Dylan's 69th Birthday Bash

What is your favorite Dylan cover? Over the years nearly every performer has covered a Dylan song. These efforts have ranged from “pretty cool” like Susan Tedeschi’s version of Don’t Think Twice, It’s Alright… to “kind of creepy” like William Shatner doing Mr. Tambourine Man.

For a special edition of KAXE's On the River Monday, May 24th from 7 – 10PM volunteer host Grant Frashier will be focusing on the music of Dylan in honor of Bob’s 69th birthday. In addition to hearing from Bob himself, Grant will be playing some of his and your favorite Dylan covers.

Let us know what your favorite Dylan covers are so that we can share them with other listeners - just leave a comment on this blog or call our Talkback line at 218-999-9876.

And listen on Monday, May 24th from 7 until 10PM for this special Dylan’s Birthday Bash edition of On The River with Grant Frasier.

That same day it's the kick off of Dylan Days, supporting the arts and honoring Bob Dylan in his hometown of Hibbing, Minnesota from the 27th-30th. Over the past several years Dylan Days has built a grassroots tradition including the singer/songwriter contest, writing contest and literary showcase, one act playwright contest, visual arts competition, Bobby Zimmerman bus tour, live music series and the Hibbing Arts Council Dylan Days Benefit Concert, along with several other annual events.

Did You Know that Bob Dylan is From MN?!?!?!

by Doug MacRostie

We'll be celebrating Bob Dylan all hour this week on Centerstage MN. I'll be talking with Gene LaFond, he and the Wild Unknown will be performing with Dylan's famed violinist from the 70's, Scarlet Rivera on Sat. the 23rd as part of Dylan Days in Hibbing, happening from May 21st-24th. Gene traveled with Dylan back in the Rolling Thunder days and has been a singer and songwriter his entire life. Beyond the obvious subject, we'll also talk about Gene and Bob's friend Larry Kegan, who was inspiration for both from his wheel chair (there is a good story w a lot more info about Larry Kegan at Gene's website: www.genelafond.com/CDbio.html). We'll also hear from Aaron Brown, one of the organizers of Dylan Days, about all the different things happening. More info is at www.dylandays.com.

AND GUESS WHAT!!! I found Bob Dylan's cell # on my desk the other morning, so I'll play a song from his new CD Together Through Life and then try giving him a call!!! (thanks to whoever dropped his # off!).

I'll also celebrate Dylan with some excellent covers of his tunes by Minnesota bands including Mason Jennings, The First Ladies, Crazy Betty, Bittersweet and The State Champs.

Next week my guests will be Abisha Uhl and Jamie Holm, 2 of the 5 ladies that are Sick of Sarah, an indie rock band out of Minneapolis. Their debut, self-titled release mixes rock and pop with a punk attitude. From harmonies and melodies, to pounding drums and jammin' guitars, these ladies are ready to rock and I am really excited to have them on the show.

Centerstage MN is on KAXE every Thursday evening at 6, streaming live online at www.kaxe.org, or 91.7fm Grand Rapids, 89.9 Brainerd and 105.3 Bemidji, and rebroadcast Sunday mornings at 6.