Woodstock: An Encyclopedia of the Music and Art Fair (Art Reference Collection)
A symbol of the hippie movement and the 1960s counterculture, Woodstock was actually just one of several music festivals of the time. This volume describes and contextualizes the famous 1969 event and notes its legacy. The author teaches music and has written other historical music reference works.The book opens with a chapter containing two- to three-page descriptions of other music events, from the first rock music festival in the U.S., the Monterey International Pop Music Festival, to the 1971 Concert for Bangla Desh. The production, performers, and impact of each are noted. The next chapter is devoted to the classic Woodstock happening--its organizers, the days' events, the attendees and the cultures they represented (including the drug scene), and the fair's legacy. A separate chapter details people, places, and topics inA-Zformat. There, the author explains the role of the New York State Thruway, helicopters, technical crews, the local hospital, nudity, and the 1970 documentary film as well as all the performers. Entries range in length from a paragraph to a page (forHendrix, JimiandHippies,for example).Two chapters cover Woodstock '94 and Woodstock 1999, contrasting the planning and outcome of those efforts to relive a time of relative innocence. The latter event was particularly violent. About 50 black-and-white photos (from the Photofest collection) intersperse the text. Most show performers, but several provide a picture of the audience and culture during that period. Appendixes offer "Woodstock Set Lists" and information on recordings and films. An extensive annotated bibliography provides evidence of thorough research.The spirit of Woodstock appeals to several generations. This volume provides useful information about the event, the actions leading to it, and its aftermath and is recommended for high-school, college, and public libraries.Lesley FarmerCopyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved