Come Along and Ride This Train: Duluth's Historic Depot Offers Glimpse of Another Influence on Bob Dylan

The history of our country is interwoven with the history of the railroad. For a good read about this history you might enjoy Stephen Ambrose's Nothing Like It In the World: The Men Who Built the Transcontinental Railroad 1863-1869.

Before railroads, waterways were a primary means of transportation. This is why cities historically rose up at the edge of bodies of water, and why rivers--the Seine, the Mississippi, the Potomac--are so famous.

On one occasion when Abe Lincoln was a young lawyer, he became involved in a case that involved a railroad bridge over a river. In preparing for the trial it became apparent that someone would have to decide who had the right of way, the boats or the railroads. What Lincoln learned from this experience showed him the future, which is why the Transcontinental Railroad was initiated during Lincoln's first term as president.

My daughter Christina with her husband Joey and my grandson Wally.
Point of Information: All 3 are Dylan fans, including Wally.

The city of Duluth is a prime example of the impact of waterways and trains. By means of the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence Seaway, Duluth became the biggest inland port in the world for a period of its history, due chiefly to the rich natural resources here. During Lincoln's presidency Northern Minnesota was populated by immigrants who were offered free 40 acre plots if they would cultivate and use it.

Until the railroad was completed, the region's growth was but a trickle. Upon getting connected by rail to the Twin Cities of Minneapolis/St. Paul, 3,000 arrived overnight. The people already here used chalk to draw spaces the size of cots on their wooden floors, renting those spaces out to these newcomers seeking a roof over their heads.

This is the "dashboard" of a massive steam engine.

Trains also figured prominently in the transport of iron ore from the Iron Range to the Twin Ports, and to this day run continuously. Duluth's Historic Depot captures much of this history. The Lake Superior Railroad Museum has seven steam, 14 diesel, and two electric locomotives; and more than 40 other pieces of rolling stock, including an enormous snowplow and another giant contraption for keeping the rails cleared.

This aspect of life in the Northland might explain why the words "train" and "trains" appear more than 45 times in Bob Dylan's songs, plus additional references to railroads. Two albums have railroad-themed titles, Slow Train Coming and Blood on the Tracks.

You can walk inside many of these cars and sense the life lived here.

Because railroads were the new highways, they also had "hitchhikers" who rode the rails from place to place looking for work. Hobo camps sprang up where the railroads ran. There were three in Carlton just south of Duluth, and others along the way. Hemingway wrote about these things in some of his Nick Adams stories.

One of the highlights of Duluth Dylan Fest most years has been the Blood on the Tracks Express, a train ride with electric and acoustic acts performing at each end of the train, along with a V.I.P. car. Dylan fans coming from out of town will want to include the Depot and Train Museum on their list of things to see while in town. It's the starting point for Bob Dylan Way.

* * * *

One of the highlights for Dylan fans this year was the release of Bootleg Series #15: Travelin' Through, more than half featuring Dylan making music with his friend and fellow Columbia recording artist Johnny Cash. Dylan and Cash not only shared Nashville connections but also this connection with the common folk who worked in the rail yards and drifters who dreamed of a better life farther down the line, as Johnny Cash sings in Folsom Prison Blues. And it's especially fun to hear Dylan sing Johnny's song on Bootleg 15. "And I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when..."

If you live in the Northland you regularly hear them whistles blow, coming 'round the bend.

Here's a picture of Johnny Cash atop a railroad car in a photo taken for the cover of Orange Blossom Special. Released in 1965 it was Cash's 21st album. This particular page from the Bill Pagel Archives has Bob Dylan's assessment and flamboyant signature.

Trains are a central feature of both the Northland and American history.

Related Links
What's It Like to Live Through a Northern Minnesota Winter?
Historic Architecture: Duluth's Union Depot
Duluth's Major Railroads
Bob Dylan's Train Tracks from his Drawn Blank Series

Throwback Thursday: Blood on the Tracks Express A Highlight of Duluth's Annual Dylan Fest

One of the highlights of Duluth Dylan Fest has been the annual Blood on the Tracks Express which begins at the Depot and rumbles up to Two Harbors with bands performing at both ends of the train. At the far back is the rock'n car and near the front an acoustic car where acts like Gaelynn Lea and Jim Hall have performed in the past. There's also a VIP Car at the very front with its own special amenities.

