NYS Music 20​18

Tag: Woodstock 50

  • Original Woodstock co-creator closer to an Official Anniversary Announcement

    Days after the announcement of the Bethel Woods joint venture with Live Nation and INVNT to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Woodstock, original Woodstock co-creator Michael Lang quickly reminded fans that the “real” anniversary show will be announced soon.

    Labeled as the Music and Arts Festival celebrating the golden anniversary of Woodstock, the Bethel Woods event takes place Aug. 16-19 on the original grounds where Woodstock was born in 1969. Having the backing of Live Nation for the Bethel event could be a huge advantage when trying to secure big name artist to appear at the event.

    Producer and co-founder Michael Lang stated in an recent email that he “is producing the official anniversary, but not at Bethel Woods.” He also stated through his publicist that “While the original site in Bethel remains close to our hearts, it no longer has the capacity to hold a real Woodstock Festival. I’m delighted that Bethel Woods is doing events in the coming year to celebrate what we brought to life in 1969, and I encourage people to visit the museum and concert venue.”

    Lang also stated that in the next few weeks, he will announce “plans for the real Woodstock 50th Festival to bring back the much needed spirit and energy of the 1969 original.”

    With the date for Bethel Woods confirmed, speculation that the Lang anniversary festival will compete with  the Bethel event, which is slated close to the original weekend the festival took place in August 1969. Placing Lang’s show close, or the same weekend as the Bethel event could be troublesome for both events. Fans don’t want either show to be a watered version of the original, and are looking for both events to exceed their expectations.

    Live Nation may restrict artists performing on their show, from appearing at Lang’s, especially if the dates are close together. There could also be performance clauses restricting artist from appearing in the same 100 mile radius within 90 days of each show. Guitar legend Carlos Santana, who appeared at the original Woodstock festival has stated that he will be part of the Bethel event and also expressed interest in playing Lang’s.

    Fans can stay updated about Lang’s Woodstock festival at the official Woodstock site. 

  • Bethel set to commemorate 50th anniversary of original Woodstock Festival

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts has announced plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the 1969 Woodstock Music and Arts Festival Aug. 16-18.

    Woodstock Festival

    Bethel Woods Center for the Arts will be the home of the Bethel Woods Music and Culture Festival Aug. 16-18. The Sullivan County venue is the site of the original festival produced by Michael Lang in 1969 which drew an estimated 400,000 people to the secluded Catskills town.

    Music acts have not been announced, but the weekend is being billed as a pan-generational event that will feature live music from prominent and up and coming talents and TED-style talks from leading futurists and technology experts.

    In December of 2017, Bethel Woods was awarded nearly $700,000 through the New York State Regional Economic Development Council to be used towards a 50th anniversary celebration.

    As the stewards of this historic site, we remain committed to preserving this rich history and spirit, and to educating and inspiring new generations to contribute positively to the world through music, culture, and community.

    – Darlene Fedun, CEO, Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

    Michael Lang, who produced the original Woodstock as well as the ensuing anniversary concerts in 1994 in Saugerties and 1999 in Rome, has hinted at plans to put together his own commemoration of the historic festival though no details have yet emerged. He will not be involved with the Bethel event, which is being presented by Live Nation Concerts and INVNT, a branding and live storytelling agency.

  • Carlos Santana to Play Woodstock 50th?

    When the music festival season approaches each year, music enthusiast love to speculate about which artist will appear on the bill. After all the speculation, rumors start to post online leading music festival lovers contemplating.

    santana woodstock 50
    Carlos Santana – Turning Stone Event Center

    With the rumored Woodstock 50th Anniversary around the corner, multiple names have been thrown around as who would appear at the epic anniversary show, but there is one thing different about this show from all the others. With all the hype that surrounds Woodstock, artists are starting to add to the rumors by saying they want to be a part of it.

    The first artist to throw his hat into the ring is Carlos Santana. Being part of the original lineup, the Grammy award winning classic rock icon has recently stated that he was more excited to revisit the 1969 festival than the 20th anniversary of his smash hit album Supernatural. Santana wants in so bad, that he has even contacted original Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang. Santana stated: “We’ve talked to Michael Lang, but we don’t know if he has secured a place. If they invite me, I’m in.”

    Woodstock co-founder Michael Lang recently told the Poughkeepsie Journal that even though its not a done deal, there are plans for a 2019 Woodstock anniversary show, and an official announcement should be expected soon.

    A rumored lineup has surfaced for a possible anniversary show at the original site of Woodstock, the Bethel Wood Center for the Arts. Bethel Woods released a statement saying that any Bethel Woods event that takes part of the anniversary year will not be produced, sponsored, or have any affiliation with original 1969 organizers Woodstock Ventures. No official lineup has been announced for the possible Bethel Woods event that is rumored for August 15-18.

    Santana was part of the possibly leaked lineup at Bethel Woods and stated that he was already booked for the Bethel event, and hopes to be able to play Lang’s event as well.

    Besides Santana, the leaked lineup included Daft Punk, Bruce Springsteen, Eminem, Ariana Grande, Coldplay, Phish, The Weeknd, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Pearl Jam, Foo Fighters, Pink, The Who, Zac Brown Band, Mumford & Sons, and The Chainsmokers.

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