Woodstock 1970

The film captures the vibrant and transformative moments of the Woodstock Music and Art Fair, a monumental event that took place over three unforgettable days in August 1969 near Bethel, New York. It provides a unique perspective on the performers and the diverse reactions of the 400,000 attendees alongside the local community. Opening with the captivating melody of “Long Time Gone” and “Wooden Ships” performed by Crosby, Stills & Nash, we witness the bustling activity as stagehands meticulously set up the platform for the musicians. The arrival of excited fans is depicted, their numbers swelling by the thousands.

Throughout the documentary, we hear insights from festival promoter Michael Lang, alongside rock promoter Bill Graham, who shares his expertise on managing the crowd’s energy. The lineup of legendary performers includes the likes of Richie Havens, Canned Heat, Joan Baez, The Who, Sha-Na-Na, Joe Cocker, Country Joe and the Fish, Arlo Guthrie, Crosby, Stills & Nash, Ten Years After, Jefferson Airplane, John Sebastian, Santana, Sly and the Family Stone, Janis Joplin, and Jimi Hendrix.

The film intersperses interviews with members of the counterculture, alongside local farmers, merchants, and law enforcement, many of whom express their discontent regarding neighbor Max Yasgur’s decision to host the concert on his farm. The chaos of nature is felt as a storm rolls in, soaking the audience and transforming the field into a muddy spectacle. Audiences can be seen enjoying mud-sliding contests amidst the downpour, while the counterculture’s spirit radiates through the smoking of marijuana and stronger substances, including poignant anti-Vietnam War sentiments.

Notable moments capture quick glimpses of the iconic Janis Joplin and Jerry Garcia, alongside scenes depicting medical assistance and nourishment provided by the Army, illustrating the communal effort of support and survival. The film draws to a close with a breathtaking aerial view of the colossal crowd, unified in their elation and fervor, as they cheer, encapsulating the essence of an era defined by peace, love, and music.