Most years the BOTT Express sells out, so you will want to order your tickets in advance. Current weather forecast for next week: Nice. Tickets here at Eventbrite. What follows are two blog posts from previous years designed to give a little flavor as regards what to expect. It is always mamorable

2015

Here comes the train!

Last night was the fifth annual Blood on the Tracks Express experience during Duluth Dylan Fest, and gauging from the energy it was another memorable night for many. There's something about trains that connects with people. I myself am enamored with their power, and their history, which is so interwoven with our own history.

My earliest memory with regard to trains is from when my mom used to bring my brother Ron and I to Mrs. O'Ligney's in Cleveland while she was finishing nursing school. She had a steeply sloped back lawn that dropped off to the tracks behind the row of apartment houses. We were not allowed to go down to the tracks where the Rapid Transit would fly past, but I had not learned this till after I'd gone down there once to see the trains up close. I was maybe three or four at the time, and I could tell by the terror on her face, when I looked up into the yard, that something was wrong.

For many people railroads are endlessly fascinating. At age eight I crossed the continent by train with my grandparents, from Cleveland to Reno. This experience cemented my own fascination with railroads.

For a long time one of my favorite films was Runaway Train starring Jon Voight, Eric Roberts and Rebecca De Mornay. After setting up Voight as something of an existential hero, the rest of the film is one long train scene, a wild ride on a runaway train, a suspense-filled adventure as well as a metaphor for life.

If you think in terms of the history of the world, railroads are a relatively new invention. And when you learn about the history of Duluth and the Iron Range, where young Robert Zimmerman was raised, trains played a critical role in this region's development.

The Blood on the Tracks Express is a celebration of music that takes place on a moving stage. Or rather, it's a party on wheels, which discharges its passengers in Two Harbors and returns them to Duluth a little before midnight. I met new friends and old friends from England and France and Chicago and elsewhere. And our locals who, whether Dylan fans or no, know the music will be good.

The length of the train was surprising to me. At the front end there was a freight car set up with acoustic musicians playing, as in years past. On the way to Two Harbors we were treated to the Clover St. Cronies and Feeding Leroy. The return ride featured Tin Can Gin, a high energy bluegrass group who has been performing around the region from the Porcupine Mountains to Minneapolis and Duluth.

The middle cars had lots of seats, some double-decker style, and the ride up the shore is quite satisfying. The music of Bob Dylan provided a continuous accompaniment in most of these cars. There was even one car that was all dark. Something akin to a tunnel of love?

The other end of the train featured electric powerhouses Social Disaster, The Black-Eyed Snakes and Wolf Blood. And at the American Legion Hall in Two Harbors it's The Freehweelers (aka The Boomchucks) with Brad Nelson on drums and Jamie Ness vocals/lead guitar. The "after midnight" crowd could find still more music to enjoy upon returning to Fitgers, or one could save their energy for tonight's Singer/Songwriter contest (Red Herring) and tomorrow's Acoustic Salute to the Music of Bob Dylan.

Here are a few photos of what you missed.

Danny Fox (R) and his father from Chicago.

The Freewheelers, Brad Nelson (L) and Jamie Ness

Tonight Danny Fax is performing during Grog Time 5-7 p.m. at Tycoons. From there the music moves to The Red Herring Lounge for the Singer/Songwriter Competition. Be there.

2014

The Freewheelers know how to get people on their feet.

Another year of North Country Dylan-themed events is wrapping up tonight. It's the Blood on the Tracks Express, leaving the station in less than eleven hours as I write this.

If you're wondering why the event got drop-kicked away from the rest of our Dylan Days events, it's because the bridge to Two Harbors has been under repair. According to the schedule it appeared that the train ride could not happen last week but the work would be completed for this week. Haha. Wrong. The weather got the better of everyone's plans and the famous North Shore train ride to Two Harbors is taking a detour. The music will remain grand.

