The Bob Dylan Center in Tulsa recently hosted a vibrant tribute concert celebrating the 60th anniversary of the iconic album “Blonde on Blonde.” On Friday night, a diverse lineup of artists gathered at Cain’s Ballroom to perform tracks from the legendary album, reinforcing the center’s commitment to fostering a community centered around Dylan’s music.
Comedian Jordan Klepper, known for his role on “The Daily Show,” served as the evening’s emcee. He humorously described Dylan as “this genius who crash landed from another planet, fully formed with these artistic gifts.” Klepper expressed his pride in the audience, stating, “Tonight, I’m proud to be about people who will argue about Dylan going electric all day. I will take it.”
The concert was organized by the Harper House Music Foundation and kicked off with an energetic performance by the King Cabbage Brass Band, who led a procession to the stage. Fantastic Negrito opened the show with “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” setting a lively tone for the night. Steven Jenkins, director of the Bob Dylan Center, remarked on the energy of the performance, noting, “It just really kicked things off with a lot of energy.”
This sold-out event featured a rotating lineup of musicians performing songs from the album, which was originally released in 1966. Artists included The Cactus Blossoms, Exene Cervenka and John Doe from X, Craig Finn of The Hold Steady, Robyn Hitchcock, La Marisoul of La Santa Cecilia, Hamilton Leithauser, The McCrary Sisters, Nellie McKay, Natalie Merchant, Willie Nile, Chuck Prophet, and Emma Swift. The house band, Chatham County Line, provided support for the performers, with additional contributions from Phil Cook, Darren Jessee, and Michael Libramento.
Following an intermission, the artists showcased their personal favorites from Dylan’s extensive catalog. The event attracted fans from across the United States, with attendees hailing from 12 states spanning coast to coast. Among them were three young fans from New York and New Jersey: Samantha Yestrebsky, who developed her appreciation for Dylan through the biopic “A Complete Unknown”; Dan Kelly, who grew up listening to Dylan with his father; and their friend Alexander Commito.
Jenkins highlighted the depth of Dylan’s catalog and the various ways it can be explored, stating, “I think our options are just limitless going forward. The fact that the center is here is a huge boon.”
Looking ahead, the center is set to host another significant event on March 22, featuring acclaimed musician Bill Frisell in celebration of his 75th birthday. The performance will include songs by both Dylan and folk legend Woody Guthrie, alongside original works. For further details, visit the Bob Dylan Center’s website.
This tribute event underscores the enduring impact of Bob Dylan’s music and the strong community it continues to foster, ensuring that his legacy remains vibrant and relevant for generations to come.
