America’s Singing Poet Bob Dylan Plays Washington, DC

American blues and folk singer, songwriter and musician, Bob Dylan spoke for the 1960s youth generation. During those turbulent times in America, several of his songs became the anthems for civil rights movement and anti-Vietnam war protests.

And he’s coming to Washington, DC for one night at the GMU Patriot Center.

His croaky vocals paired with meaningful vocals on songs such as “The Times They Are a-Changin’,” and “Blowin’ in the Wind” became coffee house favorites by questioning the current social and political status quo, often cynically.  His ability to blend social commentary with music are unparalleled.

Several of his songs are also based on society’s injustice, such as “Hurricane,” about boxer Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, who had been imprisoned (some say without much evidence) for a triple murder.

Dylan also penned several love songs including “It Ain’t Me Babe”, “Lay, Lady, Lay” and “It’s All Over Now Baby Blue.”

Time magazine name Dylan to its Most Important People of the Century list, while Rolling Stone has him listed in the second slot of the Greatest Artists of All Time list. 

With a massive repertoire of songs to choose from to perform, don’t expect to hear nothing but a collection of Dylan protest classics such as Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and “It’s Alright Ma (I’m Only Bleeding)” at the show.  I hear that recently his shows include lots of country blues and Americana hillbilly swing music that spans his entire career, along with just one or two old Dylan classics.

But hopefully he’ll include (as he usually does in his live shows) “Highway 61 Revisited” and “All Along the Watchtower”, which has been covered by over 50 artists and bands from Jimi Hendrix to the Indigo Girls. 

His concerts, like his albums, are often reported to be hit or miss, sometimes rockin’ and fun, and at other times a bit disappointing.  So you never know what to expect from this rock and roll legend, except to witness a master poet at work. 

Bob Dylan
Patriot Center
4500 Patriot Circle�
Fairfax, Virginia  22030  (map it)
703-993-3000

Dates & Times – Wednesday, November 11, 2009 – 8:00 p.m.  Doors open at 6:30.

Tickets – General Admission – no assigned seats – $57.50 and are available online or by phone at 703-573-SEAT.

Nearest Metro Subway Station – Vienna/GMU – Orange line, then a 6-mile cab ride.

Parking – Free.

Images – Flickr – Dylan 1, 2