It seems we can add one more accomplishment to Bob Dylan’s very long career resume:
Festival reviver.
Let’s back up a bit. When the lineup was revealed for the return of Eaux Claires Festival, one of the more curious entries was “Bon Dylan” — a mashup of Bon Iver and Bob Dylan. Justin Vernon has done this kind of thing before, notably at the 2017 festival, which included an act called “Bon Prine” that featured Bon Iver as the backing band for music legend John Prine.
On Thursday, Vernon confirmed that a similar tribute situation will unfold at this year’s Eaux Claires, although Dylan himself doesn’t seem to be involved. Based on the press release and video that Vernon shared, he’ll perform as Dylan circa 1994, although the set will include songs from every era. Vernon also gave us a sneak preview of what we’ll hear, as the video was soundtracked by Bon Iver’s rendition of “Not Dark Yet.”
In addition, the video included a heartwarming story that indicates Dylan was the catalyst for the Eaux Claires Festival’s relaunch. Here’s what Vernon shared:
Oh, it was about a year ago. Bob Dylan came through town.
I went with my dad and about 16 of my friends.
I’ve lived here for 44 years. And it’s been too long to remember since the town felt that together.
So we thought we’d better get the festival back going.
And then the question of whether Bon Iver should play or not.
It was on the table.
Here’s what I’ll say.
I haven’t felt much like being what I’ve been
Or been seen to have been.
Or what I wanted to have been.
Or what I’ve become.
So I thought it’d be cool to try to be Bob Dylan for a night.
I’m trying to turn Bon into Bob.
Currently, the performance as Bon Dylan will be the only chance to see Justin Vernon in concert for the foreseeable future. He’ll do that on the first day of the festival, which takes over Carson Park in Eau Claire on July 24 and 25. For ticket info and more details, go to the Eaux Claires website.
