More Scenes from Duluth Dylan Fest 2025

House Party (click photos to enlarge)

There was lots of music.

Sonny Earl, Paul Metsa & Gregg Inhofer (L to R)

Molly & the Danger Band @ Cedar Lounge 

Singer/Songwriters, Female Contingent

Dylan Fest Staffers: (L to R) Pat Eliason, Laura Whitney,

Sunbonnet Sue, Ed Newman, Zane Bail, Michael Anderson

Kate & Zane at the Porch Party

Shelter from the Storm Concert @ Sacred Heart

Cowboy Angel Blue @ Mr. D's

And special thanks to all who came from a distance, 

especially those from overseas like this batch from

Belgium & the Netherlands

 

More Photos from Duluth Dylan Fest. Happy Birthday, Bob

Almost Wordless Wednesday: DDF 2023 

Photos from Monday night's jam at Carmody's and

the Basement Tapes Band at Bent Paddle
and today's Birthday Celebration on the front lawn

of Dylan's birth home here in Duluth.

TODAY'S EVENTS

Bob Dylan Front Porch Birthday Party 

with live music by Greg Tiburzi
Dylan childhood home
519 N. 3rd Ave. East, Duluth 
12:00-1:30 PM | Free

Bob Dylan Birthday Bash
with Cowboy Angel Blue and Gartman Does Dead

Cedar Lounge

1617 N. 3rd St., Superior WI

5:00-9:30 PM | $5 to $40 Eventbrite

L to R: Paul Metsa, "Bob", Pam, Ed Newman, Bill Pagel
Paul and Ed were contributors to the Troubadour Series 
book Bob Dylan in Minnesota
Available here on Amazon as well as select bookstore 
across the country.

2022 Duluth Dylan Fest: Day One

Inside the forger's workspace

Saturday morning the 2022 Duluth Dylan Fest opened with two events. The local Forging Community is going to create a gate out of found materials, emulating Bob Dylan's foray into metal sculpture, welding gates out of iron. (I devoted a whole story to this subject here. (The subject: Gates.)

As part of the opening event, people were asked to bring metal pieces that could be re-purposed as a gate... or rather, a work of art in the form of a gate. Or maybe a gate in the form of a work of art.

Initial gate concept.

Bin with decorative material to work with.

The finished Gate. How cool is that?

A previous sculpture project stands outside the Armory Annex entrance.
Who knows what will appear next?

* * * * *

Tonight, Cowboy Angel Blue will be entertaining us

at our kickoff mixer at The Rex. Join us if you're in town.

The full schedule for Duluth Dylan Fest can be found HERE. 

or here: https://duluthdylanfest.com/duluth-dylan-fest-2022/

Schedule for the 2022 Duluth Dylan Fest: We're Ready To Roll

After months of  meetings, emails and phone calls, the schedule for this year's Duluth Dylan Fest 2022 has finally begun to gel. Most of the events will be live this year, for the first time since 2019. And, as always, there will be lots of music and you're invited.

This year's Fest will be a final exclamation point on St. Louis County's Year of Dylan, which commenced on the troubadour's 80th birthday. (Troubadour: a French medieval lyric poet composing and singing in Provençal in the 11th to 13th centuries, especially on the theme of courtly love.)

Here's how things are currently shaping up for this special week of celebration.

* * * 

Saturday, May 21, 2022

Forging Community Dylangate Event, & Historic Armory and Self-guided Bob Dylan Sites in Duluth Tours
Armory Arts & Music Center Annex
1305 London Rd, Duluth
9:30-11:30 AM | Free

Highway 61 Revisited Radio Show
The North 103.3 FM Streaming online at 5:00-6:00 PM | Free

Duluth Dylan Fest Kick Off Party
With music by Cowboy Angel Blue
The Rex at Fitger’s
600 E. Superior Street, Duluth
7:00-10:00 PM | Free

Sunday, May 22, 2022

Dylan Fest Acoustic Jam Session
with host Leslie Black
Bring your instruments and/or voice and a music stand.
Earth Rider Festival Grounds
1617 N. 3rd St., Superior, WI.
2:00-5:00 PM | Free

Monday, May 23, 2022

Highway 61 Revisited Radio Show
The North 103.3 FM Streaming online at 5:00-6:00 PM | Free

