Woodstock reunion festival coming to Brooklyn

Brooklyn Mirage in East Williamsburg Will Host Anniversary Weekend Celebration

August 4, 2017 By John Alexander Brooklyn Daily Eagle

Arlo Guthrie performs during the Arlo Guthrie: Alice’s Restaurant 50th Anniversary Tour at the Ferst Center for the Arts Jan. 31, 2015 in Atlanta. Photo by Katie Darby/Invision/AP

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If you were around in 1969, you know full well the cultural phenomenon of Woodstock. And if you were too young to attend or born after the historic concert, this is your chance to be part of the “peace, love and freedom” generation.

The Brooklyn Mirage, a new event venue in East Williamsburg, will present “2 More Days of 1969” on Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 18-19. The two-day event will celebrate the 48th anniversary of Woodstock and will feature an all-star lineup of original acts, along with a presentation from festival co-creator and founder Artie Kornfeld.

The original Woodstock Festival took place on Max Yasgur’s farm in Mount Bethel, New York and attracted more than 400,000 people who crowded the highways making the pilgrimage to share in three days of music, freedom and camaraderie.

Some of the most popular performers of the time agreed to participate in what has become a historic music and lifestyle event. Among the legendary artists appearing were Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, Santana, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Jefferson Airplane, Joan Baez, Arlo Guthrie, The Who, the Grateful Dead, Janis Joplin and Jimi Hendrix.

The event was filmed for the Academy Award-winning 1970 documentary movie “Woodstock” and also became a three-record soundtrack album.

Kornfeld will be appearing on the opening night of “2 More Days of 1969” to kick the event off with a talk about Woodstock’s enduring cultural significance. Originally from Bensonhurst, Kornfeld said he’s coming back to Brooklyn to bring “the spirit of Woodstock into the hearts of today’s Brooklyn audience.”

Following the conversation, there will be a screening of a special cut of the movie “Woodstock” that was directed by Michael Wadleigh.

Topping the bill is Coney Island born singer-songwriter Arlo Guthrie, who informed the Woodstock audience that the New York State Thruway was closed before performing his song “Coming into Los Angeles,” will headline the second day of the concert. Arlo is the son of folk music icon Woody Guthrie.

Also set to appear is legendary singer-guitarist Leslie West from the group Mountain and Billy Cox & Band of Gypsy’s, which consists of three remaining members of Jimi Hendrix’s Woodstock band, will also perform along with folk singer Melanie.

Wavy Gravy, the original MC of Woodstock 1969, will also be attending.

“I want to remind today’s generation of their power,” Kornfeld said. “It’s time for them to step up and make themselves heard. The people are Woodstock.”

The Brooklyn Mirage is located at 140 Stewart Ave. in East Williamsburg. For ticket information go to 2MoreDays1969.com