This year marks the 40th anniversary of the famous Woodstock music festival and now that the warmer weather is here, it's the perfect time to showcase the upcoming summer schedule at Bethel Woods Performing Arts Center in Bethel, N.Y.
Bethel is approximately two hours north of New York City, and for those from the city or its suburbs, it provides a great opportunity to see a concert in the beautiful Catskill Mountains.
The same piece of land that hosted nearly half a million people 40 years ago now has one of the most impressive outdoor amphitheaters in New York state. This is the fourth summer season for Bethel Woods, filled with plenty of different types of acts for every kind of fan.
The outdoor amphitheater was the vision of billionaire and cable television pioneer, Alan Gerry. He created one of the most beautiful places to go for an outdoor concert experience with the rolling hills of the Catskill Mountain region surrounding the amphitheater to create an amazing scenic landscape. Designers kept the surroundings in mind, and after entering the gates, a short walk to the amphitheater was designed to allow visitors take in the scenery.
Dave Matthews Band was the first major act announced for this summer, set to play on Aug. 5. Though DMB typically plays summer shows at outdoor amphitheatres around the country, this will be the band's first time at Bethel. As one of the best live acts around, the band sold out in just a few days.
The Bethel Woods tends to stick to its roots, booking mainly older bands and artists that echo the Woodstock spirit, so to speak. Although last season included more contemporary pop acts like Taylor Swift and the Jonas Brothers, they tend to showcase more aged and refined acts.
Some of this summer's performances include Chicago, Peter Paul and Mary, Bad Company, B.B. King and Tom Jones. Also featured this summer is Arlo Guthrie, who will be returning to the Bethel 40 years after playing at Woodstock.
O.A.R, a jam band that has become remarkably popular among college students, will be playing Bethel on Aug. 12. With Bethel's earthy setting, it seems like the perfect place for the poker loving five-piece to perform. Their alternative jam-style rock is ideal for the lax atmosphere of the outdoor amphitheater.
Country act Brad Paisley, along with Dierks Bentley and Jimmy Wayne, will be performing on Aug. 29. Watch for more concert dates to arise in the coming weeks - hopefully including more acts for a younger crowd.
This will also be the second year that the Woodstock museum will be open. Although you must buy a separate ticket to enter, it is well worth the extra $13. If one arrives a few hours early before a performance, there's enough time to comb through the museum. Bethel recommends allotting two hours to take in the total experience.
In honor of the 40th Anniversary, the museum will have a few exclusive items on display - a vest worn by Jimi Hendrix and the guitar that Pete Townshend of The Who smashed into pieces after their set at Woodstock in 1969.
The Bethel Woods rivals the popular Saratoga Performing Arts Center. Although Bethel doesn't feature anything like the great park surrounding SPAC, once inside the gates, Bethel is second to none.
Whether sitting under the roof or way back on the lawn, excellent sight lines will make sure nothing is missed. The lawn is great choice because of the lower prices and more relaxed atmosphere. Bethel also offers chair rentals or the option to throw a blanket down on the softest, thickest mattress-like grass imaginable.
It may not be Woodstock, but with the same location, a variety of music and manageable prices, Bethel remains a valuable summer venue.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