Bob Dylan Trivia Night and Livestream Listening Party
Trivia from 5:00-7:00 PM, followed by listening party 7:00-8:30 PM
Cedar Lounge (next to Earth Rider Festival Grounds)
1715 N. 3rd St., Superior, WI.
5:00-8:30 PM | Free

Andy and Renee and Hard Rain Dylanfest from LA
Streaming from the Band’s YouTube Page
7:00-9:00 PM | Free

Tuesday, May 24, 2022

Bob Dylan Front Porch Birthday Party with live music by
Greg Tiburzi
Dylan childhood home
519 N. 3rd Ave. East, Duluth
12:00-1:00 PM | Free

Basement Tapes Band Concert & Pre-Concert Music
The Ripple Bar
325 S. Lake Avenue, Duluth
5:30-9:00 PM | Free

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

John Bushey Memorial Lecture
featuring Peter K. McKenzie, author of Bob Dylan On
A Coach and Fifty Cents
Livestream on Zoom 

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYtceuhrDsoGNZCsygWXbiq7dPMyEl5APZb

6:30–8:00 PM | Free

Thursday, May 26, 2022

Free Wheelin’ Duluth Does Dylan CD Release Show
Earth Rider Festival Grounds
1617 N. 3rd St., Superior WI
6:00-9:00 PM | $5
(Doors open at 5 PM| Music at 6 PM

Friday, May 27, 2022

Dylan Fest Singer-Songwriter Contest
Sacred Heart Music Center
2022 4th Street, Duluth
7:00-10:00 PM | Tickets on Eventbrite
(Contest limited to 15 people for details follow link)

Saturday, May 28, 2022

John Bushey Memorial Lecture
featuring Paul Metsa, musician, poet, radio host, and
author of Alphabet Jazz
Location To Be Announced
3:00–4:30 PM | Free

Highway 61 Revisited Radio Show
The North 103.3 FM Streaming online at 5:00-6:00 PM | Free

Bob Dylan Bash Concert
Sacred Heart Music Center
201 West Fourth Street, Duluth
7:00-10:00 PM | Tickets on Eventbrite (coming soon)

Sunday, May 29, 2022

Farewell Brunch featuring local musicians singing Dylan Tunes
and Originals
Wussow’s Concert Cafe
324 N. Central Avenue, Duluth
2:00-4:00 PM | Free (Brunch not included)

Stay Current and Learn More at 

https://duluthdylanfest.com/

Photo credit top of page poster art: Claude Angele Boni (L) portrait based on Bobby Zimmerman high school yearbook, and (R) Andrea Orlandi

Throwback Thursday: Sneak Peek inside the VIP Ladies Room

You won't believe what she found in here.

Last Friday night Cowboy Angel Blue came down from the Iron Range to perform at VIP Vintage Pizza in Superior. John Bushey, host of KUMD's Highway 61 Revisited, was on hand doing table magic, but the real magic came from the musicians who, this night, were really in the zone. 

Late in the evening I overheard one of the women talking about how unusual the ladies room had been decorated. Inasmuch as I was only familiar with the men's room, and it was likewise amusingly decorated, I asked permission to get a quick peek, which is to say, "Can you two go in and make sure the coast is clear?" In exchange, I made sure the men's room was vacant as well before they explored. All three of us agreed, the women had a more interesting room. 

* * * *

Hard to believe we're so near July. 

I don't believe my next blog post will need any introduction. 

When tomorrow comes, I will let it speak for itself.

Meantime, life goes on all around you. 

Make the most of it, my friend.

Important Twin Ports Arts Events and Reminders

Louis Guillaume by Paul Cezanne, Natl Gallery

"Everything good, everything magical happens between the months of June and August."
— Jenny Han, The Summer I Turned Pretty

Summer Solstice is June 21, the longest day of the year. Woo hoo. Or is it June 20? Hmmm. Depends on which Oracle you ask, perhaps.

I am guessing that Grandma's is intentional in selecting for its marathon the nearest weekend to this period when the earth's rotational tilt is most slanted toward the sun. Perhaps, too the Park Point Art Fair has the same criteria in mind for holding its annual ritual the following weekend. A big welcome to artists and art lovers! Next weekend is only days away now.

In between we have a few events to draw attention to.

