Launching January 1, 2017: 365 Days of Dylan

Prince, Bowie, Merle, Jim Harrison, Carrie Fisher, Guy Clark, Muhammad Ali, Ralph Stanley...Sadly, this is to name just a few. Twenty-Sixteen was a tough year for my music, art and cultural heroes.

So for 2017, I'm taking a cue from Slate's celebration of legendary artists who are still living (See Wonder Week). I'm going to celebrate 365 days of Bob Dylan, his music, art and influence. I'll highlight one of his songs a day and share news, stories and other content throughout the year. I'll be curating a list of Dylan songs on Spotify and I've even launched an Amazon store featuring some of my favorite Dylan music and books.

This project is as much for me as for anyone who happens upon this blog, Spotify playlist or tweet. Bob Dylan's music, more than any other artist, has followed me, inspired me and influenced me throughout most of my life. This is a way to say "thanks" and share my love for Dylan's music while he's still on his endless tour.

Please share your Dylan memories. I'd love to hear how his music has matter to you.

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Dash Rip Rock at the Continental Club, Mojo's Mayhem 2016

Couldn't resist posting one more, this collage I put together for Instagram this morning. Such a great set of live music. Still zooming of its fumes.

You can follow me on Instagram at @mjbarz78 

Music. Food. Nature. And lots of dog photos.

Dash Rip Rock at SXSW: Best of 2016

I first saw Dash Rip Rock with my friend Kevin when the band opened for The Beat Farmers at Canal Street Tavern in Dayton, Ohio, July 1986. My adrenline surges and smile widens thinking about that show.

Dash Rip Rock, Mojo's Mayhem 2016 at the Continental Club. (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

It was amazing when Kevin and I had the chance to see the band again at SXSW 2016. I spoke briefly with Bill Davis after DRR's Saxon Pub showcase. He not only remembered the Canal Street show, but told us that after the concert, Dash Rip Rock and the Farmers went bowling at a local lane. That would have been something to witness.

DRR's Bill Davis with the Butter-Spray Slide (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Bill Davis' Gator Guitar (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Long live Dash Rip Rock. Long Live Rock and Roll. Which is kind of saying the same thing.

                

More photos on my SXSW 2016 Dash Rip Rock Gallery on Flickr.

Rip Rock Official Website.

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Harts at SXSW: Best of 2016

Another great Aussie BBQ memory from SXSW 2016, Harts sending out sonic guitar riffs to a sunsoaked beer-blissed crowd.

Harts at SXSW 2016 Aussie BBQ (Mike Barzacchini Photo)

Harts official website.

View my Harts SXSW 2016 Gallery on Flickr.

Stonefield at SXSW: Best of 2016

Sorting through photos, notes and memories from some of my top live shows of 2016. When I'm in Austin for SXSW, I try to not miss the Aussie BBQ. The event introduces me to new bands and sounds and the overall vibe in Brush Square Park is festive and fun.

My Stonefield gallery from the Aussie BBQ at SXSW 2016.

One of my favorite 2016 Aussie BBQ bands was Stonefield, four sisters who play beat-heavy, guitar-driven psychedlic influenced rock and roll. The band tore through a blistering 30-minute set, thrilling a few faithful fans and quickly converting the rest of the crowd.  Stonefield's music has a great summer festival feel. Hope they make many return visits to the states.

     

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River Whyless at SPACE in Evanston: Best of 2016

A great live-music memory from 2016 -- River Whyless at SPACE in Evanston in August. They opened the show with a stirring cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe." The band's "We All the Light" is one of my favorite album's of 2016.

Check out upcoming shows at SPACE, one of the best live music venues in the Chicago area.



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