BLONDE On Bob, York’s Bob Dylan enthusiasts, are marking his 70th year with the Blonde On Bob Million Dollar Birthday Bash on Tuesday in The Basement at City Screen, York, at 8pm.

“Dylan’s 70 on May 24th and we’re having our usual event at City Screen with us and Rory Motion, but this year’s a bit special. It’s around 50 years since Bob began his journey towards becoming one of the most influential and prolific songwriters of his generation, so I’m combining the birthday gig with releasing a double CD,” says Chris Euesden, Blonde On Bob member, Circuit Music leading light and York record company boss.

Chris has compiled 30 covers of Dylan songs by established and rising young artists from the British and American folk and roots scene for release on his label, Fat Cat Records, under the title Younger Than That Now.

“The album’s creating a lot of interest,” he says. “I’m getting some really good feedback and we’ve already had some plays on Radio 2, so it’s looking good.”

Martin Simpson, Christine Collister, Chris Smither, Steve Tilston, Clive Gregson, Rosalie Reighton, Jez Lowe, Steve Phillips, Edwina Hayes and Blonde On Bob themselves are among the performers contributing new recordings to an album whose proceeds will be donated to Oxfam. Barnsley poet Ian McMillan provides an introduction and the compilation also includes Tony Capstick’s version of To Ramona from a rare concert recording in Sheffield in 1972. The album is being distributed nationally by Proper and can be bought online at circuitmusic.co.uk. Tickets for Tuesday’s Million Dollar Birthday Bash cost £8 on 0871 902 5726 or online at thebasementyork.co.uk or £10 on the door.