Wednesday, May 21, 2008

On Dylan Days eve, the Lincoln Elementary School will host a talent contest for students at 7 p.m. in the Lincoln Auditorium. See some of Hibbing’s youth showcase their many talents much like a young Bobby Zimmerman would have in the 1950s.

Also on the eve of the event, Cowboy Angel Blue will play at Zimmy's from 8 p.m. to midnight. (Find out about Cowboy Angel Blue, a northern Minnesota amplified accoustic band).

Thursday, May 22, 2008

During the day, enjoy an Open House and reception for Lake Superior Watercolor "Painters of the North Country" exhibit artists at the Hibbing Public Library, 1-4 p.m., featuring Beattie's banana bread (Bob's mom's recipe), coffee and punch.

Dylan Days fires up with the grand opening of “Tangled Up in Ore” at Ironworld in nearby Chisholm. There will be free admission to this original Iron Range Bob Dylan exhibit from 5:30-9 p.m., brief welcome remarks at 6, including free treats and beverages. 

Meanwhile, at Zimmy’s in downtown Hibbing, enjoy live music all night from Travis Brandon at 5 and the Grunt Monkeys from Anchorage, Alaska, at 9.

Friday, May 23, 2008

Dylan Days will host its second annual Creative Writing Workshop with featured author Toby Thompson at Hibbing High School (pre-registration required, e-mail info@dylandays.com), from 9-11 a.m. Admission is free with a Dylan Days pin.

Dylan Days Film Festival on Friday at HCC Theatre will feature “Ballad of Ramblin’ Jack “ at1:00 p.m. and “I’m Not There” at 3:10 p.m. (Admission Free with Dylan Days button)

Toby Thompson, author of “Positively Main Street” – one of the best works exploring Dylan’s Iron Range ties, will sign books at Howard Street Booksellers from 3-5 p.m., admission free. (Can't make it? Order a signed copy)

The cornerstone of Dylan Days, the Singer-Songwriter Contest at Zimmy’s, begins at 7 and usually runs until midnight. Admission is free, but seating is on a first come basis with no advance reservations. Singer/Songwriters must register in advance to compete (as of 4/26, registration is full).

Also at 7 and running most of the night, try (or just enjoy) the North Country Jam Session at the Hibbing Memorial Building Little Theatre stage. This is the Hibbing stage where Dylan played early gigs with his first professional band. Sign up will begin at 6 pm, with a set of acoustic performers to be followed by a set of electric performances. There will be a house band playing back-up with a mix of musicians and instruments. Sound equipment will be provided by Rupar Music of Hibbing and there's always an extra guitar or two lying around! This event is sponsored by Rupar Music & Ciao Rustic Italian.

Saturday, May 24, 2008

Ride the Bobby Zimmerman bus tour from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30. The bus leaves from the Hibbing Public Library, home of a unique collection of Dylan memorabilia, and will return there after a fascinating, critically-acclaimed guided tour of the Hibbing that inspired a young Bob Dylan. Tickets are $15 and include a Dylan Days pin, advance registration required.

You can get your mail or souvenirs stamped with the official annual Dylan Days U.S. Postal Cancellation at Zimmy’s, noon-5 p.m. (Admission Free).

Then, from 2:30-5:30 p.m., join Dylan Days featured author Toby Thompson and the winners of the Dylan Days poetry and fiction contests for a literary event at the Hibbing Community College Theatre. After the reading, enjoy the world premiere performance of the winning play from the Dylan Days One Act Playwright contest under the direction of award-winning, nationally-acclaimed HCC director Michael Ricci. Admission is free with a Dylan Days pin.

Closing the night Saturday will be the 2008 Dylan Days Benefit Concert for the Hibbing Arts Council, featuring headline act Ramblin’ Jack Elliott, a folk music icon and Dylan contemporary. Minnesota artists Spider John Koerner and Tony Glover will open the show, which opens at 7 p.m. in the Hibbing High School auditorium, site of Dylan’s earliest controversial performance. Order tickets (Reserved seating for $15, with premium seating available for additional cost). 

Sunday, May 25, 2008

Dylan Days will host a Farewell Brunch at Zimmy’s from 10:30 a.m. to12:30 p.m. $12 ($10 with Dylan Days pin).

Dylan Days will close with a One-Act Play encore presentation to benefit the Hibbing Community College Theatre from 1:30-2:30 p.m. The winning Dylan Days one-act play will be presented again in a stand-alone marquis performance. Admission $10, $8 with a pin.

For information on Dylan Days events, ticket information, or to inquire about participating in a Dylan Days activity, e-mail info@dylandays.com.

For more about Northeastern Minnesota's Iron Range, visit the Iron Range Tourism Bureau.