The train will be leaving the station at 5:30 this evening. More than 200 tickets have been sold and today's Trib story will probably bring us even more. The DNT's Wave describes the event like this:

The train will travel in a Duluth-based loop then stop at the Depot for music at the Lake Superior Railroad Museum. The lineup of musicians is a sort of “We are the World” of local players, including Black-Eyed Snakes, Freewheelers, Dirty Horse, Red Mountain, Cowboy Angel Blue, Bitter Spills and the Hobo Nephews of Uncle Frank.

The word "loop" is probably a misnomer as I do not believe we have any tracks in this area that actually go in a circle. But the effect will be the same for the travelers. There will be music at both ends of the train as in years past, acoustic at one end and electric at the other, a bar car in between. The train will go North till it can't go any further, then South for a spell. Eventually everyone will de-board at The Depot for a party there, most likely featuring The Freewheelers. After the party it's back to the train for another tour up and down the line.

Last year Sparhawk and company projected such a mesmerizing psycho-syllabic bannister of sound that the train car nearly splintered apart...

* * * *

REMINDER: Big Wu is coming. This Sunday. Tickets HERE.

Meantime, life goes on all around you. Engage it.

Blood on the Tracks Express Preview & Poets of the Northland Overview

Typical scene in the electric car... youth and energy.

Duluth Dylan Fest has been picking up steam, building toward a crescendo that includes tonight's first peak, the annual Blood on the Tracks Express featuring a host of acoustic and electric music acts including Red Mountain, Rich Mattson & The Northstars, Gaelynn Lea & Al Church, Erik Berry & Ryan Young of Trampled By Turtles, and the Freewheelers, plus Kyle Ollah in the Million Dollar Bash car which will include finger foods by Chef Jonathan Berthel in this historic dining car VIP experience.

In short, it's been a historically memorable event. You can buy tickets and read more about the musicians here.

* * * *

Last night the Poets of the Northland was a special time that went too fast as far as I was concerned. Five poets laureate and another seven shared their thoughts about Bob Dylan, and their own poetry assembled for the occasion. The event took place in the newly renovated Spirit of the North Theater upstairs in the Fitger's Complex. Andrew Lipke was strumming tunes on his Fender-amped Gibson guitar as the crowd slowly sauntered in, many of them nibbling on Valentini's Bob Dylan chocolate mocha birthday cake. At 6:30 Zane Bail of the Duluth Dylan Fest team introduced Karen Sunderman of The Playlist, who served as our moderator for the evening.

Jim Johnson, painting word pictures about the Northland.
MC Karen Sunderman in the background.

The featured poets were all quite good, so much so that the time simply disappeared with a blink. Ellie Schoenfeld, our current Duluth Poet Laureate, always entertaining and thought-poking, read several poems including "The Rain Poem" from her book The Dark Honey, which I dip into now and then. Jim Johnson next took the stage, sharing two short poems and a long poem, including a vivid "Frozen Lake In April." He prefaced this by noting that not too many years ago his lake still had ice on it on May 25. Sheila Packa, who has lived in Hibbing, began by affirming Dylan's influence and that he is a worthy recipient of the Nobel Prize. Her poem "Keg Party" painted a picture of working-class people in small town America with "nothing to lose but our chains." The expression "Around the Horn" -- title of her next poem -- was an Iron Range expression used to describe a rural road trip accompanied by a 12-pack. Packa's poems are full of phrases that carry you places. She introduced her poem "Time When" by noting that "Dylan said speak out against the darkness."

Deb Cooper shared how deeply she was touched by Dylan's lyrics. She read a passage from Chimes of Freedom bfore sharing her own work which included "The Poetry Reading" and "Deliverance" and "Van Gogh's Starry Night Seen Through the Window of His Asylum Cell." Maybe the poem was titled "Blue Window" and that log title was an intro remark. Either way, an insight was conveyed.

Tbe Basement Tapes Band served up the afterparty entertainment.

The last of the featured speakers was Max Garland, a professor at UW-Eau Clair who grew up in Western Kentucky and served as former Wisconsin poet laureate. His first poem featured an uncle of his who was a Pentecostal minister. His other poems included "Green Day", "Hold On Me", an amusing "The Best Things Are the Most Expensive" and a final one for the child in the audience.

The poetry was evocative, and the audience responsive. A panel discussion followed with Karen Sunderman initiating, then questions from the audience. Sheila Packa, in response to one question, affirmed that Dylan is "very much of the soil of Northern Minnesota." Like a Minnesota working man, Dylan was himself on the road, too busy working to go get that award initially. "Isn't that just like an Iron Range man?" she said.

