Remembering Woodstock

I am far to young to have actual memories of Woodstock. In fact my parents are too young to have gone. But the festival was kept alive in my parent's house through the movie and the CD box set. They even had a Woodstock themed cookout one summer.

My musical education and exposure is tied to my parents first and foremost, but followed shortly thereafter by movies/TV and my friends. I grew up with the Beatles, Neil Young, CSN, Credence...all the classics. I went through a grunge phase, which ended after Cobain died, Pearl Jam made Vitalogy, and everyone else started to sound the same. I had a rap phase, from Public Enemy to Ice T, the meaner the better. The Chronic was the last rap album I bought. I transitioned back into classic rock, add in some college music and some jam bands and you have college and law school. Now I like everything. It has to be fresh and interesting. And the funny thing about Woodstock is that 40 years later, it still is.

It was the coolest happening ever, man! I have attended a number of musical fesitvals in my day (from Lilith Fair to Bonnaroo), in part to chase what it must have felt like to be at such an event. It is after all, why we attend live events like concerts and sporting events, right? We want to be there when history happens...when the stars align and the band plays the perfect version of a song or guitarist X comes out and plays with band Y and they cover song Z. And XYZ event! Making memories.