Woodstock: The Oral History by Joel MakowerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This is the definitive resource on the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair in 1969. Utilizing oral history from many of the people who helped produce the concert, as well as the performers, concert-goers, and residents of the White Lake, NY area where the concert was eventually held, this book gives a behind the scenes look at the 3 days of peace and music that has become an iconic symbol of the 1960s counterculture. Some of the stories are nearly unbelievable, but today we have a documentary that was filmed over those 3 days to support the wild testimony of those who were there and recorded in this book.
Author Joel Makower follows the festival from the early beginnings of planning through the aftermath, including follow up on the production team, how funds were paid out and a "where are they now" on those that participated in the oral history project. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the weekend festival, with a revival slated for the same weekend in August. This is a great read for music lovers and those interested in the counterculture of the 60s. It will be interesting to compare the original festival to the upcoming revival later this year.
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