Tonight from 5-7 p.m. is the Stephanie Wilcox Art Show and Reception at the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Community Room, 425 W. Superior St., Suite 1060.  "Join Stephanie for an artist reception featuring a one night pop-up of her handmade jewelry and other small works in addition to the show." This is a venue I've not yet seen. Refreshments provided and everyone is welcome. Show runs through July 17.

On Wednesday, June 21, 6:30-9:00 p.m., Zentangle (R) & Wine with Esther Piszczek, CZT, at the Master Framing Gallery, 1431 London Road. Come experience the fun and relaxation of drawing simple, repetitive line patterns with pen and ink and pencil shading. No previous drawing experience necessary. Class Cost: $35; Supplies: $10 (or use supplies provided without additional cost). RSVP to episzczek@gmail.com. Seats are limited.

Thursday there will be a celebration of the life and art of recently departed painter Russell V. Gran through an art exhibition at Washington Studios Artist Co-op, a.k.a. 315 Gallery here in Duluth. Russell V. Gran: A Life's Retrospective will run three hours on the evening of June 22nd, 2017, 5-8, with remarks at 6:00 p.m. The following is from Eric Dubnicka's invitation:

Only your presence in good-humored remembrance is required. In heroic fashion Russell overcame many near life-ending experiences, yet it's with a heavy heart we share that Russell has moved on to his next great adventure. After a life lived full in Boston, MA, West Duluth native Russell Gran returned home in 1992 to follow his true passion in life, his art making, and to be near his beloved mother Mary (d.2006). After successfully completing the studio art program at UMD he was a charter member of Washington Studios Artist Cooperative where he was an ardent advocate of common sense cooperative living. It was there he became an influential force and mentor to a generation of Duluth artists of all genres. He went on to create and exhibit an expansive array of energetically charged, intensely colorful paintings which are collected throughout the Twin Ports region and beyond. He longed for his artwork to be front and center and this final solo exhibition of mostly unseen artworks from the last 25 years will be the capstone to his long and illustrious career.

Saturday & Sunday, June 24 & 25, 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Park Point Art Fair 2017, Park Point Public Beach House, 5000 Minnesota Ave. "The 47th annual Park Point Art Fair will feature the juried fine art and crafts of over 120 artists from the upper Midwest and beyond. In addition to the outdoor gallery, there will be a food court, demonstration areas, a stage with live music and more — all at the Park Point Recreation Area.

"Each year, an estimated 10,000+ visitors attend the weekend festival as artists display and sell work in media such as ceramics, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, woodwork and sculpture. With artist tents lining a paved path that extends through the park, the show allows people with physical disabilities the chance to fully experience the event."

Our family has been going to the Park Point Art Fair since the kids were little. It's been a great tradition and we own a number of things in our home that were acquired there.

Also on Saturday is the Chum Rhubarb Festival 2017 out on London Road circa 11th Avenue East, from 9 a.m. till 4 p.m. The Chum’s 13th annual Rhubarb Festival promises plenty of rhubarb, "including hundreds of pies, muffins and crisps, as well as rhubarb brats and burritos. There will also be live music, games, crafts, auctions and stage shows." Duluth has it all!

* * * *

ON THE DYLAN FRONT

Unplugged, 1994*

The big story this past week was that a concept and location for a Dylan monument in Hibbing has been approved. This is a pretty big deal as many ideas have been swirling about nothing really taking shape. This article from yesterday's Star Tribune provides details. Big Shout Out to Craig Hattam and the Hibbing Dylan Project for making this happen.

Finally, Saturday night Cowboy Angel Blue will be back in the Twin Ports at  Vintage Italian Pizza, V.I.P. in Superior. Here are the details.

Oh, and one more thing. Check out this Jimmy Fallon clip where he talks about the recent Dylan show he went to at Port Chester, New York. It's fun. Makes me want to see another Dylan concert.

* * * *

"Green was the silence, wet was the light, the month of June trembled like a butterfly."
--Pablo Neruda

*Photo, MTV Studio, Frank Micelotta; courtesy William Pagel

The Music of Duluth Dylan Fest 2017, from Robby Vee to the Basement Tapes Band and Beyond

Though we celebrate poetry, art and history (Dylan Trivia) during Duluth Dylan Fest, and the centerpiece of the week (his birthday), music is the major thread that runs through nearly everything. Here's a rundown of who is performing, when and where.

The official kickoff is Robby Vee and His Rock N Roll Caravan at Karpeles, an Armory Arts & Music Center benefit concert. If you're curious how Robby Vee intersects with Dylan, this YouTube video will give you the inside skinny.

