The Times of London has reported that Woodstock’s original organizer, Michael Lang, is trying to put together an anniversary concert on Aug. 15 marking the 40th anniversary of the legendary Woodstock music festival. Central Park is one of many outdoor spaces around New York City are under consideration. (Although reports that the Diary has been proposed as the bummer tent have not been confirmed.) Talks have opened with The Who, Santana, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, The Dave Matthews Band and the Red Hot Chili Peppers to perform.
Even if no reunion concert materializes, the anniversary will be marked in other ways. Director Ang Lee plans to release a new film called “Taking Woodstock,” about the person who helped facilitate the use of Max Yasgur’s farm after the original site of the event was blocked. A four-hour director’s cut of the concert film “Woodstock” will be released, along with a six-CD box set of Woodstock performances.
While we agree that the idea of a Woodstock type of weekend get together might be a bit out of the question for Central Park, it might be a fun idea to commemorate the anniverary in the park with a much smaller version of the event. It could even feature an audience participation segment where we all help Pete Townsend try to smash his guitar to pieces.