Max Garland noted that the division between poetry and music is a relatively new phenomenon. Dylan brought the two forms together, taking simple form and bringing the surreal and abstract to bear upon it.

One question pertained to the manner in which rhyme may have been affirmed by the Nobel committee in choosing Dylan. Sheila Packa noted that for a while rhyme was considered old-fashioned, but it's coming back.

The local poets were equally fluent and stimulating.... but if I don't get this published I will miss the train!

Amy Lynn, one of our local poets whose work I admire, was unable to read, so one of her poems was shared by another reader. Here's a poem she'd also intended to present, and since it applies so well to this evening's event, it has to be shared here.

Blood on the Tracks

when I opened the morning door
to take the rotting garbage out
a small bird lay on the bricks
of the walkway, one eye staring up at me

barely fledgling, it was unclear
if he had hit the big window above
or had a run-in with the cat
but he was still breathing, begging
me to grant him mercy

startled, I stepped back inside
and, like a coward, waited
for death to claim him

*

in winter here, when it snows
the big machines scrape their metal
blades over the roads

it’s an awful sound, in a world
where even dying things make
a cruel kind of music

and in this land, already ravaged
by years of digging through the earth for ore
I cannot bear to watch the road grader
push piles of diesel-soaked snow
onto the sidewalks

*

but before the machines came,
when the lake was angry, and dark,
and the idiot wind howled,
and from miles away
my lover reached out to tell me
he was restless and unsettled –

the young sparrow perched
high in some weathered tree,
tucked his head into his wing,
and let the cold snow settle on his feathers,
pristine

* * * *

Meantime, life goes on all around you. Engage it. 

Dylan Fest Postmark Is A Fun Discovery

Well I ride on a mail train, babe,
can't buy a thrill...
--Bob Dylan
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

This year the Duluth Dylan Fest adopted five additional activities in addition to the usual traditions of recent years. One of these was a postage stamp cancellation event. It's something Hibbing's Dylan Days had been doing for many years, marking each year with a special postmark locally designed and approved by the U.S. Postal Service. So on Saturday morning May 28 the USPS setup shop in the Historic Duluth Armory with an official representative there to cancel stamps and post cards that people purchased. John Bushey, host of the KUMD Dylan radio hour, did all the backstage info-gathering and negotiating to get all the paperwork established. I did the concepting and drew the artwork that was used for the "official" stamp. The original concept included a small profile of our native Son, but this had to be negated as a violation of one of the rules. No biggie.

This week I stumbled across a website called CollectPostmarks.com that collects a wide variety of geeky postmarks, including our Duluth Dylan Fest mark.  Postmark collecting is apparently alive and well. Galleries featuring art postmarks, First Day postmarks, event and commemorative postmarks, literary postmarks, military postmarks and more are all part of the site.

When concepting the art it seemed that a train theme is perfectly at home here. We have extensive train yards in this major port town. The annual Blood on the Tracks Express has become a Dylan Fest ritual that few want to miss. In addition, Dylan's album Slow Train Coming signified one of the many turnpoints in his career.

It was fun to make this contribution to the week's happenings. Strangely enough, we've already begun planning for 2017. We'll certainly welcome you warmly if you join us.

* * * *
Meantime, life goes on... I'll catch up with you at Hobo Junction. 

Duluth Dylan Fest 2016: The Rex, the Films and Blood on the Tracks Express

First off, a plug for the new Bringing It All Back to Duluth Does Dylan which was introduced on Bob's birthday. Like, wow. This is an exceptional CD. Each of the performers has risen to the occasion. Definitely not a CD you buy just be be Minnesota nice to your friends.

Here's the thought I had Tuesday night at The Rex as the various bands performed at the CD release party. We have all been to a major fireworks show at one time or another, if not annually for the Fourth of July. The way the show is produced, rockets fire up into the sky and through physics and pyrotechnics all kinds of spectacles occur, stimulating and dazzling the eye.

