THIS WEEKEND MARKS 39TH ANNIVERSARY
OF LANDMARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Woodstock Musc & Art Fair took place August 15 to August 18, 1969. This weekend we remember the landmark event with a few takes on Joni Mitchell's song of celebration, written from the perspective most of us have on this festival, i.e. from footage seen on television screens and the second hand glow picked up from attendees. Unable to be there in person, Mitchell watched the happening unfold on TV and yet captured the essence, sans the mud, mess and mind-altering additives.
In the midst of festival season, it seems fitting to pause for a moment and honor this grandpappy of modern music gatherings. And for those seeking a taste of the actual event pop over here for our Sunday Spin from May that focused on the Woodstock soundtrack.
By the time we got to Woodstock
We were half a million strong
And everywhere there was song and celebration
And I dreamed I saw the bombers jet planes
Riding shotgun in the sky
And they were turning into butterflies
Above our nation
Though best known for the Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young version, we looked for some perhaps less familiar takes. We make a false start with Joni Mitchell attempting to play "Woodstock" at the Isle of Wight.
Joni is able to get through the song with this lovely solo piano version from BBC TV in 1970.
Iain Matthews' Southern Comfort take a nice crack at the song.
For a unique interpretation of Joni Mitchell's gem, try the University of Arkansas at Little Rock's Percussion Ensemble's reworking.
And the you can check out the University of the Arts in Philadelphia's Transfusion Ensemble's cool rendition here
We highly encourage anyone in the JamBase community that attended the original Woodstock gathering to share their stories with us. We are less interested in Woodstock 2 stories but one takes what the universe offers…Cheers, y'all. Fest it up, festivarians!
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