No spotlight necessary

The first drop of legendary sweat rolled off his nose about halfway through the set. Bob Dylan was here to get down to business, doing what he has done best for over thirty years: entertaining and enchanting. \nFrom students to fans older than Dylan himself, the crowd reflected only a slice of the folk rocker's widespread influence over the years. He was one of the original political musicians, but with more than just a cult fan base. With everything from hit singles to obscure tracks, Dylan's more than 30-disc repertoire is diverse enough to have appeal to the masses. \nDressed in a stark white suit and boots, Dylan didn't need a spotlight. From the moment he stepped on stage, the audience was transfixed on the presence of a legend. The only thing that could have distracted his fans was the prowess of his band.\nEmerging on the IU Auditorium stage at 7:30 p.m., the band launched into the hour-and-45-minute set. At first, a somewhat tense Dylan and company fed off the crowd's energy until the entire venue was fused with a mass of excitement and sound. Pretty soon, Dylan's piercing blue eyes started to show from under the droopy eyelids of age and touring.\nNot to be overshadowed, guitarists Larry Campbell and Charlie Sexton whipped out tremendous solos and background work proving that a Bob Dylan tour is not just a one-man show. Campbell switched from acoustic to electric to steel to mandolin, demonstrating just how good fingerpicking can sound. With his mellow attitude and confident composure, Sexton used style and effects pedals to hold his own. Bass and drums provided a rhythmic dance under the melodies.\nThere is something so different about seeing Dylan than listening to the many albums he has produced. There is an energy and spirit that can't be picked up from stereo speakers, no matter how expensive they are. From his bushy hair to the bug-mashing grind of his left foot, Dylan held the audience and took them on a trip with him. \nThey traveled through the land of bluegrass with three-part vocals and mandolins. They swam through a river of blues, with the calm of acoustic and the rapids of three variations of sunburst Fender Strats. Then they went back to the basic plains of rock and acoustic rock, with the spirit of folk presiding.\nHighlights of the evening included "Tryin' to get to Heaven," "Tangled Up in Blue" and a roaring rendition of "Leopard-Skin Pill-Box Hat," dedicated to the late Steve Allen.\nThroughout the show, the band maintained a presence of confidence and businesslike musicianship. With no pandering to the crowd, Dylan and the boys produced a constant stream of tonality that wouldn't let the audience rest. This is a good thing.\nBefore the cheers had begun to die down, they left the stage. With not a bow nor a comment to the crowd, the five musicians left knowing that they possessed something that will be a challenge to match: greatness.