Woodstock 1969.
I was fortunate to attend Woodstock with a few friends. I can't remember details because of the drunken and high state we were in for the week. We decided to go camping a few days earlier so we could avoid the crowds ( we thought a few thousand). The area had and still has many showup and crash camping grounds.
We stayed at Mongaup Pond near Livingston manor about 20 miles north of Bethel. I think the second day Wed. before the start of the event reports said the area was blocked up solid. Lucky we came from the other direction. We parked on someone farm about 5 miles away. As soon as we seen Route 17 it looked like a scene from Egypt's uprising. It took us two days to walk five miles due the crowds, stopping to get high with every person that is offering you a joint, beer or magic tea. We set up camp around the lake wear you see in the movie everyone mud sliding and skinny dipping. My birthday is Aug 16 and that was the Sat of the event. My friends went around and told neighbors it was my birthday and the drugs and dragged into tents with some half naked girls was well a great day. We finally left the event on Tues and found the car ok. As for the show/music I can only remember highlights in no particular order. These groups/artists stood out from the rest.
Country Joe and the Fish
Keef Hartley band
Santana
Mountain,
The Who
Ten Years After
Johnny Winter
CSN and Young
Jimi Hendrix
Ten Years After and Jimi Hendrix were the best in my drunken opinion. Bands not mentioned were good but all seemed to blend together like in a lava lamp. My friends say they can see me on the Woodstock movie watching the mud sliders but I can't pick myself out, so I never claim the fame. Woodstock was a life changing event for me. That and friends getting killed in Viet Nam or on drugs here. I cut my hair and started a business. I still did many concerts at the Fillmore East and other venues but was able to drive after the event.
