MARFA — Dust isn’t the only thing blowin’ in the wind in Marfa. Marfa Live Arts presents Bob Dylan’s Birthday Bash to honor Dylan on his 84th birthday on Saturday, May 24, at Coyote Coffee in Marfa.
The event, which is being produced by Marfa musician Mia Valentini, will celebrate the musical icon with local and visiting musicians covering some of Dylan’s well known songs as well as lesser known deep cuts. “It’s a curated open mic night, and we are still looking for musicians to play,” Valentini said. “In previous years of this event, we’ve had musicians from all around the area and have even had musicians come all the way from Boston. It’s open to whoever wants to come and perform their favorite Dylan tunes.”
Sign-up is currently available through Marfa Live Arts’ Instagram page or by emailing info@marfalivearts.org, spots have already begun filling up as local favorites such as Vance Knowles, Zoe Kurland, Tim Johnson, Travis Bubenik, Erin Schneider and Rock-n-Roll Robert prepare to play songs from Dylan’s vast oeuvre. “We do already have a handful of people signing up, but hopefully we can get a flood of musicians wanting to come out and play some songs,” Valentini said. “We’ve got a smattering of The Grand Tourist members and some other Marfa staples signed up. We prefer folks sign up ahead of time, but you are also welcome to come with your instrument and sign up day-of.”
Valentini, who performed as an actor at the 14th Annual Marfa Live Arts One-Act Plays teamed up with the organization following the plays, with goals for continual collaboration. “After the one-act plays, I talked to [MLA Director] Jennie Lyn [Hamilton] because I wanted to contribute more and maybe put on a play with Marfa Live Arts, and she asked if I could help with the Dylan Birthday Bash,” Valentini explained. “I think Jennie is bringing in more and more young folks into the fold to create more outreach for Marfa Live Arts and to showcase that they are here and open if you have an idea. She’s really supportive. And I think she’s trying to show the next generation kind of the ropes of how to get events done in Marfa.”
The show, Valentini added, is free and open to all. “This is going to be a fun, family friendly event,” she said. “So, come sing a song, read a poem, or reinterpret one of his works into performance art! Express your Dylan! There will be cake.”
Solo musicians, she added, will be limited to one song, while groups can play up to three. To sign up, please email info@marfalivearts.org with your name (or group name) with song titles. For more information please visit www.marfalivearts.org. Marfa Live Arts would also like to thank Bitter Sugar for providing a Bob Dylan sheet cake for the event.