So the observation I made as all these bands were interpreting the many fabulous tunes they selected was this: the rockets that propelled all those colorful explosives skyward were the songs of Bob Dylan. Each song then get interpreted, re-invented, revitalized, re-created into this sensational display that defies confinement, defies explanation, is nothing short of a phenomenon.

Feeding Leroy, gettin' down.

And earlier that evening we saw two songs that were reconfigured in an altogether domain, into the visual realm of film. As I watched Amanda Sundin and Lindsay Wayt's interpretation of "Things Have Changed" I had an immense grin the entire time. The film was told with scenes and settings that translated the lyrics into story. Being familiar with the song, a favorite of many including myself, made it all the more enjoyable.

Team two tackled "To Ramona." Kate Harrison demonstrated her skills as a director and editor. The rest of the team included Chris Linder, Leander Van Ess, and Ramona (KDLH news producer Mona Jeanne.) Both films will be aired again during the "shorts" portion of the DuSu Film Festival.

Bringing It All Back To Duluth Does Dylan will not disappoint any Dylan fan. Whatever your expectations, it is my expectation that this compilation of Duluth musicians interpreting Dylan will exceed your expectations. You can purchase the CD at Duluth Does Dylan.

* * * *

As for the train, it was treat to have a couple extra cars attached at the front, The Million Dollar Bash Car which included music by CowboyAngel Blue, and a car for getting access to service as well as a little quiet.

It's been my experience that no matter where you hang it is a good time, especially when shared with friends or lovers. At on end of the train is an acoustic car and the tail is an electric car. Feeding Leroy fed the crowds on the trip to Two Harbors and Superior Siren stirred them on the return trip in the acoustic car. These two groups were tremendous fun. At the far end there was a packed crowd listening to Erik Koskinen going North, and the4onthefloor rocking on the way back.

And then, of course, there is the destination experience as the Boomchucks change their names to the Freewheelers and amp up the crowd with funtabulous frenetic energy. This year included a very nice four page handout with information about the bands and a few rules of the rails. It was nice addition to a special evening.

Here are some photo to help give you a sense of the event if you weren't there. Maybe we'll see you here next year? We had friends from England, California, France, Texas and Australia, among other places.

"May we interest you in Jello shots? Two for a dollar."

* * * * 

So much for the hoopla. I think most folks got home safe. Some folks wisely took Friday off so they could sleep in, get rested for tonight's Singer/Songwriter Contest, a popular event from Hibbing's Dylan Days that is now incorporated into our week. 

Tomorrow morning at 11:00 is the Official Dylan Fest Postage Stamp Cancellation at the Armory Annex, with music across the street by Marc Gartman in the afternoon at Valentini's. 

Then in the evening the Basement Tapes / Great White Wonder Concert will take you home.  Show starts at 7:00 but arrive early because there's a bit of road construction that will inhibit your path to a premium parking spot. The show will be worth it though.

Meantime.... what a great week of events so far. See you on the scene.

Updated Schedule for Duluth Dylan Fest -- May 22-29

As Bob once sang many moons ago, the times are a-changin'. Things have changed a little bit in this year's Duluth Dylan Fest schedule as well, not only the times but also some of the places. As far as I can tell, what you read here will be an official summary of Dylan Fest events for Duluth 2016. I especially want to make sure you get to the correct starting point for next Thursday's Blood on the Tracks Express (boarding at the Depot) and that you note that CD Release Birthday Bash will be at The Rex (downstairs in the Fitgers Complex.)

Events keep growing in size and quantity. Our native son's 75th birthday is imminent (next Tuesday the 25th) and the city of his birth is amping up for a very special 8-day week. There are now16 events lined up. Duluth, the birthplace of Bob Dylan, has been annually celebrating his career and artistic contributions. “We’re proud that Bob Dylan was born on this hillside and is a part of our cultural heritage,” said Duluth Dylan Fest committee member Brad Nelson. “The fest is a nod to his accomplishments and his artistic inspiration to others.”

The Duluth Dylan Fest highlights include a rare Bob Dylan Exhibit at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum, Chicago artist Daniel Botkin's "Busy Being Born" exhibition, the Duluth Does Dylan CD Release Party, The Basement Tapes/Great White Wonder Benefit Concert for the Armory Arts & Music Center, a poetry showcase featuring current and past Duluth Poet Laurates, Dylan Trivia contest, a bus tour of Dylan sites from Duluth and Hibbing, and The Blood on the Tracks Express, a musical train adventure to Two Harbors and back.

