Tulsa’s Cain’s Ballroom reverberated with the sounds of Bob Dylan last week, but not from the man himself. Instead, a remarkable lineup of artists gathered on February 20th to celebrate the 60th anniversary of his landmark album, Blonde on Blonde. The concert, presented by the Bob Dylan Center, showcased the enduring influence of Dylan’s work, drawing a diverse crowd to the historic venue where the artist has performed himself. This event followed a similar tribute last year, when the Center hosted a 50th-anniversary concert for Dylan’s Blood On The Tracks.
The evening, emceed by comedian Jordan Klepper, wasn’t simply a note-for-note recreation of Blonde on Blonde. It was a reimagining, a conversation with the album through the voices of artists who clearly hold Dylan’s songwriting in high regard. Natalie Merchant, Craig Finn, and Hamilton Leithauser were among the featured performers, each bringing their unique style to both well-known tracks from the album and deeper cuts from Dylan’s extensive catalog. The event highlighted all of the songs on “Blonde on Blonde,” including “Rainy Day Women #12 & 35,” “Visions of Johanna,” “I Want You,” “Just Like a Woman” and “Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands.”
A Diverse Cast Pays Tribute
Natalie Merchant, known for her poetic lyrics and distinctive voice, delivered renditions of “Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands” and Oh Mercy’s “Ring Them Bells,” showcasing her ability to inhabit the emotional core of Dylan’s songs. Craig Finn, frontman of The Hold Steady, tackled “Stuck Inside Of Mobile” and Street-Legal’s “Where Are You Tonight? (Journey Through Dark Heat),” injecting his signature narrative storytelling into the performances. Hamilton Leithauser, celebrated for his work with The Walkmen, performed “One Of Us Must Realize (Sooner Or Later)” and Highway 61 Revisited’s “It Takes A Lot To Laugh, It Takes A Train To Cry,” offering a raw and emotive interpretation of the classics.
The lineup extended far beyond these headliners. Nellie McKay, the McCrary Sisters, La Marisoul, Fantastic Negrito, the Cactus Blossoms, Willie Nile, Chuck Prophet, Robyn Hitchcock, and X’s John Doe and Exene all took the stage. The collaborative spirit of the evening was particularly evident when the Cactus Blossoms played New Morning’s “If Not For You,” and when Doe and Exene performed Bob Dylan’s “Baby, Let Me Follow You Down.” The concert culminated in a full-ensemble performance of Bringing It All Back Home’s “Subterranean Homesick Blues,” a fittingly energetic close to a night dedicated to Dylan’s lyrical prowess.
Doug Keith served as music director, leading a house band comprised of Chatham County Line (Greg Readling, John Teer, Dave Wilson), Phil Cook, Ben Folds Five drummer Darren Jessee, and bassist Michael Libramento, all musicians deeply rooted in the North Carolina music scene. The Bob Dylan Center acknowledged Harper House Music Foundation as the Presenting Supporter for making the program possible.
A Venue Steeped in History
Cain’s Ballroom, a 100-year-old honky-tonk in Tulsa, Oklahoma, provided a fitting backdrop for the celebration. The venue’s website notes that the event was fully seated with reserved seats, and limited sponsorship opportunities with stage-side tables were available. The intimate setting allowed the audience to fully appreciate the nuances of each performance and the shared reverence for Dylan’s work.
The concert title, “Sooner or Later,” is inspired by the track of the same name from Blonde on Blonde, a subtle nod to the album’s enduring mystery and the inevitable recognition of Dylan’s genius. The event wasn’t just a retrospective; it was a testament to the ongoing influence of an artist who continues to inspire generations of musicians and listeners.
The Bob Dylan Center continues its mission of preserving and celebrating Dylan’s legacy, and upcoming events can be found on their official website. The Center’s ongoing programming promises further exploration of Dylan’s vast and influential body of work, ensuring that his music will continue to resonate for years to approach.
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