on 07-24-2009 01:34 
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John Mellencamp spreads out his arms like he's flying, as he belts out his song ‘My Aeroplane’ during the Bob Dylan show at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket last night. Times Photo/Butch Adams
By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN
PAWTUCKET — “Ain’t that America, you and me?” sang John Mellencamp, and while there aren’t many pink houses around locally, the crowd at Tuesday night’s concert at McCoy Stadium was as close to a slice of everyday life as you can get.
The legendary line-up of Bob Dylan, Mellencamp and Willie Nelson drew a crowd of 9,298 to what was being billed as the 2009 Ballpark Tour. The annual concert also serves as the kick-off to the upcoming Pawtucket Arts Festival. The day’s rain held off for much of the night, leaving an atmosphere that was cool in more ways than one.
From young families camped out on blankets to fans who remembered Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson from their college days in the early 60s, it was truly an all-ages show — just the way that the PawSox management team had wanted it.
“We are glad the weather Gods cooperated so we could celebrate these three great music Hall of Famers during Rhode Island’s annual concert night out at McCoy Stadium,” said PawSox president Mike Tamburro. “We thank Mayor Doyle and the City of Pawtucket and we are proud to be a part of the Pawtucket Arts Festival.”
And all three performers held up their part of the bargain, playing sets filled with a smattering of new material but mostly the hits that the fans came to hear.
While Bob Dylan was the official headliner and drew his share of loyal followers, which performer was truly the main attraction depended on who you talked to.
Gary Makuch, of Swansea, accompanied by new wife, Colleen, estimated that he was seeing Willie Nelson “for the 20th or 30th time. “His music is American music, and he makes you feel good,” he said, while Colleen added that the 75-year-old Texas troubadour “Still sounds wonderful.”
Doreen Castro of Pawtucket, who said she was looking for “rocking good times” from the three-star line-up, stated that Bob Dylan was her favorite while her brother, Donald Magill, said it was John Mellencamp that he had come to see.
Rich Dugas of Woonsocket said he came out to see Bob Dylan “because he is such a tradition,” while saying he enjoyed the music of John Mellencamp as “a close second” “I’ve always loved seeing a show here, because you can walk right down to the stage.”
Jim Dwyer, also of Woonsocket, said he “loves Mellencamp” and was seeing Bob Dylan for the first time. “I figure there are not too many times left to see him, he said, of the legendary performer.
City Council President Henry Kinch Jr., was quick to say that “Mellencamp” was the performer he came to hear, while his father, Henry Kinch Sr., said that Willie Nelson was more his speed. Both men credited the PawSox organization for once again staging a successful concert event in the city.
For teenagers Dalton Markush, John Burdett and Nathan Farnum, from Foster, the iconic Dylan was the hands-down reason for making the trip. “I love his new album,” commented Burdett, proving Dylan’s ability to speak to a new generation.
Willie Nelson was first up, running though fan favorites such as “Blue Eyes Crying in the Rain,” “Always on My Mind” and “Mamas Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up to be Cowboys.” New York based band, the Wiyos, opened the show.
Following his set, Pawtucket Mayor James Doyle, presented Nelson with a Pawtucket Arts Festival plaque and a PawSox baseball contained in an artfully designed holder made by Gail Ahlers of Ahlers Design. Nelson was also given a PawSox jacket by PawSox president Mike Tamburro and vice president/general manager Lou Schwechheimer.
Mellencamp took the stage next, opening with “Pink Houses” and quickly moving through his repertoire of hits. The melodic rocker “Cherry bomb” had the crowd up and dancing while “Small Town” seemed to resonate especially well in the Pawtucket venue.
Last up was Bob Dylan, playing a mix of old favorites and some new material from his well received new album “Together Through Life.”
A light rain began to fall, but that didn’t stop the fans who danced and rocked into the evening. Michelle and Michael Bean of Barrington, along with their young son Dylan, were center stage on a patchwork of comforters along with an entourage of other youngsters and family members. “Some might be asleep before the end of it, but we brought blankets,” said Michael.
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