Check out the complete schedule here below.

48-hour Dylan Film Fest Kick-off
Sunday May 22  7pm | Dylan Fest Music Video Contest. Carmody Irish Pub. Free.

Dylan Pub Trivia
Sunday May 22  9 pm | Pub trivia Dylan style. Carmody Irish Pub. Free.

The Original Dan Botkin @ The Red Mug

Dylan Art Opening + Music
Monday, May 23   6 pm | Artist reception and talk with Chicago artist Daniel Botkin. RedMug Coffeeehouse, Superior. Come early for music at 4:30 – 6:30 pm. Free.

Marker Installation of the Dylan Home in Duluth
Tuesday, May 24 at 3:30 pm (Media Conference at 3:30 p.m.). Live music. More information to come.

48-hour Dylan Film Fest Viewing and Awards
Tuesday, May 23  7 pm | Dylan Fest Music Video Contest Viewing and Awards. Zinema 2. Free.

Duluth Does Dylan CD Release Party 
Tuesday, May 24 at 8 pm | Music by an array of local and regional musicians. Rex Bar – Fitger’s. Tickets Eventbrite.com, the Electric Fetus, or at the door. (Note new location for event.)

Duluth Dylan Fest Poets of the North Country 
Wednesday, May 25th 6:00 to 9pm | Duluth Poets Laureate Jim Johnson and Barton Sutter, Author of Songs of the North Country David Pichaske, and several local poets. The Underground. Free

Duluth Dylan Fest Live Music at the Museum 
Wednesday, May 25th 8:00 to 10:30pm | Live music by Cowboy Angele Blue, Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Blood On the Tracks Express
Thursday, May 26  5:30 pm boarding at The Depot, 6 pm departure | A rolling musical adventure on the North Shore Scenic Railroad from Duluth to Two Harbors and back with a stop at the American Legion in Two Harbors for The Boomchucks (performing as The Freewheelers). Returns to the Depot by 11:15 pm. Acts include: 4onthefloor, Erik Koskinen, Feeding Leroy, Cowboy Angel Blue, and Superior Siren. Tickets $30 at the Electric Fetus or Eventbrite.com

Dylan Fest Singer Songwriter Contest
Friday, May 27  8 pm | Singer-Songwriter Contest. Contestants sing an original tune and a Dylan tune. Prizes to the top three places for original song, awarded by celebrity judges. Clyde Iron Works. Free

Dylan Bus Tour: Duluth to Hibbing and Back
Friday, May 27 Departs 9 am from the Armory Arts & Music Center Annex on London Road. Returns 5 pm. Tour of Duluth and Hibbing Dylan-related sites. Hosted by local Dylanologists. Tickets and information at 218-393-7438 or go to Eventbrite.com. $40

Dylan Fest Postage Stamp Cancellation and Music at Valentini’s Vicino Lago
Saturday, May 28 from 11 am to 2 pm at the Armory Arts & Music Center Annex on London Road. Live music by Marc Gartman at Valentini’s from 11:30 am to 1:30 pm

Bob Dylan Exhibit Lecture
Saturday, May 28 from 2:45 to 3:30 pm. KUMD 103.3 Highway 61 Revisited Host and local Dylanolgist John Bushey will be providing a lecture about the Bob Dylan Exhibit at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum. Free.

The Basement Tapes/Great White Wonder Concert
Saturday, May 28 7pm | This event features many artists from the Northland and Minneapolis to benefit the Armory Arts and Music Center. Sacred Heart Music Center. Tickets at Eventbrite.com$30-$100

Duluth Dylan Fest Farwell Brunch
Sunday, May 29 11am-2pm | Singer songwriter Jim Hall playing Dylan tunes. Zeitgeist Cafe. Music free

https://www.facebook.com/duluthdylanfest?fref=ts
http://www.bobdylanway.com


About the Duluth Dylan Fest
The mission of the Duluth Dylan Fest is to celebrate the spirit of artistic freedom, honesty, and integrity of Duluth’s native son, Bob Dylan, by showcasing the vibrant arts and artists of our region. This group of volunteers is committed to providing creative, high-quality activities by tapping the talents of artists, poets, and musicians in Duluth and surrounding region.

