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Sunday, January 05, 2025

Where Does Bobby ‘practice’!? | Flagging Down The Double E’s Newsletter Ray Padgett

Where Bob Dylan Rehearses Before Tours

Bardavon Director Chris Silva talks hosting private Dylan rehearsals—including before 'Modern Times'


 

When people were interviewing me about my book, one question I got a lot was: “What did you learn that surprised you?” One answer I remember giving a few times: How hard Dylan rehearses before tours. Despite his reputation as flying by the seat of his pants onstage, he drills his bands before each leg—even if the songs they rehearse may not be the songs they play at the actual shows.

One of Dylan’s favorite places to rehearse in recent years is in the Hudson Valley. He has rehearsed six times at two sister venues, the Bardavon 1869 Opera House in Poughkeepsie and the Ulster Performing Arts Center (UPAC) in Kingston, three at each. Most have been before tours that begin on the East Coast or in Europe, but one was preparing to record an album: Modern Times, which he subsequently recorded at Clinton Studios in nearby New York City.

I spoke with Bardavon/UPAC Executive Director Chris Silva to learn more about Dylan’s rehearsals at his venues. After 30 years, Silva just stepped down from running the place, though he will continue to help with programming. He told me about Dylan’s half-dozen secret visits to the two theaters, as well as some other artists who rehearse there.

Chris Silva at the Bardavon

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