. He's played a significant role in the Minneapolis music scene throughout his career and is a member of the Minnesota Rock and Country Music Hall of Fame.
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Gregg Inhofer w/ Billy Peterson
on set of Metsa's Wall of Power (2019) |
What's special about this weekend's shows is that Gregg Inhofer and Billy Peterson, who have been performing together since the early Seventies, recorded with Dylan on half the songs on "Blood on the Tracks". (For more about that story, follow the links below.) FWIW, Dylan’s album “Blood on the Tracks”, ranks number 16 on Rolling Stone’s list of the 500 greatest albums of all time. Another special feature about the weekend: Glenn and Gregg worked together decades ago in the band "This Oneness" and for the two of them, this is a long awaited reunion.
I first met Gregg at a special event in the studio of Paul Metsa's Wall of Power. The six Minnesota musicians who contributed to Bob Dylan's 1975 double Platinum Blood on the Tracks were gathered together to celebrate the release of Bootleg 14: More Blood, More Tracks. (Two were present via media connections.) It was an exceedingly moving event, because their contributions to the original album had not yet been publicly recognized. Thus, this was a vindication of sorts, in addition to being a reunion.
IF YOU'VE NEVER BEEN to the Oldenburg House for their A++ jazz events, you really owe it to yourself to learn more about this historic Carlton hideaway. The shows include first class cuisine by Chef Paul Sapyta of Room at the Table.
In addition to the 8-day week of events assembled for Duluth Dylan Fest 2025, I have to quickly mention that the Alhambra Theater, adjacent to the West Theatre, is having it Grand Opening this weekend. There will be magicians, musicians and more. (For the record, Dylan was a big fan of Harry Houdini. On one occasion he was asked what event he would like to see if he could go back in time. He purportedly said that he would like to have been there when Harry Houdini was chained, trussed and locked in a box that was thrust into the East River.)
So, on Tuesday May 20 at 8:00 pm at the Alhambra, Paul Metsa and friends are inviting you to share a Salute to Bob Dylan Concert and Conversation. This intimate setting will include special guest Gregg Inhofer and Metsa's superbly talented harmonicat sidekick, Sonny Earl. Doors open at 6:30, concert kicks off at 8:30. Tickets are $18 and $23 based on seating: https://readertix.com/events/paul-metsa-friends-do-dylan
About the Alhambra
The Vision for the Alhambra
New chapter for Historic Duluth Theater
About Paul Metsa's 2019 BOTT Reunion Celebration
Inside the Studio: Still More Blood and Tracks as Paul Metsa's Wall of Power Features MN Music Luminaries
When I first met Gregg in 2019 he shared these personal observations from his experience in 1974 recording with Dylan. “I was working for Kevin (Odegard), Billy Peterson and Bill Berg (drummer). They needed a studio keyboard player. First impression: 'Cool' He (Dylan) had my respect. I wasn’t a fan like the other guys. I was studying jazz/rock fusion. Dylan’s tunes were technically simple."
When I asked about not being mentioned on liner notes he replied, “I take my own 50% responsibility. I should’ve called David (Zimmerman). I was naïve about business and didn’t follow up.”
The week ahead will be loaded with memorable moments. If able, you may want to be part of them.
SPECIAL SHOUT OUTS
Big shout out to Glenn Swanson and Emily Fuerste for the richness and life they've brought to their community. Shine on!
Another big shout out to Bob Boone and all the volunteers and financial contributors who sacrificed so much to bring the Alhambra back to life for a new generation.
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