Bob Dylan in Lucca. Highly Doubtful.

When I first saw the list of performers for the Lucca Summer Music Festival, I thought it was a hoax.  I couldn't think of a more unlikely concert than Bob Dylan in Lucca.  London...sure.  Paris...perhaps.  But Lucca?  It was just bizarre.  Why would Bob Dylan come to perform in Lucca?  So when the date finally arrived (yesterday), my curiosity had finally pushed me over the edge.  I packed a seat cushion from the apartment and headed out to the square just adjacent to the closed off seating area for the concert. I knew that this was a poor man's cop out for a real ticket but I just couldn't bring myself to spring $350.00 for a reserved seat.  I'm not THAT much of a groupie.  

     

.     Why did Bob Dylan choose to play in Lucca?  Strange.

     

       The stage for the Summer Festival in Lucca.

For the first 80 minutes or so of the performance, I was deeply disappointed.  Every "song"/" mumble" that he did was totally new and unrecognizable to me.  I got tired of standing behind the metal barricades and found a place to sit on a step nearby.  I was so proud of myself for having the good sense to bring a cushion.  

Then, strangely, Dylan's musicians and his own showmanship abruptly flipped a switch. The crew launched into a wonderful, bluesy, infectious set for the final 20 minutes.  The audience around me picked up on the vibe immediately.  All of a sudden people lost control of their feet, unable to stop themselves from tapping.  People around me started to dance because it just felt like the right thing to do.  The whole mood was one of joy and being one with the music.  It was one of those transformative moments that I can't describe.  It just "happened" The words being mumbled were meaningless.  It was the magic of the rhythm that was in control.  Why fight it.  Just smile and give your partner a hug.  

And then, just as suddenly as the music started, it just ended.  The lights came on.  The crowd started to file out in almost total silence like monks on their way to prayer, and I headed for home about 10 minutes away.  But wait.  The evening wasn't done with me yet.

It was still nearly 80 degrees outdoors. The city was still not ready to sleep.  The restaurants were teeming with people even though it was nearly Midnight.  Nobody seemed ready to call it a night. No reason to fight the rest of the local community.  I gave in to their common sense.  "Head for the wall" the voice inside me prodded.  Head for the wall.  Good move.

     

      Moonrise over Lucca about Midnight.  Totally unscripted.

I didn't order the moon to rise just as I got to the top of the wall.  It just happened.  Just a few yards along the wall, is the botanical garden in Lucca.  During the day, it's a relaxing place to stop and enjoy the peace of the grounds.  But at night they turn on spotlights to show off the trees on the inside.  I was really delighted by the surprise.

     

      Typical Lucca flair. Don't hurry past.  Sit down and savor.

Normally, I don't usually make the full tour of the wall but  this night wasn't normal.  So off I went.  The pace was slow.  The air was fresh and the aftermath of the concert was still at work.  God was trying to tell me something.

     

      The wall at 1:00 AM.  Still lots of people out and about.

So finally about 1:30 AM when I finally made it back to my apartment, I was ready to collapse.  But it was a good lesson that I took home with me.  I was reminded (as if for the 99th time) that music touches people in a way that words and pictures cannot.  Music is the thing that moves people.  Music is what Invigorates revolutions.  Music is what armies and sports teams use to push them forward. Music is used to access the most fundamental core of our being.  Music is nourishment for the soul.  Music doesn't need words, least of all from Bob Dylan.  I think he knows that.  It's why he still loves performing at age 82.  

Maybe he knew I'd be in Lucca this night.

Or maybe it maybe it was just a weird coincidence.  But for me, it was a happy coincidence.  

So that's my story, and I'm stickin to it

Dan