ENTERTAINMENT

VIDEO: Woodstock 50th anniversary concert in the works

John W. Barry
Poughkeepsie Journal

Woodstock 2019?

Plans are being made for a 50th anniversary Woodstock concert, according to Ulster County resident Michael Lang, the driving force behind the famous festival that attracted hundreds of thousands to Sullivan County in August 1969.

Michael Lang

Lang told the Journal that discussions are underway with potential partners and different locations are being explored. An overseas event, in addition to one being planned for the U.S., is possible. Details on potential locations and possible performers were not available.

Lang said he foresees an annual festival, staged with the Woodstock name, continuing on beyond the 50th anniversary.

Woodstock, Lang said, “is the original and most famous festival brand.” He continued, “With the prevalence of festivals out there, and all the excitement about them, maybe it’s time for that,” he said, referring to an annual concert driven by the Woodstock name.

Santana to play Bardavon Gala

From Mountain Jam and Taste of Country at Hunter Mountain in the Catskills, to Bonnaroo in Tennessee, music festivals have become major draws for large audiences. At the same time, the annual Clearwater Festival in Westchester and Gathering of the Vibes in Connecticut have been canceled for 2016, after drawing crowds for decades.

The Woodstock festival was seen by many as the crowning achievement of the 1960s counter-culture. The festival featured Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix, Sha-Na-Na, The Who and many others, along with massive crowds.

Woodstock anniversary concerts were held in 1994 in Saugerties and in 1999 in upstate Rome. Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, a performing arts pavilion, sits on the original Woodstock site in Bethel, Sullivan County.

John W. Barry: jobarry@poughkeepsiejournal.com, 845-437-4822, Twitter: @JohnBarryPoJo

Video

Visit www.poughkeepsiejournal.com to watch a video detailing five things you may not know about the Woodstock festival.