Front Range musicians break from regular gigs to play Dylan

SILVERTHORNE — On Bob Dylan’s 65th birthday last year, Denver area musicians got together to perform the songwriter’s classic tunes, and raise money for music in the schools.

It worked out so well, those musicians are making a side project out of it. Dylan 66 will play at the Silverthorne Pavilion on Thursday.

“It was just a magical core group of musicians that got together,” said band member Dewey Paul. “We thought it was a good idea to make it a real band and take it on the road.”

He said the Dylan tribute is and has been successful because the folk singer’s influence has been so widespread.

“I know a lot of people who don’t even like Bob Dylan, but some of their favorites were inspired by Dylan,” Paul said.

“The way he writes songs appeals to all styles of music — it crosses all genres.”

Paul said each of the band members have been playing Dylan’s music for years and just as Dylan reinvented his own music, they take their own adaptations on the songs.

Shakedown Street’s Jake Wolf is on the drums and vocals, and Leftover Salmon’s Bill McKay plays keyboards and vocals for the group. Chella Negro, Michael Caprara, Russ Griffin Jr., Bridget Law, Jose Rossy and Joe Weiger, along with Paul round out the lineup.

Paul said a goal of the group’s is to make the entire band a nonprofit which supports music and performing arts in the schools.

Tickets for Thursday’s show are $16 at the Silverthorne Recreation Center and Affordable Music or at the door for $18.

Look ahead: DooWop Denny will bring his rockin’ oldies to the Silverthorne Pavilion on Friday, June 29. Tickets are $12.

Leslie Brefeld can be reached at (970) 668-4626 or lbrefeld@summitdaily.com.