Today, W is for Woodstock.
According to Wiki, it was called the Woodstock Music and Art Fair. Interestingly, I don't hear much about the art fair part. Three days of peace and music (which actually extended into a fourth day), August 15, 16 and 17, 1969. The article gives the history of how it came to be and the list of performers and what they were paid.
 |
| Poster of the logo designed by Arnold Skolnick |
I had just graduated from grammar school and was definitely not aware of this huge affair that was happening in New York, the other side of the country! I liked listening to music on the radio but had never been to a concert so I didn't feel the pull. Rolling Stone has listed it as one of the 50 Moments that changed music history. Wow. 32 acts and 400,000 people. Wow again.
Even given that I have now turned into a concert addict (yes, I'll admit that), I don't think I would try to attend something of that magnitude. Three days in the mud, lots of people, and probably no way for me to get close enough to see anything just does not sound appealing. I'll wait and see the movie...yes, there is a Woodstock movie. There is a three day event in San Francisco's Golden Gate Park called Outside Lands and while that is practically in my backyard, I don't even think of going. While I believe in peace and love, I guess the part of being a free spirited hippie escaped me. I need my creature comforts: bathroom, shower, clean clothes.
I did find one other interesting fact while I was looking up this subject, Charles Schultz named his bird, Woodstock, after this concert. Did you know that?
The HSP introvert in my starts hyperventilating at the mere thought of 400,000 persons. And I confess I like my peace, love and understanding best with running water and hot showers. But still, I agree with Rolling Stone's assessment that Woodstock was a history changing event.
ReplyDeleteInterestingly, my husband would have been right there if he could have been!
DeleteI worked with an older woman who was at Woodstock, sort of. She and her high school friends drove from Ohio to get there, saw what a dirty mess it was-- and drove back home. I'm not sure that I wouldn't have done the same thing under the circumstances. I like my comforts and amenities.
ReplyDeleteYes Ally!
DeleteI did not know that cute little Woodstock was named after all that craziness!! How very cool!
ReplyDeleteI would've loved to have gone to Woodstock. I was too young back then but I have friends who were there. And they're still hippies. I love them! Love the hippie attitude (not the now showering part though!). I so would've been a hippie had I been a few years older.
I have seen bits and pieces of the Woodstock movie. What an experience that must have been. I've been to big music festivals before but never anything of that magnitude.
Great choice for W!
We sure are getting close to the end. Tomorrow is the worst letter. Actually, my worst letter is Z...
Loved the Woodstock poster too!
Michele at Angels Bark
Thanks for stopping by, Michele. Yes, the hippie attitude is great, sometimes the smell not so much! I've been really enjoying your posts. I'll be sure to check out your Z!
Delete