WoodstockView
By Chris Murphy
Woodstock changed music forever in August 1969.
One million people descended on Max Yasgur’s farm in Woodstock NY. The promoters had planned on 50-100,000 but as the gates opened, 400,000 were there and people streamed in, over the fences, overwhelming the facilities to see some of the most memorable music performances ever. This was a bold plan and the promoters ended up upside down and as the crowds grew, but still had to keep peace and convince all of the acts to go on, despite the conditions, people and the rain. 50 years later, Woodstock stands alone as the greatest music festival of all time. Artie Kornfeld was one of the founders and promoters and in one of the more memorable moments in the film, is shown trying to convince Pete Townshend of the Who to go on as the festival unraveled.
If you have not watched the film, it is an essential view. Watching Jimi Hendrix play his much delayed set on a Monday rainy morning to a half full crowd. I had the pleasure and honor of meeting Artie. We played golf, enjoyed cooking dinner and in what is one of my favorite experiences, watch Woodstock with Artie’s commentary. I learned more about music in that session than at any other single time in my life. To hear the real life, and in many cases different from the legend, experience of being behind the scenes of Woodstock from the man that put the show on, was nothing less than amazing. Artie is still high energy, connected and still a driving force in music and promotions. Thanks to my friends, Ken McCall and Gary Granger for this great opportunity and experience.
Learn more at: www.artiekornfeld-woodstock.com/<www.artiekornfeld-woodstock.com/>
