BigBlueTarp.US: Bethel Woods Center for the Arts Fansite

July 18, 2009

The Bob Dylan Show Review

              Today, I’ll start this review by saying that I really had a great time at this show. Unfortunately though, I missed the first band. Leaving with plenty of time before the show and heading down 17B towards Bethel Woods, I got stuck in horrible traffic that took almost an hour to get from the Corner in Bethel to the Venue. They REALLY need to widen 17B or at least open the three lanes for a longer amount of time.

              Once I finally arrived at Bethel Woods, I walked to the top of the lawn to see approx. 15,000 people. It was such a delight to see that many people in the crowd, especially after the less then thrilling turnout at the last few concerts. Willie Nelson started the night setting off a relaxed mood. There was a little bit of crowd dancing, but not as much as I expected. I have seen Willie for the last 4 years at Farm Aid and this was by far my favorite set. The most exciting part, for me, had to be hearing him play Georgia.
              John Mellencamp came out next and did something I have never seen him do before. He opened with Pink Houses. Every time I have seen him perform, he has played this as the set closer, due to its high energy, so it was a real treat to hear it first. The whole band was on during the show. They sounded very strong and tight. Unfortunately, the screens were turned off during the set, due to the light. This was a major surprise due to Mellencamp’s energy and constant movement around the stage. The one thing I was really hoping for was for it to start raining during Rain on the Scarecrow. Sure enough, the rain started falling. It definitely gave the show a good twist. Mellencamp ended the show with an amazing version of The Authority Song.
              Bob Dylan was last to perform. I have seen him in concert before and was unsure of how good he would be, especially after Mellencamp’s high energy set. Luckily, Bob came on stage sounding great. It was still very hard to understand the lyrics, but it definitely sounded better than last time around. Dylan and his band played a few song that casual listeners loved. Unfortunately, like Mellencamp, the screens were turned off again.
Another let down of the set was looking over at West Shore Road and seeing the line of traffic trying to get out of the venue before the encore. The encore was incredible, starting with Like a Rolling Stone and going into Watchtower.
            Overall, the performers put on a great show, however, I was very disappointed by the fans leaving before the show ended. If you didn’t realize it, you were paying for a show to see three legends in concert, but to each his own I guess. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next show.



July 18, 2009 The Bob Dylan Show Review Today, I’ll start this review by saying that I really had a great time at this show. Unfortunately though, I missed the first band. Leaving with plenty of time before the show and heading down 17B towards Bethel Woods, I got stuck in horrible traffic that took almost an hour to get from the Corner in Bethel to the Venue. They REALLY need to widen 17B or at least open the three lanes for a longer amount of time. Once I finally arrived at Bethel Woods, I walked to the top of the lawn to see approx. 15,000 people. It was such a delight to see that many people in the crowd, especially after the less then thrilling turnout at the last few concerts. Willie Nelson started the night setting off a relaxed mood. There was a little bit of crowd dancing, but not as much as I expected. I have seen Willie for the last 4 years at Farm Aid and this was by far my favorite set. The most exciting part, for me, had to be hearing him play Georgia. John Mellencamp came out next and did something I have never seen him do before. He opened with Pink Houses. Every time I have seen him perform, he has played this as the set closer, due to its high energy, so it was a real treat to hear it first. The whole band was on during the show. They sounded very strong and tight. Unfortunately, the screens were turned off during the set, due to the light. This was a major surprise due to Mellencamp’s energy and constant movement around the stage. The one thing I was really hoping for was for it to start raining during Rain on the Scarecrow. Sure enough, the rain started falling. It definitely gave the show a good twist. Mellencamp ended the show with an amazing version of The Authority Song. Bob Dylan was last to perform. I have seen him in concert before and was unsure of how good he would be, especially after Mellencamp’s high energy set. Luckily, Bob came on stage sounding great. It was still very hard to understand the lyrics, but it definitely sounded better than last time around. Dylan and his band played a few song that casual listeners loved. Unfortunately, like Mellencamp, the screens were turned off again. Another let down of the set was looking over at West Shore Road and seeing the line of traffic trying to get out of the venue before the encore. The encore was incredible, starting with Like a Rolling Stone and going into Watchtower. Overall, the performers put on a great show, however, I was very disappointed by the fans leaving before the show ended. If you didn’t realize it, you were paying for a show to see three legends in concert, but to each his own I guess. I look forward to seeing everyone at the next show.