For fans of Bob Dylan, the northern Minnesota music scene or those who just wonder about the connection between the world’s most influential living musician and the back woods, mining towns and blue collar city of his youth, well, we’ve got you covered.
Today Duluth begins its annual Dylan Fest. A series of events continue through the week until next Friday when Dylan Days kicks off in Hibbing. This year the two groups are working together to provide a meshed schedule called the North Country Dylan Celebration.
DISCLOSURE: I’ve been one of the organizers of Dylan Days since 2001.
See an abridged schedule below the jump.
Friday, May 17
Hard Rain in Duluth @ Weber Music Hall (www.ticketworks.com)
7 p.m.: Scarlet Rivera with Gene Lafond and the Wild Unknown and Courtney Yasmineh
A benefit for the Armory Arts and Music Center
Saturday, May 18
Poets from the North Country @ Zeitgeist Arts Atrium
3 p.m.: Past Poet Laureate Sheila Packa hosts a poetry reading celebrating Bob Dylan’s influence on the voices of the region
Duluth Does Dylan @ Tycoons Alehouse
10 p.m.: Marc Gartman with Tim Saxhaug and Dave Carroll
Sara Krueger and Diet Folk
Sunday, May 19
Dylan Trivia @ Carmody Irish Pub
8 p.m.: The answers are blowin’ in the wind
Monday, May 20
Open Mic Night @ Beaner’s Central
8 p.m.: Perform a Dylan tune, and one of your own
Sign up in person at 6 p.m.
Tuesday, May 21
Dylan movie and music night @ Redstar Lounge
8 p.m.: Underground Film Collage by KUMD Highway 61 Revisited host John Bushey and Nelson French with support from the Duluth Superior Film Fest.
9:30 p.m.: SNoBARN
Wednesday, May 22
Bob Dylan’s 72nd Birthday @ Redstar Lounge
7 p.m.: Cocktails & music with Jim Hall
9:30 p.m.: The Freewheelers @ Fitger’s Brewhouse
Thursday, May 23
Blood on the Tracks Express @ Fitger’s Courtyard
Big Wave Dave & The Ripples, Erik Koskinen, Saint Anyway, The Boomchucks as the Freewheelers, Dirty Horse, Barbara Jean & Cowboy Angel Blue
5:30 p.m.: ALL ABOARD! Take the North Shore Scenic Railroad to the American Legion in Two Harbors and back with live bands on board. Pick up your tix at ticketfly.com, Fitger’s Brewhouse Beer Store or the Electric Fetus
Friday, May 24
Creative Writing Workshop and Literary Showcase @ Hibbing Memorial Building
1 p.m. Duluth Poet Laureate Sheila Packa runs poetry workshop
3:15 p.m.: Literary Reading featuring winners of the B.J. Rolfzen Memorial Creative Writing Contest
Dylan Days Singer/Songwriter Contest @ Zimmy’s in Hibbing
7 p.m.: Come hear competitors from all over the world sing one Dylan song and one original.
Saturday, May 25
Hibbing Dylan Bus Tour and U.S. Postal Cancellation
5 p.m.: Singer/Songwriter contest (Day 2) @ Zimmy’s
7 p.m.: The Adjustments @ Zimmy’s
Sunday, May 26
Dylan Days Farewell Brunch
10 a.m.: Meet at Zimmy’s to recap the week
Full Dylan Days schedule here.
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