54 years ago, Max Yasger leased out a farm field he owned for what would turn out to be one of, if not, the most noted music festivals in history. The Catbird Music Festival took to these hollowed grounds over August 19-20, in search of the spirit that is Woodstock.
The name of the festival was inspired by the Catbird used in the original 1969 festival artwork. This being 2023 tie die, long hair, and bare footing could be seen co-joined with cell phones, microchipped wrist bands, and VIP and Platinum packages. No matter your status, the vibe from those attending made it impossible to distinguish 2023 from 1969.
Camping was allowed at Bethel Woods, the first time since Mountain Jam 2019. You had your options of car camping, RV camping, or glamping in canvas tents offering either a twin or a queen bed. Throughout the grounds young and old, couples, groups and families intermingled as one.
Over the course of two the days (August 19 – 20, 2023) at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts, 23 musical acts performed on two stages. The scheduling of sets enabled people to stroll from stage to stage and not have to choose which performers to listen to.
Day 1 had was something for everyone: Trampled by Turtles, James Bay, 49 Winchester and Margo Price to name a few. Throw in Band of Horses along with headliners The Lumineers and you could not go wrong.
Women took a prominent role in the festival with Adia Vicoria and Allison Russell closing out the Gala Music stage on Saturday and Sunday respectively.
Day 2 of Catbird included rising jam band Eggy and a veteran jam band Trey Anastasio band. The day also featured Tyler Childs as the headliner as well as Dispatch, Amos Lee, Charley Crockett and more.
Eggy played a funky and fun set to start off this full day of music. The Soul Rebels brought their authentic New Orleans, horns rich sound to Bethel. Dispatch played a reggae filled, groovy set which included a nod to the good ol Grateful Dead with a “Friend of the Devil” cover.
Trey Anastasio Band played a set filled with TAB and Phish classics including Moma Dance, About to Run, Wolfman’s Brother, and a guitar raising, feedback chasing First Tube to close out their set.
Previous attempts to emulate the original Woodstock Music and Arts Festival have not measured up. The Catbird Music Festival seems to have found the sweet spot. Let’s hope this bird will migrate back to the Hudson Valley in 2024 and build another nest of peace, love and music.
Day 1
Day 2
