Tomorrow night; Bob Dylan's birthdaytributebenefit

Saturday is Bob Dylan's Parkersburg birthday tribute, here at the Front Row, the reigning Champion of live music in Parkersburg. 4000 Emerson Ave. in the shopping plaza with Foodland and Curves (no fastballs, sliders, or screwballs, well on second thought.......). Bill Poole has put together some memorable shows over the years there. There are still many loyal patrons eager for sports but somehow Bill pulls off keeping various enthusiasts happy. BR 549 has played there, Marty Stuart, Commander Cody, Junior Brown, Watermelon Slim, Jason Ricci, the list grows. I was very happy to have a part in bringing Anais Mitchell to the Front Row; though it wasn't a usual venue for her, we had a great evening of music, for this rising star. And of course the local music! Bill gave Andy Tuck most of his start in performing live locally, with the epic open mikes and then the Greens epic shows over the years. There are too many to mention local acts who have benefited from the opportunity to play there. (Come on, reply with some of the glaring omissions I have here.........) I know, Patrick Sweaney, etc. .............

Anyway, Saturday night, May 24th, 9 pm, we're having a birthday tribute to the music of Bob Dylan. This is a benefit fund raiser for Children's Home Society of WV. We work tirelessly to support area children, youth, and families in such a wide variety of ways I can't capture it all here- we've run the emergency shelter for youth in town here for what will be 30 years next February (stay tuned for announcements about that anniversary event later in the year). We help support families in many ways where and when and how they need it. I never make too much of it at the tribute shows, 'cause I know people are there for the music, but any sign of generosity that folks might feel like giving is greatly appreciated. Once the music and contests and door prizes get flowing, I just sorta give up on the fund raising aspect.
We've got a line up of musicians who give of their talents to the cause, and love to perform songs and get the give and take of the audience response. I've got a few contests lined up for the fun-loving and frivilous (don't anybody take it too seriously, please). There is so much Dylan trivia out there, we could just do that all night, but there is an expectation that we have a little music...........
Give me a last minute boost of morale, if you have any suggestions, or offers to help in any way. I always get a little nervous about "no shows" from some of the music acts, so there will be room for a "walk in" set if any one still wants to warble a few Dylan tunes.