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Highlights of the 2016 Duluth Dylan Fest: Get Your Tickets Here

Yesterday afternoon while listening to various playlists on my iTunes player the album Highway 61 Revisited came on beginning with that snare-shot heard round the world, the opening salvo of "Like A Rolling Stone", Dylan blasting out that nothing would ever be the same. It was a shot heard 'round the world, history in the making and any time I hear it after not having heard it in a while it strikes me as especially profound. The attitude. The tone. The lyrics. The sound.

Here we are more than fifty years later and it's somewhat incredible that this kid who appeared on the scene like the phenomenon he was is still out there producing records, performing with a supertight band, still remaining unpredictable.

This May, he'll turn 75 and the town of his birth will once again celebrate this passing of another year with a week long festival of events designed to honor this native son who has achieved international fame yet remained connected to his roots. He still maintains a home in Minnesota, and other examples could be cited.

A Little History
The first Bob Dylan Way birthday party was in May 2008 to celebrate the installations of the signs along Bob Dylan Way. The first weeklong Dylan Fest was in May 2011. So 2016 marks the 6th year of the weeklong fest and the 9th year of the Bob Dylan Celebrations put on by the Bob Dylan Way team. The group, however. was started in early 2007 to raise money after the City Council passed the Cultural Pathway in May 2006.

Duluth has a rich history of celebrating Bob Dylan from John Bushey’s radio show on KUMD – October marks the 25th year. To the early Dylan Birthday Party celebrations held around Duluth in the late 1980s and early 1990s.

This Year's Event Schedule

The 2016 Duluth Dylan Fest has a number of exciting events in store to celebrate Duluth’s native son Bob Dylan’s 75th birthday and showcasing the Northland’s vibrant arts and music scene.

Highlights include:
• 48 hour Dylan Film Fest
• Art Show featuring Daniel Botkin
• Duluth Does Dylan CD Release Party
• Poets from the North County featuring Duluth Poet Laurates Barton Sutter and Jim Johnson, among others
• The ever-popular Blood on the Tracks Express rolling music revue featuring local musicians and Dylan Fest favorite the Boomchucks aka The Freewheelers
• Duluth Dylan Fest Singer Songwriter Contest
• Duluth to Hibbing and Back Dylan Fest Bus Tour
• Postage Stamp Cancellation Event at the Armory Annex on London Road, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.
• Amory Arts & Music Center Benefit Concert: The Basement Tapes/Great White Wonder Concert
• Farewell Brunch at the Zeitgeist Café featuring songwriter Jim Hall

Noteworthy
The Duluth Dylan Fest committee is thrilled to share that a special Bob Dylan exhibit featuring handwritten lyrics, inscribed photographs, early concert flyers and more from the William Pagel Achieves will be on exhibit May 4-30 at Karpeles Manuscript Library Museum.

Ticketed Duluth Dylan Fest events are available on https://www.eventbrite.com/d/local/dylan-fest/
• May 24th Duluth Does Dylan CD Release Party at 7:30 PM
• May 26th Blood on the Tracks Express Rolling Music Revue (available soon)
• May 27th Dylan Bush Tour: Duluth to Hibbing and Back from 9 AM to 5 PM
• May 28th Bob Dylan Benefit Concert for the Armory Arts & Music Center at 7 PM

All other events are free.

Please share this information with your friends and colleagues. If you have questions, please email duluthdylanfest@gmail.com or zane@northlandfdn.org.

Meantime, life goes on all around you. Be part of it.

Spotlight on Jim Hall, Featured Performer in the Acoustic Salute

Tears of rage, tears of grief
Must I always be the thief?
Come to me now, you know
We’re so low
And life is brief

I first became acquainted with Jim Hall when I was a Wednesday regular at the Thirsty Pagan in Superior. Jim plays with a trio called the Little Big Band, which on a couple occasions welcomed me to join them on harmonica for a a few Dylan tunes. In fact, quite a few times after that Jim would ask if I brought my harmonicas when I showed up.

