The Bob Dylan Show: Rain or shine

Last night, Miranda and I ventured north to the mighty Fort Wayne to see the all-star rhythm & blues review, The Bob Dylan Show. I'd heard a number of exciting things about this Bob Dylan fellow. In fact, I had recently purchased his most recent sound recording entitled Modern Times which I enjoyed very much. The sun was shining down upon us from it's lofty throne as we drove along I-69 from Indianapolis. It appeared a picturesque day for an outdoor concert at a ball park! Yes indeed, we would be participants in a real slice of Americana!

Just then, as we pulled into the Memorial Stadium parking lot, a dark ominous cloud snuck up behind us and gathered directly above the ball field. The temperature dipped to chilly giving prelude to the light rain which would keep us company for the next several hours. "Rain or Shine" declared the ticket stub... and rain it did. As my wife and I snuggled beneath an increasingly damp blanket from high atop the metal bleachers, we listened to some fantastic music by Elana James & the Continental Two, Junior Brown, and Jimmie Vaughan. After several hours of good time boogie woogie music, the rain let, the sun went down and Bob Dylan and his band took to the stage to perform an amazing set opening with a rip-roaring version of "Cat's in the Well". Other highlights of the show were "Masters of War", "Tangled Up in Blue" and a beautiful 3/4 time rendition of "My Back Pages". Dylan's band was tight as could be and his vocals were surprisingly clear. Dylan led his band from behind the keys and broke out the harp for a handful of numbers with some beautifully delicate solos. Another highlight was hearing "Like a Rolling Stone" during the encore in which the house lights came up during each chorus.

After the show, Miranda and I hit the road and headed back home under the light of the full moon being veiled by the breaking clouds. Fantastic show with some great friends. Thanks to Ryan and Aimee for inviting us to the show with them. Thanks to Bob, Elana, Junior, Jimmie and the rest of the fine musicians who made the 4 hour round trip worth every mile.

Complete Bob Dylan setlist (9-5-06)

1. Cat's in the Well
2. You Ain't Goin' Nowhere
3. Tweedle Dee & Tweedle Dum
4. Girl of the North Country
5. Watching the River Flow
6. Stuck Inside of Mobile with the Memphis Blues Again
7. Masters of War
8. Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat
9. Tangled Up in Blue
10. Highway 61 Revisited
11. My Back Pages
12. Summer Days
13. Like a Rolling Stone (encore)
14. All Along the Watchtower