Woodstock 2019 Announcement Coming Soon Says Promoter

Woodstock promoter Michael Lang has “definite plans” to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the legendary festival in 2019 and expects to make an official announcement soon. Lang spoke with the Poughkeepsie Journal about the potential Woodstock 2019 event and said while it’s “not a done deal yet” that “it’s very close.”

The original Woodstock Music And Art Fair was held in Bethel, New York August 15 – 18, 1969 near the current home of Bethel Woods Center For The Arts. Lang organized the 1969 event with his partners and helped stage a 25th anniversary festival in Saugerties, New York in 1994 and the ill-fated 30th anniversary event in Rome, New York in 1999. “We have definite plans,” Lang told John W. Barry of the Poughkeepsie Journal and added, “I’m excited. I am indeed” before mentioning an announcement of just where and when Woodstock 2019 will take place is “coming soon.” Word on which acts will perform were not revealed in the article.

Late last year, operators of Bethel Woods were awarded a $689,063 grant towards a celebration of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary from New York State’s Regional Economic Development Council. The Poughkeepsie Journal report includes word “Lang is not affiliated with Bethel Woods,” so two events may potentially happen next summer. Michael Lang told Barry “his goal is to harness the ‘history and essence of what Woodstock was'” with his event, which “will be built around sustainability, activism and social justice.” Head to the Poughkeepsie Journal for more from Michael Lang and stay tuned for news about potential celebrations of Woodstock’s 50th anniversary in 2019.

[Hat Tip – Stereogum]