This coming Saturday Jim is performing in the Dylan Fest event An Acoustic Salute to the Music of Bob Dylan. In the past he has performed on our Blood on the Tracks Express and wherever he plays he is a special favorite among local Dylan fans.

EN: How did you first become interested in the guitar and in performing?
Jim Hall: it was a way of getting’ away from depression. when i was a baby i used to throat sing can’t say why for sure but my father didn't treat me in a loving way. there are ways the universe teaches us to help us cope, all we have to do is listen. then we sing and dance.

EN: You seem to have been significantly influenced by the music of Bob Dylan. How did that come about?
JH: bob and me are born from the same rock spirit we relate on that level. his honesty in his voice makes up for what ever else he lacks, plus his chords are mostly simple, like woody's

EN: Why is Dylan still significant?
JH: the river of wisdom is always changing.

EN: What prompted you to choose the two songs you're playing for the Salute, "Tears of Rage" and "It' All Over Now Baby Blue"?
JH: they're both old songs i keep going back to. i like the melodies and the words can take on any meaning i need at the time. though i might do 2 of mine instead, i got a new one i've been workin' on for over 30 yrs. i hope to finnally finnish.

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This interview was conducted previous to a last minute change in the final song selection for Saturday's Acoustic Salute. (Tickets Here)

Photo credits
Top right: Courtesy AAMC, photographer Dan Swanson
The other two: Courtesy AAMC, photographer Michael Anderson

This Year’s Duluth Dylan Fest Schedule 2015

Blood on the Tracks Concert, Hibbing 2006

Duluth Dylan Fest has become an annual tradition these past several years, held during the season of Dylan’s birthday. After Hibbing's Dylan Days announced in December that their annual celebration had been placed on permanent hiatus, Duluth leadership team chose to incorporate two of the signature events from Hibbing, the Singer-Songwriter Contest and a new expanded Bus Tour starting in Duluth and going to Hibbing and back.

For those interested in participating in some, most or all of the events of this year’s festival, here’s an overview of the schedule along with times and places.

Sunday, May 17 -- Dylan Pub Trivia – 9 PM Carmody’s Irish Pub
Test your wits and knowledge against trivia contest regulars and Dylan fans. It's free, fun and far out.

Monday, May 18 -- tune in to 103.3 FM or www.kumd.org at 5 PM for John Bushey’s Highway 61 Revisited Radio Program

Tuesday, May 19 -- Poetry Showcase at the Red Mug in Superior beginning at 6:30 PM with a reception and then readings by Northland poets, including Duluth Poet Laureate Jim Johnson. A special addition to this year's event. Live music will be performed by local musician Richie Townsend while the poets read.

Wednesday, May 20 – Grog Time at Tycoons Alehouse from 5-7 PM featuring Duluth Dylan Fest favorite Cowboy Angel Blue performing songs from “Blood on the Tracks Express”. Stay for the 9 PM concert of The Basement Tapes Band.

Thursday, May 21 – Blood on the Tracks Express Train Ride from Duluth to Two Harbors and Back, boarding at 5:30 PM from Fitger’s, showcasing a number of up and coming and seasoned musicians from our rich regional music scene. Tickets available at the Fitger’s Beer Store or Eventbrite.com.

Friday, May 22 – Dylan Grog Time at Tycoon’s Alehouse, 5 – 7 PM followed by the traditional Singer/Songwriter Contest in a new venue, The Red Herring Lounge, 7 PM. Free.

Saturday, May 23 – Duluth Dylan Fest Bus Tour: Duluth to Hibbing and Back. Board bus at Armory Arts & Music Center, 9 AM. (Tickets: $40 at Eventbrite)

Evening, Acoustic Salute to the Music of Bob Dylan @Sacred Heart Music Center. Benefit for the Armory Arts and Music Center, 7 PM. Tickets at Eventbrite)

Sunday, May 24 – Bob Dylan Birthday Brunch with the Original Sawtooth Boys @Tycoon’s Alehouse, 11 AM – 2 PM. Free. (74 years, forever young.)

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For what it's worth, as sort of an introduction to the week ahead, a number of local fans will be gathering tonight at VIP Pizza in Superior where Cowboy Angel Blue will be performing. If you're able to get out swing by. Meet John Bushey and a few of the others who help make Duluth Dylan Fest happen. Good music and good times.