I apologize to those of you who read a blank screen in the earlier post.  I got excited, I guess.

Anyway, though I worked for awhile as one for one of those ghastly booking agencies, and learned more than I wanted to about certain aspects of the music industry, there are things I am still unaware of, so I spologize to those in the know if I sound like an ignorant prick when I ask the following question.
    In my experience, opening acts are often chosen by the venue concerned, usually from a pool of local artists.  I am referring to clubs or independent theatres here, such as the Middle East in Cambridge, Mass., or the Mercury Lounge in NYC, for example, unless of course the artist is on a major label or bigger indie and has a band in tow.  Then, obviously, they bring their band with them and the compensation/lodging, etc. is mapped out in the contract the venue signs with the agent, and by extension, the band/artist.  I have often found that the headliner doesn't really care that much about support as long as the act is more or less in tune with the genre/philosophy/aesthetic of the headliner.  Oh, and as long as they don't take too much soundcheck time and don't upstage the main event.
    This is longwinded, and probably confusing, and I am sorry.  I have had a few beers and tend to get diarrhea of the keyobard.
    Anyway, there are of course artists who are the exception to the rule, and take support on the road with them that they really like, and whose music they would like to expose to a larger audience.  For example, Ben Folds took Robbie Fulks out with him on a few dates, and I would argue that Robbie Fulks would not be a great match for the typical Ben Folds fan.  The point is that Ben Folds thinks Robbie is a good songwriter and musician, and the listener who appreciates that kind of thing would in theory be psyched to hear a voice they are unfamiliar with, and sort of for free, you know, since the opening act is sort of like an appetizer on the house before the main course.
    So, why doesn't the NFU get to to open for Bob Dylan?  This is the question I should have asked a beer or so ago.  I know Dylan has eschewed opening acts in the past few years, but one would surmise that the family association would be an advantage, no?  I mean, Dylan has been singing Charlie's praises for years in interviews, and now has him in his stable (I feel that metaphor is apt, as every time I see Bob Dylan and his band in concert, I feel like Charlie Sexton is like a stallion chomping at the bit, wanting so badly to blaze on that fucking guitar and reined in by Dylan, who seems intent on playing every solo to every song, which is sad and unfortunate).  
   So, do you all think that Charlie has no pull with Dylan, and is just a sideman with no input?  I mean, in the mid to late 90's, Dylan was taking lots of artists out with him. Granted, they were mostly female (Aimee Mann, Sheryl Crowe, Natalie Merchant and Ani Difranco, to name a few), but he did take Paul Kelly with him in Australia just last year.  I would think a copy of the new record has been shown to him, and I would think he would like it.
    As crotchety as Dylan's audience is, I think the NFU would still win them over.  And as obviously buzzed and tangential as I am, I think what I am saying is true, if convoluted.  Thoughts?

Adam