Celebrate Bob Dylan's Birthday with Northfield's Dylanfest

Northfield will once again celebrate the birthday of music legend Bob Dylan.

The second annual Dylanfest is scheduled for 6 p.m. Thursday at the outdoor stage at the Contented Cow.

More than two dozen different performers will play songs written by and associated with Bob Dylan in a celebration of his 71st birthday, which is Thursday.

“We’re really looking forward to Dylanfest again this year,” said owner Norman Butler. “It’s going to kick off both Memorial Day weekend and our annual Mayfly Music Festival. Dylanfest is a special event because it brings so many different people from the community together to celebrate some fantastic music. When we did this last year the response was overwhelmingly positive. So many people have asked if we planned to make it an annual event, that we really had no choice. And, of course, we’re thrilled to be doing it.”

The show will feature performers from all around southern Minnesota, as well as the Twin Cities.  

“The thing that really gets me excited about the bill this year is the diversity,” says show producer Rich Larson of Left-Handed Entertainment. “We have more women playing this year, and we have more participation from the student population. There’s an all women a cappella group from called the Knightengales who will be singing. The styles that will be presented—from bluegrass to rock to electronic—are going to make this a fascinating show.”

This year, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the Northfield youth center .

“There is no cover charge for the show. It’s free to attend, but there are some avenues that give us a good opportunity to help out the community,” said Larson. “We’re all big fans of The Key and what it represents. (Local artist) Nick Sinclair has designed a commemorative poster for the night. We’ll be selling limited edition prints at the show and donating the proceeds. Folks will be able to make a direct donation to The Key as well. “

Bob Dylan was born Robert Zimmerman on May 24, 1941 in Duluth, MN, and grew up in Hibbing. His music earned him such popularity in the 1960s that he earned the name “The Voice of a Generation.” He has won numerous awards, including multiple Grammys, a Kennedy Center honor, and a Pulitzer Prize. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1988, and just last month was named one of 13 honorees to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. 

IF YOU GO
WHAT: Second annual Dylanfest
WHERE: Contented Cow
WHEN: 6 p.m. Thursday
COST: No cover charge

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