Press Releases
July 27, 2009
For Immediate Release
Matt DeMargel
(919) 687-6516
BOB DYLAN SHOW SET FOR TUESDAY NIGHT
by Jennifer LaBrosse
Both Bulls fans and Triangle residents will be able to enjoy a night full of classic American music at the ballpark on July 28, 2009. The Bob Dylan Show, with guests John Mellencamp and Willie Nelson, will be performing at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park at 5:30 p.m.
This is the fourth summer that Dylan's band has performed in ballparks. The tour began in 2004, and after taking a break from it in 2007 and 2008, Dylan is ready to make an impressive comeback with a strong lineup.
Don Sullivan, the vice president of Jam Productions, says that the lineup for the show will make it even better than those in the past.
"Bob has a new record out and is playing new songs," Sullivan said. "The band is as great as ever. Willie nelson is opening, and the guy is an absolute legend. At 78 he is out there every night playing songs that fans know and love. John Mellencamp is new to the tour. It's a really good representation of Americana music."
Willie Nelson also starred in the show in 2004 and 2005.
Not that fans need a reason for why the American legend is in the lineup again, but as Sullivan said, "The tour works. Don't fix something that's not broken. It's a good package, and their music fits together well."
The idea for performing at ball parks began back in 1998 when a concert from Dylan's regular tour was played in St. Paul Saints Stadium. The owner of the team, Mike Veeck, son of the famous baseball hall of famer Bill Veeck, recommended that Dylan play in more ballparks. Mike Veeck currently owns six minor league franchises including the Brockton Rox, Fort Myers Miracle, Charleston Riverdogs, Hudson Valley Renegades, St. Paul Saints and Sioux Falls Canaries
A year and a half later, Dylan played in Veeck's Sioux Falls stadium on his tour. The band decided that ballparks were a great atmosphere for Dylan's music and fans. So in 2004, Dylan decided to make a run at ball parks. The team called Veeck to see where he should perform, and that same year the tour was voted the Most Creative Tour Package by the industry.
Both Mike Veeck and his father Bill have always been known for being Baseball Showmen. Whether it is hosting the Disco Demolition Night, using mimes or many other publicity stunts, the bottom line is that the Veecks want fans to enjoy their time at the ball parks.
Similarly to the Veecks, the Durham Bulls want its fans to enjoy their time as well.
Mike Birling, general manager of the Durham Bulls, is excited to have Dylan's show at the ball park.
"It is our first attempt at a big time concert," Birling said. "Over the years we have always talked about but never made the plunge into the concert business. To be able to do this and bring revenue to the ball club is very exciting for us."
However, it is not Dylan's bands first attempt in Durham. In previous years, the Bulls have been skeptical to host the show.
"It was really a matter of our field," Birling said. "Our number one priority is always to the Rays and its players. We wanted to keep the field in the best shape we could and didn't want to take risk. What has changed is the way they have perfected the ability to have these concerts with very limited damage to the field. We had talked to a bunch of teams that I am comfortable with who have had concerts with Jam Productions, and they all said it was great to work with Jam Productions and the respect it has for the fields is incredible."
Tickets for the show are still available by calling 919-956-BULL.