A lot of people have forgotten that when Buddy Holly died in that plane crash, the tour did not end. an unforgettable initiation for the boy.

The tour bus headed north where the Dance Party continued in Moorhead, Minnesota across the border from Fargo.. Who stepped in to fill Buddy Holly's shoes? None other than a 15-year-old Bobby Vee,

Robby Vee's latest release is Blue Moon Blue, a project directed toward increasing awareness for Alzheimers. His father Bobby stepped down from touring in 2011 when he was diagnosed with the disease, and passed away this past year.

Dylan's tie to Bobby Vee was as Elston Gunnn. Young Robert Zimmerman talked his way into playing piano for a Fargo gig with Bobby Vee and his boys, and got his own first taste of what would become his life.

Reserve your seats for Robby Vee here.

* * * *

At Monday's 5-7 p.m. art reception there will also be some live music, and an opportunity to purchase T-shirts and prints from art by Kristi Abbott. I've been told these may not last the week, so you might wish to show up and purchase one to wear on the train Thursday. (A portion of the proceeds will go to defray the costs of Duluth Dylan Fest.) This is a Free event.

Tuesday, Sir Ben's will be the place to be. Greg Tiburzi will entertain from 6-8 p.m., followed an Open Mic hosted by Marc Gartman.

I've heard rumors (you may have heard them, too) of a pop-up Bob Dylan Birthday Party at his house on the Hillside, Wednesday mid-afternoon. With music, naturally. And a birthday cake. Our Poets of the Northland event will run from 6:30 - 8:30 in the Spirit of the North Theater, followed by a very special performance downstairs at The Rex: The Basement Tapes Concert. Tickets at $7 in advance (here at Eventbrite) or $10 at the door.

And then there's the Blood on the Tracks Express, our annual North Shore Railroad Excursion which keeps getting bigger and better, is always insanely memorable. If you've never been, there are a string of railroad cars featuring rock music at one end of the train and acoustic at the other. Upon arrival in Two Harbors there's a feast of Dylan music by the Freewheelers (a.k.a. The Boomchucks).

FEATURED MUSICIANS on the train this year include: Red Mountain; Rich Mattson & The Northstars; Gaelynn Lea & Al Church Erik Berry & Ryan Young of Trampled By Turtles. Kyle Ollah will be performing in the V.I.P. "Million Dollar Bash" car, a historic dining car featuring a private cash bar, finger foods by Chef Jonathan Berthel, and a private bathroom.

The train will board again this year at the Depot, 5:30 p.m. When the train leaves the station it should be 6:00. Get your tickets here at Eventbrite.

Well, I ride on a mailtrain, baby
Can’t buy a thrill
Well, I’ve been up all night, baby
Leanin’ on the windowsill
Well, if I die
On top of the hill
And if I don’t make it
You know my baby will

Don’t the moon look good, mama
Shinin’ through the trees?
Don’t the brakeman look good, mama
Flagging down the “Double E?”
Don’t the sun look good
Goin’ down over the sea?
Don’t my gal look fine
When she’s comin’ after me?

Now the wintertime is coming
The windows are filled with frost
I went to tell everybody
But I could not get across
Well, I wanna be your lover, baby
I don’t wanna be your boss
Don’t say I never warned you
When your train gets lost

Bob Dylan
It Takes a Lot to Laugh, It Takes a Train to Cry

* * * *

Dylan T-Shirts & prints by Kristi Abbott
will be on sale all next week.

One of the great traditions of the Northland Dylan celebrations has been the Singer/Songwriter contest, originally in Hibbing but now resurrected in Duluth. Each contestant will sing an original song and a Dylan song, and you are all invited to Clyde Iron to take it in.

Saturday evening you're invited to return to Carmody's to feast on the music of Cowboy Angel Blue, a fave Iron Range band much loved by Northland Dylan fans for their Dylan and Neil Young renditions.

The final music event will be our Farewell Brunch with music by Jim Hall at the Zeitgeist Arts Cafe.

* * * *
If you like encores, then you may wish to slip on over to Canal Park afterwards for the annual Battle of the Jug Bands, from 1-6 p.m.at the Amazing Grace Cafe. This is a one-of-a-kind family-friendly event.

* * * *

Meantime, can't wait to see you face-to-face....