Bob Mahoney emailed us this morning to ask what song Margaret Explosion performed at Saturday’s annual Bob Dylan Birthday Birthday Bash. I emailed back “Long Black Coat” and asked, “Where were you?” He said “It was a grandkids night” and that exchange pretty much illustrates why Hunnu, the host band with core members from Colorblind James Experience, has decided to take a break after twenty five years. Rita Coulter, who arranges rehearsals and organizes the long string of guest musicians, admits it is just too much work. It has always been a bit of a slog and this year’s which started at eight was still going when we left near one but there are always shining performances that pay respect to the Bard while transcending the form. And Chuck Cuminale, the astute Dylan fan, who started this tradition when Colorblind hosted the first ten or so, lived for those moments.
We followed the festivities from Snake Sister’s Café to Jazzberries to the Warehouse to Milestones and the last few in the Village Gate. The place was packed and full of old friends.”Old” is a key word. Chuck was born two days before Bob Dylan’s birthday and the annual bash was often on Chuck’s birthday. Today is Chuck’s birthday! Gary Brandt was always taking pictures and took this one of music critic Steve Dollar singing “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door”. Phil Marshall is shown on lead guitar (he transcended the form on Saturday night), Ken Frank (now with Margaret Explosion) on bass, Chuck, Jim McAvaney on drums and David McIntire on sax.
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