BETHEL WOODS

The 'Bethel Woods Center for the Arts' is a state-of-the-art performing arts center located at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival in Bethel, New York. The hope of its founders is to provide artists with the opportunity to play and perform on one of music’s most legendary grounds while providing a catalyst for strong economic growth for the Sullivan County, New York area and a must-see premier cultural destination for music lovers and concert goers.
“This place definitely has a vibe,” said David Crosby. CSN&Y returned “to the garden” and performed to a sold out audience at Bethel Woods on August 13, 2006.

Contents

History

2007 Schedule

External links

References

History

Beginning in 1996, cable television pioneer and philanthropist Alan Gerry purchased the original festival field and 1,700 surrounding acres. This provided a perfect backdrop for his plans of creating Bethel Woods Center for the Arts. Bethel Woods is a multi-venue performing arts complex that can accommodate 16,800 fans at the main outdoor concert Pavilion. Scheduled to open in late 2007 is a museum and event gallery dedicated to the legacy of the world famous 1969 Festival and the decade it concluded. The $70 million project, launched by the Gerry Foundation in 2004, has employed over 650 New York State laborers and artisans in every trade and skill, many from the local area.
The Gerry Foundation has a keen understanding that for Bethel Woods to be economically and artistically relevant it must meet the technical and performance requirements of artists, musicians and fans. Designed by cultural venue architects, Westlake Reed Leskosky, Bethel Woods provides artists with the opportunity to perform at one of music’s most revered sites, harmonious with the perfect blending of nature, beautiful scenery and in close proximity to the New York City Metropolitan area.
Bethel Woods features a 7,500 square foot stage, a 4,800 covered seat Pavilion and a naturally sloping lawn accommodating up to 12,000 people. Nicely positioned between the main entrance and the Pavilion, is a Roman-style amphitheater with space for 750 to enjoy a variety of performances. In addition, the Woodstock Site Festival Field can accommodate events up to 30,000 capacities.

2007 Schedule

★ June 16: Chicago & America

★ June 30: Bob Dylan and His Band

★ July 07: New York Philharmonic

★ July 22: Widespread Panic

★ July 27: Brad Paisley (with special guests Jack Ingram, Kellie Pickler and Taylor Swift)

★ July 28: The Original NY Doo Wopp Reunion Show (featuring LITTLE ANTHONY & the IMPERIALS, Charlie Thomas' DRIFTERS, Jay Siegel & the TOKENS, Terry Johnson's FLAMINGOS, The CHANTELS)

★ August 4: Evening of Jazz (Dave Brubeck Quartet, Randy Crawford & Joe Sample, Earl Klugh)

★ August 11: HIPPIEFEST 2007 (Turtles, Rascals, Mountain, Zombies, Badfinger, Denny Laine, Country Joe McDonald)

★ August 17 Arlo Guthrie & Richie Havens

★ August 26 through Oct 7, 2007: Harvest Festival (every Sunday from August 26 through Columbus Day, 11 AM - 4 PM)
Bethel Woods presents concerts and events during the summer season. For the current events schedule and ticketing information, visit Bethel Woods Center for the Arts

External links

★ Bethel Woods Homepage

★ Sullivan Renaissance Homepage

★ Sullivan Cty Visitor's Association Homepage

★ Sullivan Cty Chamber of Commerce Homepage

★ Photo of opening night fireworks on Flickr

★ Photo of opening night lawn audience at sunset on Flickr

★ Photo of opening night shed and audience on Flickr

★ Westlake Reed Leskosky Homepage

References